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News
Wednesday, April 17, 2024Safety & Training Short: Housekeeping in Construction Environments
Objective: To raise awareness about the importance of housekeeping in construction environments Good housekeeping is an integral practice to assure a safe construction environment. During the course of the work day, you might find yourself walking around or tripping over lumber, electrical cords, or tools in an area that was previously clear, making it difficult to work safely and efficiently. Learn about general housekeeping steps to keep your worksite safe.Click here to download the complete training
Wednesday, April 10, 2024Safety & Training Short - Carbon Monoxide Prevention in the Workplace
Objective: To promote awareness of carbon monoxide preventive measures in the workplace. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced whenever organic materials burn. When breathed, CO displaces oxygen from the bloodstream, which damages vital organs and can be fatal. CO produced in an enclosed space can kill a person within minutes. CO can also be flammable in high enough concentrations. The best protection is to take preventive measures to avoid any potential CO exposures. Click here to
Wednesday, April 03, 2024Announcing April-May Spanish Marketing Workshops Hosted by Marin SBDC
Thursday, March 28, 2024Marin Builders Association Members: Save on your Workers' Comp!
Wednesday, March 27, 2024Safety & Training Short - Promoting Safe Behavior
Objective: To provide employers with an overview of how to promote safe behaviors in their employees. Unsafe behaviors or decisions are usually contributing factors in incidents. If employees are not aware of the hazards or are not motivated to follow safe procedures, their behavior will expose them to hazards. While employers must put engineering, administrative, and PPE controls into place to protect employees from hazards, it is also essential to promote safe behaviors and a safe environment.Click here
Tuesday, March 26, 2024Nelson Connects: 2024 Salary Guide & Workplace Trends Report
Tuesday, March 26, 2024Marin Economic Forum - Did You Know? Where the North Bay jobs most likely will grow
Recent data prepared by MEF showed jobs in Marin are growing most in the leisure & hospitality sector followed by government. This growth is both a recovery of the jobs lost during the pandemic but also high consumer demand for services (instead of goods). However, jobs in these sectors also tend to have wages in the $20-30/hour range, below the living wage used in Marin (approximately $34/hour). Other sectors in the North Bay are also primed for growth, including health care, life sciences, and
Tuesday, March 26, 2024W-2 vs.1099: What you Need to Know - How to Protect Your Business From Employee Classification
Employee misclassification can pose serious risks for companies that rely heavily on independent contractors. The right staffing plan can help you steer clear of potential misclassification issues and keep your business running smoothly. In our latest article, we offer a comprehensive guide outlining the differences between 1099 independent contractors and W-2 employees. Additionally, we provide our top recommendation for how to ensure a safe, reliable, and compliant workforce, so you can protect your
Wednesday, March 20, 2024Safety & Training Short: PPE - Eye Protection
Objective: To provide an overview of potential eye hazards and safe practices for using eye protection. Most work-related eye injuries are a result of flying or falling objects or sparks striking the eye. The appropriate level of eye protection needed for a task is determined by a job hazard assessment performed before work begins. Common Hazards that Require Eye Protection Workplace hazards that could cause eye injuries include: FumesVaporsChemical splashesExtremely bright or hazardous light,
Wednesday, March 20, 2024Expedited Arbitration Procedures for Small Claims Can Save Contractors Time and Money
Contractors and subcontractors in the commercial construction industry should consider expedited, or fast track, arbitration clauses in their construction contracts. Expedited arbitrations are meant to be a cost-saving measure for smaller claims and typically involve a shorter schedule, limited or no discovery, and a single arbitrator.Read more.
