NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE CONTRACTORS LICENSING AGENCIES

NewsletterVolume 6, Issue 3 July 2010

NASCLA President’s MessageIt hardly seems possible that my term as president is coming to an end with the NASCLA 48th Annual Conference around the corner on August 22-25, 2010 in Charleston, South Carolina. I am looking forward to welcoming you all to my home state of South Carolina where the state motto is “Dum Spiro Spero” which means “While I Breathe, I Hope.” In thinking about my state motto, we as an association have hope and we have not wavered during these tough economic times, which would not be possible without the great leadership from my colleagues and staff.

In reflecting back on this year’s accomplishments, we have remained successful and on track with our association goals and objectives. The association has completed the NASCLA 2010, 2011 and 2012 Strategic Plan, plus, we have created a new strategic plan for NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI). I would like to thank our dynamic strategic planning facilitator Michael Barrett with Resonance, LLC, who helped make this happen. The NASCLA Committee Chairs continue to work hard with the following projects on the forefront of completion: NASCLA Model Legislation for Commercial Construction Licensing, and a NASCLA State Model for Pre-Licensing and Continuing Education Program. The Fiscal Policies and Procedures Committee completed the NASCLA Officer, Board of Director and Committee Member Policy and Procedure Manual, Record Retention and Whistleblower Policy and Financial Forecasts for FY 2010/2011.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors is in full swing with (3) states now administering the examination: Alabama, South Carolina and Mississippi, and (7) states accepting the examination. The National Examination Database (NED) has also been launched for states to access candidate examination records.

The NASCLA Membership Plan for 2010 has been moving along nicely and we have (14) new members for this fiscal year to date. The NASCLA Program Committee has also been hard at work planning the NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference. The committee has a lot of exciting sessions and events in store for you including an EPA Lead Safety Training that you will not want to miss. Please make sure you sign up early and complete the pre-course online training. For more information, please see page 3 of the newsletter.

It truly has been a privilege and honor to serve as your NASCLA President for FY 2009/2010. The association is composed of a remarkable group of individuals from across the country, and we cannot continue to prosper without your support and dedication. I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Charleston where we can celebrate the NASCLA accomplishments together at our 48th Annual Conference!

Sincerely,

John Curl

Special Points of Interest

◊ At-A-Glance Conference Agenda

◊ EPA Lead Safety Training Details

◊ Conference Sponsorship Opportunities

◊ National Awards

◊ Conference Registration and Hotel Details

Inside this Issue:

NASCLA President’s Message

1

NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference

2-5

Avoiding the Con in Construction - Renovation DoneRight

6

NASCLA Committee Meetings Update

7

State of Rhode Island Codes Publications

8

1

NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference

At-A-Glance Agenda The At-A- Glance Agenda is Tentative and Subject to Change

Sunday, August 22nd

8:00 am - 9:00 am: NASCLA Model Legislation Committee Meeting

9:00 am - 11:00 am: NASCLA Education Committee Meeting

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: NASCLA Publications Committee Meeting

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm: NASCLA Executive Committee Meeting

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm: NASCLA Board of Directors Meeting

5:00 pm - 5:30 pm: NASCLA Nominations Committee Meeting

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm: Opening Reception

Monday, August 23rd

8:30 am - 8:45 am: Welcome and IntroductionPresented by: John Cur. NASCLA President & Joseph P. Riley Jr., Charleston, South Carolina Mayor

8:45 am - 9:45 am: Dispute Resolution and the Courts: The Big Picture Presented by: Karen Smith, Arbitration, Mediation Conciliation Center

9:45 am - 11:00 am: The Rights of State Regulators & Investigators Presented by: Thomas K. Hannah, State of Florida

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: What Does Charleston Teach Us, and What Are We Actually Learning? Presented by: Michael Maher, Charleston Civic Design Center

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm: City of Charleston TourPresented by: Michael Maher, Charleston Civic Design Center

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm: NASCLA Accredited Examination Update Presented by: Heidi Lincer-Hill, California Contractors State License Board

2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: NASCLA Accredited Examination Committee Program & Submarketing Committee Meeting

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm: NASCLA Program Committee Meeting

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm: NASCLA Residential Committee Meeting

The NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference marks the celebration of 48 Years of Excellence in Regulation! NASCLA welcomes you to celebrate with us in Charleston, South Carolina on August 22-25, 2010 at the Mills House Hotel.

Joined by colleagues from all jurisdictions, attendees will find the combination of interactive, participant-driven committee meetings and targeted conference sessions an intensely rewarding experience!

