MCAA Regional Report, Region G
Words: Michael SutterArizona - Glenn Hottmann
Colorado - No State Chair
New Mexico - Randy Saponaro
Utah - Alan Johnson
Wyoming - Jim Thompson
Economic Conditions/Forecasts
Arizona
Arizona's Economic Climate has slowed in our Housing Market. The Commercial and Public work has been on a steady pace but nothing outstanding. Our material shortages have not been a problem since our Housing Market has slowed. Our labor shortage still persists. Overall, our Market continues to rebound slowly.
Colorado
No State Chair.
New Mexico
No report as of this writing.
Utah
It has been stated that Utah's Economy will remain strong for the next three decades. Every sector of the Utah's economy added jobs in 2006, with construction accounting for one quarter of the new jobs that were not farm related. Utah's job growth is running four times the national average. Although housing has slowed down considerably around the nation, it has not slowed noticeably in Utah because of net migration of others to Utah.
Wyoming
No report as of this writing.
Workforce Development
Arizona
The Arizona Masonry Contractors Association remains very active in Education of our future Craftsmen of tomorrow. The AMCA has 52 Apprentices in our classes. We continue to promote our Industry to High Schools throughout our State. In addition, we have continued to support Masonry Programs in Local Schools. Our Suppliers have been great Supporters toward Education of our young Masons of tomorrow.
Colorado
No State Chair.
New Mexico
No report as of this writing.
Utah
Utah is experiencing a severe labor shortage. Our unemployment is currently at 2.6 percent, effectively meaning there is no workforce to grow from. It is our opinion that there are not enough bricklayers in the State of Utah to accommodate the projects that are planed or currently under construction this year. The good thing is that this holds true for all the trades, so designing around this problem is not that much of an option for architects and owners. We are truly blessed this year as the perfect storm for construction is upon us.
Wyoming
No report as of this writing.
Legislative Issues
Arizona
The AMCA Chapter has 11 Members that belong to the MCAA and 1 MCAA at large. Our Chapter continues to promote MCAA membership and involvement at all our functions and meetings. Our attendance of the AMCA will be well represented at the 2007 Masonry Showcase. Our Chapter membership continues to grow slowly.
Colorado
No State Chair.
New Mexico
No report as of this writing.
Utah
No report as of this writing.
Wyoming
No report as of this writing.
OSHA & Safety
Arizona
Our Arizona Masonry Contractors Association Safety Committee continues to meet quarterly, print Safety articles in our Newsletter and Host Safety Seminars. State Compensation Fund of Arizona is finally back on track after a year long struggle in updating their system. They are requiring us to have a Safety Library for our Members and be hosting more injury specific topics in our Seminars that relate to our Associations Loss Ratios. The AMCA is working with other State Associations on a Constitutional Amendment to reinstate the Statute regarding Drug & Alcohol programs. This came about when the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that denying workers compensation benefits to a worker simply because they tested positive for alcohol or illegal drugs at the time of the accident was unconstitutional.
Colorado
No State Chair.
New Mexico
No report as of this writing.
Utah
Dealing with OSHA regulations and immigration issues seem to be the two most active issues that we as mason contractors are dealing with. Strong safety programs assist in dealing with OSHA, but we are at the mercy of the State and Federal agencies in dealing with immigration issues that are starting to affect us. Our presence with our perspective associations working on our behalf is invaluable.
Wyoming
No report as of this writing.