Equipment Distributors clarify “right to repair” distortions

An expansive White House order issued under the banner of “promoting competition in the American economy” presents 72 initiatives for more than a dozen federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, which is encouraged to limit “equipment manufacturers from restricting people’s ability to use independent repair shops.” The order instructs the FTC chairman to consider working with colleagues to exercise…

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ORGANIZATIONS – DECEMBER 2020

The American Society of Concrete Contractors has named Cleveland general contractor Donley’s Inc. and Davidson, N.C. specialty contractor Wayne Brothers Inc. as W. Burr Bennett Award for Safety Excellence recipients, based on 2019 metrics. The ASCC Safety & Risk Management Council presents the honor in partnership with major underwriter CNA, judging candidates on three years of performance indicators; a self-assessment…

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Foundation fosters apprenticeships for heavy equipment and truck mechanics

The U.S. Department of Labor has approved the AED Foundation (AEDF) as a Standards Recognition Entity (SRE) for heavy equipment or truck mechanics and service technicians, plus diesel engine specialists. The designation allows it to guide members of Associated Equipment Distributors, Schaumburg, Ill., as they launch Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.

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Equipment manufacturers propel mechanics apprenticeships

Sources: Associated Equipment Distributors, AEF Foundation, Schaumburg, Ill.; CP staff The U.S. Department of Labor has approved the AED Foundation (AEDF) as a Standards Recognition Entity (SRE) for heavy equipment or truck mechanics and service technicians and diesel engine specialists. The designation allows it to guide Associated Equipment Distributors members as they launch Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs.

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Producer, contractor coalition books favorable depreciation, expensing levels in federal tax package

Sources: National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Md.; CP staff

A tax extenders package accompanying the $1.15 trillion Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2016 Congress passed ahead of the holiday break has two major provisions benefitting concrete producers and their contractor customers: an extension of the 50 percent bonus depreciation for capital equipment purchased in 2015–2017, phasing to 40 percent and 30 percent in 2018 and 2019; and, permanent extension of Section 179 expensing limits and phase-out amounts, $500,000 and $2 million, respectively, that were in place from 2010 through 2014 but lapsed to $25,000 and $200,000 this year.

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