New Wall System Helps Baltimore Project Win ENR “Best of the Best”
Congratulations to Baltimore Masonry and members of BAC Local 1 MVD for the stunning Morgan State University Library, which won an ENR “Best of the Best” Award. The project used a new rain screen wall system that required skilled craftworkers. Getting BAC contractors comfortable with new products and systems is a major IMI initiative. { more } |
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Flynn Center Keeps NY PCC Contractor Looking Good
Last year, DeBrino Caulking Associates in Castleton, NY enjoyed one of its best years ever. To keep in good shape for a repeat, the PCC firm works closely with BAC Local 2 NY to ensure a steady supply of qualified workers. For Local 2, which is training at capacity in other trades in their local training center, the answer is additional IMI training at The Flynn Center in Bowie, MD. { more } |
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Minnesota Events Center Showcases BAC/IMI Teamwork
The Bemidji Regional Events Center project has not yet broken ground, but it has already seen plenty of drama. Fortunately, the classic story of BAC and IMI teamwork ended in applause. { more } |
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MSHA Training On Demand Shows IMI Versatility
Manning jobs that require specialized skills like refractory plus safety training required by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) would be too tall an order for any local. Just-in-time training at The Flynn Center makes it easy. { more } |
Continuing Education for the Tile Industry
IMI keeps everyone involved in tile – designers, contractors, owners, managers, craftworkers and suppliers – up on the latest technical and strategic advice, through its educational programs. { more } |
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| FLYNN CENTER PROFILES |
Local 2 NY PCC Apprentices Brian Pulver II, Charlie Pulver, Tom Orbon, Joseph Jarosz
For these working apprentices, many of whom have grown up in the business, there is just no comparison with IMI training. Just ask Brian Pulver II, whose father is superintendent of DeBrino (see related story). “I look back on jobs I’ve been on, and I can see now that training is a big thing." "Learning here is always a better way." { more } |
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IMI Case Studies: Harley-Davidson, Eastern York High School |
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At Harley-Davidson’s stunning new headquarters in Milwaukee, highly skilled BAC craftworkers brought an intricate lettering design to life. For a Pennsylvania high school project, everyone benefited when the masonry contractor took a “whole wall” approach.
IMI Case Studies |
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| BAC contractors try installing Boston Valley Terra Cotta rain screen wall at the Boston event. |
New Products and Systems
One way IMI helps contractors grow is through new product educational programs, like a recent rain screen wall conference at the Illinois District Council Training Center.
In Boston, contractors take advantage of a New Products Expo series that lets them interact with materials and ask lots of questions. “We must start bidding these projects,” says BAC Local 3 MA President Charles Raso.
In New Jersey, a recent IMI New Products Expo helped architects and engineers see how IMI technical and training expertise enhances any project. “The events are educational and a pleasure to attend,” says architect David A. Clark, R.A. of Ronald Sebring Associates. |
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Flynn Center Keeps NY PCC Contractor Looking Good
In February, nine Local 2 apprentices came to The Flynn Center to spend eight weeks in the PCC pre-job program; another PCC graduate cross-trained in stone. (see Profiles)
DeBrino President Lewis Houghtaling was already impressed with the apprentices’ work ethic and willingness to learn before they came to The Flynn Center. Visiting the class in March, he was doubly impressed with the PCC program, which includes safety, scaffolding, and specialized Jahn restoration mortars. The latter “is definitely an asset” for the firm, says DeBrino Superindendent Brian Pulver, while OSHA and scaffold training “will help us at bid time and save money.”
Having the "impressive" Flynn Center also helps him recruit top talent, says Houghtaling. "It makes a big difference. For us to be competitive, it all depends on the guys. That’s the value of the union."
It works well for the union, too, says Pat Tirino, Secretary-Treasurer/Apprentice Coordinator of Local 2 NY, where cross training is "a big thing." "The union’s motto is, ‘the best hands in the business,’ so we try to prove that every time we send an apprentice. When we send them down to IMI, we get that."
Check out training opportunities at The Flynn Center |
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Minnesota Events Center Showcases BAC/IMI Teamwork
Two weeks before final designs were due, BAC Local 1 MN/ND Field Representative Michael Ganz and IMI learned that town planners were considering precast. With the clock ticking, IMI and BAC officials convinced them that masonry offered a better structural solution and employment opportunities for the recession-battered area. Letters written by local BAC members helped make the case.
The end result was redesign from steel stud to block backup and an additional 1,000 linear feet of masonry, doubling the masonry package to nearly $2 million, which went to local signatory contractor Con’s Masonry. “It was a big win,” says Ganz. To help the firm do its best, Con also took advantage of IMI upgrade training in flashing and grout certification. |
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MSHA Training On Demand Shows IMI Versatility
With the prospect of a large kiln project at a cement mine, the BAC West Virginia District Council wanted to be sure to have ready enough members with the right credentials, including training required by MSHA for anyone working in or near a mine. With MSHA in the IMI training portfolio, a special class was quickly arranged for March. A few days later, 19 BAC members from several locals, including NY and TN, had the certification they needed to get that type of work.
For many of the journey-level members, it was also chance to see how much The Flynn Center has to offer. John Mull, a 20-year member of 15 WVA, enjoyed seeing the facility and getting recertified in MSHA, which he first did a decade ago. Another first-time visitor, Lee Forbes from Local 5 TN, is glad he came. “I am hoping this training will help me get any job that comes available,” says the fifth generation bricklayer. Isadore Rapasadi, a 15-year member from Local 3 NY who has taken IMI refractory training, appreciates the new knowledge and enhanced marketability he got in the class.
IMI also offers an MSHA instructor course. For details, contact IMI Safety Director Michael Kassman at mkassman@imiweb.org. |
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Continuing Education for the Tile Industry
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| IMI uses life cycle cost data to show the advantages of masonry to major owners, like national grocery chains. |
The IMI Tile program “was eye opening and understandable,” says contractor John Trendell. |
In March, seminars included “Embracing Change in the Tile Industry” for Pittsburgh stakeholders, and “Tile Technologies and Sustainability” for those in Ohio. “We here at Radelet McCarthy Polletta thought the seminar very good, especially since there was a mix of view points,” says Pittsburgh architect Richard King, NCIDQ. It “gave a more holistic view...and highlighted the need for each team member to recognize the other's criteria to successfully produce a project when working with tile.” |
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| FLYNN CENTER PROFILES |
Local 2 NY PCC Apprentices Brian Pulver II, Charlie Pulver, Tom Orbon, Joseph Jarosz
"IMI showed me the right way"
Third year apprentice Tom Orbon has wanted to take IMI PCC training even before the center opened, and says it was worth the wait. He and fellow apprentice Charlie Pulver say their on-the-job training simply does not compare to what they are learning with IMI. Their co-workers “did not have the training we have today,” says Charlie. “IMI showed me the right way,” he says, adding with a grin, “I cannot wait to show them.”
Training and union benefits were the big hooks for Joseph Jarosz, who worked non-union work for more than a dozen years until a friend in the PCC trade convinced him to try the union way, for which he is grateful. “They offer a complete package,” he says. Even Charlie, who grew up in a BAC family, says that because of his IMI experience, “I have a better appreciation for the union.’
Along with their new technical skills like rigging and knots, the apprentices really appreciate the certifications they earned in OSHA and Jahn restoration materials. “We can do it right and make more money, says Joe. Mindful of the career boost that training can bring, they are already eyeing their next courses. “It was tough, but it will further my career,” says Tom. “It’s job security.” “The more you come here, the more valuable you are.”
Flynn Center Training Schedule |
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