Tuesday, March 05, 2024Marin Economic Forum - Did You Know? Home price burden in Marin County is twice the national rate
One of the metrics to measure housing affordability in a region is the “price to income ratio.” In the latest figures for the U.S. (2022), the median home price of $433k is 5.8 times the median household of $75k. That is almost double the rate from 1985, making it the highest rate on record. In 2022, the median household income of Marin County was $142,019, almost twice the national level. However, Marin’s median home price of $1.5 million is over 3 times the national median price. That means the price to
Wednesday, February 28, 2024Marin Economic Forum - Did You Know? Hourly jobs dominate December job growth
For December 2023, the strongest sectors of job growth in Marin were Construction and Leisure & Hospitality, with 8.1% and 8.4% respectively. The next largest job growth came from the Information sector (7.4%), which includes jobs in technology. Job growth in Marin is a good thing, regardless of sector. However, given the high cost of living and desire for jobs that provide pathways to economic security, growth in salary jobs is Marin’s preferred area of job growth.
Monday, February 19, 2024YES2YUM's Janine Aurichio on Business Success Tips Podcast with Paul Sanneman of CSS
Join two Marin Builders members as they delve into the world of stress-free projects with Mental Fitness Coach Janine Aurichio, who specializes in the construction industry. With over 20 years of experience, Janine shares invaluable insights on navigating challenges, improving mental resilience, and finding balance in the demanding world of contracting. Discover practical strategies to enhance your well-being, boost productivity, and foster a positive work environment. Tune in to gain essential tips for
Wednesday, February 14, 2024Safety & Training Short: Cranes & Slings
Cranes are used in almost every industry setting because of their ability to do large amounts of work by lifting and moving heavy items. When moving large and heavy items, cranes have a large amount of potential energy suspended in the work environment. If failure or misuse occurs, it can cause property damage, injuries, and fatalities. Always follow safe material handling practices when using cranes and slings. Requirements Prior to Use:All cranes and slings must have manufacturer weight restrictions
Tuesday, February 06, 2024New eBooks Available from Code Check
We are pleased to announce that Code Check Complete 3rd edition, Building 5th edition, Electrical 9th edition, and Plumbing/Mechanical 6th edition are now available in eBook format. The eBooks contain additional material not found in the print books, and have enhanced navigation tools designed to allow you to quickly find the information you need. These most current Code Check books are based on the same model codes adopted by the state of California. To aid our California customers, we also have a
Thursday, February 01, 20242024 California Contractors License Law & Reference Book
Significant changes made to streamline book Sacramento, CA – The 2024 edition of the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) California Contractors License Law & Reference Book (Law Book) is now available. CSLB is pleased to introduce a streamlined law book that includes essential information for the California construction industry. The Law Book can be purchased directly from the publisher, or the online PDF version can be viewed or downloaded at no cost on the CSLB website. CSLB has reviewed and made
Wednesday, January 31, 2024Behind California’s new ‘tiny home’ laws, financing to boost affordable construction
Reprinted from the North Bay Business Journal dated January 8, 2024 You have full access to it - no paywall! Just click on the link to start reading.Behind California’s new ‘tiny home’ laws, financing to boost affordable construction.
Wednesday, January 31, 20242024 IRS Mileage Rate Increase
These rates apply to electric and hybrid-electric automobiles, gasoline, and diesel-powered vehicles. Do I have to pay my employee to run to the bank or pick up coffee for the office break room? Yes, you do! And while you may know that California’s minimum wage increased on January 1 this year, did you know that the standard mileage rate to reimburse employees for business travel also increased? On December 14, 2023, the agency announced the following rates for 2024 business travel: 67 cents per mile
Wednesday, January 31, 2024CalMatters - California ends COVID isolation rule for asymptomatic cases as winter infections climb
Californians infected with COVID-19 may go about their lives without isolating or testing negative as long as their symptoms are improving, according to new and significantly loosened guidelines from the California Department of Public Health. California’s top public health official, Dr. Tomás Aragón, last week quietly rescinded the state’s previous order, which encouraged people infected with COVID-19 to isolate for five days. The new health order allows Californians with COVID-19 to return to work or
Tuesday, January 23, 2024How's Your Rudder?
