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Wells adds Director of Marketing to its National Strategy Team

by Shield Wall Media Staff

Wells, one of the largest prefabricated building solutions providers in the United States, has added Megan Kocchi as its Director of Marketing.

Working closely with Kimberly Wacker, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Kocchi will develop the marketing team, support product growth initiatives, create marketing programs and craft external client communications. As the national marketing lead, she will support company-wide business objectives and customer retention efforts, align with the sales and preconstruction teams to best position Wells’ building solutions in the market and increase awareness of the Wells brand to partners and clients.

“Communicating our position as leaders in our industry is an evolving challenge,” explained Wacker. “But we’re excited to expand our team of inventive problem solvers. Megan brings years of experience, strategy and creativity to this role. As Wells continues to grow and expand our offerings, it’s imperative we share the vision with our partners with clarity on how we can help them succeed.”

As part of the Wells’ team, Kocchi will develop marketing strategies for the company’s Midwest, Mountain States and Great Lakes regions She will also be responsible for evaluating the impact of Wells’ marketing programs and initiatives and managing research projects to support improved strategy and communications.

Most recently a Marketing Leader and Associate for Eppstein Uhen Architects (EUA), Kocchi brings more than 15 years of marketing team leadership, strategy and execution to her role at Wells. She is highly experienced in external and internal communications and will be integrally involved in Wells client and partner communication, as well as work alongside Human Resources on hiring and culture initiatives. In addition to her various leadership roles, she has held multiple Board positions with the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Wisconsin chapter, most recently as a past President.

Submit construction-related news to editor Karen Knapstein.

Castagra Roofing Accepting Scholarship Applications Through Aug. 29

by Shield Wall Media Staff

The Castagra Roofing Scholarship Program is now open for applications. This program was developed to support individuals pursuing a career in roofing or a similar field, who are passionate about innovation and/or sustainability. The selected recipient will receive a $1000 USD award. All applicants will be evaluated by the Castagra team.

Castagra will also consider applicants that are not planning to attend school. If applicants fit the other guidelines and can prove they are dedicated and passionate about entering the industry, they are also eligible. In this case, the application essay must include what the scholarship funds would be used for.

Applicants to the Castagra Roofing Scholarship Program must be:

• Pursuing a post-secondary education in college or vocational programs** in roofing or a similar field. The similar field must be applicable to the building industry (construction, waterproofing, etc.) (**Essay must include the intended use of the scholarship funds if not attending post-secondary school.)

• Passionate about innovation and/or sustainability

• An American or Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Castagra Products employees and their family members are ineligible.

Awards are not renewable, but applicants may reapply to the program each year that they meet eligibility requirements. The winner of the Castagra Roofing Scholarship will be notified via email on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Awards are granted without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, disability, or national origin.

NCCER and BYF Congratulate the 2022 NTHS Scholarship Winners

by Shield Wall Media Staff

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and Build Your Future (BYF) in conjunction with The National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) are proud to recognize recipients of this year’s scholarship.
 
Recognizing that both non-profit organizations have a shared interest in supporting students who have chosen a career and technical education (CTE) pathway, NTHS and NCCER partnered in 2018 to provide a unique scholarship opportunity that supports students who plan to continue their education in a construction pathway. Scholarship winners are chosen based on their academic merit, NTHS membership and construction program involvement. To date, 20 students have been awarded scholarships totaling $40,000.
 
The 2022 recipients are:
• Rebecca Coleman of Bethlehem Area Vocational-Technical School- Pennsylvania
• Mirna Obeid of Clarksburg High School- Maryland
• Jeffrey Matson of Tennessee College of Applied Technology- Tennessee
• TJ Bodamer of North Point High School- Maryland
• Cecelia Raschke of Southern Technical College- Florida
• Parryn Cornell of Riley High School Career & Technical Education- Indiana.
 
“The students selected for this year’s BYF and NTHS scholarship exhibit great passion for and interest in the construction field,” said NTHS Executive Director Peyton Holland. “For these students, the desire to be engaged in the construction industry isn’t just about getting a job, it’s about being hungry to learn in an industry where growth opportunities are ever-present.”
 
