 October 2, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has named Keri Goldstein as its new Director of Membership & Business Development. In this newly created role, Goldstein will work closely with the board of directors and committees, and she is responsible for developing and administering member recruitment and retention programs.
In the last three years, the association has tripled its benefits programs and doubled in-person networking events. “By offering more opportunities for our members to connect and the chance to tap new hiring, training, and business resources, we are giving contractors the tools they are seeking to better run their businesses,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. “The association’s investment in new services for members has driven membership growth by more than 12% in the first three quarters of 2023 alone. The timing was right to bring on a full-time staff person to provide intentional membership management,” said Gum. SEAA’s goal is to increase membership by more than 20% next year while maintaining 90% retention rates. Goldstein, who has a background in sales and customer relations, has experience with implementing customer education and corporate team building initiatives. She will develop and implement a pro-active onboarding plan for new members, work to educate all members about available benefits in order to increase engagement, and set strategy for prospecting and association promotions. “We look forward to introducing Keri to our Steel Strong community this month at the Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament in Raleigh, North Carolina,” said Gum. Members can contact Keri Goldstein at [email protected]. Learn more about member tools, including an applicant tracking system, learning management system, DOL-approved apprenticeship for structural and reinforcing ironworkers, custom craft training, and discounts on insurance, AISC certification, and more at Member Benefits and Member Tools at SEAA.net. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at www.seaa.net.  During its annual convention in April 2023 in St. Augustine, Florida, Geoff Kress, President of Gardner-Watson Decking, Oldsmar, Florida, and Bryan McClure, Partner in Trivent Safety Consulting, Westminster, Colorado, received two of the association’s most prestigious recognitions.
Kress received the William Davis Service award, and McClure was named Person of the Year. The William Davis Service Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a life-long commitment to service in the steel construction industry. The award is the association’s highest honor, and is not issued annually. Recipients of the Person of the Year award have dedicated many hours supporting the association and providing their expertise.  Photo: Representatives of Crane Risk Logic join panel discussion at the 2023 SEAA Convention discussing crane risk management principles. June 7, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces it has entered into an agreement to collaborate with Crane Risk Logic, a technology and data service provider dedicated to global crane risk improvement.
As such, SEAA supports member company participation in the Crane Risk Logic Federation, which is a joint venture administered by Crane Risk Logic with the Crane Safety Research Lab at Texas A&M University on behalf of crane users, OEMs, trade groups, and related industry stakeholders. “Crane safety is one of the two most important aspects of steel construction—the other being fall protection,” said David Deem, President of SEAA. “The goal of our collaboration is to reduce and mitigate crane risks for our members, through access to research, training materials, and insights from subject matter experts,” he said. Crane Risk Logic and the Crane Safety Research Lab uses an innovative information exchange between crane designers, manufacturers, and owners, and organizations that transport, erect, and dismantle cranes, as well as site supervisors and safety managers of crane operations. “Findings are generated from anonymous accident data, real-time telematics, and equipment and device testing using engineering-based research, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Predictive Analytics models and other tools,” explained Kevin Cunningham, President and CEO of Crane Risk Logic. “As the knowledge base grows, the more accurate and powerful the information becomes for everyone participating in the Federation. When we know better, we do better,” said Jim Wiethorn, P.E., and founder of Crane Risk Logic and ICC Forensics. The impetus for the Crane Safety Research Lab was a catalog of crane accident causes gathered by Wiethorn over a span of 35 years. “SEAA is committed to continual investment in our industry by connecting industry leaders, creating a strong network of support, and increasing member value through collaborations such as this,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. This agreement is the latest in a series of investments SEAA has made in hiring, training, insurance, and risk mitigation tools for its members. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at SEAA.net. May 15, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces it has partnered with BBSI to provide a special insurance program in which SEAA members receive discounts. As the preferred vendor, BBSI provides SEAA members an automatic 10 percent discount on their workers’ compensation premium, an opportunity to earn back 5 percent based on claims performance, and reimbursement of certification fees for achieving and maintaining AISC certification.
