Celebrating our Member Referral Partners - Thank You for Helping Us Build Our Community!
We would like to recognize and celebrate our wonderful REFERRAL PARTNERS!2025:Barbara Bicknell, Raully Jones Construction, who referred North End Plumbing Heating & Air (Special thanks to Barbara, who pledged her bonus to our Workforce Development & Scholarship Fund!) Clare Michael, Clare Michael Interiors, who referred Justin Muller, Leff Design BuildMaddie Lewis, BBC Construction, who referred Kate DeWitt, Kate DeWitt DesignKasey Curry, R.C Electric, who referred Connacht Construction (Special thanks to
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
County of Marin Licensed Contractors List 2026
The County of Marin is inviting all licensed contractors to submit their firm’s information to the County of Marin Department of Public Works for inclusion on the list of qualified bidders for the upcoming year. The County of Marin will refresh our contractors list starting January 1, 2026. The list will include, at a minimum, all contractors who have properly provided the County of Marin with the information required as stated in the form, either during the calendar year in which the list is valid or
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
Sonoma Clean Power Seeking Contractors Interested in Future Public Works Projects
Sonoma Clean Power Authority (“Authority”) is creating lists of contractors interested in performing public works projects for the Authority beginning January 1, 2026 and continuing until December 31, 2026.Submittals and/or questions may be directed to Beau Anderson, Building Operations & IT Manager, at operations@sonomacleanpower.org To be included on the Sonoma Clean Power Authority’s (“Authority”) list of contractors for informal repairs, maintenance, and construction contracts, all contractors must
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
Corte Madera DMV Seeking Bids for Parking Lot Seal and Stripe Services
You are invited to review and respond to this Small Business Bid Solicitation (SB Bid) entitled 25-245 – Parking Lot Seal and Stripe Services at the Corte Madera DMV Field Office. In submitting your bid, you must comply with the instructions found herein. Your bid must be submitted via email (the DMV will not accept a mailed or hand-delivered bid). Important Dates and TimesSB Bid available to prospective bidders: 10/23/2025Mandatory pre-bid conference: (Note: See additional info in Section 5.) 11/5/2025
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!
Thank You to our 2025-26 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners!
We want to express our deep gratitude to our wonderful 2025-26 Marin Home Resource Guide Ad Partners! Their generous support of our signature publication made this edition possible - and our best yet! Your partnership is instrumental in supporting our local building community and connecting with Marin County homeowners preparing to undergo their next home improvement project.Celebrating in alpha order:A and P Moving, Inc.Aaero Heating & Sheetmetalbuilding LabCanty Real Estate Group, IncCentral Valley
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
Marin Housing Authority Requests Bids on Several Projects
Marin Housing Authority is seeking a range of services, from electricians, to general contractors, to painters and several others. Solicitations can be found here: https://www.marinhousing.org/bids.
Liens & Completions 2024-2025
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
Biggest 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