The NCCER & BYF/NTHS Scholarship can help bridge the skills gap in the construction industry by providing financial help to those seeking craft training. For more information, please visit byf.org/scholarships.
 
About NCCER — NCCER is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) education foundation created by the construction industry to develop standardized curriculum and assessments with portable credentials and certifications for skilled craft professionals. NCCER provides a comprehensive workforce development system that includes accreditation, training, assessment, certification and career development solutions for the construction and maintenance industries. For more information, visit www.nccer.org or contact NCCER customer service at 888.622.3720.
 
About the National Technical Honor Society — NTHS is the honor society for Career and Technical Education (CTE), serving high schools, career centers, community & technical colleges, and universities. Recognizing over 50,000 new members annually, NTHS exists to advocate for and empower all students to pursue the technical and academic skills needed to build their careers and a skilled global workforce.  This is accomplished through career, leadership, service and recognition opportunities.  NTHS has awarded nearly $3 million in scholarships to its members since 2005 and served over 1 million students since its founding in 1984.  For more information visit www.nths.org.

AkzoNobel supports its partners as they navigate the PVDF landscape

by Shield Wall Media Staff

In the face of on-going uncertainty in global PVDF (or polyvinylidene difluoride) supply chains, AkzoNobel, the leading coatings and paints manufacturer, has launched a campaign to help its partners navigate the changing PVDF landscape.

Changes in global market dynamics, including increased demand from markets such as electric vehicle batteries and solar panels, have led to interruptions in the supply of PVDF resin commonly used in coil coatings. This, in turn, has affected the availability of some PVDF-containing products. 

AkzoNobel has produced a suite of tools and information to help its partners and end-users respond to these challenges. The aim is to help partners gain a full understanding of the PVDF situation and enable them to make more informed decisions about the best solutions for their specific circumstances.

Spearheading the campaign is a series of informative Q&A videos with in-house specialists. The series kicks off with a video featuring Tamara Toth, Regional Product Marketing Manager for Coil & Extrusion Coatings North America, and Bo Matzner, Global Product Marketing Director for Coil & Extrusion Coatings, talking about PVDF technology, the changing market in 2022, and how AkzoNobel can help its customers.

More videos will be released over the next few weeks exploring a range of PVDF-related topics, including the importance of PVDF in applications and testing, and alternative products on the market.  The videos can be found on the coil and extrusion website, YouTube channel, and Canopy app beginning May 19.  They will also be featured on the coil and extrusion LinkedIn and Facebook pages. 

“The robust versatility of PVDF means it is in high demand. This has squeezed supplies to the metal coatings industry, as well as pushed up prices. We want to support our customers in responding to these challenges by helping them understand the context and, where necessary, find new solutions,” explains Bo Matzner, Global Product Marketing Director, Coil and Extrusion Coatings at AkzoNobel.

In many cases, Matzner says, AkzoNobel offers a non-PVDF equivalent or similar product delivering the same quality required. At the same time, its research and development team, with decades of experience in the Coil and Extrusion coatings industry, is working to develop new offerings. 

This investment in helping customers address PVDF challenges is part of AkzoNobel’s commitment to going ‘Beyond Performance’ to meet the needs of its distributors, coaters and end-users. This means providing more than market-leading products. It means adding value through quality, service, and most importantly, being a trusted partner, based on over 200 years of expertise and innovation.

“We are well aware of the PVDF landscape and the concerns this may raise for some of our partners. Our advice is: talk to us!” says Bo Matzner. “Our specialists can provide expert advice and guidance to help partners navigate the changing PVDF picture and find solutions that work for their business.”

Submit construction-related news to editor Karen Knapstein.

Final Schedule, Speakers Announced for 2022 FGIA Virtual Summer Conference

by Shield Wall Media Staff

The final schedule has been released for the 2022 Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) Virtual Summer Conference, to be held June 6-9. Three expert speakers will discuss efforts to improve the energy efficiency of windows in Canada by 2030, highlights from the most recent FGIA fenestration-focused market study and the impacts of mental health and substance use in the construction industry. Register now for virtual access to the FGIA Virtual Summer Conference. Extended early bird registration rates are available through May 27.

