Green Opportunities at California Construction Expo

There will be many Green opportunities for contractors, designers, exhibitors, sponsors, construction professionals, and suppliers at the upcoming California Construction Expo.

It’s a huge annual event that draws the best in the green construction industry. Registration is now open for the August 13th, 2009 event at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Contractors could potentially find access to public contracts from $5,000 to $100,000,000.

Register at http://www.calconexpo.com/ Admission is $55; after July 31 it goes up to $70. A full access pass includes all events, workshops and exhibits. Exhibitors can get a discount before July 31st too. A standard exhibit will run $700. For more information call 1-(877) 8CalCon or send email to info@calconexpo.com . I’ll see you there!

Electricians New High-Tech Auditorium Unveiled

The Electrical Training Institute of Los Angeles’ new 1.2 million dollar auditorium was unveiled for the first time. There is seating for 175 students in the main area and up to 500 in the adjoining hall. Both rooms feature state of the art audio and video equipment, large retractable projection screens, Bose speakers, remote controlled video cameras, studio lighting and engineered acoustics.

The project was completed on time and on budget using 100 percent union labor. The certificate of occupancy was granted in time for the June General Membership Meeting. Many in attendance commented on the excellent quality of the construction and materials used as well as the amazing acoustics and lighting. The auditorium and adjoining hall will serve the students of the Electrical Training Institute and members of IBEW Local 11 for many years to come. It is just one more example of the ongoing commitment the IBEW and NECA have made to training.

The ETI is powered by a 488 KW Photovoltaic system on the roof of the facility. Union electricians and contractors interested in opportunities in the Green construction industry can attend courses on renewable energy being held in the new auditorium.

Clean Tech Manufacturing Facility Passes First Hurdle

The Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency unanimously passed an agreement to move forward with the proposed Green light rail car manufacturing plant. Italian manufacturing company Ensaldo Breda has agreed to hire union workers and pay prevailing wages at the site injecting millions of dollars into the local economy. The new clean tech facility will be a socially responsible LEED certified project. The design incorporates water and energy conservation, use of recycled materials, and photovoltaic panels. The project is expected to create at least 650 full time Green jobs and utilize local hiring through a training agreement between AnsaldoBreda and Trade Tech College.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Visits LA

The Veterans Committee of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO hosted a town hall meeting with U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. The event took place at Union Station and drew hundreds veterans and union members from such unions as Service Workers, The Electricians, Communications Workers, Warehouse Workers, Teachers, etc….. The panel of speakers included Hilda Solis, Speaker Karen Bass, Jim Weitkamp, Col. Joseph Smith, Beatriz Silva, Marvin Kropke, Maria Elena Durazo.

Mayor Addresses Solar Volunteers

Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa joined community volunteers for a rally Saturday to support Measure B, the green jobs, solar energy initiative. Environmentalists, labor and community groups combed the streets of Los Angeles speaking with voters about clean air and good jobs for local residents. While Measure B has broad based community support, it is strongly opposed by big oil and other right-wing republican groups. 

Final Push for YES ON MEASURE B

This weekend brought out more community supporters for Yes on Measure B. Volunteers knocked on a record amount of doors throughout Los Angeles. They spoke with registered voters and took the message to the streets. Support for Measure B is growing. Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa supports the Green Jobs Initiative. You can see the commercial he appeared in by clicking here. Last week a debate was conducted at Daniel Webster Middle School located at 11350 Graham Place, Los Angeles. There is so much desire for solar power right now that people arrived as early as 5pm though the event didn’t officially begin until 7pm. It was clear to most in the audience that the biggest opposition to the initiative was from Big Oil and other right-wing republican groups.

It’s hard to make an argument against solar, but they tried. Dede Audet seemed to argue that the city might need "air rights" to harness the suns rays. I have to admit, I had never heard that argument before. The best argument for Measure B is that it reduces the city’s carbon footprint, creates green collar jobs, encourages local manufacturing, and creates power during peak hours when it’s needed most. After hearing all the arguments the moderator, Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl added his endorsement for Yes On Measure B.

YES ON MEASURE B

The T-shirt says it all, “Green Energy, Yes on B, Good Jobs”. Once again labor and community activists came out in force to support Measure B, the solar initiative. It started with registration, then a rally in support of Green jobs. Maria Elena Durazo, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO addressed the crowd using a bullhorn. She thanked everyone for coming out on Valentine’s Day and encouraged the group to visit as many voters as possible. Maria Elena spoke on the measure’s importance to workers in the Los Angeles area who are struggling during this economic recession. She spoke about the end result of installing environmentally friendly photovoltaic systems throughout the city. She applauded the group for their dedication to seeing green technology adopted and the benefits leading to careers in the new green economy.

Volunteers attended training then fanned out in pairs to canvas local neighborhoods. Reaction to the message was positive and thousands of registered voters committed to support Measure B on Election Day. Leaflets in Support of Measure B were provided in both English and Spanish.

Phone banking for Measure B is also taking place. If you are interested in volunteering contact the Los Angeles Federation of Labor through their website.

Measure B is endorsed by the Sierra Club, American Lung Association, Coalition for Clean Air, Apollo Alliance, Agenda, LA League of Conservation Voters, The Los Angeles Federation of Labor AFL-CIO and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.