News

The Construction Industry Alliance’s Suicide Prevention Summit was a tremendous experience of information

The Construction Industry Alliance’s Suicide Prevention Summit was a tremendous experience of information, lived experiences and inspiration. Keynote international speaker Sally Spencer-Thomas gave a compelling presentation, including her own story. Sally aims to change the conversations we have about mental illness and suicide. Even the language describing these situations people live with needs to alter. (See photos.) She is particularly concerned about the construction industry due to its ranking of highest number of suicides. (CDC 2012) Sally creatively shared how the culture (stoic/macho), age (45-52) and race (Caucasian) are risk factors. For companies, for every $1 spent on prevention, $2.50 is saved in productivity. Surviving families estimate that twenty co-workers are affected by one suicide. And so on…  This must-watch video has been extremely effective in getting men to self-assess. Man Therapy  Two kind, brave speakers shared their lived experiences about ... Read the rest of entry »

Demand for Skilled Labor Creates Opening for EdTech Leaders

Roughly 20.5 million students attended American colleges and universities in the fall of 2016, marking an annual increase of about 5.2 million since 2000. This surge, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics1, comes alongside seemingly endless escalations of tuition expenses and a mounting student loan debt crisis2, which Forbes notes is now the second-highest consumer debt category. Between 2011-2012 and 2016-2017, published tuition and fee prices rose by roughly nine percent in the public four-year sector and 13 percent at private nonprofit four-year institutions, according to The College Board3. ProBility Media Corp. (OTC: PBYA) (PBYA Profile) is providing an alternative to the expenses of traditional colleges with a selection of career training and advancement programs aimed at capitalizing on rising demand for skilled workers. Along with competitors such as IHS Markit Ltd. (NASDAQ: INFO), TrueBlue, Inc. (NYSE: TBI), GP Strategies Corp.  ... Read the rest of entry »

ABC in Knoxville serves on panel to delay Health Insurance Tax

Crownover (ABC- Greater Tennessee, Knoxville) participates in Knoxville Chamber Roundtable Knoxville, TN (August 30, 2017) – Local business leaders met Wednesday at the Knoxville Chamber to discuss how the health insurance tax, or HIT, will impact Tennessee small businesses in 2018 if it is not delayed immediately by Congress. Business leaders called on the state’s senators and representatives in Congress to lower premiums and provide financial relief to the state by ensuring that the HIT does not go into effect in 2018.  “Time is of the essence to delay this tax again,” said Terry Turner, President of the Knoxville Chamber and small business owner of All Occasions Party Rental. “We are all making insurance decisions in the next few weeks for next year and we need certainty from the federal government.” The discussion occurred one week ahead of hearings scheduled by Tennessee’s Senator Lamar Alexander on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education ... Read the rest of entry »

Knoxville Third Wednesday grows with huge turnout

The Knoxville office's new Third Wednesday monthly networking event saw huge turnout this Wednesday at Bearden Hill Fieldhouse. More than triple the amount from the month before were in attendance, gathering information, creating friendships, building their business, and gaining work. 

Next month's event proves to be even bigger as we will be moving locations to accommodate the large crowds that are now attending. The September event is sponsored by Stansell Electric Company and we hope you can attend. 

If you would like to sponsor the October and November Third Wednesday, please contact Clay. 

Title sponsorship for Third Wednesdays:
$250Event Sponsorship for Third Wednesdays:
$125 or
2 at $70

Visit the East Tennessee page for more information or visit our Flickr page for all the images from the event. 

2017 Contractor Showcase a huge success

ABC's 2017's Contractors Showcase built on it's amazing success from 2016 with a huge networking and business focused contractor showcase this year. The event at the Fairgrounds was full of people networking and learning about what our members offer, as well as building on their business by making the necessary contacts to do so.  We would like to acknowledge the amazing support of our Presenting Sponsor, Columbia CDJRF for bringing out trucks and a van and having staff there, led by Daniel Rhodes, to show the quality of their products. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat is also a national discount program, so our audience got a firsthand look at what the ABC discount can apply to.  Thank you to our Event Sponsors: Herring Technology, Rio Grande Fence, Sunbelt, Brand/Safway and Corsair Distillery. They all had their products featured front and center, from equipment holding our banner to fencing used to delineate booths to scaffolding and technology and locally brewed liquor. What a great way to ... Read the rest of entry »

Brunch with Randy Boyd in Knoxville

Brunch w/ Randy Boyd

Please join us as we welcome 2018 Gubernatorial Candidate Randy Boyd as he runs across the State of Tennessee for Governor.