NASCLA’s Program Committee and Staff have secured a list of top notch sessions which are applicable to state members, board members,

contractors and staff who are involved in the regulation of the construction industry. Share in the wealth of knowledge and experience all that NASCLA has to offer by joining us at this year’s annual conference!

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Credits

Continuing Legal Education Credits will be offered to participants of the 2010 Annual Conference! Come and see what NASCLA’s Annual Conference is all about and what we have to offer all while earning valuable CLE credits! For more information, please contact Ginenne Lanese at ginenne@nascla.org.

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NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference

At-A-Glance Agenda The At-A- Glance Agenda is Tentative and Subject to Change

Tuesday, August 24th

8:30 am - 9:30 am: Construction Accounting & Financial Reporting - Key Benchmarks & Disclosures for Licensing Presented by: Robert A. Davidson, Davidson, Golden & Lundy

9:30 am - 10:30 am: Management, Mapping and Mobility: Technology Pillars that Foster Worker Efficiency and Streamline ServicePresented by: Karin Vertefeuille, Accela, Inc.

10:30 am - 11:00 am: But How Do We Get Them to Change? Presented by: Vincent L. DiCianni, Affiliated Monitors, Inc.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: NASCLA Report of States Presented by: NASCLA State Members

12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Annual Board of Directors Luncheon

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Night at the Magnolia

Wednesday, August 24th

8:00 am - 11:00 am: EPA Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Training Course Trainers: Robert Attaway, Contractor Training, LLC & Vernon Stout, Proton Communications, Inc.

10:00 am - 11:00 am: The Demand for Solar Licensing Classifications Panel Discussion Panelists: California Contractors State License Board & Hawaii Contractors License Board

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: National Construction Investigators Association Round Table Moderated by: Dale Dawson & Michael Brown, National Construction Investigators Association

EPA LEAd SAfEty for rEnovAtion, rEPAir And

PAinting trAining CourSE

NASCLA has paired up with Contractors Training, LLC to offer all NASCLA Annual Conference

attendees an opportunity to take the Certified Lead Renovator Course Free

of Charge!

For questions regarding the training course, please call (801) 494-1745 or

Email lead@contractorharbor.com. You can also contact the NASCLA

office at (623) 587-9354

The NASCLA Annual Conference is the place where the industry comes together! Where else can you take advantage of networking with industry professionals, receive the latest on industry breaking news and trends, and meet over 30 Executive Directors from state contractor licensing agencies all in one location?

When you add top level educational content and sponsor exhibits, the opportunity to accomplish this much in one spot only comes along once a year!

Please register today by visiting the NASCLA website at www.nascla.org/conference.php.

Register Today!

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NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference

As A NAsCLA ANNuAL CoNfereNCe sPoNsor, You HAve THe oPPorTuNiTY To PuT Your ComPANY’s ProduCTs ANd serviCes iN froNT of THe PeoPLe THAT use THem mosT!

Make the most of your marketing money! The NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference will help reach an influential audience of leaders in the construction industry.

Attendees Include:

◊ Executive Directors from Contractor State Licensing Agencies ◊ Representatives from Construction Firms ◊ Contractor Trade Associations ◊ Others who are affiliated with the Construction Industry

Become a NASCLA Sponsor Today! For information, please visit the NASCLA website at www.nascla.org, or contact Ginenne Lanese, NASCLA Program

Coordinator, by phone at (623) 587-9354 or via email at ginenne@nascla.org.

Thank You 2010 Sponsors! Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors Bronze Sponsors

vccusa.com

Excellence in Construction

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NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference

Gain Recognition for Excellence in the Construction IndustryNASCLA will be presenting the 2010 Community Service In Contracting and Innovation In Regulation Awards at this year’s Annual Conference on Wednesday, August 25th, in Charleston, South Carolina. These prestigious awards honor those that accomplish tremendous charitable projects within their communities, and the excellence in regulation of the construction industry.

CommuNiTY serviCe iN CoNTrACTiNg AwArd

This award recognizes the positive impact that contractors and construction related associations have on their communities. NASCLA wants to honor those who have unselfishly contributed their time, labor and materials to charities. So many times these people and associations go unnoticed, now is the time for their deserved recognition!

iNNovATioN iN reguLATioN AwArd

This award is presented to a public sector contractor licensing agency, and is designed to recognize a state licensing agency for their innovation, creativity and excellence in the industry.

