There are many ways to get connected and stay up to date on ABC’s latest news and member resources. Whether you prefer scrolling through social media or reading print magazines, it’s both easy and free to be in-the-know on today’s hot-button issues.

The Internal Revenue Service last week identified the proposed Section 2704 regulations concerning the valuation of family businesses among eight unduly burdensome or complex rules that would be marked for rescission or modification. According to the notice, “these proposed regulations would create an additional category of restrictions that also would be disregarded in assessing the fair market value of an interest.” The notice also noted concerns from public commenters including the increased financial burden to family businesses and the difficulty in making accurate valuations.

On June 27, the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Army and Army Corps of Engineers announced they are proposing to rescind the 2015 Clean Water Rule and re-codify the regulatory text that existed prior to the “waters of the United States,” or WOTUS, rule in 2015. The final rule, which was first issued in May 2015, dramatically expanded the scope of federal authority over water and land uses across the country. 

ABC's 2017 National Craft Championships gold medalists, Craft Instructor of the Year and Craft Professional of the Year were honored before an audience of more than 41,000 at a July 3 Major League Baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. As spectators filed into the stadium, the champions stood on the field while their names were announced over the public address system recognizing them and their companies for their achievements during the pre-game ceremony.

During ABC's Legislative Week 2017, an ad entitled ‘ABC Members Build America’ was released via social media. The ad features updated information on the growing nonunion workforce chart, construction industry tax rates and ABC members’ improving safety performance. The ad has been made available as marketing resources for ABC members and chapters.

Earlier this month, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) published a new Hazard Alert that addresses heat hazards and the best methods to prevent illness and injury while working in hot weather.

Nearly 800 members attended ABC’s 2017 Legislative Week in Washington, D.C., last week. See highlights of all the events on ABC’s Flickr account, including speakers Vice President of the United States Mike Pence, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel, Sen. Todd Young (R-Inc.) and more.

On June 27, President Trump nominated William Emanuel, a shareholder with ABC’s general counsel, Littler Mendelson P.C., to fill the remaining seat on the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Emanuel is a member of Littler’s Traditional Labor Practice Group and has extensive experience representing trade associations, hospitals, school districts, manufacturing companies and others in a wide range of labor matters.

ABC recently launched a new workforce development website, workforce.abc.org. The site features information on training and education, career paths, safety and diversity programs and workforce development programs ABC manages around the country. Our flexible, affordable craft and safety training leads to industry-recognized, national credentials for today’s leading construction positions. Together, we help individuals train, transform and triumph as they pursue meaningful careers that advance their potential and build strong communities.

It is with great sadness that ABC announces the death of Rosita Howell on June 23. Known to many ABC’ers as “Z,” Rosita  served as executive assistant to ABC national presidents Kirk Pickerel and Dan Bennet.  She started her career at ABC in the 1970s and worked for the association for all but a few on the intervening years, when she worked for past National Chair Gary Hess at Hess Mechanical, and retired from ABC in 2011.