Newsletter: March/April 2008 Newsletter

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General Membership Meeting

At the February meeting, we welcomed seven new members: MFB Marine; Frischkorn, Inc.; NSC Technologies; Atwood Auxiliary LLC; Wachovia Bank; Sutton & Clark Supply, Inc.; and Marine Oil Services. Our guest speaker was RADM DC Curtis, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic, who updated us on the function and structure of the CLASSRONs.
 
We are pleased to welcome Senator Frank Wagner as our speaker for the March meeting. Senator Wagner will provide a valuable Virginia legislative update. Senator Wagner’s biography may be found at http://sov.state.va.us/SenatorDB.nsf/23b0c13df27a5ef585256fc7004febb2/0639e36ab9e1c06585256aa0007199a2?OpenDocument.
 
Our speaker for April is CAPT Ed Boorda, Commander, DDGRON. The DDGRON is one of three CLASSRONs located in Norfolk.  Capt. Boorda’s presentation is a follow-on to the presentation RADM Curtis gave last month on CLASSRONS, with a specific request to address how the CLASSRON fits in the ship maintenance and repair equation.

National Ship Repair Industry Conference 2008 Summary

 By Joe Carnevale RDML, USN (Ret)
Seventy-eight representatives of all aspects of the ship repair industry came together to address our issues at the February 26-28 event. Twenty-two came from California, thirty-three from Virginia, five from Florida, three from Washington State, two from Hawaii, four from Alabama, two from Maryland, one from North Carolina, one from South Carolina, one from Mississippi, and one from Massachusetts. Three of us were from Washington, DC. 
 
There were networking opportunities throughout the event but none better then the following events:
 
- The reception the first night was sponsored by the Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association and was attended by RDML Jim McManamon, SEA 21 as well as Congressman Duncan Hunter and his son.
 
- Breakfast the first day was sponsored by the Jacksonville Area Ship Repair Association. At this event, we were given an excellent background brief on the budget and budget issues by RADM Dick Camacho (Ret) of BAE Ship Repair.
 
- The reception the second night was sponsored by the Virginia Ship Repair Association at Honeywell where everyone enjoyed a magnificent view of the Capitol.
 
We heard from six Congressmen and one Senator on their views of Navy ship repair and construction and other issues facing our Nation. We were able to tell them our concerns about the Navy’s top line, the maintenance budget in particular, the unfunded amphibious ships kept in service instead of being retired and the need to maintain a viable, productive private sector industrial base. The members were:
 
Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK), Representative Gene Taylor (D-MS), Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-HI), Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Representative Randy Forbes (R-VA), Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA) and Representative Robin Hayes (R-NC)
 
On Navy Day, we were briefed by an array of Navy leaders. Their presentations will be provided to each of the participants.   We heard from:
 
Mr John S. Thackrah, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition), who described the acquisition process and trade-offs at the highest levels.
 
VADM Barry McCullough, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Requirements and Assessments, who described the very difficult budget challenges faced by the Navy.                                
                                            
RADM Kevin McCoy, Deputy Commander for Ship Design, Integration and Engineering, SEA-05, who described the role the technical community has in reducing the cost of maintenance and who enlisted our help in pushing initiatives developed in the Naval shipyards out to the private sector.
 
RDML Joe Campbell, OPNAV N43B and the prospective N43 Fleet Forces Command, who gave us a top level brief of the Navy’s mission and goals as well as his role in developing Fleet maintenance requirements.
                                            
Mr Alan Weyman, Executive Director of the newly formed SEA21, who described the new organization and the status of the Navy’s modernization programs.
 
Mr Jose Gutierrez, Executive Director of the Regional maintenance Centers, who described their mission and organization.
 
We were able to convey our concerns to these leaders and get their feedback on our issues. We proposed to them that SCA and the six ship repair associations, with the participation of the AITs, take on the task of running a Joint Industry-Navy Improvement Initiatives (JINII) meeting presenting what industry believes are our biggest contracting, technical and management issues. That proposal was well received.
 