In The Blue Zones project by Dan Buettner, one key component of people living to 100, and living well, is that they have sense of purpose and deeper meaning in their lives. In Steven Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit 1 is to be proactive, to have a personal vision. Navigate is one of the five Sage Powers in Positive Intelligence®. The four pillars of my business are Beauty, Wisdom, Purpose and Practice. What’s all the fuss about?! When you are guided by a sense of deeper meaning and
Thursday, January 18, 2024Sherwin-Williams is Here to Help
We understand the recent closure of Kelly‑Moore has left you facing uncertainties, especially amidst ongoing projects. While this can be a challenging time, I want to assure you that you don’t have to navigate it alone. My team at Sherwin‑Williams is ready to support you in any way we can. We recognize the importance of established relationships in your business and are committed to building a strong partnership. Finding the right pricing and products to fit your needs is essential. We’d be glad to connect
Thursday, January 18, 2024Marin Economic Forum: Did You Know? MEF is growing a leadership platform through new Partner program
Last year, MEF announced a new“Partner” program that would allow organizations to have more direct engagement with MEF and its work. Partner’s employee representatives will participate in MEF committees, join networking events, and decide which issues MEF prioritizes its work. The program ensures that MEF can continue its role as convener of county leaders focused on the economy. In 2024, there will be several activities around the issues of workforce development and business attraction. Since opening
Thursday, January 18, 2024Ringing in the New Year for California Employers: 5 Wage and Hour Tips to Ensure Compliance in 2024
Many of us are reviewing what we have done in the past and resolving to make certain changes for 2024. As a California employer, the process should be similar to ensure continued compliance with California’s ever-evolving wage and hour laws and the best practices for the New Year. But, unlike those gym memberships that may start gathering dust in mid-February, the below list of 5 wage and hour tips need to be resolutions that actually stick for California employers to ensure compliance in 2024:1.
Thursday, January 18, 2024Civil Rights Department Publishes Updated ''California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination and Harassment'' Poster
Government Code section 12850 and related regulations require all California employers to display the “California Law Prohibits Workplace Discrimination and Harassment” poster in a conspicuous place where employees gather. The Civil Rights Department published an updated version of this poster that includes information about protections for employees taking bereavement leave or leave for reproductive loss. It also contains information about prohibitions against discrimination based on an applicant’s use of
Tuesday, January 02, 2024CSLB Reminds Licensees of New Laws Beginning January 1, 2024
Sacramento, CA – Heading into 2024, the Contractors State License Board wants to remind licensees of new laws taking effect in the new year.SB 630 (Dodd) This bill requires CSLB licensees and applicants to provide an email address, if available, when they obtain and renew licenses. The email addresses are not subject to disclosure under the California Public Records Act. This bill also authorizes the Registrar to automatically reimpose license revocation when probationary conditions placed on a license are
Wednesday, December 06, 202310 New California Employment Laws Employers Should Know for the New Year
Fenwick & West LLP Governor Newsom recently signed a slew of new bills into law at the close of California’s 2023 legislative session. Of those, there are several employment-related laws that California employers should take note of. We previously reported on some of these changes, including the expansion of California’s prohibition against non-compete agreements, limits on stays of proceedings pending the appeal of a denial of a motion to compel arbitration,and the obligation for venture capital
Tuesday, November 28, 2023Safety & Training Short - Winter Driving
Objective: To assure that employees are prepared for driving in winter conditions. A little extra preparation is needed to assure driver safety during winter months or other inclement weather conditions.Poor driving conditions is one of the biggest winter safety concerns. Due to shorter days, drivers are required to spend more time driving in the dark, and inclement weather can create slick roads and low visibility conditions.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to
Monday, November 20, 2023Overview of Spring 2024 Construction Classes in Marin
Construction Training Programs and Resources in Marin Marin Builders Association is committed to helping individuals find rewarding careers in the local construction industry.Click here for an overview of Spring classes developed to show the side-by-side comparison of courses offered in Marin. We strongly support high school seniors and young adults interested in the trades to sign up for North Bay Construction Corps. Please view ourMarin Construction Training website for more information.