“BBSI is a leading provider of organizational infrastructure solutions that are customed to the unique needs of business owners in all 50 states. Member companies will be assigned to a dedicated team to assist them,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director of SEAA. In addition to workers’ comp programs, BBSI also offers access to group health insurance and 401k programs, and other services, including payroll administration, staffing and recruiting, and timekeeping. “The majority of our members are small businesses. Offering services such as this helps to stretch their investment in SEAA and provides solutions for workforce challenges,” said Gum. Members can contact Tucker Smith at [email protected] or [email protected] for more information. Not a member and want to learn more about other benefits of joining? Contact Pete Gum at [email protected]. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at SEAA.net. Media Contact Tracy Bennett 816-536-7903 [email protected] April 4, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) has selected the winning hard hat sticker design in a contest it hosted on social media in January and February. The hard hat sticker will be offered as part of the association’s recognition of OSHA’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, May 1-5, 2023.
SEAA Partners with GMF Steel Group and other Members to Host Students at Florida Career Event2/13/2023
 Local students attended a Career Fair at GMF Steel Group headquarters in Lakeland, Florida for SEAA’s Annual Career Fair. February 14, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) In January, The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) held its second Career Fair to spread awareness about the career opportunities available in the steel construction industry. Hosted by member company GMF Steel Group in Lakeland, Fla., the Career Fair brought together approximately 100 students from five local high schools and 70 students from technical colleges. “As an association, one of our goals is to invest in the future of the steel construction industry. One way we can do that is by working with our member companies to host these types of educational events,” said Pete Gum, SEAA’s Executive Director. “While it can be difficult to know exactly how many students end up having a career in the steel industry, we know that we are making a difference for our member companies and their local communities by showcasing everything that the skilled trades have to offer,” said David Deem, President of SEAA and President of Deem Structural Services. Sporting hard hats, vests, and other PPE provided by sponsor Columbia Safety and Supply, students rotated through 13 stations staffed by SEAA member companies and equipment suppliers. Florida based contractors who participated were GMF Steel Group, Bowman Steel, Gardner-Watson Decking, Gardner-Watson Studs, and Shelby Erectors.  Local steel erector Bowman Steel discusses career opportunities with Career Fair attendees. Students could observe or participate in hands-on demonstrations of welding, steel modeling, rebar tying, surveying, decking, and more. Trivent Safety Consulting led the students in a dynamic stretch routine to highlight the importance of physical health in the skilled trades. Industrial Training International provided a Virtual Reality crane operator simulator experience. Others stations included:
The response was overwhelmingly positive from both students and teachers that were in attendance. “This hands-on event helped to reinforce everything we have been telling our students about having a career in the trades,” said Thomas Hoien, a teacher at Fort Meade Construction Academy. “Being able to get them out of the classroom where they can try different tasks, see the technology being used, and ask questions gets them excited for the future.” “This event opens so many doors for me,” said Brandon Williams, a student at Ridge Technical College. Following the career fair, GMF Steel Group received several inquiries about its Structural Steel Ironworker Apprenticeship Program. Introduced last year, the program uses the SEAA/NCCER curriculum, which provides nationally recognized credentials. Participation in training is free and all apprentices employed by GMF Steel Group qualify for employee benefits. “We are offering a career path—by teaching a skilled trade and providing the opportunity to work toward many different roles within the company,” said Andy Norman, President of GMF Steel Group. “From GMF Steel’s commitment to host and coordinate with schools, demo stations executed by many companies, to lunch provided by Gardner-Watson Decking, the support of our member companies doesn’t go unnoticed and the event wouldn’t have been a success without them,” said Gum. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at seaa.net.  January 30, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) announces the launch of its new Learning Management System, SteelPros Training Portal, exclusively for members. Developed in partnership with Industrial Training International (ITI) and built on ITI’s Learning Hub platform, SEAA members now have easy access to custom content for ironworkers and other related training materials.
