ASSOCIATION NEWS
JUMPSTART COMES TO PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
The Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF) partnered with
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Metro
Washington to launch JumpStart, a workforce development
program designed to serve the needs of unemployed or
under-employed Prince George’s County, MD, residents. This
pre-apprenticeship program provides a boot-camp-style
setting in which participants are taught basic construction
skills, construction math, and the use of hand and power
tools. Students complete three hands-on projects during
their four months at ABC’s CraftMasters Academy and
graduate from the program having earned OSHA-10 and
first-aid/CPR certifications. ABC will work with member
firms and a placement coordinator to secure entry-level
positions for graduates who will be encouraged to continue
their education by becoming registered apprentices.
UPLIFTING CEREMONY HELD
TO RECOGNIZE GRADUATING APPRENTICES
Families, friends and employers cheered as 49 apprentices
were acknowledged for their educational accomplishments
during a May 21st graduation ceremony held at Prince
George’s Community College. Graduates from eight
specialty trades and employed by 20 different companies
walked proudly across the stage to accept their honors.
Highest grade point averages (GPAs) by specialty trade:
Carpentry:
Grady Barton, Cleveland Construction Inc.
Concrete Form Builder:
Jaime A. Parada, Miller & Long Co., Inc.
Drywall:
Ricardo Thomas, J&V Drywall Construction, LLC
Electrical:
Zachary Watters (unaffiliated)
HVAC:
Raul Mendez, CTS Services
Plumbing:
Jose F. Zuniga (unaffiliated)
Reinforced Iron Work:
Roberto Romero, Miller & Long Co., Inc.
Sheet Metal:
Marlon Jackson, Kent Island Mechanical, Inc.
Valedictorian:
Raul Mendez, CTS Services
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
GRADUATES HONORED AT JUNE 3RD DINNER
After their 15-month journey in ABC’s Leadership
Development Program (LDP), participants were honored
at a dinner featuring guest speaker John Riggins, former
running back with the Washington Redskins.
The J.P. Blase Cooke Leadership Achievement Award was
presented to Megan Vallach of Donohoe Construction
Company. The award was created to recognize one
exceptional graduate from each cycle of the program who
demonstrates leadership skills and a commitment to ABC
and the industry.
The 2014/2015 LDP class:
Mark Bellingham***, Monarc Construction, Inc.
Sarah Daughenbaugh*, Bozzuto Construction Company
Brady Davidow, Bozzuto Construction Company
Drew Frumkin**, Donohoe Construction Company
Chris Grant, Miller & Long DC, Inc.
Raul Mendez accepts
class valedictorian award
from ABC President
Debbie Schoonmaker
Megan Vallach, Donohoe
Construction, receives the J.P. Blase
Cooke Leadership Achievement
Awards from Tom Capps, vice
president of Harkins Builders, Inc.
Leadership Development Program graduates with
ABC Chairman of the Board Jim Anglemyer
26 Building Washington
ASSOCIATION NEWS
