NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STATE CONTRACTORS LICENSING AGENCIES

Newsletter

Spring is upon us and NASCLA business projects are heating up along with the weather. Committee leaders and staff have worked hard during the winter months to move forward with our most important projects. Much of that work will be on display at our annual Mid Year meeting planned later this month. In fact, NASCLA’s Mid Year Meeting is right around the corner, scheduled for April 24-27, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. Although travel restrictions and the press of other business may prevent some from attending, most state members plan to be there. I hope you’ll

have the opportunity to join us!

As usual, our Mid Year gathering will concentrate on association business activates. The meeting schedule is packed with work sessions and committee presentations designed to report association accomplishments and provide status reports on work in progress. Attendees will have an opportunity to offer input and help fine tune projects destined for completion later this year and beyond. We have 3 days of committee meetings planned along with two NASCLA board meetings scheduled.

NASCLA Committee presentations will be highlighted at the Mid Year meeting. They including:

• The NASCLA Education Committee: NASCLA Education Program and State Marketing Plan

• NASCLA Model Legislation Committee: The Residential Pre-licensure Education Requirements and Specialty Contactors Model laws.

• NASCLA Residential Committee: Top Ten Finalists for the Public Service Announcement Campaign regarding: a) Hire a Licensed Contractor, and b) Natural Disasters. This will be an interactive session and all Mid Year meeting attendees are encouraged to participant in the final judging process. If all goes according to plan, the winners will be announced during the program.

• The NASCLA Resources Committee: Elderly Abuse Awareness Program, Disaster Response Plan and the Resources Toolkit. The information and resources contained in this report alone, may very well justify your time, cost and energy to attend the NASCLA Mid Year meeting.

NASCLA committees have been busy over the past few months. NASCLA Executive Committee held the Annual Strategic Planning Meeting in Park City, Utah on January 16-17. During our visit to Utah we had the opportunity to meet with Dan Jones the Bureau Manger of the Utah Construction Trades Bureau Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The meeting was very successful. We hope to see Mr. Jones at future NASCLA events. In addition, we made great progress towards completing the priorities on the NASCLA Strategic Plan for 2012 and 2013.

Volume 8, Issue 2 April 2012

Inside this Issue:

NASCLA President Message . . . . . . . . 1 - 2

NASCLA Featured in Real Simple Magazine . . . . . . . . . 2

NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Angie Whitaker, NASCLA Executive Director, Appointed to AzSAE Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . 3

Louisiana Rules and Regulations Revised and Updated . . . . . . 4

Contractors Who “Cheat to Complete” Face Stiff Penalities in California . . . . . . . . . 5 How to Select a Qualified Playground Contractor . . . . . . . . 6

NASCLA 50th Annual Conference and Sponsorship Opportunities . . 7 - 9

NASCLA Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . 10

NASCLA President’s Message Continued...

The NASCLA Model Legislation Committee also held a meeting in Park City, Utah on January 17-18 where they worked feverishly to complete their model law modules on Residential Prelicensure Education Requirements and Specialty Contactors licensing/registration. I am looking forward to their presentation at the NASCLA Mid Year Meeting.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the NASCLA 2012 Mid Year Meeting in Orlando, Florida in April!

Sincerely,

Craig P. Smith, NASCLA President

Real Simiple Article Featuring NASCLA

This article can be found in the April 2012 Edition of Real Simiple on Page 155. Copies in stores now!

News from NASCLA Members

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NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for Commercial General Building Contractors

PHOENIX, AZ – April 5, 2012. The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) National Examination Committee worked diligently for

many years to develop and finalize the NASCLA National Examination Program for Commercial General Contractors. The first NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Contractors was administered on September 8, 2009 in Alabama. Today, the NASCLA Accredited Examination is accepted by eight state contractor licensing agencies to test commercial general building contractor candidates who are applying for a contractor’s license.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination Program is an approval and accreditation process for testing providers and examinations. This program was developed to improve the overall quality and validity of contractor licensing examinations and reduce redundant licensing examination requirements for contractors who travel across different jurisdictions. The NASCLA Accredited Examination Program also stores applicant examination information in the

National Examination Database (NED), which allows jurisdictions to verify that applicants have passed the NASCLA Accredited Examination.

The NASCLA Accredited Examination was developed using contractors from many jurisdictions. This examination is designed for contractors who travel across different jurisdictions performing commercial work. The examination currently covers estimating, bidding, preconstruction services, project management, project construction, project closeout and organizational and financial management. An updated occupational analysis is in progress and the results will be released in June 2012.

Contractors who take the NASCLA Accredited Examination in one jurisdiction can access the National Examination Database (NED) to verify that applicants have passed the examination. Contractors will still have to meet other licensure requirements within their jurisdiction.

