ASSOCIATION NEWS
The NSA affiliation allows the NCSA
to emphasize local and state issues
with the strength of a national organ-
ization.” The NCSA provides networking
events, educational meetings and
seminars, general contractor access
and local advocacy.

ABC Carolinas announces
deadlines, changes for EIC
Awards program
Associated Builders and Contrac-
tors (ABC) of the Carolinas has re-
vised deadlines and included a new
award in its annual Excellence in
Construction (EIC) awards program.

"We have looked at the entry
questions with a fresh eye and have
made adjustments to reflect current
industry standards," the association
says in a notice to members. "Please
be sure to read each question care-
fully as long-standing instructions
have changed. The impacted sec-
tions are: Scope, Narrative, Difficulty
and Quality of Finished Product."
Video: Last year's EIC
Awards winners
The new category for Historical
Restoration/Renovation aligns with
national EIC categories.

There will be new trophies, com-
memorating the 20th anniversary of
ABC Carolinas.

Deadlines have been moved up:
• June 8 – EIC Phase I Opens
• July 20 – Entry Application (Phase
I) closes with payment due
• Sept. 21 – Complete Online Entry
(Phase II) submission due
• Nov. 15 – EIC Award Banquet –
Hilton Charlotte
To start the 2018 entry process,
visit the ABC Carolinas Chapter EIC
Awards site. If you have questions,
contact EIC committee chair Erin
Branham. HCAC to host Gala &
Brilliance Awards in August
The Hispanic Contractors Associa-
tion of the Carolinas (HCAC) is host-
ing the Gala & Brilliance Awards to
celebrate its 10-year anniversary.

At the Gala & Brilliance Awards,
18 — Summer 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News
industry leaders gather together in
the Triangle to recognize the success
and advancement of Hispanic and
other minority contractors across the
Carolinas, as well as the impact of
the HCAC in the industry.

"We are joined by organizations
and key partners who advocate for
the prosperity of minority construc-
tion businesses, including minority
contractors, general contractors,
government agencies, associates, in-
dustry colleagues, sponsors, part-
ners, and our incredible board of
directors," according to HCAC.

The event will take place at His-
toric Royal Bakery Building, 3801
Hillsborough St. Suite 109, in
Raleigh. ABC Carolinas electrical
apprentice graduates
celebrate at BB&T Park
The Associated Builders and Con-
tractors (ABC) of the Carolinas
helped 13 electrical apprentice grad-
uates celebrate their achievements
by hosting them in June at Char-
lotte's BB&T Ballpark for a Charlotte
Knights game.

The graduates were recognized
during pre-game festivities, walking
onto the field with t-shirts imprinted
with the slogan: “The Other 4-Year
Degree". “ABC Carolinas Chapter is the pre-
mier construction association repre-
senting the commercial/industrial
construction industry," the ballpark
announcer said. "ABC members
build the hospitals, churches,
schools, office buildings – and even
this amazing ballpark – where we
live, work and play in the Carolinas.

ABC Carolinas Chapter is investing in
the future of the construction indus-
try and is proud to introduce the
Electrical Apprenticeship Graduation
Class of 2018. Please welcome the
future of the construction industry.”
Valedictorian Jeff Klutzz of Eldeco
was invited to throw out the first
pitch, Groundbreak Carolinas re-
ported. In the program, apprentices work
full time during the day and attend
classes two nights per week. They
learn about the use and care of
tools, conduit, switchboards, wiring
devices, lighting fixtures, motors and
controls and general electrical
work. The classroom training applies
standardized curriculum from the Na-
tional Center for Construction and
Education Research (NCCER) and
lasts four years.

Jeff Morris, the ABC Carolinas
Chapter director of workforce devel-
opment, was quoted as saying that
overall enrolment increased by 57
percent compared to the previous
year. “Congratulations to all of the 2018
graduates. We applaud your hard
work, dedication and achievements,"
Morris said. "As you embark on this
new beginning, we encourage you to
make a difference in someone else’s
life by sharing your knowledge. It’s a
remarkable accomplishment to com-
plete this program. We wish you
continued success in your careers,”
said Morris.

Graduates are: Jose Cano –
Howard Brother Electric; Chad Efrid –
Gowdy Electric; Steven Hofmann –
Watson Electrical Construction Com-
pany; Brandon Hunter – Starr Electric
Company; Joshua Jenkins; Tyson
Keenan; Jeff Klutzz, Valedictorian – El-
deco; Christopher Pavelek – Watson
Electrical Construction Company;
Christopher Pressley – Starr Electric
Company; O’Bryant Ralph – WB
Moore; Auturo Vizcarra Santiago –
Hardhat Workforce Solutions; James
Thornton – Watson Electric Company;
and David Vargus – Gaylor Electric.