For more information, or to download the NASCLA National Award Nomination Form please visit the NASCLA website at www.nascla.org/confence.php, or contact the NASCLA office at (623) 587-9354.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

New Mexico coNstructioN

iNdustries divisioN

califorNia coNtractors state

liceNse Board

arizoNa registrar of coNtractors

HaBitat for HuMaNity

HoMes for our troups

louisiaNa associated geNeral

coNtractors

The NASCLA 2010 Annual Conference will be held at The Mills House hotel in Charleston, South Carolina. The Mills House hotel is a gem among historic Charleston hotels. Blending luxurious accommodations, historic ambiance and modern convenience. The Mills House hotel will treat you to true southern hospitality, the same hospitality shown to the hotel’s first guests over 150 years ago.

Located in the heart of Charleston, The Mills House is the only hotel included in the city’s prestigious Museum Mile, and there’s no shortage of lively Charleston attractions nearby including: The Dock Street Theatre,

King Street Antique District, The Market Place, Waterfront Park, the Battery/Historic District and much more.

Attendees are responsible for securing their own hotel reservations. Reservations can be made by contacting the Mills House directly at the number listed below. Please refer to the NASCLA Annual Conference when making your reservation to ensure the discounted rate of $137.00 per night.

Hotel Reservation Deadline is Thursday, July 22, 2010

The Mills House Hotel - 115 Meeting Street - Charleston, South Carolina 29401Telephone: (843) 577-2400

Mills House Hotel Reservation Deadline Date is Quickly Approaching!

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Avoiding the Con in Construction Renovations and Repairs Done Right

New Book Aims to Protect Homeowners from Construction PitfallsMany states use professional licensing to regulate occupations that must be performed with skill. Contractors generally require a professional license because when construction is performed incorrectly, harm can occur. Therefore applicants must demonstrate competency by providing proof of trade knowledge, sufficient trade experience and financial stability. Through State required testing and verifiable documentation, a contractor demonstrates that he or she is both competent and of sound character. Kia Ricchi, a Florida-licensed contractor and author of Avoiding the Con in Construction, says that contractor licensing helps to ensure that the project is done correctly, on time, and on budget.

“We’ve all heard the horror stories,” says Kia Ricchi, “but there are steps homeowners can take to ensure that a construction project goes smoothly.” In her book, Ricchi teaches homeowners how to use state websites to ensure that a contractor is properly licensed, insured and of sound character. Ricchi also explains the permitting and inspection process, and how it protects the homeowner. Pitfalls such as liens, jobsite injuries, and cost overruns are explained as well as the methods to avoid them.

The Library Journal wrote on June 1, 2010 - "In this extremely useful book, Ricchi, a Florida building contractor, introduces homeowners to construction contracting in understandable language. She discusses how to avoid common pitfalls and survive the entire process. The purpose here is not to defame contractors but to make readers knowledgeable customers. Planning, pricing, and many other important factors are neatly explained. This specialized book is highly recommended."

Ricchi says, “Before having work done on a house, it’s essential to know the ins and outs of construction contracting because construction is 50% of a project and contracting is the other 50%. When owners act as their own contractor, their knowledge becomes even more essential because they assume both the duties and liabilities of a contractor.” Her website, The Contractress, offers advice and tips from an inside-the-industry perspective. “Whether a homeowner is planning a small repair, a remodel, or an addition to an existing home, the same contracting procedures and protective guidelines apply,” says Ricchi.

Greg Crow, Former President and current chair of the National Association of State Contractor Licensing (NASCLA) Publications Committee, says: “In construction, tools are essential. This book is a beneficial tool for both the homeowner and contractor.” Douglas Harvey, Executive Director of Building Officials Association of Florida (BOAF), commented: “An informative and important book that every property owner should read before taking on a construction project.”

Avoiding the Con in Construction has won the 2010 Independent Publisher’s “Living Well” Award and the Indie Excellence Award. The book retails for $19.95 and can be purchased in bookstores, at Amazon, and at www.thecontractress.com. Ricchi is available for speaking events, workshops, and outreach programs.

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NASCLA Committee Meetings UpdateNASCLA Annual Budgeting Meeting

The NASCLA Annual Budgeting Meeting was held in Newport, Rhode Island on May 25-26, 2010. The two-day meeting provided the necessary time for the NASCLA Executive and Fiscal Policies and Procedures Committee Members to meet and review the interim operations, financial reports, policies & procedures and prepare the forecasted budgets for FY 2010/2011.

The committee members work diligently over the two-days to review and prepare the necessary financials, documents and materials for the NASCLA Annual Board of Directors Meeting that will be held at the Annual Conference in Charleston, South Carolina in August 2010.

