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This issue of the DRIP sponsored by:

WORKING TOGETHER, THEY GET THE JOB DONE.
As the saying goes, you can't stop a freight train. And that bodes well with the construction industry as they plug forward during this time. We got an inside look at how our members in construction are responding to COVID-19, and pulled together tips and practices they had to offer. Above all, and with no surprise, the most common recommendation was safety first. From temperature checks, face coverings, hand washing stations and physical distancing, safety measures are the primary focus for the team on and off the ground. But that is not all.

We Built This City.
Austin Commercial announced it had been recognized with two awards from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), receiving the 2019 National Diversity Excellence Award in the General Contractor category, as well as the 2019 National Safety Merit Award.

Balfour Beatty took safety norms up a notch and implemented QR codes for self-screening, infrared technology to detect high temperatures, staggered start times, as well as a full-time monitor to ensure physical distancing and supervise sanitation.

Barton Malow senior VP, Dave Price, sat down with the Orlando Business Journal to discuss  maintaining safety on active job sites, why construction is important, job disruptions and long-term impacts as they relate to construction during COVID-19.

Batson Cook Construction suggests not sharing tools unless necessary and washing hands before and after using tools. Recommendations also include sanitizing tools once a day as well as in between users.  They also shared some valuable tips on properly caring for reusable gloves on Instagram.

Brasfield & Gorrie General Contractors recently won six national awards from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)’s 30th annual Excellence in Construction awards program. The awards recognize Brasfield & Gorrie’s work on projects in a variety of market sectors, including government, healthcare, public works and sports and recreation.

In addition to their CEMEX Go online platform allowing for remote ordering and paperless billing, CEMEX created a comic series to highlight some of the common COVID-19 symptoms, well-being webinars and an emotional support helpline for their team.

Hanson Construction provides interior redesigns, renovations and a variety of other contracting services for Class A office buildings. With social distancing concerns, office redesign can improve productivity while creating the workspace your company needs.

HOAR Construction put out a two-part COVID-19 response discussing how companies are adapting to the current climate and what you need to know to protect your crew.  HOAR also has tips on how to disinfect the big tools such as aerial devices and diggers derricks.

JA Edwards of America has its sights set on the impending hurricane season, with its social platforms filled with weather updates and hurricane preparedness tips.

PCL Construction Services, Inc. recently focused on modular construction, building smart screening and testing pods, the Care Pod, in just two weeks. PCL also just ranked in at #9 on Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine’s Top 400 Contractors list for 2020.

Build me up, buttercup.

BUSINESS TIPS FROM GAMBIN FINANCIAL.
As we all work to reposition our businesses in the marketplace, Claudio Gambin, of Gambin Financial, shared with us three things that should be on our minds.

  1. Audit expenses. Use this time to go through your monthly fixed and variable expenses with a fine-tooth comb. Determine what is essential and what is discretionary. Can you trim any fat so that more revenue goes to the bottom line?
  2. Maintaining a strong cash position could be beneficial. There may be a lot of “opportunities” presented to consumers but be cautious about putting dollars toward a non-liquid vehicle. We don’t know what the next few months to a year look like so keep your powder dry and be patient.
  3. To business owners – Just. Stay. Open. Experts are forecasting that there may be a 20-30% decrease in the number of businesses on the other side of this pandemic. Being mindful of #1 and #2 above will help you weather this storm and pick up market share once it’s passed. Use this time to strategize:
    1. How would your business be able to handle an additional 20-30% market share?
    2. Are your operational procedures capable of handling that additional workload?
      1. You may be able to pick up talent at a discount. With businesses going under, how can you take advantage of recruiting and placing people looking for employment?
      2. Profits may generally be increased by either decreasing expenses or increasing revenue.
      3. This might be the perfect time to do both – how can you take advantage of that? Think creatively.

COMING UP.
DOP Webinar with Orlando Health.
“Getting (Safely) Back to Business with Orlando Health”
June 4, 2020 | 3:00 – 4:00 pm | Zoom

Description:
Recently, Orlando Health launched a new “Business Ready” initiative to support those in the business community returning to normal operations. They’ve pulled together their experts and hospital best practices, and are now offering the business community resources related to proper handwashing, surface cleaning, mask wearing, social distancing and more. Tune in to hear more about this initiative and how you can protect your business, clients and staff. The panelists include:

Save the date. Registration information coming soon.

DOP Facebook Fundraiser for Local Businesses.
Join us for a fundraiser supporting the Downtown Orlando businesses you know and love. The campaign, in collaboration with Discover Downtown, will kick off tomorrow, May 29, 2020, on the DOP Facebook page and run through next Friday, June 5, 2020, at 5:00 PM.

Check out the DOP Facebook page for more details.

Happy giving!

ICYMI.
Just announced last week, the AT&T Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to support the Orlando Health Team Member Relief Fund. The funds will provide stipends for living expenses to support those on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"With those in mind who leave their families every day to help others, the AT&T Foundation is proud to support Orlando Health. These brave men and women represent the best of us and we are pleased to offer our support," Dan Pollock, AT&T External Affairs Regional Director.

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