EIMA Announces 2025–2027 Board of Directors
The EIFS Industry Members Association (EIMA) is pleased to announce the election of officers to its Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 term. These esteemed leaders, representing some of the most influential companies in the exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) industry, will guide EIMA’s mission to advance the industry.
The newly elected officers of the EIMA Board of Directors are President Jose Berlingeri, Sto Corp.; Vice President Vanessa Henley (Feldkamp), Dryvit/Tremco Construction Products Group; Treasurer Eric Hindson, Sika Facades; and Secretary Rafaël Bao, ADEX Systems.
Jose Berlingeri, president and CEO of Sto Corp., brings extensive industry experience and a forward-thinking approach to his role as president. “I am honored to serve as president of EIMA during this pivotal time for the EIFS industry,” said Berlingeri.
Department of Labor Finalizes Rule on Proper Fit of Personal Protective Equipment in Construction
As of December 11, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finalized an update to the personal protective equipment (PPE) standards for the construction industry. The new rule mandates that PPE must properly fit any construction worker who requires it, enhancing protection against hazardous conditions.
“I’ve heard from construction workers, especially women, who’ve shared their experiences with PPE that didn’t fit or wasn’t available in their size at the jobsite,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. “For PPE to be effective, it needs to fit correctly. I’m proud of the support we’ve received from both employers and unions to ensure that employers provide the proper PPE for every worker who needs it.”
Properly fitted PPE is essential to worker safety. Ill-fitting gear can be ineffective, create new hazards (such as oversized gloves or clothing getting caught in machinery), and discourage use due to discomfort. This issue has been a long-standing concern, particularly for women and workers of smaller or larger physiques.
For more information, visit www.osha.gov/personal-protective-equipment/construction.
SDI Transfers 12 S900 Test Standards to the SFIA Standards Committee
On December 12, 2024, the Steel Deck Institute (SDI) transferred responsibility for 12 S900 series test standards to the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA). These standards, related to cold-formed steel (CFS) framing, were previously maintained by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The SFIA will now manage these standards through its newly formed Standards Committee.
The transferred standards cover various aspects of CFS framing, including web crippling strength, buckling strength, fastener-sheathing stiffness, and the performance of cold-formed steel trusses, among others. SFIA’s new committee will also oversee additional CFS framing standards and ensure they align with building codes.
The SFIA aims to streamline and reduce the cost of managing these standards, enhancing their relevance and compliance. The committee, supported by volunteers and staff, will operate under a transparent and efficient process. Those interested in contributing to CFS standards development are encouraged to join the effort via a survey. SFIA’s mission includes offering technical services, market data, and other resources to its members in the CFS industry.
For more information, visit www.steelframing.org.
Biden Labor Department Withdraws Proposed Apprenticeship Rule
The Biden administration withdrew its proposed rule to redefine government-registered apprenticeship programs on November 27, 2024. Announced earlier this year, the rule faced opposition from both construction labor unions and business groups.
The proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor aimed to shift the criteria for registered apprenticeship programs toward a model focused on career and technical education centers (CTEs). This change was met with resistance from several industry groups, including North America’s Building Trades Unions.
Brian Turmail, vice president of public affairs and strategic initiatives at the Associated General Contractors of America, commented, “This is one of those issues where we shared many of the same concerns with our colleagues in organized labor. The proposed measure would have reduced the flexibility that makes registered apprenticeship programs so effective in preparing new workers.” Turmail expressed relief that the rule was withdrawn, stating, “We had assumed the measure would not advance under a Trump administration and were pleasantly surprised to see it withdrawn wisely by the Biden administration.”
Ben Brubeck, vice president of regulatory, labor and state affairs for the Associated Builders and Contractors, criticized the proposal, calling it “out of touch” with the needs of construction employers and workers. Brubeck emphasized the importance of government-registered apprenticeship programs in addressing the industry’s need for skilled workers, but expressed disappointment that the proposal missed the opportunity to modernize the apprenticeship system.
Specialty construction contractor groups also opposed the idea of having to establish discipline-specific training programs as CTEs. The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) raised concerns in a letter to the Department of Labor, arguing that the reliance on CTEs could negatively impact long-established apprenticeship programs, particularly those used by NECA, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and similar organizations for more than 70 years, potentially jeopardizing apprentice and contractor safety.
Even if the Biden administration had not withdrawn the proposal, the incoming Trump administration was unlikely to continue pursuing the government-registered apprenticeship overhaul.
Reference
Yoders J. (2024) Biden Labor Department Withdraws New Government Registered Apprenticeship Rule Opens in new tab. ENR.com (accessed December 3, 2024).
L.K.L. Associates Inc. Expands with Acquisition of Steel Connections, Inc.
L.K.L. Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Steel Connections, Inc., a leading distributor of construction tools, supplies, fasteners, metal framing, and acoustical ceiling systems based in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon. The acquisition is effective as of January 1, 2025.
Steel Connections, Inc. was founded in 2007 as a locally owned distributor of metal studs, ceiling tile, fasteners, and accessories.
Colten Christianson, an owner of L.K.L. Associates, shared, “We are very proud to on board Greg and the Steel Connections team. Steel Connections has a well-earned reputation for great customer service, excellent product knowledge and long-lasting relationships. We feel that combining L.K.L.’s diverse product offering, large equipment fleet, and talented team with Steel Connections is going to give the market a valuable resource. We’re very excited about the future!’”
L.K.L. Associates, Inc. is a family-run business, established in 1978 specializing in drywall supply. In their more than 45 years, they have expanded successfully from a small drywall supplier to offering a full line of exterior products, tools, doors, and sundries. They currently have 10 locations across Utah, Colorado and Idaho. This acquisition will add one more location to further their expansion into Idaho and Oregon.
Greg Eveland, president of Steel Connections, Inc. commented, “Our decision to work with L.K.L. Associates regarding this sale weighed heavily upon them being an Independent fellow AD Member, we felt their culture and values aligned with ours very well and this offered the best opportunities for growth for all parties moving forward.”
Both L.K.L. Associates, Inc. and Steel Connections, Inc. are long-time members of Affiliated Distributors (AD), the largest contractor and industrial products wholesale purchasing cooperative in North America.
AD Gypsum Supply President, Dan Maroni, stated, “Several years ago, the AD Gypsum Supply team began the AD Acquisition Initiative, designed to help our independent distributor members partner together if they are looking to make a change with their business rather than sell outside our membership. I’m excited that this initiative helped L.K.L. Associates and Steel Connections come together and I am confident the synergies between the two companies will result in a strong industry leader in the Idaho market, and beyond.”