NASCLA FiSCAL PoLiCieS ANd ProCedureS Committee memberS

George Whalen (RI), ChairRobbie Brooks (NC), FY 09/10Greg Crow (AR)John Curl (SC)Carolyn Lazenby (TN)Kathy LeCroix (AL)Steve Pinther (ID)Stephen Sands (CA), FY 10/11Craig Smith (OR)

Keith Warren (AL)

NASCLA PubLiCAtioNS iNC. (NPi) boArd oF direCtorS

Greg Crow (AR)John Curl (SC)Carolyn Lazenby (TN)Kathy LeCroix (AL)Steve Pinther (ID)Craig Smith (OR)Keith Warren (AL)George Whalen (RI)

NASCLA eduCAtioN Committee memberS

Jamie Durham (AL), ChairDonna Baxter (NC)Dawn Bellis (KY)Stan Bowen (SC)Carolyn Lazenby (TN)Kathy LeCroix (AL)Alfred Nyman (FL)Steve Pinther (ID)Craig Smith (OR)Vernon Stout (UT)John Sullivan (MS)Stephen Thompson (TX)George Whalen (RI)Derrick Williams (SC)

Committee Chair George Whalen (left) and NASCLA President John Curl during the Budgeting Meeting at the Newport Harbor Hotel.

NASCLA Publications, Inc. Strategic Planning Meeting

The NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI) Board of Directors had the opportunity to meet in Phoenix, Arizona on June 28-29, 2010. The purpose of this two-day meeting was to put together a solid foundation and strategic plan for NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI). Michael Barrett with Resonance, LLC, was the facilitator for the meeting.

The NPI Board Members worked diligently over the two-days with Mr. Barrett to formulate the new NPI Strategic Focus Areas and Priorities for FY 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Gwen Derse (left), Craig Smith and facilitator Michael Barrett during the Strategic Planning Meeting .

NASCLA Education Committee Meeting

The NASCLA Education Committee is a newly formed committee that is focusing on pre-licensing and continuing education for contractors. The committee is developing a NASCLA State Education Model. The committee members were able to meet in Phoenix, Arizona on June 29-30, since the majority of the committee members were already in Phoenix for the NPI Strategic Planning Meeting. Since this was their first physical committee meeting it allowed them to start working on the new state education model. The NASCLA Education Committee’s goal is to finalize the education model in FY 2010/2011.

2nd Immediate Past President Kathy LeCroix, and President John Curl with their NPI hats on.

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State of Rhode Island Codes Publications

The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) and NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI) have been working diligently with the International Code Council (ICC) and the State of Rhode Island Building Codes Commission Office to create the publications for the 2010 State of Rhode Island Codes.

NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI) formed an agreement with the International Code Council (ICC) to use the new ICC code

content to develop state specific code publications for the State of Rhode Island Building Code Commission. NASCLA Publications, Inc. worked closely with Jack Leyden, Commissioner for the State of Rhode Island to include the state specific code content into each publication. These publications serve as a one stop shop for consumers and contractors .

On June 14, 2010, the seven (7) publications were released for purchase from NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI). The publications are as follows:

◊ State of Rhode Island Building Code

◊ State of Rhode Island Residential One And Two Family Dwelling Code

◊ State of Rhode Island Plumbing Code

◊ State of Rhode Island Mechanical Code

◊ State of Rhode Island Property Maintenance Code

◊ State of Rhode Island Energy Conservation Code

◊ State of Rhode Island Fuel Gas Code

The publications are offered in two formats: coil bound and perfect bound. The entire collection is also available for purchase, which includes a 5% discount. This collaboration would not have been possible without participation of the International Code Council and the State of Rhode Island Building Code Commission.

If your state is interested in learning more about this venture and opportunities, please contact Angie Whitaker, NASCLA Executive Director, at (623) 587-9354 or via email at angie@nascla.org.

“The creation of these publications are another example of how being a member of NASCLA has helped our state be more productive, and helped the Construction Industry! Working together as a team makes things a lot easier, especially in these economic times.”

- George Whalen, Executive Director Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board

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The NaTioNal associaTioN of sTaTe coNTracTors liceNsiNg ageNcies (Nascla) was fouNded iN 1962 as a NoNprofiT corporaTioN. iTs

membership is comprised of sTaTes ThaT have eNacTed laws regulaTiNg The busiNess of coNTracTiNg. Nascla is dedicaTed To The muTual

assisTaNce of iTs member sTaTes iN sTriviNg for The beTTer regulaTioN of The coNsTrucTioN iNdusTry To proTecT The healTh, safeTy aNd welfare

of The geNeral public.

NaTioNal associaTioN of sTaTe coNTracTors liceNsiNg ageNcies

23309 NorTh 17Th drive, buildiNg 1, uNiT 110

phoeNix, arizoNa 85027

phoNe: 623.587.9354 fax: 623.587.9625iNfo@Nascla.org

www.Nascla.org