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News
Thursday, October 17, 2024SOLARCRAFT BRIGHTENS SKIPSTONE WINES WITH CUTTING-EDGE SOLAR INSTALLATION
SolarCraft, a trusted leader in solar energy for over forty years in Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties, has successfully installed a 225.4 kW solar power system at Skipstone in Geyserville, in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley wine region. This project marks a major milestone in Skipstone’s dedication to sustainability as the company harnesses solar energy. The recently installed solar photovoltaic system at Skipstone features 464 high-efficiency panels arranged in an expansive ground-mounted setup,
Wednesday, October 16, 2024Safety & Training Short: Kitchen Safety - Knives
When handling knives, box cutters, or machines and tools with blades, take care to protect yourself from cuts. Cuts from knives may occur as a result of improper handling, improper storage, or the accidental dropping of knives. To prevent injury, apply the following approaches.Planning:Assess tasks to identify the potential hazards and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).Require employees to use appropriate controls and hand protection when exposed to hazards such as cuts and lacerations.Review
Wednesday, October 16, 2024Subcontractor Bid Request - S.F Animal Care & Control Tenant Improvement
Subcontractor's Bid Invitation Project Name: SF ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL TENENT IMPROVEMENT [CITYWIDE PLA]OWNER: City and County of San Francisco Public Works San Francisco Recreation and Park Department Bid Date: November 6th, 2:30 PM (please provide your price by 1PM) Argo Construction, Inc. as a “GENERAL CONTRACTOR” is requesting quotations on “ALL TRADES “from ALL qualified subcontractors & suppliers, S.F LBE’s, MBE’s. WBE’s and OBE’s, DIR Required. This is a PLA project. Scope of Work:San
Tuesday, October 15, 2024Cyber Safety Tips for Your Business
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! There’s no better time to strengthen your defenses. With cybersecurity incidents on the rise, businesses of all sizes are facing increasingly sophisticated threats. We’ve compiled a few actionable tips to help you protect your business from phishing, ransomware, and other cyber attacks. These practical strategies can help you stay ahead of the threats and safeguard your company’s future. Ready to boost your security? Click the link below to explore how you can start
Saturday, October 12, 2024Get Cash for Heat Pump Water Heater Upgrades - Support Your Clients in a Broken Water Heater Emergency
Get $1,500 for Installing a Heat Pump Water Heater MCE’s Emergency Water Heater Incentive provides contractors $1,500 to help cover the cost of installing and maintaining a temporary loaner water heater (gas or electric) as part of the customer’s permanent heat pump water heater (HPWH) installation. As more households move toward environmentally-friendly options and the Bay Area passes new regulations to support California’s clean energy goals, your clients will need to start replacing gas appliances
Thursday, October 10, 2024Better Workplaces Podcast Recommendations
As your health insurance brokerage firm, Venbrook is thrilled to bring you some thought-provoking recommendations related to today’s workplace from Adam Grant’s insightful podcast, WorkLife with Adam Grant. These episodes touch on critical themes that resonate deeply with our mission of fostering innovative, inclusive, and thriving workplaces. They serve as a guide to help us all navigate the complexities of modern work life with greater confidence and clarity. "The Science of Productive Conflict" -
Wednesday, October 09, 2024Safety & Training Short: Fall Protection - Eliminating Falls
Learn to identify conditions and behaviors that cause falls:StairwaysCarrying objects that block the view of the stepsRunningFailure to use handrailWorking in areas cluttered by objectsInattentionLaddersUse of ladders that do not suit the jobUse of ladders that are in poor conditionImproper ladder placementImproper ladder useReaching/leaning too farUsing a step ladder that is too shortClick here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to download the complete training short in
Thursday, October 03, 2024A Carefully Constructed Succession Plan for Ghilotti Brothers Construction
Reprinted from Family Business Magazine by Beth Braverman, August 29, 2024Bay Area construction company Ghilotti Brothers has a 10-year timeline for transitioning from the third to the fourth generation. Like anyone else traveling through the San Francisco Bay area, Gino Ghilotti often spotted trucks bearing the name of his family's construction company, Ghilotti Brothers, on local roads. For Gino, a fourth-generation family member, the vehicles were a visible reminder of the responsibilities that come
Thursday, October 03, 2024Pacific Gas & Electric Wildfire Safety Tips - October
An alarming new study has shown that 58% of Californians lack a disaster kit, and 69% do not have any disaster plans. California continues to be at risk from unpredictable wildfires. New growth of vegetation, grass, and plants due to the rain also poses a significant risk once these fuels become tinder dry, as they can promote rapid fire growth. Evacuating from your home early can mean the difference of life and death. When a wildfire or other disaster strikes, be prepared to leave at a moment’s
Thursday, October 03, 2024Celebrating our Member Referral Partners - Thank You for Helping Us Build Our Community!
