GET, LLC's Blog: NAWIC

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NAWIC Guam Chapter #381 Joins Annual Women in Construction Week Celebrations

On the eve of the Proclamation signing of 2017 Women in Construction Week in Guam by the Office of the Governor of Guam, GET, LLC wanted to take this opportunity with all the members of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Guam Chapter #381 to get out the word on this annual celebration of the success of women in the construction industry.

“The National Association of Women in Construction is committed to enhancing the success of all women in construction - not just those who are NAWIC members,” said Immediate Past-President of NAWIC Sandy Field. “We accomplish this through educational opportunities, networking, and community/industry service projects. If you are a woman employed in any area of the construction industry, we welcome you to join us!"

It is important to note that the focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. It is also a time for local chapters, including the Guam Chapter, to give back to their respective communities. WIC Week provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.

“'Women in Construction Week' is simply a time set aside to thank those women for all their efforts toward successful construction projects. WIC Week will also bring attention to the industry and encourage others to realize that construction is a viable, profitable career field,” said NAWIC Guam President Shierly Caceres.

Among the NAWIC Guam Chapter Activities this week: a Foundations for Safety Leadership Education Program hosted at the Guam Contractors Association and the annual NAWIC Builds Event at the GCA Trades Academy in Barrigada.

WIC Week comes as we enter the 35th annual National Women's History Month. The 2017 theme for National Women’s History Month honors women who have successfully challenged the role of women in both business and the paid labor force. We can all agree that women have always worked, but often their work has been undervalued and unpaid. GET, LLC thanks all women for their role in building Guam and America and their role in maintaining our great society.

Check out the NAWIC Guam Chapter page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/nawicguam381 for more details about this year's WIC Week Guam activities. Also check out our website at www.get-guam.com or drop us a line to help us do our part to grow this important industry.

NAWIC Guam Hosts 2017 Block Kids Event

It was not a typical Saturday on Guam. While many were just stirring their way to start yet another weekend in Paradise, a handful of our Island's young people made their way to the Guam Community College (GCC) to participate the in the third annual Block Kids Lego Competition hosted by the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) Guam Chapter #381.

It was event that showcased originality.

It stirred creativity.

The event brought out imagination.

This Blogger was taken aback by the interest showed by the many kids and teachers in attendance. These school children, representing the villages of Yigo south to Merizo and all areas in-between, were eager to show off their skills with a Lego and their imaginative thinking using the iconic plastic construction toy.

I talked to a number of parents at the event and all were very proud of the prep work each of their respective youngsters put into the NAWIC event. No question that there were many in the 2017 edition that had participated in the two previous events. Additionally, many of the volunteers were excited to be a part of this signature event too. I was impressed by the organization and energy-it was not hard to smile at the enthusiasm.

NAWIC Guam works hard during the year to share the Block Kids Program with many island schools that culminates in the annual event at GCC. The work of the NAWIC Guam sisters paid off. Prizes were awarded for the top designs across the different grade levels-including a Lego version of the United States Capitol Building.

Attitude and insight were rewarded today. I understand that the judges were impressed with the range of final products which they said gets better each and every year.

At a time when we are wondering if our kids are losing their interest in such activities with the amount of mass media and technology getting the best of many their age, this event reminds us that the creation of the structures today are creations of Guam's future engineer or construction professional.

One final note, a good portion of the participants in the Block Kids event were girls-including the youngest of my four daughters.

GET, LLC is proud to be a member of NAWIC and the Guam Chapter-one of 150 chapters with a network of 4,500 members nationwide. We hold NAWIC's core values close to our business- Believe. Persevere. Dare. Check out our website at www.get-guam.com or drop us a line to help us do our part to grow this important industry.

NAWIC GUAM CHAPTER DISCUSSES FEDERAL OT CHANGES

This past July, the federal government sent the shot over the bow to all employers in America that there will be changes to federal overtime rules. In advance of the December 1, 2016 implementation date, the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Guam Chapter used their August Monthly meeting to discuss this important change with their membership. Member and Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Human Resources Services Inc. Grace Donaldson broke down the final rule changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Donaldson shared that the final rule focuses primarily on the updating the salary and compensation levels needed for Executive, Administrative and Professional workers to be exempt.