For more information on the association or the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program, please contact the NASCLA office at (623) 587-9354 or visit www.nascla.org.

Angie Whitaker, NASCLA Executive Director, was appointed to the Arizona Society of Association Executives (AzSAE) Board of Directors on March, 20, 2012. Mr. Whitaker was selected from 7 potential candidates. Mr. Dick Onsager, NASCLA Legal Counsel Representative, currently serves on the AzSAE Board of Directors and was recently appointed to the AzSAE Board of Directors as well. Mr. Whitaker currently serves on another national board the Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB) and is a FARB Board Member.

The Arizona Society of Association Executives (AzSAE) is the nonprofit membership organization for professionals engaged in the management of trade, professional, technical and charitable organizations in Arizona. For more information about AzSAE, please visit www.azsae.com and the full AzSAE Board of Directors listing, please visit http://www.azsae.org/team/board-of-directors.

Angie Whitaker, NASCLA Executive Director, Appointed to the AzSAE Board of Directors

News from NASCLA Members

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Louisiana Rules and Regulations Revised and Updated

Contractor News Source BulletinLouisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors2525 Quail Drive Baton Rouge, Louisiana 708081-800-256-1392 www.lslbc.louisiana.gov

Bulletin: 12-02February 10, 2012

Rules and Regulations Revised and Updated

The rules and regulations of the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) have been revised and updated to recognize legislative changes previously made to our laws since 2009, and administrative policy revisions for accuracy and consistency of enforcement and interpretation. The primary intent of these revisions was for technical corrections and clarity for better understanding of the rules and regulations of the Louisiana Contractors Licensing Laws. For a complete revised document please refer to the following link on the LSLBC website: LSLBC Rules and Regulations Revised and Updated

Continuing Education for residential licensing renewals has been discussed at length with theresidential trade associations and the Licensing Board. The purpose and intent for ContinuingEducation is for professional integrity in the construction industry without unnecessary regulatoryburden of the licensed contractor. New Continuing Education requirements became effective onJanuary 20, 2012, and are in effect for the calendar year 2012. The Maintenance of Skills inSection 113(c) reads as follows: “A residential building contractor shall be required to completea minimum of six hours of Continuing Education annually by a board approved provider. Proof ofcompliance with this requirement shall be filed with the board annually in the format required bythe board, as a condition for the maintenance and/or renewal of the license. A contractor whoholds a valid, current commercial license in the major classifications of: building construction;highway, street and bridge construction; heavy construction; or municipal and public worksconstruction, shall be deemed to have fulfilled this requirement.”

If you should have any questions or need additional information please contact this office forassistance.

“Properly licensed and qualified contractors .… It’s the Law!”For any questions or further information, please visit our website at www.lslbc.louisiana.gov

or contact us by phone at 225-765-2301 Ext. 213 or via email atnewsletter@lslbc.louisiana.gov

News from NASCLA Members

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News from NASCLA MembersContractors Who “Cheat to Compete”

Face Stiff Penalties in CaliforniaCalifornia’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB) estimates that on any given day, tens of thousands of licensed contractors and unlicensed operators are breaking the law and contributing to the state’s underground economy. These individuals, who make it increasingly difficult for law-abiding licensed contractors to compete for business in California, were put on notice January 1, 2012, when a new multi-agency partnership was launched.

Individuals and companies who are operating illegally will be at the top of the new Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) target list. CSLB has been at the forefront of combating the underground economy, and is a primary member of LETF. Other members include the state Department of Industrial Relations, Employment Development Department, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and Department of Insurance.

“Contractors must understand that they can’t cheat to compete,” said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands. “By combining our resources and sharing information like never before, we will target and find the worst offenders, licensed or not.”

The combined teams are working closely with industry partners to identify contractors operating in the underground economy by performing targeted inspections at active construction sites. The targeted inspections, instead of random sweeps, are providing more efficient and timely action against illegal contracting.

Investigators already have conducted more than two dozen targeted enforcement operations throughout the state since January 2012 that have resulted in dozens of citations and thousands of dollars in fines. The CSLB citations alone total more than $56,000. The operations are not limited to weekdays; at least one operation has taken place on a weekend and more are on the calendar.

Violators feel the financial sting of multiple agencies swooping in simultaneously. At one recent operation, a long-time illegal operator believed to have underbid legitimate contractors on plastering jobs by hundreds of thousands of dollars during the past few years received several administrative actions. CSLB cited him for contracting without a license and failing to secure workers’ compensation insurance for three employees who were working with him. The citation comes with $4,500 in fines. The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Labor Standards Enforcement issued him a stop order and citations for $7,750 in fines for failure to carry workers’ compensation and for paying employees in cash. He also will be audited by the Employment Development Department.

