Source: https://www.connecticutsubcontractors.org/past-events.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 08:51:21+00:00

Document:
During CSA's March 5th Dinner Meeting attendees had an opportunity to hear from from and talk with Attorney Cheryl A. Sharp, the Deputy Director for the State of Connecticut, Commission on Human Rights. Ms. Sharp provided clarification on MBE/WBE compliance, and answered questions regarding issues related to the process and the requirements. Cheryl was joined by Jen Yeomans and Kristen Daniels, also from CHRO. Steve Kaplan from Michelson, Kane, Royster & Barger, P.C., moderated the discussion.
During the discussion Ms. Sharp noted that CHRO is working diligently to spread the word about the changes and revisions that the agency has made to streamline the system and make the approval process more streamlined. Together the CHRO panel helped to dispel misinformation relating to self performed work, good faith effort, how goal calculations.
Click here to read the CHRO FAQ which provides answers to many of the questions posed during the meeting.
This program provided an overview of the federal law and EEOC guidance on sexual harassment in the workplace and discussed real life scenarios to examine employer liability and responsibilities. It also offered practical advice as to best practices in preventing and responding to complaints of sexual harassment.
CSA’s Meet the Architect & Engineering Firms Reception was held on October 24, 2018, at the Casa Mia at the Hawthorne in Berlin, CT. The goal was to help CT subcontractors create new relationships with architects and engineers, and develop more effective communication that can lead to more productive projects.
Each firm had its own table staffed by several representatives that subcontractors had the opportunity to meet. The room was set up as a mini-trade show reception and attendees enjoyed passed appetizers. CSA members and industry professionals were able to engage with the architects and engineers, network with their colleagues, and enjoy a light dinner and drinks.
CSA members had a blast attending another Yard Goats Ballgame. Members enjoyed an all-you-can-eat-buffet that included burgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, baked mac n' cheese, red bliss potato salad, fresh vegetables, cookies & beverages.
CSA members had the best view in the park, and watched the game from the Better Built Basements Dugout Suite right by the third-base line.
Thank you to our ballgame sponsor!
DCS is the state’s primary agency for executive and judicial branch construction-related services; administration of the state school construction grant program; and development, administration and training of state building and fire safety codes. Attendees were able to learn what DCS has planned for construction projects in 2018.
At CSA’s “Meet the Architects” Dinner Meeting on March 28, 2018, attendees were provided the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the principals of several of Connecticut’s leading architectural firms.
The meeting featured a roundtable discussion format. The architects focused on current and upcoming projects, but also discussed what’s around the bend for the local construction industry.
Statutes That Get You Paid!
The following topics, and more were discussed!
2017 amendment to Conn. Gen. Stat. §42-158j that facilitates a lawsuit directly against a private project owner for non-payment to subs. Also provides for legal fees and interest in certain situations.
2016 Modification to Conn. Gen. Stat. §49-42 that provides for interest and attorney’s fees if the bonding company for a public project does not follow the statutory time frames for responding to claims. Also reduced retainage provisions for State projects under Conn. Gen. Stat. §49-41(b).
2010 amendment to Conn. Gen. Stat. §42-158m., which clarified that all construction disputes pertaining to projects located in Connecticut will be arbitrated or mediated (as well as litigated) in Connecticut and pursuant to our state law. Also provided for offers of compromise in arbitration proceedings.
2009 Changes to Conn. Gen. Stat. §42-158j and §49-41a(b) regarding change order logs submitted with every payment req. on private and public projects.
Steven Kaplan | CSA Legal Counsel | Michelson, Kane, Royster & Barger, P.C.
This new law will greatly assist subcontractors in getting paid more quickly on private jobs, and will help all contractors get retainage paid within 30 days of final acceptance of a project.
CSA will continue to work at the legislative level to help Connecticut subcontractors. During the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to engage in an informal dialogue with legislators and discuss issues that will affect subcontractors next session.
CSA members attended a Yard Goats Ballgame on June 28, 2017. The members-only dinner and game event was sold out. Given the popularity of the event, held in the 3rd Base Dugout Suite, CSA will schedule another Yardgoats event in 2018.
Special Thanks to the Yardgoats Game Sponsors.
Last fall, Steve Kaplan, Paul Tagatac and Carolyn Young from Michelson, Kane, Royster & Barger, P.C., CSA’s Legal Counsel, conducted a seminar to provide members with an overview of the basic DBE requirements for state and municipal work-- what is, and is not, required by law, and what is “trending” in this area.
On June 13, 2017, Attorney Cheryl A. Sharp, the Deputy Director for the State of Connecticut, Commission on Human Rights, provided further clarification on DBE compliance, and answer your questions regarding issues related to the process, the requirements, and the paperwork. Cheryl was joined by Kristen Daniels, also from CHRO.
The purpose of the meeting was to provide the state's subcontractors with the chance to meet the estimators and purchasing teams from some of Connecticut's leading general contractors.
The event provided subcontractors with the chance to meet the general contractors they want to work with. It was a great opportunity to open doors and establish new leads in the construction trades.
For general contractors, the event provided a networking opportunity to meet with subcontractors they want to work with and the chance to “put a face to the name” of people they may periodically interact with but rarely see in person!
DCS is the state’s primary agency for executive and judicial branch construction-related services; administration of the state school construction grant program; and development, administration and training of state building and fire safety codes.
Click here to view the meeting photos.
Click here to view the DAS Presentation.
​On all public construction projects, requirements to employ Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Requirements, which include Women’s Business Enterprises (WBE) and Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), must be satisfied by construction mangers, general contractors, and subcontractors. As everyone involved in the process knows, these requirements involve a lot of paperwork, and no small amount of confusion and frustration. This workshop reviewed the basic DBE requirements for state and municipal work, what is and is not required by law, and what seems to be “trending” in this area.
Rep. Baram (left), with CSA Attorney Steve Kaplan.
CSA achieved legislative success this year with the passage of House Bill No. 5328, An Act Concerning Public Work Contract Retainage And Enforcement Of The Right To Payment On A Bond. It is now Public Act No. 16-104 and went into effect on July 1, 2016. The new law reduces retainage in public work to 5% and provides attorney's fees for statutory bond payment issues.
On October 27th Representative David Baram (serving Bloomfield and Windsor) spoke about the new law and issues expected in the 2017 session. Rep. Baram was instrumental in gaining a unanimous committee recommendation for the bill and greatly assisted with its ultimate passage in the legislature.

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