ABC-supported helpers bill would increase opportunities for entry-level workers

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) applauded Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) for introducing legislation recently to allow entry-level "helpers" on federal construction projects that require employers to pay prevailing wages under the Davis-Bacon Act.

The Helpers Job Opportunity Act of 2003 was co-sponsored by Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.) and Steve King (R-Iowa).

"Allowing helpers on federal construction projects gives semi-skilled workers, many of whom are trying to learn a trade and break into the construction industry, entry into the industry and helps small businesses to be competitive," said ABC National Chairman Edward L. Rispone, a founder and chairman of the management board of Industrial Specialty Contractors, Baton Rouge, La.

"Not allowing helpers on federal construction projects excludes entry-level workers from valuable job opportunities and forces small businesses to have skilled workers perform unskilled tasks," he added.

Identical to legislation introduced by Norwood in 2001, the Helpers Job Opportunity Act of 2003 would require the Labor Department to recognize helpers as workers on Davis-Bacon projects rather than using a pre-1980s definition of helpers that permits them only in limited circumstances.

ABC stated its opposition to the Labor Department's current regulation, drafted by the Clinton administration, which restricts the use of helpers on Davis-Bacon projects.

Memphis designer garners Aurora Award

Home building professionals in a 12-state southeast region received Aurora Awards for new construction and design excellence during an industry gala at the 2003 Southeast Building Conference last summer.

The nationally recognized Aurora Awards honor builders, designers, architects and other home building industry professionals from Texas to Virginia.

Hnedak Bobo Group of Memphis won for its design of the Federal Express World Headquarters in Memphis.

"The headquarters complex consolidates more than 3,000 employees from 20 locations into a single efficiently organized campus," the project synopsis reads.

The campus' eight buildings are interconnected by second-level and on-grade enclosed walkways. Each building has three levels and most feature three-story height atrium and monumental glass-sheathed stairs on ends. Soft spaces, including quiet rooms, coffee bars, teaming/conferencing areas and outdoor meeting circles, are interspersed throughout the campus.
The hub building groups together the dining hall, credit union, travel office, company store, fitness center, auditorium and training facilities.

"The Aurora Awards are the Grammy's of the home building profession," said Kay Greene, 2003 Aurora Award chairman and an Orlando, Fla., designer. "The Aurora symbolizes tremendous achievement, honor and distinction among building industry professionals."

The nationally recognized Aurora Awards drew a record 430 entries. Leading industry professionals judged the contenders, selecting the best in new home construction and design in the southeast. Of the 90 Aurora Award winners, there were:

• 19 grand winners
  
• 6 best in state winners
  
• 1 special judges award for creativity in design
  
• 1 golden award winner.

The competition is open to builders, architects, interior designers, landscape architects and other home building professionals in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

Winners are announced each year in conjunction with the Southeast Building Conference.

SEBC is a 12-state regional conference attended by more than 10,000 home building professionals.