Thursday, November 16, 2023Sword and Shield: How Contractors Can Both Use and Protect Themselves from Contractual Time Limits for Bringing Suit
Published: Common Sense Law Newsletter, November 14, 2023 Contractors often include time limits to bring claims in their contracts to prevent themselves from being dragged into litigation over projects that were completed years earlier. However, if the contract time limit is shorter than the state’s limitations for bringing the same claims, that clause may not be enforceable. States set time limits, called statutes of limitations, for bringing different kinds of claims. Statutes of limitations, however,
Wednesday, November 15, 2023New Community Development Agency Permit Ombudsperson
Meet Cristy Stanley! Cristy is the new Permit Ombudsperson at the Community Development Agency. She's is “open for business” and ready to assist contractors with the permit approval process at the County of Marin.VIEW HER INTRODUCTORY LETTER HERE
Tuesday, November 14, 2023Safety & Training Short: Hand and Power Tools: Striking Tools
There are some general rules that apply to almost all hammers and other striking tools. Never use a striking tool for any purpose other than that for which it was intended. Never use a striking tool with a loose or damaged handle or with a mushroomed head or dull cutting edge. Conditions vary, but it can never hurt to wear goggles when using striking tools.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to download the complete training short in Spanish Safety & Training Shorts
Monday, November 06, 2023Marin Economic Forum Introduces Partnership Program
The Marin Economic Forum provides direct value to the people of Marin by ensuring economic vitality, enabling people and businesses to thrive, increasing the quality of life, and leveraging our assets and value. MEF leads a cross-county public-private dialogue through four themes: Expertise, Leadership, Influence, and Awareness.BECOME A PARTNER IN MEF Partner members gain: Credibility with unbiased data-driven economic research and informationInformation on critical State and Local issuesConnections with
Wednesday, October 11, 2023Online Building Permit Service Expands in Marin
Online Building Permit Service Expands in MarinThose working on minor kitchen or bathroom remodels can get instant results Reprinted from the County of Marin website - September 26, 2023San Rafael, CA – Obtaining a building permit from the County of Marin is getting easier. Instant online permitting is now available for minor non-structural remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms. The change streamlines approval for homeowners in unincorporated areas of Marin County. The online building permit portal
Thursday, September 21, 2023Avalanche Alert: Top 10 California Employment Bills to Watch as Legislative Session Wraps Up
California employers will want to sit down, grab a cup of coffee, and prepare themselves for the avalanche on new employment laws that may soon be coming their way. The state Legislature just completed its work for 2023 in a frenzy of last-minute activity and deal-cutting, wrapping up a session for the record books. State lawmakers considered over 2,700 bills – the most in almost two decades – including some high-profile workplace-related proposals. Governor Newsom now has until October 14 to sign or veto
Thursday, September 07, 2023County Appoints Permit Ombudsperson
San Rafael, CA – A major customer service improvement has debuted at the County of Marin with the appointment of a dedicated specialist poised to assist those seeking a building permit from the Community Development Agency(CDA). The newly established position will play a pivotal role in improving internal processes, addressing concerns, and providing guidance to ensure compliance with regulations. Cristy Stanley, a longtime supervisor in CDA’s Code Compliance Division, was appointed to the position and
Monday, January 30, 2023New Virtual Assistant Service Offers Support to Construction, Landscaping and Real Estate Businesses
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan 30, 2023 New Virtual Assistant Service Offers Support to Construction, Landscaping and Real Estate Businesses [Marin County, CA] - LPSS is excited to announce the launch of our new virtual assistant service, Ogmentor, for construction, landscaping and real estate businesses. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch support to businesses in these industries, helping them save time and money while increasing efficiency and productivity. Our
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