LETF anticipates a busy year ahead. In addition to construction, LETF addresses illegal activity in the agricultural, automotive, garment, restaurant, and warehouse industries.

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News from NASCLA Members

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How to Select a Qualified Playground Contractor

The NCPAI Qualified Contractors Program was created as a way for professional playground contractors to distinguish themselves as licensed, certified, and insured, to specifically build playgrounds. NPCAI Qualified Contractors set themselves apart from other installers that do not understand the importance or don’t want to spend the time, effort, and money to educate their employees, obey local and state licensing laws, and may conduct business without insurance.

In today’s market it is important to select a Qualified Playground contractor for your next playground project.

The following information and checklist was compiled from several resources within the playground industry to provide you the owner, a simple, step-by-step process for selecting a qualified playground contractor.

It is the responsibility of the designer, manufacturer, owner and playground contractor to provide a playground that a child can play on without risk. Check out the web site for qualified playground contractors at: www.playground-contractors.org

Documents to secure:

• A copy of their state or local licensing. • A copy of their NPSI certification.• A copy of their NPCAI membership.• A copy of the NPCAI Qualified Contractor

Certificate.• A copy of liability insurance, property,

automotive and workman’s compensation. • A list of current references.

Ask the Playground Contractor:

• Will they secure your area during construction? • Do they have a final inspection program?• Request that you be listed as an additional

insured.

Doing these will save you time and money.

• Review the contract before the installation begins.

• Go over your expectations and check to make sure you and your playground Contractor both agree.

• Become familiar with he project manager and keep in contact with him during the project.

Upon completion of your playground installation, ask for the following:

• A walk through of your playground site.• Warranty on the playground installation.• Pictures of the playground.• Final inspection report.• A copy of the installation manual from the

manufacturer for your playground equipment. • A manufacturer maintenance kit. (if applicable)

Qualified contractor credentials are all the assurance a playground purchaser/owner needs in order to make an educated decision about whom to hire to build their equipment. To view the entire qualified contractors listing visit the NPCAI website at www.playground-contractors.org.

NASCLA 50th Annual Conference The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) Annual Conference is the association’s premier annual event. NASCLA will be hosting its 50th Annual Conference on September 30 - October 4, 2012 at Sunriver Resort, in Bend, Oregon.

The conference draws more than 100 attendees including regulators, construction industry representatives and decision makers from more than 40 state licensing boards, testing companies and industry associations from across the United States.

This Annual Conference is fast becoming a must attend event for all who are involved in the regulation of the construction industry. Each year the association’s Program Committee and Staff exceed expectations with quality programming and exceptional speakers in outstanding locations.

NASCLA invites you to join us in Bend to experience the interactive sessions, presentations from top notch industry experts all while forming lasting relationships with other construction industry professionals.

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Photos of Sunriver Resort

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM Please complete and remit to NASCLA at the address, email or fax listed below

Deadline Date: Monday, September 3, 2012

Registrants Name Title

Agency/Company

Mailing Address

City State Zip

Phone Fax

Email

Registration Type Registration Fee Includes: Meeting Materials, Breakfast, Luncheons, Reception and Closing Banquet

NASCLA Member | $495 Conference Silver or Bronze Sponsor | $495

Non-Member | $595 Conference Diamond, Platinum or Gold Sponsor | Waived Registration

Spouse / Guest Name: Relation:

Guest Registration OnlyPlease identify all meals & events your spouse/guest will be attending

Meal/Event Fee Quantity

All Meals & Events $210 ____

Monday, October 1st | Opening Reception $40 ____

Tuesday, October 2nd | BreakfastTuesday, October 2nd | Lunch

$25$45

________

Wednesday, October 3rd | Breakfast $25 ________

Thursday, October 4th | BreakfastThursday, October 4th | Group Excursion/Anniversary Dinner/Banquet

$25$125

________

23309 North 17th Drive, Suite 110, Phoenix, Arizona 85027 | Phone: (623) 587-9354 | Fax: (623) 587-9625 | Email: Kirsten@nascla.orgwww.nascla.org/main-annual-conference-page

NASCLA 50th Annual Conference

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As a NASCLA Annual Conference Sponsor, you have the opportunity to put your company’s products and services in front of the people that use them most!

Make the most of your marketing money! The NASCLA 2012 Annual Conference will help reach an influential audience of leaders in the construction industry.