Among the changes, the rule sets the standard salary level at the 40th percentile of earnings of full-time salaried workers, sets the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (HCE) subject to a minimal duties test and establishes a mechanism for automatically updating the salary and compensation levels every three years to maintain the new percentile levels. Donaldson used examples and sought member input and questions relative to the duties test to better understand the impacts to the Guam workforce.

Donaldson noted that Guam's visitor industry would be hit the hardest with this rule change. The hotel industry relies heavily on modestly paid middle managers, who are exempt from overtime, to pick up the slack—and extra hours—when called upon. Some of the flexibility may be a thing of the past as property owners adjust to the new rule.

The changes could rattle industries that have long used a federal exemption for so-called “creative professionals” to avoid paying some workers overtime, like architects. The US Department of Labor currently gives businesses some latitude in deciding who meets the criteria. But under the new rules, no one making less than $47,476 a year could be considered a creative professional exempt from overtime.

Even the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has formally asked DOL for removal from the regulatory list that blocks travel agents from an exemption from federal overtime rules.

Will there be an end?

One thing is for sure, change is coming and the Guam NAWIC Chapter will be keeping a close eye on its developments as we head into the latter half of the year.

NAWIC GUAM CHAPTER FUNDRAISER DREW MORE THAN DRINKS, DUDES AND GREAT GEAR

It was a great opportunity to attend the National Association of Women In Construction (NAWIC) Guam Chapter's first "Beer, Boys and Toys" Fundraiser at the Triple J Showroom in Upper Tumon. The recent event featured a host of craft beers, the attendance of the construction industry elite and plenty of cool jobsite gear that was eventually raffled off.

As important was the NAWIC Guam Chapter leaning forward to bring more awareness to their efforts to enhance the success of women in the construction industry. The Chapter does utilize its time meeting regularly to bring together the small influential group of women construction industry executives. They do always invite their male counterparts to participate.

In talking to many in attendance, the efforts of NAWIC seemed a bit new to them. When disclosing that the Guam Chapter has been around since 2013, there was a collective interest in the membership. Most were impressed with the fact that the "Beer, Boys and Toys" effort was well organized. As impressive-the turnout of the NAWIC Guam Chapter members. It was hard to hide the ladies with the red scarves who were all smiling from ear to ear and enthusiastically engaging each guest. The discussions were also fruitful. Plenty of networking in support of a host of projects was happening at each table. Insight into local construction industry policy was also discussed in and around the food and drink stations.

It was pretty clear that there were many in the crowd who had attended previous events hosted by NAWIC Guam and were satisfied with the unique fundraiser-something hard to come by with the scores of competing philanthropies and their respective themed functions throughout the year. This blogger had a great time and believe the "Beer, Boys and Toys" events to support the Chapter's education programs and Hard Hats and Huge Hearts programs will be a hit for years to come.

NAWIC Guam Chapter 381 Takes Part in Women in Construction Week March 6-12, 2016

Guam Chapter 381 of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) will celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 6-12, 2016.

“The National Association of Women in Construction is committed to enhancing the success of all women in construction - not just those who are NAWIC members,” says NAWIC Guam Chapter 381 President Jessica Barrett. “Our organization accomplishes this through educational opportunities, networking, and community/industry service projects. If you are a woman employed in any area of the construction industry on Guam, we welcome you to join us".

The focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities. WIC Week provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. A proclamation signing by the Office of the Governor of Guam to celebrate WIC Week on Guam is set for Friday, March 4, 2016.

“There are more than one million women employed in the construction industry. Ten percent of these women are administrative specialists, general contractors, subcontractors, trades people, or professionals, are vital to the construction process,” says Barrett. “WIC Week brings attention to the industry and encourages women to realize that construction is a viable, profitable career field.”

NAWIC’s mission is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

For more information on NAWIC and the efforts of the Guam Chapter 381 feel free to contact us at 671-797-0789. GET, LLC is a proud member of NAWIC and stand in support of enhancing the success of women in the construction industry.

Could There Be More Women in Construction?

As a HUBZone Certified Women-Owned Small Business, GET, LLC is priviliged to sit right at the construction industry table in this part of the world. Each day, does not pass that we ask why are not more women in the field of construction? As a recent editorial in the San Diego, California-based The Daily Transcript outlines, not many women take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of the construction field and have such high potential to close the gap in earnings as a part of this profession.