“We’ve listened to member suggestions from recent surveys, and as a result, FGIA will continue to bring timely topics of industry relevance during this conference,” said Florica Vlad, FGIA Meetings Manager. “We are thankful for remote access at this virtual event, which allows companies to get even more of their team members involved who might not be able to participate otherwise.”

Fenestration – The Path to 2030 in Canada

Andrew Oding from Building Knowledge Canada will provide a brief history of the evolution of window energy performance for 2004 to 2022. In addition, results of an NRCan research project investigating current window designs will be presented, including how they are already achieving the 2030 aspirational goal and what design elements are needed to achieve different performance levels on the path to 2030.

Andrew Oding

FGIA U.S. Market Studies Overview with Forecasts

This interview-style session with Nick Limb of Ducker Research will feature highlights of current trends and future changes in the fenestration market, as well as scenarios that impact the industry, including the current volatility with supply chain issues, the war in Ukraine, inflation and interest rate increases. Send questions to Angela Dickson, FGIA Marketing and Communications Director.

Nick Limb

Impacts of Mental Health and Substance Use in the Construction Industry

While the statistics around mental health and substance use are harrowing, the construction sector in particular is disproportionately affected. Chris Gardner, President of the Independent Contractors and Businesses Association, will discuss why the fenestration and glazing industry needs to talk about mental wellness more openly and in every part of construction — on job sites, in safety briefings, at toolbox talks and in offices.

Chris Gardner

Networking

The conference theme will be “Bienvenue – Adventure Awaits You!” On Tuesday and Wednesday, event participants will have the opportunity to network during Virtual Happy Hours with this adventurous travel theme in mind. Participants will be invited to share their favorite travel stories and will compete in a trivia game about geographic topics. Prizes will be awarded for during both networking events.

Registration

Through May 27, FGIA members can register for $925. Regular member pricing after May 27 will be $975. Non-members can register for $1,150. All online registrations include unlimited company employee access. Register for the 2022 FGIA Virtual Summer Conference now.

For more information about FGIA and its activities, visit FGIAonline.org.

ABC Supply Matching Donations To Homes For Our Troops From May 21-30

by Shield Wall Media Staff

ABC Supply Supports Severely Injured Post-9/11 Veterans Through 2022 IndyCar Design and $1 Million Donation Match to Nonprofit Homes For Our Troops 

The race to a $1 million match runs through Memorial Day weekend

500 miles, 200 laps, 33 drivers and one cold bottle of milk — the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge takes place on Sunday, May 29. When it does, one car will be racing to raise awareness and $1 million in donations for a nonprofit that is making a difference for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans in the United States.

Longtime friend of AJ Foyt Racing and Indy 500 team sponsor ABC Supply Co. Inc. is putting nonprofit Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) center stage at “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” ABC Supply is gifting the design of its IndyCar and matching donations made to the organization — up to $1 million — from May 21 to May 30. Donate at hfotusa.org. 

Since September 11, 2001, over 2.5 million Americans have served our nation, and of that group, more than 1,000 Veterans have sustained severe physical injuries, including one or more amputations, full or partial paralysis, and severe traumatic brain injury. Founded in 2004, HFOT’s mission is to build and donate specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. To date, the organization has built over 330 homes.

J.R. Hildebrand will pilot the No. 11 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet, which this year will sport a star-spangled American flag design with the HFOT logo and their tagline of “Building Homes, Rebuilding Lives.” The patriotic car salutes and honors our troops during the event while underscoring the mission of Homes For Our Troops. 

ABC Supply Co, Inc., the nation’s largest wholesale distributor of roofing, siding and other select exterior building products, has been a multimillion-dollar supporter of Homes For Our Troops since 2020. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar spent goes directly toward Homes For Our Troops’ mission, so it relies primarily on word-of-mouth awareness instead of paid promotion.  

“We’re proud to give Homes For Our Troops a national stage at the Indianapolis 500 to help increase awareness and donations for their organization,” says Mike Jost, chief operating officer of ABC Supply. “The work they do to support Veterans is incredible, and we’re hopeful that others will be inspired to support them as well.” 

