LCCA is an association of companies with common interests. LCCA is also a member of other "associations of associations" such as ICIC, MARBA, CISCO, CCSC, etc, etc, etc. Quite often we find that our best chance to make an impact is through our membership and participation in these larger groups.

The AHEAD coalition which has successfully battled the scaffold act the last couple of years is a great example of what we can do when we are all on the same page. Only time will tell, but the initial reaction to the new comp legislation seems to be positive. This is another issue where the AHEAD group was deeply involved. For the first time, the construction industry was given a seat at the table in the game where we are the biggest player.

One of the goals that came out of last year's strategic planning retreat was to try to build alliances and coalitions with other contractor groups with like interests. Last year we held a joint meeting with the Tri-County Contractors Association. We recently held a dinner meeting with the Fox Valley General Contractors. Through our participation in the "associations of associations" listed above, we continue to build and strengthen relationships with other groups.

I believe that our best chance for meaningful results in the areas of government affairs and labor negotiations is through stronger relationships with our peers in other contractor groups. There truly is strength in numbers and we need to work harder to take advantage of this strength.

BRIAN FRITZ PHOTOGRAPHY
1246 Daryl Lane
Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: (847) 272-9459
ASSOCIATE
   Brian Fritz, President
Construction and professional photography
SPONSOR: Joe Henderson, Joseph J. Henderson & Son

CADY AQUASTORE, INC.
2011 Dean Street
St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: (630) 513-6444
Fax: (630) 513-6737
SUPPLIER
   David Friederick, Vice President, Sales
   Randy Cady, President
   Dave Hemauer, Project Manager
Glass lined tank suppliers and contractors since 1954.
SPONSOR: Joe Henderson, Joseph J. Henderson & Son

BREUER METAL CRAFTSMEN
500 Beichl Avenue
Beaver Dam, WI 53916
Phone: (920) 885-2828
Fax: (920) 885-2831
SUPPLIER
   Jerry Breuer, Vice President
Handcrafted metal work for industrial, commercial and governmental sectors.
SPONSOR: Steve Dalbec, Joseph J. Henderson & Son

F.H. PASCHEN, S.N. NIELSEN
8725 W. Higgins Road, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60631
Phone: (773) 444-3474
Fax: (773) 444-0085
CONTRACTOR
   Scott Poremba, President
   Robert Zitek, Vice President
   James Blair, V.P. Building
   W.M. Barkowski, V.P. Civil
   Lyle Shear, V.P. Safety
General contractor
SPONSOR: Lake County Grading

KEIFER SPECIALTY FLOORING
2910 Falling Waters Blvd.
Lindenhurst, IL 60046
Phone: (847) 245-8450
Fax: (847) 245-8590
CONTRACTOR
   Brion Rittenberry, President
Athletic surfacing contractors
SPONSOR: Gerry Dumalski, Boller Construction

XTREME LOCAL SERIVES INC.
14 Elm Place
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
Phone: (847) 347-3571
Fax: (847) 307-5178
CONTRACTOR
   Chris Dabek, President
Janitorial and Building maintenance services
SPONSOR: Gerry Dumalski, Boller Construction

LCCA Conference Committee Chair Mike Ryan, H.H. Holmes Testing, has announced the theme for next years Conference is "A More Effective ME." In a departure from past Mini-Workshops, the Conference will feature a full schedule of seminars. This year’s meeting will concentrate on making you more effective.

The LCCA Winter Workshop Committee has selected Africa for the 2006 adventure. The (almost) all-inclusive trip will take you to Tanzania and Kenya in east Africa. The 14 day trip will get you "up close and personal" with some of the world’s most impressive wildlife. The trip will take you to the Serengeti, Lake Victoria, a coffee plantation, Tarangire National park, ending in the Maasai Mara Game reserve. Staying in lodges and game camps along the way will get you closer to the game and nature – but have all the creature comforts.

 The LCCA Board of Directors approved the addition of a Director of Membership Services to the LCCA staff. This person will direct all membership activities and meetings. A search has begun and several candidates have submitted resumes. We hope to have the position filled by the end of July.

The Summer Outing to Miller Park for the Cubs vs. Brewers was a hit for everybody who attended. The entire block of 180 tickets was sold and three buses were needed to transport the Cubs/Brewers fans to Milwaukee. Our seats were on the Club Level, just below the Skyboxes. We had the advantage of a very cool (air conditioned) public area that was very handy on a day when temperatures reached 90. And did I mention the dessert carts that were everywhere, outstanding food and a large bar area (with TV’s) for those needing a break?

Beginning in July, the State of Illinois will use speed cameras in designated "work zones" on major interstates. Anyone caught by the devices will be mailed a $375 ticket for a first offense, but a second ticket will cost $1,000 and comes with a 90-day license suspension. Drivers also will receive points against their license that will allow insurance companies to raise insurance rates.

With most of the negotiations complete, Wage Benefit updates have been sent to all contractor members. Copies are available from the LCCA Office. Call Lisa at (847) 623-2345 ext. 4, to get your copy.