When: Fri, September 8, 2017 (9:30am-11:00am)

Where: Foundry on the Fair (747 World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37902)

Early Bird Member Cost: $30

Early Bird Non-Member Cost: $40

Register

Registration Opens for the next calendar year for ABC's Craft Training Program

Considering furthering your education? Do you have an employee with potential? Perhaps a friend wants to change career direction?

Registration is open for the 2017-2018 School year for ABC’s Craft Training program. We welcome new and returning students to another productive year in expanding your skill set, furthering your options and opening up new possibilities for yourself.

Please review the calendar and schedule included here.  Please feel welcomed to join our helpful staff and instructors in continuing your education. If you have any questions, please contact Michele Correnti at [email protected] or 615.399.8323. Good luck!

See the video and class calendar for our program below. 

East Tennessee Golf Classic is a complete success

The East Tennessee members of the Greater Tennessee Chapter had a great time at the 2017 East Tennessee Classic. Over 80 players braved the weather, with the rain holding off, to gather together, play some golf, network, and have a great time. Thank you to all of our sponsors and here is to looking forward to our Clay Shoot in the Fall and our tournament in 2018. Also, congratulations to Aggregates USA for placing in First Place in the tournament. Good job!

ABC and its Members thrive under Trump Administration

ABC and Merit Shop companies are currently trending upwards as a benefit of numerous recent actions taken by the Trump Administration and Congress. Most recently the House and Senate has passed legislation to block implementation of the Obama Administration's Executive Order (EO) 13673, the Fair Pay and Safe Work Places EO, commonly referred to as the "blacklisting" rule. Utilizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA), this proposal will now go to the President for his signature. CRA was passed in 1996 to give Congress the ability to review, by means of an expedited legislative process, new federal regulations issued by government agencies and, by passage of a joint resolution, to overrule a regulation. President Trump has signed three additional CRA resolutions since taking office, such as, eliminating an environmental rule for streams and wetlands (WATERS OF THE US),  a measure enhancing background checks for gun purchasers, and a requirement that all gas and mining companies report pay ... Read the rest of entry »

Recognizing Exemplary Women in Construction

It's Women in Construction Week, and we wanted to take a moment to recognize just a few of the exemplary women who represent our member companies on a daily basis. Erin Wakefield, The Wakefield Corporation; Wendy Whitemore, Aerial Innovations; Shana Alford, The Comfort Group; Michele Correnti, Associated Builders and Contractors of Greater Tennessee; Bethany Smith, Messer Construction; Amy Cathy, Lee Company; Colleen Mollica, Batten & Shaw Construction

ABC- Greater TN Members win National Excellence in Construction Awards

Congratulations to our National Excellence in Construction Award Winners in Tennessee

CATEGORY: OTHER CONSTRUCTION - $2 TO $100 MILLION
AWARD: Pyramid
CONTRACTOR: Skanska USA
PROJECT NAME: West Riverfront Park Redevelopment 
PROJECT LOCATION: Nashville, Tenn.


CATEGORY: PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDING
AWARD: Pyramid
CONTRACTOR: T.W. Frierson Contractor Inc.
PROJECT NAME: Jenkins & Wynne Ford and Honda Dealerships 
PROJECT LOCATION: Clarksville, Tenn.