HFOT’s partnership with their Veterans doesn’t stop once their homes are complete. The organization also offers resources for financial planning, homeownership education and peer mentoring. 

“At Homes For Our Troops, we consider our Veterans family. We don’t just give them the keys and walk away; we maintain a relationship with them to help them rebuild their lives. The support from partners like ABC Supply enables us to provide not only specially adapted custom homes to severely injured Veterans, but also a lifelong support network,” says HFOT President/CEO Brigadier General, USA (Ret) Tom Landwermeyer. 

The HFOT IndyCar will first hit the track for competition in qualifying races May 21-22.

“I think the fans will love it, and I think they will be so happy to see the American flag — especially with our team,” says A.J. Foyt. “I would like to thank ABC Supply for supporting Homes For Our Troops. It’s great.”

“To support this organization at the Speedway, bring attention to Veterans and some of the challenges that they face, and highlight the things that people and organizations like Homes For Our Troops are doing to give them opportunities to better their lives is such a special thing to be able to be a part of,” says J.R. Hildebrand, driver of the No. 11 car.

To learn more about Homes For Our Troops, or to donate to the organization and have it matched by ABC Supply through Monday, May 30, visit hfotusa.org.

Coated Metals Group Expands NC Facility

by Shield Wall Media Staff

Coated Metals Group (CMG) has announced the recent expansion of its Charlotte, North Carolina, facility. The larger facility positions Coated Metals Group to meet the ever-growing demand within the Charlotte and Eastern market.

CMG’s expansion will help reduce lead times for customers since it can keep additional material on the floor. Paired with increased production levels, the company expects the new facility to help minimize obstacles presented by industry-wide supply chain constraints. In line with its other locations, the new Charlotte facility will keep a diverse line of stocked products on the floor at exceptionally high levels, regular inbound material to maintain stock, and an efficient floor plan with the ability to expand and adjust quickly.

The new facility has more room to stock more quantities of coils, sheets, and metal roofing accessories.

Brogan Baker, the local VP-Sales, said, “We’re very excited about our new building! Our new facility has a lot more room to stock more quantities of coils, sheets, and metal roofing accessories. With this added space, it will allow us to service our customers quickly and help keep project schedules moving. We are extremely eager for the opportunity to better serve our customers!”

New Location: Coated Metals Group, 1814 Westinghouse Blvd, Unit U, Charlotte, NC 28273.

Construction Bootcamp Training Offered in Ontario

by Shield Wall Media Staff

CLAC Training is offering a new construction Bootcamp training program in Ontario to help individuals with limited or no experience in the skilled trades gain the skills they need to start a fulfilling, well-paying construction career. 

Bootcamp includes a free, three-week entry-level training program, with an eight-week paid job placement with a local construction employer. It is currently offered in Cambridge and Grimsby and will soon expand to other areas of the province. 

The program was developed with the aid of a $1.5 million grant from the Ontario government’s Skill Development Fund (SDF). The Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development is investing $200 million dollars through partnerships with training groups, community organizations, and unions that develop fresh ideas for training that upskill workers and connect them to lucrative careers close to home.

“Over the next decade, Ontario is projected to need 100,000 more workers in construction and the skilled trades,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “These jobs often offer six-figure salaries with pensions and benefits and are paycheques waiting to be collected. That is why our government is supporting programs like the CLAC Training Bootcamp, which will get more young people into these life-changing careers.”

“CLAC’s construction Bootcamp is a partnership between CLAC, signatory employers, and community partners to provide over 100 local individuals with the essential skills to start their construction careers,” says Colin de Raaf, CLAC Training Ontario Director. “It is one small step to addressing the skilled trades shortage in the construction sector.” 

“This program is a fantastic introduction to the dynamic construction industry and an essential broad range of skill sets,” says Karen Renkema, Vice-President, Ontario, at the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA). “Providing hands-on experience in one of the fastest growing fields is a great way to launch a construction career and help ease the critical shortage of skilled trades workers.”

During the three weeks of in-class, online, and hands-on training, participants will learn about construction health and safety, how to safely use hand and power tools, communication skills and conflict management, construction-oriented math, and more. Participants will also earn mandatory safety certificates.

