Come be a part of the 2nd Annual ABC Illinois Construction Summit!

Do you want to enhance your company’s profitability by staying on top of industry issues? Then click the button below to register for this year’s ABC Illinois Construction Summit! There is something for everyone on your team: owners, safety professionals, HR professionals, project managers, superintendents, CFOs, front line staff - anyone who can benefit hearing from leading industry experts.

ABC Illinois Events are for ABC Members and invited guests only.

This highly anticipated event will be held at Westin Chicago Northwest located at 400 Park Blvd., Itasca, IL 60143. To reserve your hotel room, please call The Westin at (630) 773-4000. Tell them you would like to reserve one of the ABC Illinois rooms. You may also reserve your room online by clicking here.

Registration: 8:00am - 8:45am

Welcome & Economic Outlook: 8:45am - 9:45am

Chris Kuehl, Armada

Dr. Chris Kuehl is a Managing Director of Armada Corporate Intelligence. He provides forecasts and strategic guidance for a wide variety of corporate clients around the world. He is the economist for several national and international organizations. He is also the economic analyst for several state accounting societies. Prior to starting Armada in 1999 he was a professor of economics and finance for 15 years. He holds advanced degrees in economics, Soviet studies and East Asian studies. Chris is the co-author of The Flagship and the Strategic Intelligence System - both publications from Armada. He is also responsible for Fabrinomics from the FMA and The Advisor for ASA.

Breakout Session 1: 10:00am - 11AM

Build Health & Safety Engagement Through Leadership

Greg Sizemore, ABC National

According to research by Associated Builders and Contractors, Top Management's involvement in a company's health and safety programs can have up to a 54% positive impact on safety performance. A leader's involvement should be the foundation upon which a health and safety culture is built. If a leaders is not involved, someone else is defining your health and safety culture.

Greg Sizemore is the vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development for ABC. Greg is a leader in the construction industry and business community on safety, total human health and workforce development. Prior to joining ABC in 2015, Sizemore worked at Zachry Industrial, where he played an integral role in the formation of Zachry’s competency-based safety, professional and craft workforce development programs. Greg also developed several new initiatives, including a craft university that targeted the construction industry’s critical crafts areas and a competency-based craft advancement and safety program. Prior to his time at Zachry, Sizemore held several management positions at BE&K Construction Co. in Birmingham, Alabama. Sizemore is also a volunteer leader in the safety and workforce development space. He is a past chair of the ABC National Craft Championships Committee and NCCER Workforce Development Committee. Currently, he serves on the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health and the board of directors of NCCER and chairs the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Magnetic Leadership

Mike Bellamen, ABC National

In this session participants explore and breakdown a definition of Leadership introduced by management consultant Alan Medville – “The authentic expression of who you are in such a way that creates the conditions for others to achieve”.  As a student of leadership, Bellaman creates a participative atmosphere which enables robust debate about what makes or does not make a great and “magnetic” leader.  If you want to improve your leadership, this session will give you some fundamentals to work with.

Mike Bellamen has served as President and CEO of ABC since 2011. A 1985 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Bellaman earned a bachelor’s in architectural engineering and spent more than two decades in the construction industry before joining ABC. Under his leadership, ABC has deployed a five-year, association-wide strategic planning framework to align all chapters and members which, over the last decade, has led to results including; growing contractor membership by 7%, increasing the number of fair and open competition states by 1,100% and the number of right-to-work states by 22%, and expanding Free Enterprise Alliance fundraising by 200%.  Bellaman has also launched initiatives that have strengthened ABC members’ value proposition, such as a construction technology and innovation initiative, a grassroots political advocacy app, growing national recognition for the National Craft Championships and Construction Management Competition, and deploying an inclusion, diversity, and merit strategy.

Inflation Reduction Act

Ben Brubeck, ABC National

On Aug. 29, 2023, the U.S. Treasury Department issued a controversial proposed rule and FAQs to provide additional guidance regarding prevailing wage and government-registered apprenticeship requirements that must be satisfied by private developers to be eligible for more than $270 billion worth of federal tax incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act for the construction of clean energy projects. Learn about ABC’s comments and concerns on the proposal and what to expect from the forthcoming final rule and other significant Biden administration regulations overhauling the Davis-Bacon Act and government-registered apprenticeships.

Ben Brubeck is vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs at the Associated Builders and Contractors. A recognized expert in procurement, labor and employment issues impacting the construction industry, Mr. Brubeck has extensive experience with the Davis-Bacon Act, state prevailing wage laws, project labor agreements and regulations affecting federal contractors. He also serves as vice president of policy for the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships. Prior to joining ABC, Mr. Brubeck was the 2003 James A. Finnegan Foundation Fellow for the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee. 

Breakout Session 2: 11:15am - 12:15pm

Media Management: How to Control the Narrative

Erika Walter, ABC National

Every communication has an impact on your business—including your interactions with the media. From the way staff answers the telephone, to your virtual background in interviews, the quality of your emails and the timeliness of responding to inquiries, establishing a reputation as a highly informed, reputable source for media will help establish your business and team as thought leaders to your target audiences and local community. Learn how to develop an effective media relations strategy, develop relationships with the media, craft news releases and talking points and more.

