RECENT EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
April 23-24, 2010 – Region 2 Forum in Gatlinburg, Tn
During the business session on Saturday, the NWGA Chapter secured not one for TWO Region Awards! The Construction & Professional Education (CP&E) award for Industry Benefit was given to our chapter as a result of the Construction Industry Technician Study Group. This joint event by NWGA, Atlanta and ABC Georgia began on March 8 and continued until the final exam was given on Saturday May 1. Eight students are anxious to see the outcome of their study efforts and looking forward to adding the “CIT” designation to their signatures! In addition, the chapter picked up the Region 2 Block Kids award with the entry from our February 20 event; Audrey Thomas’ entry has been advanced to the National competition – WOO HOO!
April 11, 2010 – “Recent Changes to OSHA”
Anita Fountain, Director of the Atlanta office was an excellent speaker and resource for industry during this informative session! Her responses to our member questions were honest and to the point and she came with gifts! She provided CD’s that included miscellaneous OSHA forms and a dictionary of terms to assist contractors with education and compliance issues they face each day.
March 31, 2010 – “Wine & Chocolate” Networking with SDA
Cooper Carry Architects in Atlanta graciously hosted the Wednesday evening event that included -what else? Wine and chocolate! Current members of SDA (Society of Design Administration), NAWIC and several guests were in attendance as we exchanged information about both organizations via a webinar program led by SDA President Tina Garbos with PSI and “Committee Chairmanship 101″ led by NWGA President Angie McElroy, CIT. Stephanie Golias, CIT with Hudson Construction and current NAWIC Atlanta Membership Co-chair was on hand to discuss the many member benefits available through NAWIC. Attendees found similarities between the two organizations and appreciated the differences as well. There may be plans in the near future to host a joint organization event very soon, watch this website for details!
Women in Construction Week 2010:
March 10, 2010 – Site Tour of Student Housing Phase 3 @ SPSU
This joint event with NAWIC Atlanta, despite the rainy weather, showcased the new student housing and dining facility at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta. Our host, Matt Chesser, with Juneau Construction Company led discussion about the Design Build process, LEED certification process and construction techniques. Lauren Hill with Professional Services Industries (PSI) also provided insight on the preliminary site investigations (contaminated soils issues) and current construction testing efforts being completed by her firm. Tammy Pace with Pace Drywall explained why some of the installed drywall sections were purple in color – these are durable pieces designed to withstand high stress or traffic zones as compared to standard drywall sections. The project is scheduled to be completed in May 2010; plans may be added to visit the finished product.
March 9, 2010 - NAWIC Sugarloaf #360 1oth Anniversary Celebration
Northwest Georgia members and prospects attended this unique party to honor NAWIC Sugarloaf chapter for their first ten years of serving the industry and local community. A Proclamation from the Gwinnett County Commission was read aloud and five charter members were in attendance! A silent auction provided some very popular items to the winning bidders while raising funds to support the chapters’ community activities. The event included 2 special awards given to MAGIC Camp founders, Diane Quimby and Renee Conner by Region 2 LATE’s (Leadership Advisory panel) representative Diane Taylor. In addition, Safety Steve made a special appearance to insure our group were well advised on the “safe” training opportunities available through HB Training in Lawrenceville – gracious host of the evening’s event. Northwest Georgia also took the opportunity to pass Membership Molly on to the Sugarloaf chapter since new member Natalie Adelmund with Faith Technologies recently joined our chapter!
March 8, 2010 – Construction Industry Technician Study Group Class #1
A joint effort by NAWIC Northwest Georgia, NAWIC Atlanta and national partner Associated Builders & Contractors culminated with our first class! Held each Monday evening 6-7:30P at the ABC Training Room in Roswell; we have assembled a diverse group of guest speakers to insure our students are properly educated and will obtain their Certification on May 1.
February 20, 2010 – Block Kids Competition in Kennesaw
The chapter’s first attempt to sponsor this event proved to be tremendous success! Thanks to the efforts of Emily Ortiz and Natalie Adelmund (Faith Technologies), Tina Garbos (PSI), Katy Kennedy (Sterling Risk Advisors) and Angie McElroy, CIT; this event was fully funded by donation and contributions from our local industry. Open to elementary school age students, grade 1 thru 6, the contest educates the young builders on a variety of construction careers in hopes to guide them toward the industry as they learn more about themselves and their aptitude. Despite a low attendance, all participants were treated to building with interlocking blocks, talking about their project with our “expert” judges, engaging in sample water testing and learning about erosion control issues & purpose, planting their own take home “bird feeder” with biodegradable pots, potting soil and pumpkin/sunflower seeds, learning how and why electric wires, switches, bells, motors & lights work and trying first hand to use a hacksaw, screwdriver, hammer, pliers and level! Each participant also went home with a “goody” bag stock full of kid friendly items, hard hat, Home Depot apron/pin and a momento photo as a reminder of the day’s events. Thanks to our “expert” judges for the day; Mr. Rick Brun, Cobb County Purchasing Director, Ms. Toni Keenan, American Fire Protection and Stephanie Golias, CIT, Hudson Construction Company. Please visit our “BLOCK KIDS” page for pictures of the event.
February 18, 2010 – Block Kids Planning Meeeting in Kennesaw
This was our final meeting (held at Faith Technologies office) to count/sort the borrowed blocks from NAWIC Atlanta, organize and stuff the “goody” bags, cut string, count rocks and generally prepare for the BIG Event on February 20 @ the Ben Robertson Community Center. Many thanks to our “team”: Tina Garbos (PSI), Emily Ortiz (Faith Technologies), Kerri Schermer (guest) and Angie McElroy, CIT who assisted that night. Natalie Adelmund (Faith Technologies) and Katy Kennedy (Sterling Risk Advisors) were unable to attend.
February 9, 2010 – NWGA Monthly Program @ Sterling Risk Advisors
“Are you a Leader?” was the topic of this interactive presentation during which attendees contributed their life experiences while finding out more about themselves. Many traits exhibited tendencies of leadership abilities within our group. It is definitely a confidence boost knowing your methods and ideas are actual respected, viable leadership tools.
January 12, 2010 - NWGA Monthly Program @ SPSU Campus
“Georgia’s General Contractor License – Boon or Bust?” panel discussion included four industry experts: Mr. David Hendrick with Hendrick, Phillips, Salzman & Flatt, PC, Mr. Les Juneau with Juneau Construction Company, Mr. Darren Mickler, Executive Director Professional Licensing board and Ms. Tanja Battle, Executive Director State Licensing board for Residential and General Contractors.