Attendees Include:• Executive Directors from contractor state licensing agencies

• Representatives from construction firms• Contractor trade associations

• Others who are affiliated with the construction industry All Sponsorship Opportunities Include: Audio/Visual Recognition during Events & Recognition during General Sessions

Gold Sponsor: $2,500

• Medium Logo Banner in Main Meeting Room• 1/3 Page Ad in Program Agenda• Audio/Visual Recognition During Events• Recognition During General Sessions• Recognition During Closing Luncheon• (2) Tickets to Closing Luncheon• NASCLA Website Recognition• (1) Conference Registration• Recognition Plaque

Silver Sponsor: $1,000

• Small Logo Banner in Main Meeting Room• 1/4 Page Ad in Program Agenda• Audio/Visual Recognition During Events• Recognition During General Sessions• NASCLA Website Recognition• Recognition Certificate

Bronze Sponsor: $500

• Small Logo Banner in Main Meeting Room• 1/4 Page Ad in Program Agenda• Audio/Visual Recognition During Events• NASCLA Website Recognition

Become a sponsor today! For more information, please visit the NASCLA website at www.nascla.org, or contact Kirsten Zacharias, NASCLA Program Coordinator, by phone at (623) 587-9354 or via email at

kirsten@nascla.org

Diamond Sponsor: $7,500

• Large Logo Banner in Main Meeting Area• Vendor Booth Display• Full Page Ad in Program Agenda• Audio/Visual Recognition During Events• Recognition During General Sessions• Recognition During Closing Luncheon• (6) Tickets to Closing Luncheon• NASCLA Website Recognition• (3) Conference Registrations• Recognition Plaque

Platinum Sponsor: $5,000

• Medium Logo Banner in Main Meeting Room• Vendor Booth Display• 1/2 Page Ad in Program Agenda• Audio/Visual Recognition During Events• Recognition During General Sessions• Recognition During Closing Luncheon• (4) Tickets to Closing Luncheon• NASCLA Website Recognition• (2) Conference Registrations• Recognition Plaque

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SponSorShip opportunitieS at naSCLa’S 2012 annuaL ConferenCe

NASCLA Calendar of Events

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June 28, 2012NASCLA Executive Committee & NASCLA Board of Directors Conference Call

September 30-October 4, 2012NASCLA 2012 Annual ConferenceSunriver ResortBend, OregonNASCLA’s Annual Conference is a great opportunity for NASCLA members to come together to discuss current issues relevant to the regulation of contractors. The Conference also provides a forum for participants to interact and exchange information on current issues in the industry.

August 25 - 29, 2013NASCLA 2013 Annual ConferenceCoeur d’Alene ResortCoeur d’Alene, Idaho

April 24-27, 2012NASCLA Mid Year MeetingDoubleTree Orlando Hotel at SeaWorldOrlando, FloridaThe Mid Year Meeting is designed as a planning oriented session for NASCLA’s Board of Directors, Committee Members and State Members.

May 22-23, 2012NASCLA Budgeting MeetingThe Montelucia HotelScottsdale, ArizonaNASCLA’s Executive Committee, Fiscal Policies and Procedures Committee, NASCLA Educational Resources and Publications (NERP) Board of Directors and NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI) Board of Directors will meet to review the interim financials and prepare the NASCLA, NERP and NPI forecasted budgets for the fiscal year 2012/2013.

May 24, 2012NASCLA Executive Commitee, NASCLA Educational Resources and Publications (NERP) Board of Directors and NASCLA Publications, Inc. (NPI) Board of Directors Business MeetingThe Montelucia HotelScottsdale, Arizona

We Want to hear from You Submit your article today to be included in the next NASCLA Newsletter.

Submitting an article puts your name and agency/company in front of your peers, establishes you as a resource, and enables you to exchange best practices and new

innovations with your colleagues.

All articles must be submitted electronically in MS Microsoft Word or Rich Text Format. Please include pictures (if applicable) and author contact information.

Submit To:Angie Whitaker | angie@nascla.org or Kirsten Zacharias| kirsten@nascla.org

Please Note: We will not accept articles that are intended for advertising.

The NaTioNal associaTioN of sTaTe coNTracTors liceNsiNg ageNcies (Nascla) was fouNded iN 1962 as a NoNprofiT corporaTioN. iTs

membership is comprised of sTaTes ThaT have eNacTed laws regulaTiNg The busiNess of coNTracTiNg. Nascla is dedicaTed To The muTual

assisTaNce of iTs member sTaTes iN sTriviNg for The beTTer regulaTioN of The coNsTrucTioN iNdusTry To proTecT The healTh, safeTy aNd welfare

of The geNeral public.

NaTioNal associaTioN of sTaTe coNTracTors liceNsiNg ageNcies

23309 NorTh 17Th drive, buildiNg 1, uNiT 110

phoeNix, arizoNa 85027

phoNe: 623.587.9354 fax: 623.587.9625iNfo@Nascla.org

www.Nascla.org

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