We would like to recognize and celebrate our wonderful REFERRAL PARTNERS!2024:Brittany Keyes, State Farm Insurance Agent, who referred Darcy Quinn, A an P Moving, Inc. (Special thanks to Brittany for pledging her bonus to our Workforce Development and Scholarship Fund!)David Kelley, California Modern, who referred Sally Scotto, SASi / SAS InteriorsAmy Wolff, CEARA Studio, Inc., who referred Naima Sweeting, Studio Serrette, Inc.Magda Loczi, Marin Sanitary Service, who referred LOCZIdesign, Inc.Misty D'Amore,
Wednesday, October 02, 2024Safety & Training Short: Job Safety Analysis
The Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Process JSAs are designed to enhance workers’ awareness of and adherence to safety controls. The goal is zero incidents. Obtaining that goal greatly helps the worker and the organization. JSAs outline, for each position, the various hazards of the job and the needed controls and behaviors that will keep incidents from occurring. Use JSAs to teach workers about their jobs and about the importance of safety on the job. JSA implementation: JSAs must be implemented in a
Monday, September 30, 2024SolarCraft Energizes Schell-Vista Fire District with New Solar Installation
SolarCraft, a premier solar energy provider with over 40 years of experience serving Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties, has successfully completed a state-of-the-art solar power installation at the Schell-Vista Fire District in Sonoma, California. The station now harnesses clean, renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint and lower operational costs, saving close to $13,000 in annual utility bills. Installed on the station’s standing seam roof, the newly installed solar photovoltaic system at
Monday, September 30, 2024VADU IN THE NEWS: San Rafael couple’s ADU designed for all stages of life
By PJ Bremier | pj@pjbremier.com | IJ correspondent PUBLISHED: September 27, 2024 Marin Independent Journal When Roberta Steiner and her husband, Allan Farovitch, purchased their new Cape Cod contemporary in San Rafael’s Lucas Valley Estates neighborhood 30 years ago, they left behind a 1930s Edwardian home in San Francisco. Their future was now about embracing the Marin lifestyle and the rearing of their two young boys, then ages 4 and 6. “We loved the new construction and the quiet, beautiful
Wednesday, September 25, 2024Safety & Training Short - Lead Awareness - Administrative Controls
Objective: To introduce common administrative controls, including policies and procedures for employee training, housekeeping, employee rotation, and personal hygiene as well as other methods of reducing employee exposures Because lead exposure is dangerous, your organization has administrative controls in place to help protect you. Refer to your organization’s written policies and procedures to see the specific administrative controls and follow them for your safety and the safety of
Friday, September 20, 2024Marin Builders Association Welcomes Another FULL House at September Member Morning
On Thursday, September 19th, we welcomed over 100 guests at our Member Morning event! It was a full and happy house and so wonderful to see all our members connecting and engaging. Thank you to everyone who made the time to join us and special thanks to our coffee and donut sponsor and Cornerstone Partner, George Petersen Insurance Agency! Rick and Christine shared highlights about all the accomplishments of the year along with some previews of what's coming up in 2025. This 'power hour' of community,
Wednesday, September 18, 2024Builders Association Political Action Committee (BAPAC) Makes Endorsements for 2024 November Election
San Rafael, CA - The Marin Builders Association Political Action Committee is proud to announce the November 2024 election endorsements. Members of the BAPAC met in September and unanimously voted to support the following candidates and Marin County measures. “The Marin Builders Association PAC is extremely proud to endorse these candidates and measures. Over the years MBA has worked with these individuals to create more development opportunities that drive economic vitality throughout the
Monday, September 16, 2024Patty Garbarino Receives the John P. Moscone Award for Lifetime Achievement