During the eight-week paid work placement, participants will apply their new skills and experience on the job, while receiving support from CLAC staff, workplace mentors, and their employer. 

Additional program supports include up to 26 weeks of one-on-one career-based support from CLAC staff and community partners, which includes needs-based financial assistance toward childcare, accommodation, and transportation. Participants will also receive a tool kit valued at $450 and full personal protective equipment and clothing. 

Employers will also receive wage subsidies of 50 percent to support a successful 8-week paid work placement.

American Concrete Institute Adds New Resource Center in Illinois

by Shield Wall Media Staff

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has opened a second Resource Center, located in the Chicago Metropolitan Area, to serve Midwest communities in the concrete industry. This new ACI Resource Center – Chicago/Midwest will help meet the increased demand  for ACI knowledge through hands–on training, educational offerings, and on–demand access to ACI Certification Programs.  

ACI’s Resource Centers offer a diverse array of custom training programs designed to communicate required skills and demonstrate test methods in order to achieve certification. In addition to custom training programs, the new Chicago/Midwest Resource Center offers education programs on popular industry topics such as design, fundamentals, repair, slabs, and more. 

“The newest ACI Resource Center is strategically located in the Chicago/Midwest region to expand access to ACI knowledge in a large market of the concrete construction industry,” said Ronald G. Burg, PE, Executive Vice President, American Concrete Institute. “We’re eager to bring regularly scheduled and on-demand certification programs, educational seminars, and hands-on training to the region.” 

Upcoming Certification Events include: 

  • May 9, 2022 – Concrete Field–Testing Technician 
  • May 12, 2022 – Adhesive Anchor Installer 
  • May 13, 2022 – Post Installed Concrete Anchor Installation Inspector  
  • May 19, 2022 – Concrete Strength Testing Technician 
  • June 9, 2022 – All ACI Inspector Programs – Exams Only 
  • June 13, 2022 – Concrete Field-Testing Technician Certification 
  • June 16, 2022 – Adhesive Anchor Installer Certification 
  • June 20, 2022 – Masonry Laboratory Testing Technician 
  • June 22, 2022 – Masonry Field- Testing Technician 

Please refer to the ACI Events Calendar and concrete.org/midwestresourcecenter for more information and updates on future events. The Midwest Resource Center can be reached by phone at +1.248.516.1112, or at [email protected]. 

ACI Resource Center — Chicago/Midwest 
945 Busse Rd. 
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 
USA 

Comments Wanted: National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction

by Shield Wall Media Staff

The Truss Plate Institute (TPI) announced today the opening of a Public Review & Comment period for the draft BSR/TPI 1-2022 (revision to ANSI/TPI 1-2014) National Design Standard for Metal Plate Connected Wood Truss Construction. The Public Review & Comment period is open until June 20, 2022.

TPI began the process of revising the current ANSI/TPI 1-2014 standard in December of 2019 with the formation of a Project Committee representing a cross-section of the industry. This draft, now open for Public Review, is the culmination of their efforts. The proposed revisions presented in the BSR/TPI 1-2022 draft provide enhancements to ANSI/TPI 1-2014.  

Comments are being solicited to ensure that the views of all interested parties have been given full consideration. The draft BSR/TPI 1-2022 establishes minimum requirements for the design and construction of Metal Plate Connected wood trusses. The standard describes the materials used in a truss, both lumber and steel, and design procedures for truss members and joints. Responsibilities, methods for evaluating the metal connector plates, and manufacturing quality assurance are also contained in the standard. 

Those wishing to participate in the Public Review of the draft BSR/TPI 1-2022 standard should visit TPI’s website (www.tpinst.org/2022-public-review ) or contact the Truss Plate Institute at (240) 587-5582 for further information. 

Copies of the draft BSR/TPI 1-2022, which currently consists of the TPI 1-2014 standard and a list of revisions to that standard, are available as a free download at TPI’s website www.tpinst.org/2022-public-review. Printed copies of the list of modifications to the TPI 1-2014 standard are available for $20 each plus tax, shipping & handling and can be purchased by contacting TPI at (240) 587-5582.

Submit construction-related news to editor Karen Knapstein.

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