2 | Merit Shop Message | <strong>August</strong> <strong>2013</strong>
MERIT SHOP MESSAGE President Alvin M. Bargas Vice Chair Member Services Lee Mayeux Editor Caitlin Stolzenthaler Programs & Events Chair Austin Gaffney MERIT SHOP MESSAGE is published monthly by Pelican Chapter, <strong>ABC</strong>. <strong>ABC</strong> is a national nonprofit trade association of contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and associates who have joined together to advance the construction industry by aggressively supporting the merit shop philosophy and the free enterprise system. Copyright <strong>2013</strong>. Pelican Chapter Associated Builders & Contractors 19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, La 70809 225-752-1415 Fax 225-751-9470 www.abcpelican.org Executive Committee Chair Todd Grigsby, Cajun Industries; Chair-Elect Ronnie Gulino, ISC; Secretary Andrew Lopez, Bennett Builders; Treasurer Ryan Girouard, Whitney National Bank; VC Education Sarah Taylor, Gulf Coast Occupational Medicine.; VC Outlying Area Chet Ferachi, Performance Contractors; VC Growth Trey Crawford, Grady Crawford Construction Company; VC Government Relations Joe Wiley, EXCEL Contractors; VC Member Services Lee Mayeux, Cajun Industries, LLC; Past Chair Jerome Mabile, Performance Contractors FROM THE CHAIRMAN: MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD <strong>ABC</strong> members from Louisiana took it upon themselves to make their voices heard in Washington D.C.. While participating in the <strong>ABC</strong> National Legislative Conference, a large group of <strong>ABC</strong> members and <strong>ABC</strong> staff from Louisiana met with our congressional delegation in their offices and at a reception hosted by <strong>ABC</strong> of Louisiana. Much of the discussion with our elected officials was focused on the immigration bill, burdensome regulations placed on businesses, project labor agreements, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage, and the National Labor Relations Board. <strong>ABC</strong> members who attended the <strong>2013</strong> Free Enterprise Alliance (FEA) got to hear from Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Senator Paul did an excellent job of explaining the problems we have in the federal government and the ways he thinks we should fix them. Thankfully the vast majority of Louisiana’s elected officials in Washington support the issues important to <strong>ABC</strong>. They understand the benefits of free enterprise and open competition, and are proponents of the merit shop philosophy. Our Louisiana <strong>ABC</strong> delegation filled the offices of our elected officials, spurred debate and dialogue, asked questions, answered questions, gave appreciation (where due), and most importantly made our voices heard loud and clear. <strong>ABC</strong> Louisiana Fishing Rodeo Once again, the <strong>ABC</strong> Louisiana Fishing Rodeo exceeded all expectations. Participants enjoyed great food and drinks at the Sand Dollar Marina on Grand Isle. The fishing was exceptional and the weather was picture perfect. The fellowship and friendly banter among the fishermen helped make this year’s rodeo a great time for all. Member Mixer Todd Grigsby, Cajun Industries Buquet & Leblanc hosted a Member Mixer at Juban’s on June 25th. The event was well attended and afforded many members networking opportunities while enjoying the atmosphere and libations. Thanks to Buquet & Leblanc and all the members that were able to attend. Board of Directors Brian Bordelon, Triad Electric & Controls, Inc.; Jimmy Couch, The Shaw Group; Donnie David, ISC; Austin Gaffney, Regions Insurance; Greg Landry, The Lemoine Co. Inc.; Dale Leblanc, Cajun Industries; Fred McManus, The Shaw Group, Inc.; Ray Neck, Turner Industries Group; Glen Redd, Triad Electric & Controls; Thad Rispone, ISC; Jill Tucker, Cory, Tucker & Larrowe; Wade Walker, Jacobs Field Services; Joe Wiley, EXCEL Chapter Legal Counsel Murphy Foster, III, Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson Law Firm Auditor Hannis T. Bourgeois, LLP <strong>ABC</strong> members visit with Represantative Boustany during the <strong>ABC</strong> National Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.. The Merit Shop Advantage Merit Shop is a way of doing business in which companies reward employees based on performance and encourage them to reach their highest level of achievement, and in which contracts are awarded based on safety, quality, and value, regardless of labor affiliation. Merit Shop Message | <strong>August</strong> <strong>2013</strong> | 3
Change language