Associated Builders and Contractors Praises President's Commitment to Infrastructure Investment in Address to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb., 28- Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) issued the following statement from Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs Kristen Swearingen in response to President Trump’s pledge to commit needed resources to rebuild American infrastructure and to work with the business community to craft a transparent regulatory system that will encourage business investment during tonight’s address to the joint session of Congress: "Associated Builders and Contractors applauds President Trump’s pledge in tonight’s address to the joint session of Congress to commit needed resources to rebuild America's infrastructure and work with the business community to craft a transparent regulatory system that will encourage business investment. We are hopeful that the president’s call to ‘create a level playing field for American companies and workers’ will translate into policies that guarantee that all qualified contractors are able to compete for taxp ... Read the rest of entry »

Welcome ABC- Greater Tennessee's Newest Members

Associated Builders and Contractors - Greater TN Chapter would like to welcome the following new Members to our Association as of February 2017


PeopleReady
1817 Ailor Ave
Knoxville, TN 37921
(865) 540-3806



Brundage-Bone Concrete Pumping
1817 Ailor Ave
Knoxville, TN 37921
(865) 540-3806



Structural Technologies
555 Marriott Drive
Nashville, TN 37214



CDP Consultants Data Processing
8000 Corporate Center Drive
Charlotte, NC 28226

ABC - Greater Tennessee Chapter releases video to help grow the labor force in Tennessee through craft training

With the current labor shortage and 20% of the current workforce expected to retire soon, ABC - Greater Tennessee has released a video to encourage more interest in the trades. We hope this effort can help to spur more involvement among our members in our many training programs and hope to inspire the next generation of tradesman. For more information, visit our Education page.  

Day on the Hill Highlights

Day on the Hill Highlights

On February 21-22, we held our annual Day on the Hill briefing the policy makers in the Tennessee General Assembly on our positions on bills pertaining to the construction industry in Tennessee. The two day event, in partnership with AGC, began at Jimmy Kelly's Steakhouse on Tuesday and concluded on Wednesday with around 80 members in attendance on behalf of the industry.

Working under the ABC- Greater TN and Tennessee Construction Coalition banner, we advocated on the bills most important to the growth of the industry.

Thank you to our volunteers Kristen Morris (Waste Management) and Javi Sardy (Trade Management).  

Pictures for the event can be found by clicking the picture below. 

Welcome ABC- Greater Tennessee's Newest Members

Associated Builders and Contractors - Greater TN Chapter would like to welcome the following new Members to our Association as of February 2017


Messer Construction Co.
230 Great Circle Road
Suite 210
Nashville, TN 37228-1726
(615) 256-5006

Messer Construction Co.
120 Perimeter Park Road
Knoxville, TN 37922
(865) 769-3944
Specializes in managing, developing and performing complex commercial construction in the communities in which we live and work, and delivering value to our clients through quality construction experiences.



Beaty Chevrolet
9615 Parkside Drive
Knoxville, TN 37922
(865) 622-7366
Specializes in fleet management



CORT Furniture
280 Industrial Blvd. 
La Vergne, TN 37086
(615) 834-6040
Specializes in providing the best and most affordable furniture rental for home and office.

Member News: Rio Grande Fence Co. Invites Requests from ABC Members for Annual Good Friday Service Project

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Feb. 20, 2017--Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville is inviting requests and ideas from ABC members to aid a local non-profit in greater Nashville for RGF’s annual Good Friday Service Project. Each year, Rio Grande Fence Co. selects a local project and provides all materials and installation of a new, commercial grade fence at no cost to a deserving organization. If old, deteriorated fence needs to be torn out, RGF will include the removal as well. For 2017, Rio Grande Fence Co. is again inviting requests from fellow ABC members for the selection process. Preliminary site work can begin as soon as Monday, April 10th and 100% of Rio Grande Fence Co.’s employees will be on site to complete the installation on Friday, April 14th. Ideal projects could include playgrounds, sports courts and fields, or any area that needs a perimeter security and peace of mind upgrade. Rio Grande Fence Co. will consider all deserving locations and organizations for its final selection. Deadline f ... Read the rest of entry »

Member News: VIDEO OF WORK IN PROGRESS AT SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL, KNOXVILLE, TN

Click here to view a video of the new Sacred Heart Cathedral where ABC - Greater TN member, The Wakefield Corporation, is installing the metal stud framing.

