Associated Builders office carries early Green Globes certification

Associated Builders & Contractors’ 19,300-sq.-ft. national headquarters in Washington, D.C., is one of the first buildings to be certified under Green Globes for Sustainable Interiors, a program available to owners or individual commercial space tenants from the Green Building Initiative (GBI), Portland, Ore.

By focusing on economic, environmental and social sustainability, “ABC was able to choose a location that attracts top talent, increases value for our members and lowers the square footage, while incorporating sustainable materials and methods—such as virtual design and recycling—into the construction process and beyond,” says ABC President Mike Bellaman. “We have an office that furthers strategic goals, minimizes our impact on the environment and provides easy access to multiple modes of transportation and a vibrant community for employees. GBI took into account many of these factors during the assessment.”

Completed late last year, the project entailed an interior fit-out of office and support spaces on the second and third floors on an existing District of Columbia building. Advanced by the ABC Green Building Committee—with financial support from Big-D Construction and the ABC Massachusetts Chapter—the Green Globes certification saw an on-site review of the completed facility; interviews with project management team members; and, third-party reviews of product and construction documentation necessary to verify sustainability features.

The National Precast Concrete Association noted the early-June passing of founding member Douglas Hoskin, a professional engineer and former president of Ontario-based Unit Step Woodstock. He joined a group of producers and suppliers to form NPCA in 1965, serving in variety of capacities with the association, including chairman (1973).

Hoskin is one of two association founders who have been honored with annual NPCA awards in their name. The Douglas G. Hoskin Award is presented during the Chairman’s Banquet at the Annual Convention to the member who has sponsored the most new members in the previous year. NPCA presented Hoskin with the other founder’s award, named for Robert E. Yoakum, in 1967—the first year of the honor.

The American Society of Concrete Contractors will hold its 13th Annual Conference, September 18-21, at the Westin Westminster in Denver. Concrete contractors, equipment and product manufacturers, designers and other industry professionals will gather for three days of educational and networking opportunities.

The keynote speaker will be Seal the Deal President Tom Woodcock, who addresses thousands of contractors, sales personnel, and suppliers every year concerning the sales skills necessary to compete in this challenging economy. His topic for ASCC is “Beating Price Through Your Network.” Joining him on the conference speaker roster are Jerry Holland, Bob Simonelli, Wally Adamchik, and Jeff Coleman.

Half-day workshops, each designed to foster interaction between presenters and participants, will cover Field Leadership and Management Training; Talent Development and Recruitment; and, Communicating in a Crisis. Rocky Geans Business School will be offered September 18-19. Seminar topics include Cutting Edge Technology, Simplifying Communication From Office to Field, Contract Issues and Change Orders and The Latest and Greatest in Superflats.

ASCC members will demonstrate decorative vertical applications, new stenciling methods, and epoxy metallic installation. The ACI Flatwork Finisher Certification class and exam will be offered September 18. Conference registration and additional details can be obtained from ASCC, 866/788-2722, or by visiting www.ascconline.org.

The Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute has appointed Scott Stevens chairman of the board, along with four new officers to guide the Institute through its next two years: Matthew Schewe, Commercial Metals Co., chair of Member Services; Giacomo