Telephone: 212.367.2130
Facsimile: 212.644.9201
www.wbcnyc.org
|
 |
Volume I, Issue 45 - Week of December 1st, 2009
 |
History was made last week for the small women and minority-owned business community in New York’s challenged construction industry, and the Women Builders Council was a proud participant and advisor in the process.
|
Project Labor Agreements have been signed by Mayor Bloomberg on public projects to reduce costs, spur projects and create jobs. The new PLAs will affect over $5.3 billion in public projects comprising 32,000 construction jobs over the next four years. A savings of over $300 million will be realized and applied to infrastructure projects that might have not been otherwise funded. The restored projects will create over 1800 new jobs. The savings stem from work rule changes like capping overtime and prohibiting strikes and from an exemption from Wicks Law procurement procedures, which forced the city to separately bid and award contracts for plumbing and gas fitting, steam heating, hot water heating, ventilating and air conditioning and electric wiring.
Jacques DeGraff of the Minority Leadership Business Council stated it strongly: “The promise of contracts and job opportunities presented today will be subject to an unprecedented accountability review. This will ensure that all New Yorkers can participate in the economic lifeblood of our city.” According to Sandra Wilkin, WBC’s President, “These agreements greatly expand the opportunities for so many women and minority contractors, and t will add greatly to the economic strength of New York City.” Wilkin, along with other members of the minority business community, served as active advisors to Project Labor Agreement review process that culminated in the new PLA.
Provisions of the new PLAs which include four separate agreements will affect the way in which Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) can participate in public sector work. There will be a series of commitments to ensure that MWBE contractors and their employees have increased project opportunities. As part of the agreement, the City and Building and Construction Trades Council agreed to new hiring-hall practices that allow non-union minority or women-owned contractors to bring more of their own workforce onto jobs they manage.
Small Business Moving Forward at the MTA
Congratulations to new MTA Chair and CEO Jay Walder, along with Michael J. Garner and the MTA leadership, for their vision in supporting Small Business Development Programs, at the recent November 19th McGraw Hill Forum: Moving Forward at the MTA. Pending new legislation, we look to the MTA for leadership in this very significant economic arena.
To see photos, visit:
http://www.wbcnyc.org/fyi/MTA
More next week…
Renee
|
|
 You can follow us on Twitter!
 Join our group on LinkedIn!
|
|
   
 |
|
GET CERTIFIED
WBC can help you get certified with New York City Small Business Services. It's an important first step to navigating procurement opportunities with the city and other public agencies. Contact WBC at 212.367.2130 or email rsacks@wbcnyc.org for more information. |
|
Mayor Bloomberg Announces Labor Agreements On Public Projects To Reduce Costs, Spur Projects And Create Jobs
11/25/2009 - Source: Media Newswire
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Operations Edward Skyler, NYC School Construction Authority President Sharon Greenberger, Department of Design and Construction Commissioner David J. Burney and Building and Construction Trades Council President Gary LaBarbera today announced a deal on four project labor agreements that will cover $5.3 billion in public projects comprising 32,000 construction jobs over the next four years.
Signs Of Life Emerge In Local Construction Biz
11/14/2009 - Source: Crain's New York
Following a dismal year, construction in the city showed signs of stabilizing in the third quarter, with projects worth $3.9 billion getting underway, a New York Building Congress analysis shows.
Stimulus Breaks Over For SBA Loans
11/23/2009 - Source: The Business Review
Say goodbye to the 90 percent guarantee and reduced fees that sparked a rebound in Small Business Administration lending.
New York May Take Atlantic Yards Property, Court Says
11/24/2009 - Source: Bloomberg News
New York is legally permitted to seize property to make way for developer Bruce Ratner’s Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn, New York, which includes a basketball arena and apartments, the state’s high court ruled.
Court Upholds Willets Point Redevelopment Plan
11/25/2009 - Source: The New York Times
A federal judge on Wednesday upheld New York’s $3 billion redevelopment plan for Willets Point, an industrial section of Queens dominated by car-repair shops and waste-management businesses, finding that although the city had neglected the neighborhood’s infrastructure for decades, the constitutional rights of the businesses there — many of which will be forced to relocate under the plan — were not violated.
Seven Charged For False Building Documents
11/24/2009 - Source: The New York Times
Federal and local authorities arrested seven people on Tuesday — including the owners of two construction testing companies, officials from three contracting companies, and an engineer — on charges they falsified testing documents at four New York construction projects.
Work Smart With the SCA
 |
Building Schools, Building Opportunities 3
Learn how to work effectively with the New York City School Construction Authority in this information packed full-day forum! This event will showcase how to work effectively with the SCA, discover new business opportunities, learn about best practices, learn more about New York's leading contractors and consultants, and explore the how-to's of working with the SCA.
|
Prior to November 9, 2009
$195 per person
Special registration fee for MWLBEs: $100 per person |
|
After November 9, 2009
$225 per person
Special registration fee for MWLBEs: $125 per person
|
For more information, please visit:
http://www.navigatingopportunities.com/sca3/index.html
WHEN:
Friday, December 4, 2009
7.30 am - 2.00 pm
|
WHERE:
McGraw-Hill Conference Center
1221 Avenue of the Americas
Second Floor
New York City
|
|
Zetlin & DeChiara, LLP - Insurance Update for Design Professionals
 |
|
Current Challenges for Obtaining and Using Insurance
The current economic climate and the dynamic state of the industry continue to create significant changes for design professionals and the way in which they will grow and maintain their practices.
Read More
|
Seating is limited. Register today by filling out the form below:
Click here to download the registration form.
Questions?
Call Whitney Murray at 212.682.6800
WHEN:
Thursday, January 21, 2010
8.00 am - 10.30 am
Breakfast will be served
|
WHERE:
The McGraw-Hill Auditorium
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York City
|
|
Take the Lead: Groundbreaking Women in Construction in Washington
 |
America's First Leadership Conference for Women in Construction.
A LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
McGraw-Hill Construction, ENR and Architectural Record are proud to support the first leadership conference for women in the design and construction industry. Explore the leadership skills, experiences and strategies you will need to grow your position, your practice and your market power in today’s challenging construction industry.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
If you are a construction industry company owner, executive, project manager or rising through the ranks, you should plan to attend this special two-day program designed especially for you.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN?
Acquire the strategies and insights you need to lead in a changing industry.
|
Two Day Conference
Before January 12th, 2010 - $395 (early registration)
After January 12th, 2010 - $450 |
|
Pre Conference Workshops
Before January 12th, 2010 - FREE
After January 12th, 2010 - $120
|
For more information and to register, please visit:
http://www.groundbreakingwomen.com
WHEN:
February 25th, 2010
8.30 am - 8.00 pm
February 26th, 2010
7.00 am - 12.30 pm
|
WHERE:
The Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
1127 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC
|
|
The Office of Economic Development is here to help you.
The calendar of events contains a list of procurement-related items and events offered throughout Queens in the coming weeks and months. This calendar is a resource for everyone seeking to do business with the government -- either to enhance an individual career or expand a business entity. In all cases, there are phone numbers and direct website links for more information.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROCUREMENT CALENDAR
See Current Bid Opportunities from DASNY |
|
|
|
Sacks Communications, Inc.