Tennessee Names Ann McGauran State Architect

NASHVILLE- Today the Tennessee State Building Commission voted unanimously to appoint Ann McGauran as State Architect. McGauran is the first woman to serve Tennessee in this capacity since the position was created in 1955.  McGauran is a Senior Architect and Facilities Management Professional who has more than 25 years of architectural and project management experience. Since 2014, she has been working in the Tennessee Department of General Services, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Business Operations, in the STREAM Division. McGauran has substantial experience as an architect in the private sector, including with Vanderbilt Medical Center, where she worked as a project manager and in other capacities.  The State Architect and staff serve as support for the functions of the State Building Commission and also provides oversight for all state capital projects and real estate transactions that are under authority of the State Building Commission, to assure compliance with State ... Read the rest of entry »

Bell & Associates Construction Announces Office Move

Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville Wins Third American Fence Association National Fence Contractor of the Year Award

Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville Named 2016 National Fence Contractor of the Year -- Rio Grande Fence Co.'s Wins Second Consecutive American Fence Association National Fence Contractor of the Year Award and Third in Four Years -- NASHVILLE, Tenn.--Feb. 9, 2017--Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville was named 2016 National Fence Contractor of the Year by the American Fence Association at FENCETECH 2017 in San Antonio, Texas. AFA’s Fence Contractor of the Year Award recognizes a company’s outstanding service to AFA that advances the name, reputation and ideals of the Association on both local and national levels, as well as the company’s integrity and character. Rio Grande has won the award three of the past four years. "Commitment to innovative training in fence industry education and fresh employee engagement concepts separated Rio Grande Fence Co. of Nashville's entry in this year's competition,” said Tony Thornton, Executive Director of American Fence Association. “The fo ... Read the rest of entry »

Member News: Industrial Manager with Turner Construction Company Attains National Design-Build Certification

Huntsville, AL – Brian Knowles with Turner Construction Company’s Huntsville office has successfully completed the requirements for the nationally recognized Designated Design-Build Professional™ (DBIA™) certification. The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) awarded designated status to Knowles upon his successful completion of coursework and formal examination in all aspects of design-build project delivery. By completing these requirements, candidates earn the right to display “DBIA” after their names, identifying them to design-build end-users and the industry at large as professionals experienced in this form of project delivery. “Congratulations to Brian and all our Turner colleagues who have obtained their DBIA certification,” states Tom Manahan, Senior Vice President and Industrial Construction Executive with Turner. He continues, “An increasing number of our clients see the advantages of the design-build delivery model for many of their proje ... Read the rest of entry »

ABC Economist speaks to ABC of Greater TN Members at membership meeting

Anirban Basu, a leading economist shared a macro look at our local and world economy, with his well-know dash of humor. He went over the estimated global output around the world, with Asia/China/India leading the way. Anticipated population growth and output makes a dynamic difference in the shifting growth of economies around the world. Traditional countries of power have fewer births and in return less people who will be consumers and workers in nations. Anirban looked at the implications of world debt to growth, oil production, employment ratios and so on.  Anirban learned a good life lesson when he tried to pick up girls with his nerdy facts about the Baltic Dry index. That did not work well, however after he abandoned that approach he finally got married. The Gross Domestic Product has many complicated parts. Anirban recommended caution in having high hopes of a the high kind of growth experienced in the 80’s and 90’s. Everyone wants that, but we will have to see how the political ... Read the rest of entry »

East Tennessee Membership Meeting "Safety and Silica"

Please join us as we welcome Steve Hawkins, Administrator, Tennessee State Occupational Safety and Health to discuss the safety issues that will affect the construction industry in Tennessee in 2017, including the new Silica rules. 

Lunch will be provided at the Historic Southern Railway Station (Downstairs Ballroom) from 11:30am - 1:00pm on Tuesday, February 28th.
Admission for the event is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. 

Registration is required for the event at this link.

Construction Industry Alliance Announces New Resources Aimed at Preventing Suicides

Contact:Jeff Leieritz (202) 905-2104 [email protected] For Immediate Release Construction Industry Alliance Announces New Resources Aimed at Preventing Suicides   WASHINGTON, D.C., Dec. 6– Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced new resources made available to its members through its membership in the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. ABC joined the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)-led alliance in October 2016 to help provide resources and disseminate information on suicide prevention and mental health awareness in the construction industry, with a goal of building a zero-suicide industry. A 2016 Center for Disease Control (CDC) report showed that construction is one of the most at-risk industries for suicide, with 1,324 of the 12,300 suicides (10.8 percent) studied occurring among individuals who worked in the construction or extraction industries. To fight this epidemic, ABC is encouraging member fi ... Read the rest of entry »