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Safety Tip: Can You Hear Me Now?

Mobile phones are convenient and can even prove useful if an employee needs to call in an accident or another important safety report. Unfortunately, much of the time, mobile phones pose more of a risk to safety than anything else. Combining the use of a mobile phone with driving, operating power tools, or navigating other hazardous work conditions can be dangerous or even deadly.

Workforce Development Board FAQ

Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) are part of the public workforce system under the U.S. Department of Labor. The system is a network of federal, state, and local offices that function to support economic expansion and develop the talent of our nation’s workforce. The public workforce system works in partnership with employers, educators, and community leaders to foster economic development and high-growth opportunities in regional economies in order to meet the challenge of the 21st century global economy. This system exists to help businesses find qualified workers to meet their present and future workforce needs.

Risk Management Essentials: Monitoring Project Specifications & Plan Notes

Are you reviewing and taking exceptions to a project’s specifications and plan notes relating to framing and truss construction? Out of sight out of mind is not the proper response! Why is this so important?  What needs to be done when a set of specifications or plan notes impose responsibilities that go beyond TPI-1?  Are you adequately insured for the design risk that project plan notes and specifications may impose?  SBCA Legal Counsel Kent Pagel will address all of these questions and many more in this valuable risk management webinar.

Editor's Message: Getting in on the Ground Floor

One of the most significant benefits of SBC Magazine’s new online polling approach is it gives component manufacturers (CMs) a glimpse into how their business model and/or local market compares to the industry as a whole. 

President's Message: When in Doubt, Get More Information

Diversity can be a blessing and a challenge. When you look at our entire industry, there are many business models to choose from, and no one way has proven to be the “best” way to operate.

Setting Trusses Straight

Trusses are engineered components that will perform as intended if installed correctly. However, those who are installing trusses are not always adept in deciphering truss layout drawings.

Thinking Outside the Building Plans to Train Designers

“Creative problem solving is key, just like when designing trusses, the answer isn’t always so clear. You have to evaluate the situation and come up with a solution to accomplish the goal.”

Starting Small Can Yield Big Rewards

An informal internship program can be a perfect way to start

Digital Documents Ensure Better Delivery

SBCA’s Jobsite Package is likely the most economical risk management tool a component manufacturer (CM) can deploy.

Giving Tours to Students – Technology Is Key

A career in component manufacturing offers a “combination of tech and building something with your hands,” says Steve Szymanski of Drexel Truss Systems in Little Chute, Wisconsin.

The Godfather of an Industry

Charlie was one of the original “four pillars” of Alpine and served as a mentor to many throughout the industry in his almost 50 years in the business.

It’s Recess Time!

“Inviting elected officials into our manufacturing plants and building relationships with them can make a world of difference for individual manufacturers and the industry,” says Larry Dix, owner of Apex Truss in Warsaw, Virginia.

Controlling Your Website Content In-House

Jeff Smith, Trussway’s CEO and president, shares that “it’s crucial to keep your website updated as the ways people want to see things online has changed and current trends and styles of websites have as well.”

Faces of the Industry: Zach Beebe

Division Manager  •  G2 National  •  Sparks, Nevada

Zach with his siblings and his sisters’ dog, Tonks.

Zach (left) with his siblings and his sisters’ dog, Tonks.

Parting Shots: Earning the Green Jacket

Being inducted into the Trussway Hall of Fame is a big deal. Founded in 1972, Trussway has six manufacturing locations spread across the U.S. and services single-family, multi-family, and light-commercial construction segments.

CM Perspective: The Solution We All Need

Since I started in this industry a year ago, I have realized there are three major issues that the construction industry is facing: lack of skilled labor, lack of time, and lack of money. Fortunately, components manufacturers (CMs) provide a solution to all three. 

Safety Tip: When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), nowhere outside is safe when thunderstorms are in your area.