North Bay’s local Patty Garbarino, President of Marin Sanitary Service, Marin Recycling and Marin Resource Recovery Center, Board Member of Sonoma County Resource Recovery, and Napa Recycling and Waste Services was honored to receive the John P. Moscone Award for “long-term exemplary commitment and dedicated service to the waste industry” by the Resource Recovery Coalition of California (RRCC) at their annual Convention. Long a leader in innovation of the waste industry, Ms. Garbarino began her career at
Thursday, September 12, 2024Consumer-Driven Health Plans: HSAs and HRAs
In today’s complex healthcare landscape, navigating the financial aspects of healthcare can be daunting for both employers and employees. It’s crucial to explore effective tools that can help manage these expenses while providing flexibility and control over healthcare decisions. Two tools are Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). These accounts offer significant financial benefits and play a vital role in supporting comprehensive healthcare strategy.Understanding HRAs
Thursday, September 05, 2024SolarCraft Powers Up Pine Ridge Vineyards with a New Solar Installation - Napa Valley Winery Teams Up with SolarCraft to Embrace Sustainability
SolarCraft, the leading solar energy provider in Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties for over forty years, has successfully completed a 140 kW solar power installation at Pine Ridge Vineyard, situated in the prestigious Stag’s Leap district of Napa Valley. The newly installed solar photovoltaic system at Pine Ridge Vineyard includes 280 high-efficiency panels, designed to produce 179,433 kWh of clean energy each year, saving close to $46,000 thousand in annual utility bills. This system will offset
Tuesday, August 27, 2024Alten Construction Expands Ownership Team
Photo left to right: Bob Alten, Shannon Alten, Erik Andresen, Bobby Alten and Billy Alten RICHMOND, Calif. —Alten Construction, a full-service San Francisco Bay Area commercial construction general contractor, is pleased to announce the addition of three new partners to its ownership structure. Company founders and co-owners Bob Alten and Shannon Alten welcome sons Bobby Alten and Billy Alten to company ownership, as well as longtime employee and chief estimator Erik Andresen. Bobby joined Alten
Tuesday, August 27, 2024Luau on the Links Golf Classic Shines
The links were filled with Marin Builders Association golfers at the 2024 Marin Builders Annual Golf Classic - Luau on the Links! This perennially sold out event, held on August 26th at the beautiful StoneTree Golf Club in Novato, hosted over 150 guests including players, volunteers, and sponsors. Warm Northern California weather encouraged everyone to enjoy a day of golf, sportsmanship, new connections, and delicious food & refreshments. A portion of the event proceeds benefit the Marin Builders
Thursday, August 15, 2024Marin Builders Association Members: Save on your Workers' Comp!
Monday, August 12, 2024SolarCraft Boosts Solar Power at Napa's Paloma Vineyard - Paloma Vineyard Partners with SolarCraft to Boost Renewable Energy in Napa Valley
SolarCraft, a trusted solar energy provider for Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties for forty years, has successfully completed a solar power installation at Paloma Vineyard, located on the renowned Silverado Trail in Napa Valley. Paloma has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability by partnering with SolarCraft to upgrade and expand its solar power system. The new installation, featuring state-of-the-art, high-efficiency solar panels, replaces an older system and dramatically
Wednesday, August 07, 2024The Future of Home Insurance May Rely on Fire Smart Building
Earlier in July 2024, the New York Times published an article highlighting the collaboration of researchers at the Insurance Institute of Business & Home Safety (IBHS) and insurance agencies, who are grappling with escalating losses due to the magnitude of wildfires across the West. The research emphasizes the role of a home's design features to withstand wildfire by focusing on key areas of home ignition risk: near-home landscaping, and the building’s materials and design often referred to as home
Wednesday, April 17, 2024Celebrating our 2024-25 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners!
