Associated Builders and Contractor’s (ABC) 2014 Workforce Development Conference is now open for registration. The conference, held April 29-May 2 in Birmingham, Ala., features more than 40 sessions covering a range of topics from project management, safety, workforce development, productivity and association management. 

The National Labor Relations Board Jan. 22 formally withdrew its modified ambush elections rule, which would have reduced the amount of time between when a union files a representation petition and an election takes place to as few as 17 days. 

ABC is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Craft Professional of the Year Award (CPOY) which honors an individual who exhibits outstanding skills and leadership and demonstrates a passion for their job in the field and giving back to the community. The winner will receive a brand new truck and a feature article in Construction Executive highlighting their hard work and dedication to the industry. 

President Obama Jan.17 signed into law a $1.01 trillion omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 3547) that funds all federal agencies for fiscal year 2014. The Senate Jan. 16 passed the appropriations bill by a 72-26 vote and the House Jan. 15, passed the bill by a 359-67 vote. The legislation includes funding decreases for many federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Labor Relations Board.

ABC’s latest member program, Project Virtual, is now offering courses on BIM training and solutions to help ABC contractors better plan, build, and manage their building and infrastructure projects. 

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments Jan. 13 in the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) recess appointments case (Noel Canning).  The oral arguments centered on a lower court ruling that held President Obama’s early 2012 recess appointments of three members to the NLRB were unconstitutional. More background information on the Noel Canning case and ABC National’s involvement can be found on the ABC website. 

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) announced a webinar series on the requirements for federal contractors and subcontractors when implementing the new Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act rules. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started a pilot rebate program for nonroad engines called the Construction Equipment Funding Opportunity, which helps to provide financial assistance to public and private construction equipment owners for engine replacements and/or exhaust controls on older construction equipment. 

The Public-Private Partnership Alliance announced the agenda for its 2014 National Conference for Public-Private Partnerships (P3C 2014), which will be held Feb. 24-25 in Dallas, Texas. As one of the largest events combining public planners, economic developers and A/E/C professionals, the second annual conference will bring together top industry decision makers to address the most relevant and pressing issues faced in public-private partnerships.

The 2014 Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP) applications are now available and have been mailed to all ABC chapters and contractor members.