Improving contractor performance (and profits)

The most unused tool for most contractors is their accounting system. There are few tools that can help either make more money – or help you to lose it all – than the accounting system. You use it to help improve your company’s performance and cash flow.A 2016 study by Dodger Data and Analytics concluded that high-performing contractors – those who complete 25 percent or more of projects ahead of schedule Read the rest of entry »

Revisiting predictions made about prevailing wage repeal

There’s an old quote that says, “the historian is a prophet looking backwards.” Legislation is oftentimes subject to predictions. While I’m not a historian, I like to examine the impacts of legislation, especially when it pertains to our industry. 

One such measure I’m watching is repeal of prevailing wage and the impact it is having on our industry. As you may know, Associated Builders & Contractors of Wisconsin advocated strongly for repeal of this arcane and archaic system for many years ... Read the rest of entry »

Madison Area OSHA office is moving

The Madison Area OSHA Office is scheduled to move as of the end of April 22. The new address and phone number will be 1402 Pankratz St., Suite #114, Madison, WI 53704. All correspondence will be sent from the current address until the move is complete. The current office email will not change. Read the rest of entry »

Essay contest held to promote construction

Did someone mentor or guide you in your career in construction? Acuity Insurance wants to know.  Acuity Insurance is holding an essay contest on the topic to promote construction. The inaugural Construction Appreciation Essay Contest will be held from April 17 to July 7. The contest, which focuses on mentors shaping individual careers, will help celebrate Construction Appreciation Week starting September 15.  ... Read the rest of entry »

Coaching: What is it? The answer ignites personal growth

A lot of people come to me curious about professional coaching sessions, but are afraid to dig deeply; concerned it's a form of counseling. I had similar perceptions and completely understand this type of apprehension. That is, until you discover the power of asking questions. There is the common fear of asking a "dumb" question. However, the answers to our questions bring us the most joy and personal growth.

I will provide some insight to answer the question: "What is coaching?" ... Read the rest of entry »

Managed IT Services - A mid-market business' strategic advantage

Many small firms have turned to managed IT service providers to solve their technology issues and provide needed maturity in their technology planning. Large organizations typically have large IT staffs that are dedicated to their technology issues with expensive tools that support their processes. What can a mid-sized organization do when budget constraints limit access to necessary tools and staff to help grow the business? Read the rest of entry »

DOL issues long-awaited overtime proposal

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) unveiled a long-awaited proposal on March 7 to update and revise the “white collar” overtime exemption regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which DOL estimates will make more than one million new workers eligible for overtime pay.  DOL is proposing to raise the current minimum salary for overtime exemption from $455 per week ($23,660 annualized) to $679 per week ($35,308 annualized). Additionally, the proposal increases the total annual compensation requirement for “highly compensated employees” to $147,414 per year. Read the rest of entry »

Celebrating Women in Construction Week

The number of women in the U.S. construction industry is on the rise. From apprentices to craft professionals, estimators and executives, women are represented in all facets of the construction workforce. And the opportunities to both join and grow within the booming construction industry are numerous, especially with a workforce shortage impacting the sector across the United States ... Read the rest of entry »

March 2 is OSHA Form 300A electronic deadline

March 2nd is the deadline for electronically reporting injury and illness data from the OSHA Form 300A for calendar year 2018.

Who is required to submit data? Establishments with 250 or more employees that are currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records, and establishments with 20-249 employees that are classified as certain industries with historically high rates of occupations injuries and illnesses ... Read the rest of entry »

Tips for protecting yourself in the cold

With the current extreme cold temperatures, it is important to avoid the extreme cold. If you must be outside, it is critical to protect yourself, especially for those who are working outside in construction! As we are experiencing some historic low temperatures and snowfall across the country, workers may be exposed to unprecedented harsh weather conditions, so OSHA and ABC of WI Safety would like to share ...  Read the rest of entry »