BUILD SMART - BUILD SAFE - BUILD LOCALInspiration I Expertise I ProfessionalsWe would like to thank and celebrate our 2024-25 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners! Listed in alpha order:Aaero Heating & SheetmetalAirport Home ApplianceARCpoint Labs of San RafaelBrittany Keyes, State Farm Insurance AgentBudget Blinds of Central Marin/South Marin/Petaluma/West Santa RosaCalifornia ModernCentral Valley EnvironmentalClough ConstructionCounty of Marin Community Development Agency Sustainability TeamCruise
Tuesday, March 26, 2024W-2 vs.1099: What you Need to Know - How to Protect Your Business From Employee Classification
Employee misclassification can pose serious risks for companies that rely heavily on independent contractors. The right staffing plan can help you steer clear of potential misclassification issues and keep your business running smoothly. In our latest article, we offer a comprehensive guide outlining the differences between 1099 independent contractors and W-2 employees. Additionally, we provide our top recommendation for how to ensure a safe, reliable, and compliant workforce, so you can protect your
Tuesday, November 28, 2023Safety & Training Short - Winter Driving
Objective: To assure that employees are prepared for driving in winter conditions. A little extra preparation is needed to assure driver safety during winter months or other inclement weather conditions.Poor driving conditions is one of the biggest winter safety concerns. Due to shorter days, drivers are required to spend more time driving in the dark, and inclement weather can create slick roads and low visibility conditions.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to
Monday, November 20, 2023Overview of Spring 2024 Construction Classes in Marin
Construction Training Programs and Resources in Marin Marin Builders Association is committed to helping individuals find rewarding careers in the local construction industry.Click here for an overview of Spring classes developed to show the side-by-side comparison of courses offered in Marin. We strongly support high school seniors and young adults interested in the trades to sign up for North Bay Construction Corps. Please view ourMarin Construction Training website for more information.
Tuesday, November 14, 2023Safety & Training Short: Hand and Power Tools: Striking Tools
There are some general rules that apply to almost all hammers and other striking tools. Never use a striking tool for any purpose other than that for which it was intended. Never use a striking tool with a loose or damaged handle or with a mushroomed head or dull cutting edge. Conditions vary, but it can never hurt to wear goggles when using striking tools.Click here to download the complete training short in EnglishClick here to download the complete training short in Spanish Safety & Training Shorts
Sunday, January 01, 2023Liens & Completions 2023 - 2024
Click the links below to view a current list of Liens & Completions published and provided by the County of Marin. If what you're looking for is not listed below, please don't hesitate to call our offices directly at 415.462.1220 or contact Paula Krause
Tuesday, December 06, 2022Contractors with No Employees Face New Workers' Compensation Requirement
A new law will require almost all contractors in California to carry workers’ compensation coverage, regardless of if they have employees or not. According to the author of the bill, State Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) the new law was necessary due to the tendency of many small contractors to claim they have no employees, when in fact they regularly hire day laborers or undocumented workers. Since a firm with only an owner and no employees is not required to carry workers’ comp coverage, those workers would
Wednesday, September 09, 2020Biggest Workers’ Compensation Mistakes by Contractors
In this crazy time of the COVID-19, it is not the time to cut corners to your detriment. While well intentioned contractors are always attempting to keep costs down to make a profit, they make some mistakes regarding workers’ compensation insurance. Most common mistakes are:Certifying with the Contractors License Board that they do not need workers’ compensation insurance as they have no employees when they may have employees or use day laborers. . Not checking the sub-contractors to make sure they are
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