Basking in the Sunshine

The convention of the 825-member organization, based in Doylestown, Pa., will be held March 4-7 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando.

Equipment displays, educational sessions, association business and networking opportunities will all be on the menu at the event.

INDUSTRY ON TRACK

Although the North American economy appears to be winding down after a decade of consistent growth, demolition contractors remain busy as 2001 begins. "There is still a huge amount of work being done," says NADC executive director Michael Taylor. "Profit margins could be stronger, but it's a very competitive industry and you have several companies working hard for the same contracts."

Taylor notes the work being done by demolition contractors covers a range of projects, including:

• major industrial demolition projects such as the Bethlehem Steel complex in Bethlehem, Pa., being performed by Chicago's Brandenburg Industrial Service Co.

• industrial expansion projects which may involve partial tear-downs, such as at a General Motors facility in Dayton, Ohio

• the ongoing demolition of older structures in metropolitan markets across North America.

The recycling of these materials remains a key component of each job. "The volumes remain extremely high," Taylor says. "On the metals side, scrap prices are not as high as contractors would like them to be. But in general, contractors are happy and suppliers are anxious to reach this market, as the near sell-out of booth space indicates," Taylor said in mid-January.

MEMBERSHIP BOOST

Exhibiting companies should be able to reach some different contractors this year, as the NADC is in the midst of a successful membership drive, Taylor says.

"At each of our last two quarterly meetings, we've had 64 and 70 new members to announce, respectively," says Taylor. "We've been pursuing an aggressive, multi-faceted membership campaign, and I think we've seen good results."

Taylor believes a healthy percentage of members, both new and old, will journey to Orlando to take part in the organization's largest annual event. Using a "Sunrise in Paradise" theme, the NADC hopes members will spend the more leisurely portions of the convention with a Jimmy Buffett-style tropical relaxation attitude. For those who bring their families, Orlando offers plenty of well-known family fun destinations.

During business hours, recycling will be among the topics of conversation between attendees and exhibitors.

"You can see the ongoing importance of recycling in a number of ways," says Taylor, "such as the investment contractors are making in their own physical plants." Taylor points to the purchase of a fixed location concrete crushing plant by incoming NADC president Leonard Cherry, of Houston's Cherry Demolition, as one such example.

"It's a major component of the job that contractors figure into both the costing and the revenues for the job," Taylor says. "Demolition contractors realize there is money to be made in the recycling of the industry's waste, and equipment manufacturers see a growing market for the equipment."

Taylor says he has noticed a correlation between the most active members of his association and those companies who have taken the greatest advantage of recycling opportunities that have grown over the past two decades.

IN SESSION

A motivational speaker who survived a Vietnam War injury and went on to football stardom will be bring a message of teamwork to convention attendees.

Rocky Bleier, a Vietnam War veteran and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, will serve as the keynote speaker. He will speak at a breakfast session on the morning of Monday, March 5.

Bleier graduated from Notre Dame University, overcame combat injuries in the Vietnam War, and then contributed to four Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl championship seasons. Since retiring from football, he has authored biographical and motivational books and become active in charitable causes such as the Special Olympics, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. "He really gives a good message focusing on motivation, teamwork and coming together," says Taylor.

The following morning, breakout sessions will allow attendees to choose from several topics. Insurance specialist Robert Elster will give a "Demolition Insurance Primer," while Greg Hoyle of The Construction Group offers a session on "Survivial Skills for Project Managers," and environmental consultant Tom Herod will give a presentation entitled, "Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste Awareness."

According to Taylor, Herod spoke to some NADC members in November at the group's Safety Summit and provided useful information. "He'll talk about on-the-job situations, and what to do if you confront an unmarked drum or a drum that is labeled with the name of hazardous material. It goes beyond asbestos and some of the other more common topics." RT

Taylor is also familiar with the other two speakers, and is confident they will present information of interest to attendees. "Insurance is always a topic of interest for contractors, and they need to know what options and pitfalls are out there. Greg Hoyle is a very good speaker who looks at project management, and asks superintendents and foremen to consider how what they do affects the financial well-being of their companies and themselves," says Taylor. "Matters of liability and scheduling-these affect the bottom line and even whether the company survives."

On the final day, Wednesday, March 7, attorney Mark Lies will address the topic, "Current Liability Issues under OHSA, Federal Employment Law, Criminal Law, and General Negligence."

This overview of regulations affecting contractors will cover a range of issues, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, sexual harassment, and what might change with the new presidential administration. "It's a nice overview of social policy law," says Taylor.

More information on the 2001 NADC convention can be obtained by contacting the association's Doylestown, Pa., office at (215) 348-4949.