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
10th Annual Marin IJ Readers' Choice Awards
Voting is currently open for the 10th Annual Marin IJ Readers' Choice Awards and will conclude on November 30, 2025. This year's winners will be announced in the Readers' Choice Special Section, which publishes on February 22, 2026. All winners and honors recipients who place an advertisement in the Special Section will receive an invitation to this year's Celebration event on March 19, 2026. From best sandwich to best chamber of commerce, now is your chance to vote for your favorite local Marin
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
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
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
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