Chief Financial Officer of Sherwood Mechanical William Smyth opined that as the American economy recovers from the recent recession, and construction jobs are becoming more plentiful from Maine to Guam USA, why aren’t more women pursuing opportunities in construction?

"Many women never even consider working in construction because of a lack of role models," wrote Smyth. "The current absence of women craft professionals stamp construction as a boys-only club, a stubborn stereotype that isn’t true, but persists.

Other women are simply unaware there is a place for them in construction and that they are welcome in the profession. In the same Women’s Policy Research study, out of 200 women surveyed, only one said she learned anything about careers in construction from a high school counselor. Two others learned about their opportunities at a regional job-training center.

Lack of recruiting and exposure to construction trades plus persistent stereotyping and the lack of role models add up to a serious concern for the construction industry."

Smyth gives much credit to the the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for helping change this situation.

As a proud member of NAWIC, GET, LLC recognizes that this discussion is not a new one-in fact this topic has been at the forefront of construction professionals minds for over 60 years. It is the awareness by these small business owners and construction professionals that continues to break the stereotypes. NAWIC provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training and public service-the Guam Chapter is no different.

"Thanks to the economic recovery, the construction industry nationwide added 20,000 jobs in August, which boosted employment in the industry to a five-year high," wrote Smyth. "At the same time, unemployment among builders and crews fell to its lowest level in seven years, a combination that has builders in some areas delaying or turning away projects because they can’t staff up fast enough. There has never been a greater opportunity for groups across the construction industry to reach the common goal of advancing the roles of women in the workplace."

We agree.

Like Mr. Smyth, GET,LLC encourages our industry leaders, educators, career counselors, advocacy groups like NAWIC and parents all over the Country to give young women the opportunity to explore careers in construction-when this happens everyone benefits.

For more information on NAWIC and the efforts of the Guam Chapter feel free to contact us at 671-797-0789. GET, LLC is a proud member of NAWIC and stand in support of enhancing the success of women in the construction industry.

NAWIC Week a Huge Success in Guam

As the National Association of Women in Construction celebrated Women in Construction Week recently, the Guam Chapter 381 used the time to get the word out about the organization highlighted by a Mixer held at the end of the week celebrating the contributions of women in construction and the mission of enhancing the role of women in construction. GET, LLC was in attendance as were many in the local construction industry. The networking opportunity was worth the time and effort-and we all got to see a great first for the Guam Chapter-the awarding of its first NAWIC Scholarship. Congratulations to NAWIC Chapter 381 President Bing Mejia and the organization for this important milestone in its young history.

The NAWIC Builds program the day before was just as exciting a "first", drawing 30 participants in partnership with the Home Depot, in "Making a framed mirror". And another first the NAWIC Education Foundation award -winning Block-Kids program wrapped up the week in Tamuning. The national building program competition introduces children to the construction industry in an effort to create an awareness of and to promote an interest in future careers. This competition involves the construction of various structures with interlocking Lego blocks, small rock, string, foil and a poster board. The winner of this competition will move on to Regional Competition.

Every week, should be celebrated as Women In Construction Week. As a community, we must recognize that there are talented women breaking barriers in this field. While the numbers may be small, we estimate that it can only grow by leaps and bounds in the years to come. Whether the company is a materials supplier, a service corporation linked to the construction industry, our marketplace will thrive further if more women get involved.

NAWIC Guam Chapter 381 Observes Women in Construction Week March 2-8, 2014

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Guam Chapter 381 will celebrate Women in Construction (WIC) Week March 2-8, 2014. NAWIC's mission is to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

"The Guam Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction is committed to enhancing the success of all women in construction," says NAWIC Guam Chapter 381 President Bing Mejia

The focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities. WIC Week provides an occasion for NAWIC's thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.

"While there are more than one million women employed in the construction industry, women only comprise approximately ten percent of the construction workforce. These women, whether they are administrative specialists, general contractors, subcontractors, trades people, or professionals, are vital elements to the construction process," said immediate NAWIC Past-President Cindy Johnsen. "'Women in Construction Week' is simply a time set aside to thank those women for all their efforts toward successful construction projects. WIC Week will also bring attention to the industry and encourage others to realize that construction is a viable, profitable career field."

