Planning for the Future Workforce
Understanding how to recruit, train, and motivate a younger generation is helping create successful industry leaders – and social media is helping. by Tina Grady Barbaccia, AEC Editorial Specialist, Constructive Communication, Inc. One of the common stories in concrete construction that remains today is that of the son or daughter who began working with […]
Recharging Your Leadership
CFA Board of Directors adds four new faces for 2017-2020 By James Baty Like most organizations, the Board of Directors is the governing body for the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA). It consists of leaders volunteering their time, attention and financial resources in response to their pride and passion for this industry. As the CFA fiscal […]
SCHWING AMERICA ACQUIRES ASSETS OF LOOP BELT INDUSTRIES
ST. PAUL, MINN. (September 29, 2017) – Schwing America, worldwide designer, manufacturer and distributor of premium concrete production and handling equipment, announced the closing of transaction for the purchase of all the assets of Loop Belt Industries, makers of high-quality truck mounted telescopic conveyors. “We are thrilled to acquire the assets of Loop Belt Industries […]
Profoundly Impacted by Convention
This issue of the magazine introduces the newest CFA Board members. One of the common threads between them is easily found in the profound impact that Convention, meeting and networking with peers has had on them. This is not unique by any stretch of the imagination to a member of the Board. Talk with any […]
Success Only Comes After Work!
The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. After many years in business, I can attest to that being a “Concrete Fact.” Becoming a CFA member will never take the hard work out of success, but membership sure can lighten the load and, hopefully, help avoid the pitfalls of our industry through […]
Acceptable Tolerances for Residential Footings
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine, August/September 2017. This column pertains to the nature of minimum requirements or specifications for the size of concrete footings in relation to the foundation walls they support. Question: I have a foundation that was poured and I am not impressed. The footings were poured and when they set the […]
The Risk of Not Knowing: Duty to Provide Fall Protection
Originally published in Concrete Contractor magazine. Question: Yesterday, an OSHA inspector witnessed two of our crew members standing atop the formwork, while finishing a pour. The first worker was floating the wall and the second worker was installing anchor bolts. Both of these are standard procedures for us and the workers are trained and confident working […]
ASSOCIATION NEWS: CFA Health and Safety Survey Says…
CFA conducted a survey on the state of safety education in member companies. The survey was the precursor for work being undertaken to develop a learning management system (LMS) and offer online courses for access by members of the Association, to bring better education to the workforce. Such an LMS not only elevates the quality […]
TRICK OF THE TRADE CORNER: Tying to Prevent Footing Spread
This issue’s Trick of the Trade response to the president’s challenge is shared by Jason Ells of Custom Concrete in Westfield, Indiana. Jason has worked with his company’s residential foreman to identify and understand this simple solution they offer to the industry. Jason’s tip has rewarded his company’s member account with 50 points redeemable in […]
MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT: Find Better Customers to Make More Money
Many concrete contractors are experiencing busy workloads. Their schedules are almost as full as they were before the Great Recession. However, their profits are not where they should be. I am often asked, “How do I make more profit on my construction jobs?” One of the best ways to make more money on your construction […]
