AMBA Fall 2018 Newsletter

Fall 2018 Newsletter

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Our current business outlook is not very optimistic with regards to new construction. The oil sector is in limbo and until we see a change in the current governments, both provincially and federally, I do not see this improving. We will continue to see projects being priced, as in the past, but the placing of orders will likely remain somewhat dormant until there is confidence in our newly elected officials. As well, the uncertainty of the market due to the fact that we are now facing dumping charges on imports of off shore steel products. I am sure that in order to gain favor with the electorate there will be a number of announcements of projects over the next while to try and sway voters (my personal views).

John Weran

Chairman, AMBA

Roger Geisinger

Executive Director, AMBA

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE

My name is Roger Geisinger and I have taken on the role of Executive Director for AMBA. I am sure many of you already know me, but for those of you who don’t I will give you a brief history. Prior to retiring in 2016, I spent 39 years in the Metal Building industry. I hold a B. Ed. and an Alberta Journeyman Metal Building Erector trade certificate. I spent 6 years on the Provincial Apprenticeship Committee for the Ironworker Trade. I was also a member of the Alberta Apprenticeship Board for another 6 years.

NOTEWORTHY NEWS

SAFETY UPDATE

Legalization of Marijuana and its impact on the work place

Marijuana has become a legal substance in Canada. So naturally many employees want to use it recreationally. This can become an issue at work as the THC builds up in a persons system and if a drug test is required the result is positive test readings even though a person is not actually impaired at the time of the test.

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

Free Trade

The most recent renegotiated NAFTA has reason for celebration across the country. While the agreement still needs to be ratified by all three countries, it sends a positive message to investors and businesses alike.

MEMBERSHIP

AMBA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The strength of our association relies on a strong membership that collectively represents a cross section of our industry. AMBA continues to remain a strong unified voice for our members who are actively involved in the Metal Building Systems market across the province.

Currently our Membership list includes 60 individual members representing 55 companies including, erectors, contractors and suppliers. These numbers are slightly down from last year.

As we all go about our day to day work, we may see or hear of other companies actively participating in the Metal Building Systems market, who we either know or suspect are not members of AMBA. I want to encourage everyone to pass on the names of these companies to the Membership Committee so that we can actively approach them to promote becoming members in the Association.

PROVINCIAL APPRENTICESHIP COMMITTEE

Numbers for Ironworkers – MBSE (Metal Building Systems Erector)

It is critical that we keep sending our employees to trade school. We have already seen a shift in training that covers less of the MBSE trade, and any further apathy from our industry may lead to a push to get rid of MBSE and keep only the Structural and Reinforcing arms of the Ironworker trades.