LEADERSHIP

"A good leader leads the people from above them. A great leader leads the people from within them."

—M.D. Arnold

This resonates deeply with our collaborative efforts. Let's infuse our leadership with a personal touch:

🌟 Understanding Your Journey: Each one of you brings a unique story to our collective narrative. My commitment as a leader is not just to guide from above but to understand and connect with the aspirations that drive you from within.

🤝 Fostering a Collaborative Spirit: Leadership is a shared experience. I aspire to create an environment where every voice is valued, and our shared purpose beats from the heart of our team. Together, let's build something extraordinary.

🌱 Empowering Your Strengths: Your strengths define the essence of our team. It's my goal to recognize and amplify these strengths, empowering each of you to contribute in ways that resonate with your talents.

🚀 Our Collective Ownership: Today, let's reaffirm our joint ownership of this journey. Your contributions are not just tasks on a to-do list; they are integral parts of our shared success. Your dedication propels us forward, and our collective achievements define our path.

In embracing these principles, I am confident that our shared efforts will not only achieve objectives but also cultivate an environment where each team member thrives. Here's to leading from within and to a day filled with shared triumphs!

— Wayne Jensen

Presented by:

Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

INNOVATION

Revolutionizing Detroit's Streets: $50M Overhaul Unleashes Futuristic Makeover for Michigan Avenue!

Exciting developments are underway in Detroit as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, commonly known as the bipartisan infrastructure law, allocates a $20 million grant to revitalize Michigan Avenue, one of the city's vital downtown transportation corridors.

This transformative $50 million project aims to create a multimodal corridor, fostering safer and more efficient travel while addressing historical challenges.

Historical Significance of Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue traverses two significant neighborhoods in Detroit: downtown and Corktown. Downtown represents the bustling epicenter of employment, retail, residential communities, and cultural assets. In contrast, Corktown, Detroit's oldest neighborhood, boasts a vibrant business district along Michigan Avenue, emphasizing its historical and residential importance.

The corridor, however, poses safety risks for pedestrians, bikers, and drivers, necessitating a comprehensive transformation. The Michigan Department of Transportation highlighted various hotspots, including signalized intersections prone to severe accidents, mid-block crossing challenges, and concerns related to vehicle speed and commercial activity.

Project Overview: A $50 Million Investment in Transformation

The project, slated to commence construction in 2024, entails the reconstruction of nearly 2 miles of Michigan Avenue. Key components of this multimodal corridor initiative include:

1. Dedicated Transit and Connected Autonomous Vehicle Lanes: The introduction of new lanes dedicated to transit and connected autonomous vehicles enhances transportation efficiency.

2. Midblock Crossings and Curb Bump-Outs: These additions will improve safety for pedestrians by creating more accessible and secure crossing points.

3. Dedicated Turn Lanes: Enhancements like dedicated turn lanes aim to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion.

4. Replacement of Old Brick Road Pavers: The reconstruction will replace aging infrastructure, enhancing the overall road quality and safety.

Outcomes and Practical Impact

The envisioned outcomes and improvements are vast, such as:

• Safer Pedestrian Crossings: The project addresses the challenges pedestrians face, providing safer crossing points, particularly through the Corktown neighborhood.

• Preservation of Delivery Vehicle Parking: Ensuring adequate parking for delivery vehicles is crucial for sustaining local businesses.

• Enhanced Transit Options: The transformation supports the Detroit region's major transit corridor, aligning with long-term plans for additional transit investment.

Climate Impact and Racial Equity Focus

The project aligns with climate-conscious goals by promoting low- and no-carbon transportation options. Simultaneously, a focus on racial equity ensures prioritized access for the most vulnerable road users in diverse neighborhoods.

Economic Impact and Community Development

With a $25 million grant covering half of the estimated project cost, the initiative is poised to create economic momentum. As Detroit becomes a hub for mobility, with up to 5,000 additional employees anticipated in the neighborhood, the project will facilitate safe coexistence among residents, workers, and visitors.

Official Support and Recognition

Notable endorsements from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and U.S. Senator Gary Peters underscore the significance of this project in driving economic growth, mobility innovation, and community development.

As we witness Detroit's transformation through strategic infrastructure investments, we celebrate the commitment to building a safer, more connected, and resilient future for all.

TECHNOLOGY

Paving the Way for North America's EV Battery Materials Supply Chain

In a significant stride toward securing North America's electric vehicle (EV) battery materials supply chain, U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm visited the Orbia Advance Corporation's Fluorinated Solutions site in St. Gabriel, Louisiana.

