The Southeast Iowa Building Trades strives to work with our local elected officials and local business leaders to make sure the best interests of local skilled tradesmen and women are advanced and protected. Too many times we see the local benefits of Economic Development lost through the construction phase when it is awarded to an out of town contractor that refuses to hire local workers. We as a community only benefit from these projects when local workers, paid at a fair wage with benefits, are used in the construction of local projects. By working with the customer to make sure an emphasis is placed on the contractors bidding on the project to use local tradesmen and women makes all the difference to our community.

We as the building trades also work with local officials to encourage the use of Responsible Bidders Ordnances (RBO’s) on construction projects to ensure the lowest responsible bidder is awarded the contract. Whether you are a local business looking to expand or a local municipality investing tax dollars into infrastructure, the customer expects their project to be built with quality workmanship that will stand the test of time. The best way to ensure a quality product is delivered is through the use of trained workers who can pass on the skills and techniques acquired over their career to the next generation. RBO’s ensure that all contractors that bidding on the project is held to the same standard and evaluation process. It also allows the municipality to include items that are important to them, such as Drug Testing policy, participation in a Department of Labor approved training program, etc. All these help ensure the taxpayers get the most value for their dollars spent.

We as the building trades also work to advance the use of Apprenticeship training programs in the local construction industry to help the next generation of skilled workers acquire the skills and safety training required to deliver a quality product.