GCBE is committed to keeping up-to-date with the latest news and views affecting its members. The monthly newsletter of the GCBE, Blueprint Notes, includes valuable, timely information on a broad spectrum of articles, from recent GCBE events to local, municipal and federal affairs pertaining to the construction industry.
It includes information about the organization and the industry as well as Internet Plan Room (IPIN) information. It also contains the GCBE events calendar, registration information for dinners, golf tournaments and other member events.
Please read these articles of interest:
Construction Technology Careers Has Youth Summer Helpers Available!
By: Kristey Richardson
Preapprenticeship Coordinator, CTC
GCBE Member
The Palmetto RiverHouse was the site for the 6th Annual construction Industry Networking benefit for the Construction Technology Careers Preapprenticeship and a good time was had by all! Over 240 people attended and the benefit netted $23,259 which directly funds the youth educational preapprenticeship.
CTC is an award winning best practice model partnership, thanks to the support of teamwork (see the enclosed color flyer with photos from the event and a list of thanks). CTC was founded seven years ago and this year provided over 140 Manatee and Sarasota County Youth with construction career pathways curriculum, employability skills training, OSHA/First Aid/CPR, mentoring and speakers bureau.
Many of the youth are currently looking for summer helper jobs and are eligible to work through an exemption waiver provided by the preapprenticeship. If you need summer helpers please contact Kristey Richardson at 358-4085 x 113 ASAP for information on how the program works. It’s a win-win for the youth and area construction employers.
Take Advantage of Economic Downtowns to Gain Market Share
By: Angela Massaro-Fain
President, Grapevine Communications International Inc.
GCBE Member
As tempting as it is to discontinue marketing during an economic downtown, that strategy will hurt you in the long run. Studies show that a proactive marketing stance during a recession pays off in increased long term market share for forward-thinking companies. There’s no better time to surge forward and leave your competition behind.
There’s an old adage, “Out of sight, out of mind.” If you maintain a marketing presence when others are dropping theirs, even if it’s not at the same level as before, it’ll be your name in front of the customer growing your immediate market share. And when the market does recover, you will be way ahead.
Many people think they can’t afford marketing right now, but there are ways to maximize your exposure even with a reduced budget. Marketing is not just placing ads. It’s a comprehensive approach that supports your business plan and includes the four P’s – product, price, place (or distribution) and promotion.
Reevaluate your business plan and review your resources. You may have to tweak your product, process or pricing. Identify and take advantage of those market segments that are growing faster than others. You may have to market to new customers, or accept clients you previously may not have considered, with provisions. You may also have to provide more value to your current customers.
Spend smarter. Promotion – the fourth P in the marketing mix – is a combination of efforts including branding, advertising, public relations, direct marketing, as well as print and interactive media. Which combination is right for you? Put systems in place that help you track your marketing efforts and the dollars being spent.
Marketing should be a long-term strategy that should be reviewed frequently to see what’s working and what’s not - and adjusted as needed. It should be part of your corporate culture. Studies show that companies with a strategic emphasis on marketing are better positioned to turn economic downtowns to their competitive advantage.