The visit, part of a series to Louisiana's clean energy development sites, celebrated Orbia's upcoming investment in North America's first lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) production facility.

🌟 A Model for the Nation

Addressing a gathering at the St. Gabriel site, Secretary Granholm commended Orbia for being a 'model for the nation' in fortifying the North American supply chain for critical EV battery materials. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Orbia's projects as catalysts for the state's climate action agenda and nationwide EV production.

💰 DoE Grant Boosts LiPF6 Production

Orbia, a recipient of a $100 million DoE grant, is set to construct North America's first LiPF6 manufacturing site, an electrolyte salt crucial for lithium-ion batteries. This facility, to be built in St. Gabriel, aligns with President Biden's vision of securing the battery materials supply chain.

🔗 Orbia's Strategic Partnerships and Expansion Plans

Leveraging a licensing agreement with LiPF6 technology leader Kanto Denka Kogyo, Orbia's new LiPF6 site will be situated on the grounds of its existing facility in St. Gabriel. The company also recently announced a joint venture with Solvay and plans for a second site in St. Gabriel to manufacture intermediates for lithium-ion battery binding agent polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).

🌐 In the Right Position at the Right Time

Orbia CEO Sameer Bharadwaj expressed the company's pivotal role in North America's energy transition, stating, "This facility will provide Inflation Reduction Act-certified LiPF6 to support the Biden-Harris administration’s vision of securing North America’s battery materials supply chain."

💼 Job Creation and Community Impact

Orbia's strategic location in St. Gabriel has been pivotal in driving economic growth. The company plans to bring approximately 200 new jobs to the area through its battery materials projects and is committed to investing in the local community through scholarships and training.

🔍 Looking Ahead: LiPF6 Production Plant Operational by 2026

Orbia's LiPF6 production plant, expected to be operational by 2026, aims for a production capacity of 10,000 metric tons annually of battery-grade electrolyte salts. These facilities play a crucial role in the U.S. target to produce over 1 million electric vehicles annually.

As we witness Orbia's pioneering efforts in advancing clean energy solutions and fortifying the nation's EV battery materials supply chain, we look forward to a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.

DIG INTO THIS ONE

Organizational growth is evolving. Mature companies, despite investing heavily, are slowing down. To truly thrive, adopt a new mindset inspired by startups and nature. Like oak trees dropping acorns to grow new trees and build a diverse business forest, not just a bigger tree.

ECONOMICS

U.S. Department of Commerce Showcases Over $200 Billion in Investments by Asia-Pacific Companies in the United States

In the spotlight today is the monumental impact of President Biden's economic vision, Bidenomics, and his robust Investing in America agenda, featuring groundbreaking legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS and Science Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

These transformative policies have not only invigorated the U.S. economy but have resonated globally, prompting substantial investments from companies, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

🌏 A Global Rally for American Prosperity

At the heart of this economic renaissance is the influx of foreign investments, with companies from APEC and Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) economies pouring significant resources into American communities. These investments are not just economic transactions; they align with President Biden's vision of fostering a secure, resilient, and inclusive U.S. economy while combating climate change and generating well-paying jobs.

📊 By the Numbers: Historic Investments and Exponential Growth

The Treasury Department's analysis reveals staggering figures. Foreign direct investment in U.S. manufacturing has nearly doubled annually compared to pre-pandemic levels. Companies from the Asia-Pacific have announced investments exceeding $200 billion into the United States since the inception of the Biden-Harris Administration. These investments are projected to support tens of thousands of new jobs for American workers.

💡 Industries of the Future: A Paradigm Shift

Enterprises from Asia-Pacific economies are at the forefront of major investments in clean energy and semiconductors within the United States. Approximately one-third of all significant announced investments in these sectors can be attributed to companies from the Asia-Pacific. This shift is closely tied to the strategic investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act.

📈 Rising Exports: Boosting Business and Employment

U.S. exports to Asia-Pacific economies have witnessed a remarkable 25 percent increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. This surge is a testament to the flourishing economic ties and business expansion, resulting in job creation across various sectors.

🌐 Recent & New Investments: Paving the Way for Innovation and Job Creation

Today's "Investing in America" event showcased a plethora of recent and new investments, exemplifying the tangible impact of President Biden's policies and the strong economic ties with the Asia-Pacific. Here are some highlights:

• Samsung Display (South Korea): Investing over $17 billion in a new semiconductor site in Texas and $12 billion in electric vehicle (EV) battery plants across the U.S., creating thousands of jobs.

• Fortescue (Global): Announcing new investments in a Michigan facility for battery design and manufacturing, a green energy investment accelerator platform in New York, and a green hydrogen production facility in Washington, creating jobs and fostering innovation.