Erika Walter serves as the media relations director for ABC National. In this role, Erika oversees ABC’s brand, strategic goals and the message of the merit shop in the media through media inquiries, news releases and statements, pitches, op-eds and other forms of relationship-building with the press. Since Erika joined ABC National in December 2020, the association’s media hits have increased from 15/day to 57/day. Erika also assists ABC’s 68 chapters achieve strategic messaging goals. Prior to ABC National, Erika served as the communications director for ABC Pelican and ABC of Louisiana, where she led the strategic communications goals of both the chapter and state association. Before ABC, Erika was the press secretary for the Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit that advocates for the federal workforce, and Rep. Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, in Washington, D.C. Erika began her career in communications as a writer and producer for Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network.

Recruit & Retain Your Rockstars (Part 2)

Brian Lee, Phoenix Builders LTD. | Chris Dameron, Aerotek | Malik Khan, Pinnacle Coaching | Michael Wesa, Leapros

Michael Wesa is a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. He spearheaded the growth of MKD Electric, a leading national industrial electrical contractor founded in Illinois, driving the company's expansion from $10 million to $150 million in revenue before a successful exit. Throughout his career at MKD, Michael gained hands-on experience through various roles, including Apprentice Electrician, Operations Manager, Business Development Manager, CFO, Vice President, and ultimately, President.

 During his time at MKD, Michael identified a need for a specialized, high-touch service provider in construction staffing and recruiting. This insight led him to establish Leapros, a full-service national staffing and recruiting agency. Following his exit from MKD Electric, he now serves as the CEO of Leapros, guiding its growth and operations.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from DePaul University and an MBA from Northern Illinois University, combining practical industry expertise with strong a strong entrepreneurial spirit to drive successful business outcomes. Michael has also been a member of ABC for many years and has been proud to serve in many capacities.

What to Expect with State & Federal Politics After the Presidential Election

David Ramirez, Michael Best Strategies

In the aftermath of a presidential election, the political landscape undergoes significant shifts, impacting both state and federal spheres. This informative session is tailored for members of the ABC community and merit-based businesses, offering insights into what to anticipate in the realm of politics following the presidential race. From potential policy changes to shifts in power dynamics, attendees will gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape and how it may affect their interests and operations. Whether you’re a concerned citizen, a policymaker, or an industry professional within the ABC network, this session equips you with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of post-election politics with confidence. Join us as we explore the road ahead and uncover what lies on the horizon for state and federal governance, specifically tailored to ABC members and merit-based businesses.

David focuses on government relations and public policy strategies designed to help clients overcome individual business challenges and implement legislative or regulatory change. His experience in helping to run Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner’s gubernatorial campaign has given him great insight into the political and legislative process.

Prior to joining Michael Best Strategies, David served as a statewide field director in primary and general elections during Governor Rauner’s 2014 campaign. In this capacity, David oversaw 80 offices and 500 workers. 

Lunch: 12:15pm - 1:45pm

What to Expect if OSHA Shows Up on the Job Site

Nick Guilfoyle, Allied Safety Group

OSHA is committed to strong, fair, and effective enforcement of safety and health requirements in the workplace. OSHA inspectors, called compliance safety and health officers, are experienced, well-trained industrial hygienists and safety professionals whose goal is to assure compliance with OSHA requirements and help employers and workers reduce on-the-job hazards and prevent injuries, illnesses, and deaths in the workplace. Normally, OSHA conducts inspections without advance notice.  In this presentation we will discuss the following:

 Types of OSHA Inspections and the Priority.

1. The Inspection Process from arrival through departure from your site or place of business.

2. Steps to take following a Citation and Notification of Penalty.

3. Employer and Employee rights during and following an inspection.

4. Ways to prevent the risk of compliance problems at your place of business and work sites.

Nick Guilfoyle was USMC in 2002-2013. He entered into the Occupational Safety and Health field in 2016, graduating Magna Cum Lade in 2019 from Columbia Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health. Currently he holds American Red Cross Instructor certification for Adult and Pediatric First-Aid/CPR/AED, OSHA 10/30 Hour for the Construction Industry Authorized Outreach Trainer, ATSSA TCS, is a MEWP Instructor, and a Competent Persons Trainer.

Breakout Session 3: 2:00pm - 3:15pm

Prevailing Wage 101

Jeff Risch, Amundsen Davis

Join Labor & Employment Attorney, Jeffrey Risch, for a timely webinar discussing and examining prevailing wage law on a state and federal level.  Topics will include:

•  Prevailing Wage Law in Illinois “101” – an Overview and Refresher of the Basics

• Contract Disclaimers and Protecting Your Own Bottom Line

• Annualization of Fringe Benefits and the Impact on Contractors

• Major Differences b/n IL law and Federal Davis-Bacon law

• Completing the Certified Transcript of Payroll

• Consequences for Non-Compliance (backpay, penalties, interest & debarment)

• Case Law Updates/Developments

• Dispelling Myths & Legend (what you think you know, may not be accurate)

Jeff has many years of both private practice and in-house counsel experience. In his practice, Jeff handles both employment and traditional labor matters. Such matters include: countering various union tactics; navigating government audits; defending discrimination, retaliation and wrongful termination claims; avoiding employee wage and hour controversies; complying with prevailing wage and minimum wage laws; litigating employment contract disputes and unfair competition controversies; upholding independent contractor and contingent workforce relationships; and negotiating collective bargaining agreements.

