The Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City

Construction Committee Meets Feb. 11

The LMC's Construction Industry Committee next meets at 8 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 4 at Mark One Electric Co., Inc., 909 Troost.  Please contact the LMC with questions.

Construction Summit Tomorrow

The third Construction Summit sponsored by the LMC is drawing a significant turnout tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 29 at Argosy Casino.  Attendance at the 8-11:30 a.m. program is free; a luncheon follows at noon to benefit the National Institute for Construction Excellence and costs $100 per person.  A complete report on the Summit including the list of sponsors will be posted soon after its completion.  For more information contact the LMC, (816) 501-4565 or [email protected].  The agenda:

Welcome
Bob Jacobi, Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City
Troy Carlson, Initiatives Inc., and Master of Ceremonies

Where’s the Money and When is it Coming?
Tom Hoenig, President, Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank
James Daley, Dean, Rockhurst University Helzberg School of Management
John Blatz, Brotherhood Bank

9:30 a.m.                       Break

What Can the Construction Industry Do For Me?
Don Greenwell, Builders’ Association
Chuck Cianciaruso, C & F Consulting
Jenny Bloomfield, Eric Hall and Eric Floyd, J.E. Dunn Construction Co.
 
Who Can Do the Work?
David Kendrick, Business Manager, Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades

11:30 a.m.
Who Are These People?
Opportunity to network and visit booths to learn about available skilled workers and contractors.

Noon
National Institute for Construction Excellence (NICE) Luncheon
Honoring Sam Alpert, Building Owners and Managers Association and Heartland Apartments Association. Featuring Keynote Speaker Larry Rebman, Director, Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Note:  Participation in the luncheon is $100 per person, reservations in advance.

Mid-Level Grad in Spotlight

Anita Maltbia, Mid-Level Leadership Program graduate and director of the Green Zone project in Kansas City, was seated near the First Lady at last night's State of the Union address by President Obama.  The Green Zone is an example of economic development initiatives that combine environmental enhancement with job creation.  Anita is retired from the city of Kansas City, Mo., where she served while attending the Mid-Level program.

LMC Board Meets With Schulte, Opposes E-Tax Repeal

LMC Board of Directors Summary of Minutes
Jan. 20, 2010 • Turner Construction Co.

Attending: Terry Akins, Jim Delaney, James Daley, Lyle Farrand, Don Greenwell, Kevin Istas, Dave Kendrick, Robbie Makinen, Tom Whittaker, Bob Jacobi, Jack Bainbridge, Allan Dillingham, Scott Hoisington, Kathy Knotts, Mike Kotubey, Bob Looman, Paul Neidlein, Troy Schulte.

•Thanks to Jim Delaney and Turner Construction Co. for hosting.

•Troy Schulte, interim City Manager for Kansas City, Mo., met with the Board and other LMC members. He said that his focus was on realigning city operations to address funding limitations and to enhance key city services.  Key points included the announcement of assistant city managers for economic development and for infrastructure; improved management of capital projects (several organizations offered training spots in their programs for city employees); focus on retention of city businesses and improving the development/licensing process; more public-private joint projects; increasing the property tax levy to maintain funding for safety net health care providers; update on the city’s water and sewer program with estimated April settlement with EPA; and a willingness to meet with and involve LMC leaders.

•A full financial report will be distributed later.  As of today budget is being met but dues and awards dinner revenue will determine if that continues.  McCown Gordon Construction Co. has agreed to join.

•M/S/C to adopt the following recommendations from the Issues and Construction Committees:

  --That the LMC request the federal government extend the timetable for imposing fines related to
     new lead paint awareness standards for workers on certain projects  for at least  one year so that
     there is enough opportunity to train the workforce.
  --That the LMC urge the inclusion of a greater emphasis on vertical construction in future federal
     stimulus efforts.
  --That the LMC express willingness to be helpful if needed to support final approval as soon as
     practical of the casino to be developed by the Kansas Speedway and Penn Gaming.
  --That the LMC oppose elimination of the Kansas City, Mo., earnings tax until replacement
     revenue has been identified and enacted.