• VinFast (Vietnam): Highlighting $4 billion in investments for an all-electric SUV factory in North Carolina, creating over 7,000 jobs, and unveiling plans for a manufacturing complex in North Carolina for electric vehicles and batteries.

• Lynas Rare Earths (Australia): Partnering with the U.S. Department of Defense for a $258 million investment in Texas to build a Heavy Rare Earths separation plant, creating 100 skilled jobs.

• Neolpharma (Mexico): Investing $16 million to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico, creating specialized local jobs.

Additionally, the U.S. Export–Import Bank (EXIM) announced a new $169 million export promotion loan to BETA Technologies, a Vermont-based company, expanding its U.S.-based production of electric-powered aircraft and creating approximately 400 high-paying jobs.

🌐 Facilitating Economic Growth Across Sectors

The SelectUSA program at the Department of Commerce has played a pivotal role in facilitating these investments, with over $55 billion in foreign direct investments supporting more than 35,000 jobs in 2023 alone.

🌍 A Paradigm Shift in Global Business Dynamics

Companies from the Asia-Pacific region are not only major players in these investments but are also contributing to reshaping the global business landscape. From semiconductor giants to renewable energy leaders, these investments signify a paradigm shift that aligns with President Biden's commitment to inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and technological innovation.

As we witness this remarkable chapter in economic history, we look forward to a future of collaboration, prosperity, and shared progress.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON TWITTER

SAFETY & DAMAGE

Level Up Safety! Building a Safer Future Together.

Many American construction firms are missing out on implementing cost-effective safety measures that could prevent injuries, save lives, and reduce insurance claims.

The lack of proactive and preventive measures is a concern, and safety experts emphasize the need for a more comprehensive and forward-thinking approach in the construction industry.

Key Points:

1. Insufficient Safety Measures: Construction firms in the U.S. are not proactively implementing obvious and inexpensive safety measures. The industry tends to address safety issues reactively, often after accidents or incidents occur.

2. Limited Insurance Incentives: While some property/casualty insurance carriers offer safety analysis programs leading to premium discounts, workers' compensation and commercial liability insurers often leave safety evaluations to contractors. This approach may not be sufficient in fostering a proactive safety culture.

3. High Construction Worker Fatalities: Unsafe practices in the U.S. construction industry contribute to around 2,000 worker fatalities annually, a rate nine times higher than Great Britain's construction industry. The adoption of crucial safety changes, common in European firms, remains overlooked.

4. Safety Integration in Design: To foster safer worksites, experts recommend integrating safety measures into project contracts with builders and subcontractors. Additionally, involving safety professionals in the design stage of a project is crucial for implementing innovative safety practices.

Overlooked Safety Measures:

1. Eliminating Ladders: Falls from ladders are a significant cause of injuries and claims. Contracts should mandate the use of mechanized lifts instead of ladders.

2. Addressing Blind Spots: Heavy equipment with blind spots, such as cranes and boom trucks, poses risks. Addressing visibility issues can enhance safety on construction sites.

3. Safer Electrical Panels: Utilizing electrical panels with clear indicators of energization can reduce the need for workers to open panels for checks, minimizing risks.

4. Lead-Free Fastener Systems: Contracts should specify the use of powder-activated fastener systems without lead to protect workers from lead exposure.

5. Rolled-Edge Steel Framing Studs: Ordering steel framing studs with rolled edges can prevent injuries caused by sharp steel edges, enhancing worker safety.

6. Drop-Arrest Hoisting Systems: Employing drop-stop load arrestors can prevent material and equipment from falling, improving safety during lifting operations.

7. Pre-Assembled Systems: Pre-assembling systems off-site and delivering them to the project can save time and reduce on-site risks for workers.

8. Anti-Skid Pads: Installing anti-skid pads on stairs and slippery surfaces can prevent slips and falls.

9. Accountability: Holding supervisors accountable for enforcing safety measures can contribute to a safer work environment.

10. Automated Table Saws: Requiring table saws that automatically shut off when the blade contacts skin can prevent severe injuries.

11. Mental Health Programs: Construction companies should prioritize the mental health of workers and supervisors, implementing wellness and suicide prevention programs.

While insurance carriers may not always proactively promote work safety, construction insurance can still be profitable. Contractor-controlled insurance packages (CCIPs) or owner-controlled packages (OCIPs) covering everything and everyone on a site can be structured to be loss-sensitive, encouraging fewer claims and lower premiums. The industry should explore opportunities for more comprehensive safety measures and collaboration between insurers and construction firms to create safer work environments.