Jeff’s legal knowledge is accompanied by his understanding of his clients’ industries, which include construction, banking, manufacturing and food processing, health care (particularly long term care), and transportation, among others. Jeff participates in various trade and professional associations devoted to his clients’ diverse industries. He is passionately committed to helping employers stay up-to-date with legal developments and trends unique to their industry.  

Union Organizing Toolkit

Beverly Alfon, Amundsen Davis

Google.  Starbucks.  Wells Fargo.  Even these behemoths of business have not been immune from union organizing and the many legal complications that come with the onset of organizing.  As a construction contractor you should always expect to be on a union’s radar.  A proper response to union organizing is one that protects employee rights while exercising employer rights.  If you don’t know where employer and employee rights start and end in this context, you will have a very difficult and risky time navigating union organizing.  During this roundtable discussion, we will cover types of labor union organizing campaigns and nuances in the construction industry, how employers can respond to union campaigns, including permissible and impermissible conduct under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA):

• What can employers proactively do to avoid union organizing? 

• What are the indirect signs of union organizing? 

• How will your company address organizing and are you ready deploy a rapid response?  Why do does this call for “rapid” response?

• What will your messaging be – and is it legal?  

Bev is a partner in the Labor and Employment practice group at Amundsen Davis.  She strives to understand a client’s business, in order to effectively support it in reaching its goals by preempting and addressing its challenges. She knows that solutions are not one-size-fits all.  She spent the first 10 years of her career representing labor unions, their funds, and employees -- but has spent the last 13 years exclusively representing employer and management interests. Armed with this unique perspective, she regularly counsels employers on compliance with ever-changing state/local and federal laws, develops employment policies, assists clients with executing human resources strategies, negotiates employment and separation agreements, conducts internal investigations, conducts due diligence of labor and employment matters in M&A, and advises employers in connection with strategic planning related to collective bargaining, fringe benefit fund audits, and withdrawal liability.  She also has extensive experience in defending employers in a wide range of disputes ranging from discrimination and retaliation claims to union picketing, strikes, and unfair labor practice charges.

She is a frequent speaker on labor and employment matters, including seminars for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Chicago-Kent Institute for Law and the Workplace, and various contractor associations.  She is also a regular contributor to Amundsen Davis’s Labor and Employment Law Update.

Contracts for Contractors

John Walker, Waveland Law

Building on last year's discussion of  AIA Contracts & The Mechanics Lien Act, we will dive into various snares set by owners, such as indemnities, sworn statements, pay-when-paid and pay-if-paid clauses, audit rights, demands for disclosure and approval of subs and bids.  We will also discuss the strict requirements imposed by the Architecture Act of 1989 upon contractors who want to call themselves "design-builders”.

Breakout Session 4: 3:30pm - 4:45pm

Best HR Practices for Small Businesses

Beverly Alfon, Amundsen Davis

You have so much to juggle in operating your small business.  It is no wonder that HR practices sometimes get neglected.  As your company grows, so do the HR issues that you have deal with.  Neglected HR practices will cost you time and money in the long run because failure to comply with ever-changing federal, state, and local employment laws will likely land you in legal trouble.  More than the risk factor, of course, understanding the many facets of HR will also bring big returns for your company.  The reality is that HR management for small businesses is just as important as it is for big organizations, and the processes are very similar - even if you have only have a handful of employees. During this roundtable discussion, we will cover some do’s and don’ts, recommendations, and best HR practices for small businesses.

Taking Care of Employees

Adam Bonsky, ABC Insurance Trust

Learn about construction specific and ABC member exclusive employee benefits programs offered through the ABC Insurance Trust. Since 1957, their mission has been to serve ABC members, offering tailored employee benefits and construction-specific services.

Explore their four unique, members-only programs, unavailable in the open market and built exclusively for ABC members:

• The Construction Healthcare Alliance: the first ever healthcare captive built for the construction industry.

• The Small Business Healthcare Solution: an ABC member only alternative to the high cost of traditional employee healthcare programs.

• Our MetLife national program: offers a wide range of benefits that can provide financial security and peace of mind to ABC contractor employees.

• The ABC Multiple Employer Plan: a retirement plan solution that significantly reduces your cost and fiduciary liability while allowing plan design flexibility.

The Trust has solutions for members of all sizes, delivering a comprehensive suite of employee benefits including major medical, ancillary, voluntary and retirement solutions. With their knowledge of the construction industry, they understand the challenges contractors face, such as bidding on projects subject to Davis Bacon and state prevailing wage regulations. Therefore, they can provide additional compliance support to members.

Award Ceremony, Networking, & Happy Hour

5:00pm - 7:00pm