•Participation is being sought for the Jan. 29 Construction Summit and the April 15 Annual Awards Dinner.  Gov. Nixon has been invited to speak at both events; Troy Schulte was put forward as a potential speaker at the Awards Dinner if Gov. Nixon is unavailable. (Note:  after the meeting we learned that Gov. Nixon is not available to speak at the Summit but that Missouri Dept. of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Larry Rebman will speak)

•M/S/C to approve the Golf Committee recommendation to hold the 2010 tournament July 19 at Oakwood Country Club and to sign a three-year contract with Oakwood.

•M/S/C to nominate for reelection David Kendrick, Secretary; Don Greenwell, Treasurer; Sherwin Carroll, Board; Jim Prothe, Board; and Mike Sanders/Robbie Makinen, Board; to nominate Scott Hoisington to the Board; and to invite Pat Dujakovich, newly elected president of the GKC AFL-CIO, to be nominated for the expiring Executive Committee position held by Bridgette Williams, who has joined the Heavy Constructors Association as deputy director.  Further nominations will be made via special meetings or emails prior to the April 15 membership vote at the Awards Dinner.

•The next meeting will be April 21.

•M/S/C to adjourn.

Taylor Kelly Moves Offices

LMC members Taylor Kelly Construction Company has moved its offices to 6300 W. 143rd Street, Suite 100, Overland Park, KS 66223.  The phone and fax remain the same, 816-444-8000 and 444-8700 respectively.

Another Mid-Level Participant in the News

Pete Raya business representative for IBEW Local 124 and current participant in the Mid-Level Leadership Program, was quoted in the Jan. 19 Kansas City Star regarding his activities as president of the Kansas City chapter of the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus.  The article noted chapter members participation in service projects at the national caucus meeting last week in Portland, Ore.  Star columnist Randy Heaster is the article's author.

Summit, Legislation Keep Construction Committee Busy

Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes
 8 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010, Mark One Electric, 909 Troost
Attending:  Terry Akins, Rosana Biondo, KC Borden, Jim Delaney, Sang Duong, Gary Eagan, Don Greenwell,  Kevin Istas, Steve Janasz, Pat Julo,  Garry Kemp, Dave Lovetere, Payne Mendenhall, Herb Millard, Bill Miller, Dennis O’Grady, Dan West, Colleen White, Bob Jacobi,.
•Introductions and thanks to Rosie Biondo and Mark One for hosting.
•Construction Summit Report:  Sponsors are coming in as as RSVPs.  The focus now is on following up with potential attendees from the owner/developer perspective.  Hilda Solis will be unable to speak at the NICE luncheon; a replacement speaker is being sought.
•The LMC Board is meeting with Interim KCMO City Manager Troy Schulte Jan. 20.
•Several regular attendees of this meeting are testifying at the KCMO Council committee meeting in favor of advancing the Honeywell/NNSA project.  Calls to the full Council may be requested.
•Health care reform is nearing a vote and the proposed benefits tax is a central part of the debate contacts with our delegation would be very timely.  The LMC Issues Committee supports as low a participation threshold as possible on the employer mandate and that all industries be treated equally.
•The LMC Issues Committee supports delaying the imposition of fines on the EPA Lead Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program for up to one year so that workers and contractors have the chance to get training.  We are working with our congressional delegation to request an executive order for the delay.  The Builders’ Association is offering trainings.
•Gov. Nixon and Treasurer Zweifel announced a program to spur housing sales at an event at the Pipefitters & Plumbers Training Center.  It is focused on middle class families and estimated to spur the sale of 10,000 homes.  About $70 million in area water and sewer projects have also been initiated for the Kansas City area.
•In Missouri, the MOSIRA proposal by Gov. Nixon and legislative leaders would help develop high tech and biosciences industry in the state.  It will be a challenging environment to pass it with the current legislature.
•M/S/C to recommend that the LMC oppose elimination of the Kansas City, Mo., earnings tax until an adequate source of replacement revenue has been secured.
•Congratulations go to Pat Julo, Pipefitters Local 533, new secretary-treasurer of the Greater Kansas City AFL-CIO.  He replaces Pat Dujakovich, the new president.  The previous president, Bridgette Williams, is now assistant director of the Heavy Constructors Association replacing Marty Matthews now director of the Fair Contracting Foundation.
•Upcoming events include:
 --KC Crew luncheon focusing on Downtown development Jan. 19
 --SMACNA speaker Thomas Schleifer on construction and the economy Jan. 21 at Local 2
 --KC Crew showing of “The Next American Dream” Jan. 25 at Mainsreet Theater
 --Construction Summit Jan. 29
 --Minority Coalition Luncheon featuring the NNSA project Feb. 1
 --Missouri Laborers Legislative Reception at the Capitol Plaza Feb. 23 in Jefferson City
 --KCK Chamber luncheon installing Rosie Biondo as president Feb. 25
 --ASA Awards Dinner March 16 at the Ritz Charles
 --American Diabetes Association “Let’s Get Jazzed” March 16
 --IBEW Green Conference April 8
 --LMC Awards Dinner April 15
 --Mid-America Labor/Management Conference July 5-8
•Garry Kemp is now interim Executive Director of NICE, succeeding Craig Wright who is moving to other activities.  The Summit luncheon Jan. 29 will benefit NICE, which again will sponsor the Crayons to CAD middle school program and iBuild.
•The Independence School District is putting out bids for phase III at the Independence Regional Center from the recently-passed bond issue.  Bob Robinson is the contact, [email protected].
•The April meeting of the Construction Committee may be moved to an earlier time and to IBEW Local 124’s hall so that committee members can attend the Green Conference that day at the IBEW/NECA training center.
•The July Construction Committee meeting is canceled so that members can attend the Mid-America Labor/Management Conference.
•Adjourn