NAWIC Guam Chapter "Casino" Fundraiser Approaching

I had the pleasure this past week of meeting one of the founding members and all-around great lady Dr. Jaylene Kent of the National Association of Women in Construction GuamChapter 381. The President of Isla Paint and Roofing Supply was cordial and had no problem hyping up the largest fundraising event of the advocacy group. Her pitch to members of the Guam Contractors Association Small Business Committee was convincing. It's hard to decided not to go after Jaylene was done pitching it to the membership-to include GET, LLC.

The 2013 Casino Royale Annual Wine Tasting and Beer Garden Fundraising Event promises to be as fun as its predecessors in the fact that there will be plenty of adult beverages and socializing with the top women executives in Guam's construction industry. On December 4, 2013 at the Guam Marriott Resort and Spa expect plenty of activity including an On-Site Expo and a raffle for electronics and power tools.

The organization is nearing its second birthday of its chartering in Guam. Membership continues to grow steadily. The advocacy for further growing this segment of our construction industry continues.

Prime example-the Guam Legislature is considering legislation that looks to create "government procurement policy in favor of women owned businesses". Bill 198-32 was heard last week and testimony is being submitted as we speak to the Committee for consideration. Speaker Jody Won Pat and Senator Tina Barnes should be commended for their efforts and we all believe that this is a legislation that would provide better opportunities for government contracts for women owned businesses.

Expect Bill 198-32 to be the talk of the Casino Royale and hope that all those in support of women in construction can be there.

For more information on NAWIC and the efforts of the Guam Chapter feel free to contact us at 671-797-0789 or reach us via our website at www.get-guam.com . GET, LLC is a proud member of NAWIC and stand in support of enhancing the success of women in the construction industry.

Local NAWIC and OSHA Alliance to Promote Health and safety Through Website

Great news out of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Recently, NAWIC Region 10 Safety and Health Chairwoman Ann Marie Pelobello and NAWIC Guam President Bing Mejia announced a two year alliance contract between NAWIC and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to consult, train and educate Guam's women in the construction trades.

"Safety and health problems in construction create barriers to women entering and remaining in this field," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "Through this alliance, we will work together to forge innovative solutions to improve the safety, health and working conditions for women in the construction trades and retain them during a critical time of job shortages in this industry."

The alliance will focus on musculoskeletal and sanitation hazards and issues related to poorly-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) and will utilize a new web page that will address these issues and highlight these matters with associated training programs.

Based on a recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, OSHA also unveiled its new Women in Construction Web page, a site that outlines and addresses safety and health issues specific to female construction workers, including PPE, sanitary facilities and other resources.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with unions, consulates, trade and professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, businesses and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.

Successful Guam NAWIC Anniversary Event

The National Association of Women in Construction Guam Chapter #381 celebrated their Chartering last night and was such a huge success. Our hats off to the Executive Committee for organizing the event that showcased this unique group of women. Most of the Guam Chapter was in attendance-a sign that despite a downed economy and struggling construction sector each was willing to get together and honor the work of women in construction over the past year.

The Guam Chapter will be nominating Geri Leon Guerrero of ADZtech Advertising and Public Relations for the Region 10 Vision of Excellence Award. The firecracker-General Manager of the local PR firm has been a staunch advocate of the construction industry and has been an effective marketing voice of the Guam Contractors Association over the past year. Chapter #381 Founder Jaylene Kent won last year's Regional Vision Award and Guam is poised to make it two wins in a row.

Also, Island Equipment used the time to thank their loyal customers for their business this past year. I must say Matt Pothens and his team did a great job of bring the event all together. Dinner and dancing was complete with presentations on the Doosan lines of power generation equipment.

Expect the Guam NAWIC to grow over the next couple of years. There are some great ladies leading this bunch. GET, LLC credits Irene Hicks and Rose Delvecchio for sharing this group with us. It is so very important that we all take the time to push for more women to get involved in construction.

Why?

Self-employment will continue to rise. The Construction Industry is projected to grow 10.2% into the next three years peaking at 15% by 2016.

Believe. Persevere. Dare.

These are the core values that drive this group to enhance the success of women in the construction industry. Let's all do our part to grow this important industry.

Lets All Celebrate Women in Construction Week in Guam and Across America!

GET, LLC is a proud member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and even prouder member of the Guam NAWIC Chapter.

This week is a special one for us and NAWIC as we are celebrating Women in Construction Week (WIC).

From March 3-9, 2013 we are joining with other women-owned businesses in this important industry to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

The focus of WIC Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.

WIC Week provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country including here in Guam to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.