Each of three Learning Paths—Ironworker Level 1, 2, and 3—contain multiple videos, which align with specific learning modules in the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum. “SEAA has invested more than $120,000 to bring these professionally produced videos to our members,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. Approximately 40 of 80 videos are available with the balance expected to be added to the Training Portal by Q2. The SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum, which meets U.S. DOL apprenticeship standards, provides members with a tool for delivering nationally recognized ironworker credentials to their employees. “SEAA’s SteelPros Training Portal enhances the delivery of that training and opens access to additional training resources to all members, whether they are set up as an official SEAA/NCCER training unit or not,” said Gum. Every SEAA member will receive one free account and one license to access this member benefit. Additional licenses can be purchased for $35 each per year. “This is a vital resource for your safety directors or training managers—a member benefit valued at more than $10,000 per member,” said Jack Nix, Membership Committee Chairman. SEAA members will receive a 25% discount on ITI’s custom content for Field Leadership, Mobile Crane Maintenance and Operations, Rigging, and Site Hazard Recognition. Hundreds more third-party training content from organizations such as Crosby, Liebherr, Manitowoc, and Verton is free to access. In a separate agreement with The Crosby Group, SEAA members can purchase Crosby’s “User’s Guide for Lifting,” at 20% off the regular price. This training resource covers rigging fundamentals through a series of self-paced lessons that explain the Crosby User’s Guide for Lifting pocket rigging card. Each topic includes a video and a corresponding quiz. “More than just a library of training materials, SEAA’s, SteelPros Training Portal Learning Management System provides administrative features to track progress of learners, manage certifications, and create custom reports for individuals or groups inside your organization,” said Nix. “ITI is excited to partner with SEAA by bringing its members new digital learning content. Most companies today find it challenging to recruit, on-board, train and deploy people efficiently. SEAA and ITI will help solve that problem," said Zack Parnell, CEO and President of ITI. About Steel Erectors Association of America Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at www.seaa.net.  January 3, 2023 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA) will hold its annual Convention and Trade Show March 28-31, 2023 in St. Augustine, Fla., at the World Golf Village Renaissance Resort. Former Notre Dame football player, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, will give the Keynote Presentation. “We are thrilled to have Ruettiger share his personal experiences with our attendees,” said R. Pete Gum, SEAA’s Executive Director. “More than just an exceptional athlete and motivational speaker, Ruettiger is also an entrepreneur with insights that members can apply to their own businesses,” said Gum. 2023 marks 30 years since Tristar Productions immortalized Rudy’s life story in the blockbuster film named for him. It’s a story of adversity and triumph about the Notre Dame football player who sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play in the only game of his college football career. Today, Rudy Ruettiger is an Emmy Award Winning motivational speaker, author, and producer. The Convention will feature ten additional education sessions for Owners, Managers, and Field Personnel. This includes panel discussions with the 2023 Project of the Year, Safety Excellence, and Craft Training Excellence Award Winners and a panel discussion on current trends in structural fastening with representatives from several fastening suppliers. Other sessions will cover succession planning, fall rescue planning and execution, risk management solutions for crane operations in steel erection, and a session highlighting changes to the RCSC bolt code.  The Trade Show provides erectors and fabricators a chance to see the latest products, services and innovations they need for a safer and more productive work site. “We will have more than three hours of dedicated trade show time at indoor and outdoor booths, with hands-on presentations from exhibitors for a highly-engaged trade show experience,” said Carrie Gulajan, SEAA’s Events Committee Chairperson. Excursion highlights include the George R. Pocock Memorial Golf Tournament hosted by The Slammer & Squire Golf Course, a fishing tournament along the Intercostal Waterway, and a tour of the historic Lightner Museum. Learn more about SEAA’s annual convention and trade show at SEAA.net/events. Early Bird Registration for the event ends on January 31, 2023. About Steel Erectors Association of America
Founded in 1972, SEAA is the only national trade association representing the interests of steel erectors, fabricators, contractors, and related service providers. The association promotes safety, education and training programs for steel erector trades, including its Ironworker Craft Training curriculum. The association works in partnership with other steel construction, design, and steel product organizations to protect the interests of those who construct steel structures. Learn more at www.seaa.net. |
RSS Feed
