Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Online license renewals hit all-time high

Did you know that most contractors can renew their CCB license online through an Online Services account? 

Many contractors have discovered this faster, simpler option. In May 2018, 80 percent of the renewals were submitted online. This is the highest percentage since the program was implemented in July of 2013. In the past, only about 70 percent of contractors renewed licenses online. 

Most contractors are eligible to renew online unless there is an entity change, owner or responsible managing individual change, or any of the owners have been convicted of the crimes listed on the renewal form.

While processing time for paper renewals takes 7-10 business days, online renewals are normally processed within 2-3 business days.

Check it out next time you renew!  Questions? Contact us: 503-378-4621.

It's illegal to "rent" your license

Contractors should never allow someone to use their license number. Offering to “rent” your license to an unlicensed person is specifically addressed in Oregon law and rules. This is considered "knowingly assisting an unlicensed contractor" (812.005.0800 (15)).

Contractors that allow an unlicensed entity or individual to use their license are subject to fines and disciplinary actions up to, and including, revocation.

If you are the victim of someone using your license number, contact the Compliance section at 503-934-2246. 

Call before you dig!

Summer is the peak season for damage to underground utility lines, in part from contractors that dig without calling to locate utility lines.

This is a safety issue as well as a legal issue. The law requires that you locate underground utilities before digging.

To do so, call 811 to reach the Oregon Utility Notification Center. Or, the website also has an online locate request system that works for Oregon or Washington: http://digsafelyoregon.com/.

The notification center contacts affected utility companies serving your project. Utility staff then visit the site and mark the approximate location of underground lines, pipes and cables. This is a free service.

By the way, Northwest Natural Gas has a new safety app so you can call 811 with a click or submit a locate request online. Here’s the link:   https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nw-natural/id1336271174?mt=8.

DEQ proposes changes to asbestos rules

DEQ is proposing changes to its asbestos regulations. One change would require a survey (to determine the presence and types of asbestos) at residential buildings with four or fewer dwelling units. Find details here.  

JLC Live registration begins Aug. 13

What: The JLC LIVE trade show and conference offers educational sessions developed specifically for residential construction pros. The event includes an exhibit hall with 70-plus building product manufacturers, live on-floor building clinics, technical discussions and continuing education. This is a chance to network as well as buy and win tools and products.

When: Nov. 28-30, 2018, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.

Education credits: All classes are eligible for CCB credit. Additionally, the CCB will offer one hour of CCB Laws, Regulations and Business practices courses on each of the three days. 

More information and registration: https://nw.jlclive.com.  Use promo code CCB to receive a free exhibit hall pass and 15 percent off conference package costs.   

Contractors in Bend refurbish park benches while earning CE credit!

Laurel Pocket Park: Before Restoration

Park benches after contractors restoration class

Bend's Laurel Pocket Park was built in 2007 with donations and volunteer labor. The volunteerism continued recently when six contractors restored park benches as a learning experience. The CCB granted continuing education credit, and park-goers are enjoying  the spruced up results.

"The cement benches within the interior of the park began to have some issues with spalling," the city's volunteer coordinator, Cheryl Howard, said. "While that did not impact the usability, it did become an eyesore within an otherwise beautiful location."

Contractor Wayne Schatz took a look and figured that he could educate fellow contractors about how to fix the deteriorating concrete benches. He put together the class, and the City of Bend tracked contractors' volunteer hours and issued course completion certificates.

As Schatz said, "I'd rather give money and time back to my community, and have something productive to show than take a class on line which may have no relation to my line of work.  Companies like mine, which need extensive continuing education credits (32 hours), may find that a model such as this could easily be implemented in their own town, benefitting the communities in which they live.”  

Continuing Education: What's new

A growing number of trade organizations are approved as continuing education providers with the CCB while others are expanding their offerings. 

The Oregon Home Builders Association, for example, recently added five Internet marketing classes to its online education program and will soon be scheduling in-person code update refresher classes and Safety Day trainings statewide.

Members of trade associations typically receive free or discounted classes.

Speaking of code classes, contractors have told us repeatedly that they want more information on code updates. The Course Catalog now lists dozens of code classes.

Other:

• Asbestos courses that are required to obtain DEQ certification for abatement or survey work are approved for continuing education credit with the CCB. 
• The CCB is winding down its spring-summer tour of Oregon with its in-person regulatory classes. The next "live", three-hour laws, regulations and business practices classes are Nov. 14 in Salem and Nov. 21 in Wilsonville. Find details here.

Commercial contractors

Many commercial contractors ask us if they can get CCB credit for attending conferences. (The CCB is not required to approve course content for commercial contractors.)

Conferences can be a great way to get an education AS LONG AS you obtain a course completion certificate that includes the date and length of the course. The same is true of webinars. We need proof of course completion!

CCB grants education credit for Small Business Development Center programs

There are 19 small business development centers in Oregon, including the Chemeketa SBDC based in Salem but serving Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties.

You can earn CCB continuing education credit by participating in programs that are designed to help you succeed in business - whether launching, growing, or transitioning.

"Business education and one-on-one advising will help you feel supported and help your business thrive," said Celia Nunez , director of the Chemeketa SBDC.  

SBDC business advisers and instructors statewide have experience running their own businesses. Advising is provided at no cost in areas such as:

• Business plan development and review
• Finance, access to capital, and business operations
• Online marketing, social media, and web development
• Government contracting assistance and procurement

The SBDC in Salem is among those offering the Small Business Management (SBM) program, a nine-month program that includes monthly interactive learning sessions with professional experts and other experienced business owners. The program includes monthly one-on-one business coaching tailored to fit your needs and designed to encourage you and your business to grow.