"While there are more than one million women employed in the construction industry, women only comprise approximately ten percent of the construction workforce. These women, whether they are administrative specialists, general contractors, subcontractors, trades people, or professionals, are vital elements to the construction process,” said President of NAWIC President Cindy Johnsen. “'Women in Construction Week' is simply a time set aside to thank those women for all their efforts toward successful construction projects, bring attention to the industry and encourage others to realize that construction is a viable, profitable career field.”

For the NAWIC Guam Chapter #381 the week's events culminate with a Chartering Anniversary Party to be held next Saturday night, March 9, 2013 at the Marriott Resort and Spa.

We hope you will join Tricia and the other members of the NAWIC Guam Chapter at this great event to celebrate and support Women in Construction Week.

NAWIC Call Out for Construction Education Visionary Award; NAWIC Guam Carnival a Huge Success

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is a busy bunch nowadays. From their national office to the local Guam Branch, activities are picking up.

NAWIC has made a national call for nominees for the Carol A. Kueker Construction Education Visionary Award. The award program recognizes on a national level the educator or advocate for and dedication to construction education. This honor is carved out for a non-member of NAWIC who has worked aggressively to promote construction a a viable career path. Members have until March 15, 2013 to submit awards packets to the NAWIC Educational Foundation based in Florida.

We ask locally, who would be a great nominee this year for Kueker Award.

At first blush, Dr. Mary Okada from the Guam Community College comes to mind. Her passion for the construction field is evidenced by her full commitment to the Guam Trades Academy and revamping the trades curriculum on the Mangilao campus. She has been advocating for increased employment opportunities for the trades since she became President in 2007. Dr. Okada has received many accolades from the Guam Contractors Association and Micronesian advocacy groups over the past five years and is considered a influential advisor to the leaders of the region through the Micronesian Chief Executives Summit. When asked, Dr. Okada doesn't shy away from assisting many of the construction companies with her time to talk about the importance of apprenticeships or her passion for creating jobs through other professional skills training. Additionally, she is constantly backing groups like the Center for Micronesian Empowerment and the Guam Department of Education to bring more training opportunities to the broader workforce.

We think that the Guam NAWIC present Dr. Okada for consideration for this prestigious award.

Additionally, this past week the NAWIC Guam Chapter #381 hosted its Carnival Mixer. From my understanding it was a pretty good turnout by members and supporters of women in construction. There are many leaders of the group to commend for putting this event together. It was a great opportunity to network. It was a great opportunity to discuss the issues facing construction today. But importantly, it was yet another way to celebrate the influential women of Guam construction industry who have put much time and effort into creating more job opportunities for the greater Micronesian workforce. There was great sponsorships of the events and importantly the discussions across the Guam International Airport Authority Cargo Building where it was held were significant towards understanding the construction climate in the region today. Many discussions focused on how the region gets past the issues to get the Guam Buildup moving forward again. Other talks focused on business diversity to ensure that groups look to alternatives to build business during these lean times.

One thing is for certain, the Carnival Mixer was a huge success and many in attendance hope it is a catalyst to further engagement by NAWIC members and the region's construction industry.

Important Facts about Women In Construction

GET, LLC is a proud member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). We, along with hundreds of women-owned businesses across the country, are committed to the support a network that provides its members with opportunities for professional development, education, networking, leadership training and public service.

This year NAWIC celebrates its 60 anniversary. Locally, we give credit to Irene Hicks who has mentored our small business since our business established. She along with many others across the 140 chapters have and continue to inspire more women to join the construction field. The membership has been of great use or service to GET, LLC.

As the organization celebrates its sixth decade of existance, some figures to share:

• Construction related jobs account for approximate 66% of all jobs in the U.S.

• 65% of construction companies employ fewer than 5 people

• The work force is comprised of 90.4% men and 9.6% women as of 2006

• Women-owned firms are on the rise

o 20% growth realized from 1997 to 2002

o Firms without employees reflect a 64% growth rate

o Firms with employees have seen declines

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women comprise about 9 percent of the construction workforce today. To remain competitive, the industry must continually recruit and train women. Other issues such as pay equity and safety are addressed by NAWIC through committees and round-table discussions. NAWIC members are also personally committed to addressing women’s concerns. For more information on NAWIC, please contact us and we can direct you to our local chapter to discuss membership or other issues further.