At the end of the day, perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the National Ship Repair Association Conference 2008 was the communal realization that the six associations working together present a powerful force.
 

Career Outreach

In just a few short years, the drain on our local labor market will affect how well, and quickly, companies can affect change and get the job done. VSRA, VSRF and our member companies recognize this impending problem and have taken a proactive approach to ensuring we have the workers we need to stay competitive and meet the country’s national defense requirements. In 2007, 25 volunteers from VSRA member companies attended 18 career events and distributed information and branding items to 3,297 students, teachers and parents.
 
As VSRA members reached out to schools and parents to attract a future workforce, it became evident volunteers can’t reach them all!  So, The Ship Repair Sam Crew book was published to promote our jobs to Elementary School Children. As requests are received to attend Career Events at Elementary schools, multiple copies of The Ship Repair Sam Crew cartoon book are mailed to each school. Two copies are provided for each classroom in grades K-2 and for the library.
 
This year we expect to visit more than 20 middle and high schools to deliver occupational and career related information to students in the seven cities across the region. To date, our volunteers have reached 984 students at 7 career events.   We are currently building a volunteer list to give companies an opportunity to directly connect with these future workers.
 
What we need Career Day volunteers to do:
  • Sign up for a school;
  • Use the pre-packaged material supplied by VSRF to set up a kiosk or conduct classroom activities that highlight ship repair;
  • Pass out ship repair brand goodies and information supplied by VSRA to students;
  • Spend approximately 2-3 hours interacting with more than 300 students to promote ship repair as a career choice
 
The following career days are scheduled for March and April 2008:
3/25/2008 - Granby High School Junior Night (Norfolk)
4/8/2008 - Northside Middle School (Norfolk)
4/11/2008 - Kellam High School (Virginia Beach)
4/30/2008 - LEGO Competition (Nauticus)
 
Please call the VSRA office at 757-233-7034 and let us know if you are interested in volunteering for one of the scheduled events or if you would like us to provide the Ship Repair Sam Book to an elementary school.
 

VSRA Company In the Spotlight

Next year, the Virginia Ship Repair Association will celebrate its 25th anniversary.  The association was founded in 1984 as the South Tidewater Association of Ship Repairers (STASR) when the leaders of our industry joined forces to craft a coalition to “raise the tide” for the entire ship repair industry in Hampton Roads.  Their vision charted a course that brings us into 2008 larger and stronger than anytime in our history.
 
In commemoration of this significant event, the newsletter will include a new feature called “In the Spotlight,” which will provide information on our member companies and their outstanding employees.  This month, we highlight Jo-Kell. 
 
1.       How long have you been a member of VSRA? 2 years, 7 months
 
2.       What is your number of employees—locally? 48 Nationally? 61
 
3.      What is your business focus (highlight what VSRA membership has meant to your business)?  It is the mission of Jo-Kell to provide safe, reliable, high-quality products, systems and services to all of our customers. Superior customer service by friendly, qualified employees is our primary focus. With state of the art products, well-trained employees and a dedicated management team, Jo-Kell continually strives to meet the dynamic needs of the military, commercial marine and industrial community. Being a member of VSRA has helped us to strengthen our relationships with our clients. Our membership has provided information on contracts & awards to shipyards as well as knowledge on legislative and congressional matters. It has also provided us with a variety of training programs for our employees.
 
4.      Your company locations: Chesapeake, VA; Richmond, VA and Jacksonville, FL.
 
5.      Company slogan/ motto: Solutions for Ship and Shore
 
Jo-Kell would like to spotlight Edwin Rodriguez
1.      Hometown: Bronx, New York
 
2.      Hobbies:    Baseball, football, riding bikes and spending time with my wife and daughter.
 
3.      What brought you into the ship repair industry? After serving four years in the Navy as an electrician, my trade brought me to Jo-Kell Inc. I work as an electrician within the Engineering Solutions Group. The Engineering Solutions Group at Jo-Kell has allowed me the opportunity to provide systems and services including project management, field service, start up assistance, engineering, CAD, assembly, testing, installation and commissioning to all of our customers.
 