ULCU Offers Retiree Event

United Labor Credit Union (ULCU) is holding its 2010 Union Retiree Financial Forum Friday, March 5 at the Visions Building, Gladden Hall, 6320 Manchester Ave., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Forum features Missouri 5th District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II speaking on the “Impact of the recession on Social Security and Medicare Trust Funds,” and Barbara Easterling, President of the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), who will address the retirement healthcare debate during her program, “Strengthening Medicare, lowering prescription drug costs and preserving Social Security.”

The 2010 Union Retiree Financial Forum is free-of-charge to all Union workers and retirees from any craft, spouses and guests. Union members who are not yet retired are encouraged to attend to learn more about planning for a successful financial future. Union leadership is also welcome.  Additional programs included in the day’s event are “Retirement Investing in a Down Economy,” with Bob Burks of RBC Wealth Management; “Avoiding Probate, Maximizing Tax Protection & Preserving Family Harmony,” with Judge William Lewis of Lee’s Summit’s Lewis Living Trust, and a Health & Welfare presentation by doctors from Silverstein Eye and Hearing Centers. H&R Block tax preparer will also host a breakout session entitled, “Tax Tips for Retirees.”
 
ULCU is sponsoring the Forum to place focus on the financial wellness of the community it serves. Topics are presented annually by leading experts in their respective fields, and are both informative and entertaining without any type of sales pitch.

Attendees can also access blood pressure, cholesterol and balance screenings provided by Visiting Nurses Association of Kansas City (VNAKC); Silverstein Eye and Hearing Centers doctors will conduct vision and hearing testing. Breakfast and lunch will be served, and all attendees will receive attendance gifts.

Register for the 2010 Union Retiree Financial Forum by calling United Labor Credit Union at 816-313-2848, or e-mail [email protected]. Registration is also offered online at www.UnitedLaborCU.org.

Mid-Level Grads Hit News

In addition to Joe Vitale, a frequent spokesperson for the Kansas City Fire Department, other graduates of the LMC's Mid-Level Leadership Program made today's news thanks to our record winter storms.  Sean Vaughan, senior superintendent for Walton Construction, explained to the Kansas City Star how construction work and workers adapt to bitter cold and heavy snow.  Rich Weems, Kansas City Aviation Department, described the challenges faced in keeping enough snow removed from KCI runways for the airport to remain open in a Ch. 41 report.

The current class resumes Jan. 27 for future media stars.

LMC Membership Changes

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new member, McCownGordon Construction.  Here is the contact information:

McCownGordon Construction
Jay L. Lucas, Director of Field Operations
422 Admiral Blvd
Kansas City, MO 64106
816-877-0656; fax 960-1182; [email protected]
Brett Gordon

Please welcome Jay, Brett and McCownGordon to membership.

Also, LMC consultant Mike Fitzgerald has opened his own law firm:

Michael D. Fitzgerald, P.C.
Michael Fitzgerald, Attorney
2401 Commerce Tower, 911 Main
Kansas City, MO 64106
816-283-3344; fax 842-0102; [email protected]

Congratulations to Mike.