Accounting for Tariffs in Construction Contracts
President Donald Trump has implemented his “America First” trade policy throughout 2025 by implementing a sweeping set of tariffs aimed at reducing U.S. reliance on foreign goods. The tariffs, which have fluctuated since January, have included threats of a 145% tariff on goods imported from China, a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum, and a 10% universal import tariff on all goods entering the U.S. With the proposed tariffs constantly fluctuating, the impact has quickly rippled through the construction
Conditional Logic - What Contractors Should Be Aware Of
Conditional Logic - Contractors should be aware that notice of default can be an express condition precedent to a surety's performance bond obligation. The importance of timely and effective communication on construction projects cannot be overstated. This is particularly important in the context of a contractor seeking to preserve its rights as obligee on a performance bond when the underlying principal has failed to perform. Although contractors and sureties are key partners on bonded projects, they
Safety & Training Short: Head Protection
Objective: To familiarize employees with common types of head protection and best practices for their use. The brain is the control center of your body. If it’s damaged in any way, your entire body will be at risk! Normally, your skull protects your brain from injury, but when falling or flying objects are a hazard, additional protection must be worn.Common Hazards that Require Head Protection Workplace hazards that could cause injury to the head include: Falling objectsContact with protruding or fixed
California’s October State Law Updates: What Employers Need to Know
Throughout October 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed multiple employment-related Bills into law. These new measures address a wide range of workplace-related matters, including regulations aimed at the use of artificial intelligence, updates on paid leave, and amendments to mediation procedures. While some of these Bills will be subject to legal challenges that delay or block their application, many took effect immediately or will become effective on January 1, 2026. Accordingly, California
Safety & Training Short: Carbon Monoxide Safety
Objective: To reinforce awareness of the potential hazards of carbon monoxide exposure.Carbon Monoxide Dangers Carbon monoxide (CO) is often referred to as a “silent killer” because our senses can’t easily detect it. When inhaled, CO displaces oxygen from the bloodstream and can be fatal. CO is also flammable in high concentrations. CO poisoning victims can survive if their symptoms are recognized early and immediate action is taken.Click here to download the training short in EnglishClick here to download
2026 Employee Wellness Benefits Trends
Before we know it, the holiday season will be over, and we'll be starting 2026. As 2025 draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead. The landscape of employee wellness benefits is rapidly evolving, driven by the need for more comprehensive, personalized support. Understanding these trends now will ensure your organization is prepared for 2026.Trend 1: Holistic, Individualized Care The future of benefits is holistic, with a renewed and necessary focus on financial and mental health.Addressing the Financial
The Rise of Towery Electric
Congratulations to Alex Towery, Owner and CEO of Towery Electric in Novato for being featured in Bay Area Business Magazine! After pivoting from photography during the 2008 recession, Alex built Towery Electric from the ground up, growing it into a thriving 13-person firm known for craftsmanship, innovation, and integrity. Under his leadership, the company has become a trusted name across Marin, San Francisco, and Sonoma counties, handling everything from residential wiring to advanced lighting control and
Safety & Training Short: Winter Preparation
In cold, wet conditions, common dangers include slips and falls, as well as vehicle accidents. Taking simple precautions can prevent accidents and injuries.Preventing slips: Areas that may become slick and require extra caution include stairs, ramps, tile floors, parking lots and metal parts of equipment. Have an excellent snow and ice removal program in place.Place non-skid floor mats and caution signs in slippery, high traffic areas.Use traction devices that strap onto shoes when conditions require
Another Fun Marin Remodelers Forum Event at Lamperti Contracting & Design
We had another very successful Marin Remodelers Forum event at Lamperti Contracting & Design's beautiful showroom in San Rafael. We welcomed over 60 members and collectively enjoyed great food, drinks, and meaningful connections. This event was full of amazing architects, designers, engineers, general contractors, and more. A very special thanks to Sean and Jennifer Kelly from Lamperti Contracting & Design for hosting such a fun event! "I can't believe how many great connections I made in just two hours –
Safety & Training Short: Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
Objective: To inform organizations of measures they can take to increase the security of their data, computer, and network systems. The advancement of information technology has made it easier than ever to run a small business, but your organization as well as your customers and their data may be at risk unless proper cybersecurity measures are in place.Click here to download the training short in EnglishClick here to download the training short in Spanish Safety & Training Shorts provided by George
Build Your Team Faster with HammerLoop!
HammerLoop update! Hello fellow MBA members! HammerLoop was recently just displayed to the roughly 500 members of the Northern California chapter of ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors), through a large press email! This is something we are proud of. In the next 2 weeks, we will be at the San Rafael chamber of commerce's 'Level Up' event, we will be guiding construction workers through profile sign-ups through the Canal Alliance, and we have multiple events through ABC geared toward onboarding
Marin Builders Association Members: Save on your Workers' Comp!
Workers Comp Insurance Fraud: It costs more than you think
For more information, download this printable brochure here or contact: Marin County District Attorney's Office Attn: Insurance Fraud Unit 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 130 San Rafael, CA 94903 415.473.6450co.marin.ca.us/da
New Law Changes in 2025 Affecting Licensees, Applicants and Stakeholders
Sacramento, CA – The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is advising licensees, applicants, and other stakeholders of key legislative updates following the implementation ofSenate Bill 1455 (Ashby, 2024). This bill, effective January 1, 2025, extends the Board’s “sunset” date from 2025 to 2029 and makes other changes to the law, which are described below. Key Provisions of SB 1455 1. Public Works Project LicensingWhat’s New? Awarding authorities must now ensure that public works project bidders