4.      One interesting fact no one knows about you.   I enjoy going to musicals!
 
We will expand the “Spotlight” size based on the number of inputs we get from you, our members.  Please help us make this a memorable year of reflections leading to our actual anniversary.  You can do that by providing the requested information about your company
 

Mentoring Opportunity to Grow Qualified Employees

The Ship Repair Industry has a wonderful opportunity to gain good will in our community while helping our rising future workforce.  Lake Taylor Middle School (1380 Kempsville Road) in Norfolk has been struggling with becoming fully acredited by the state, particularly in the area of elementary math with the sixth graders.  Some of the members of VSRA companies have been working with Lake Taylor Principal Michelle Williams-Moore to provide volunteer help to the students.  There is a need for more volunteers.  YOU CAN HELP.
 
If you would like to volunteer to spend about two hours a week helping Lake Taylor sixth graders, please call Dee Davis 495-3524 (office) or 434-0187 (cell).  Dee, a longtime member of VSRA, is coordinating the volunteers for the school.  He can give you more specifics on how and when you can help.
 
What a wonderful and personally gratifying way to highlight our industry to our middle schoolers while helping them succeed.  Remember - YOUR act of kindness could cause these students to choose the ship repair industry in the future for their lifelong career.
 

Communications Committee Survey Results

The Board of Directors has directed the Communications Committee to survey the membership annually to insure we are providing the correct quantity and quality of information and communication to our membership. This year’s survey contained only twelve questions. Our thanks go out to the 67 people who completed the Communications Committee survey. This information will assist us in our plan of action in the coming year.
 
The members found the following VSRA events/programs most valuable: general membership meetings, training courses, security committee, golf tournament, safety and environmental committee, and safety seminar. 
 
77% of those responding preferred receiving their newsletter via e-mail, and 16% preferred the website. The balance preferred a printed copy. When the newsletter is published, the VSRA staff sends an e-mail message to everyone who has provided their e-mail address. This e-mail has a link to the website, where the newsletter is published. No password is required to read the newsletter. For those who prefer a printed copy, the newsletter can be printed off of the website.
 
95.2% of those responding found the website beneficial. The most frequent complaint was the necessity of needing a password to access committee minutes. The VSRA staff is available to assist you if you forget your password. There were numerous concerns about the QA database. This is the first priority of the new website development company. Future goals include a VSRA/OSHA blog, links to other websites, and a library of valuable information.
                                                                                 
96.8% of those responding found the newsletter beneficial. We share the desire to increase the distribution of the newsletter, and we will add our government partners and guest speakers. Many thanks for the compliments and for your participation!

Committee Update

COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
The committee discussed the February draft newsletter and the articles for the March newsletter.
 
CONTRACTS COMMITTEE
Capt. Mike Stanton briefed the committee on the Navy’s comprehensive contracting strategy. The committee is planning a Cost Type Contract Issues seminar for the spring/summer time frame.
 
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Nominations are being accepted for VSRF Junior and Senior Tradesmen of the Year. The winners will be recognized at the National Maritime Day Luncheon on May 23rd. The committee reviewed the survey results and discussed the May 14th HR Seminar.
 
QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMITTEE
Meetings will begin at 10:30 rather than 10:15. The committee is working to keep audits on schedule.   A subcommittee is working with the website developers to upgrade the QA section of the website.
 
SAFETY COMMITTEE
The committee discussed the use of an OSHA safety DVD that is currently used in San Diego.    The Safety Seminar will be held October 1 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.   A subcommittee is developing a standardized Hot Work/Cold Work form for use in the port. 
 
SECURITY COMMITTEE
The committee discussed the problems experienced in gaining access to government facilities. Mary Ann Wasarheley, MARMC Security, announced that all prime contractors need to comply with the MARMC “Restricted Information Access Request Process” by March. The process can be accessed via the internet at https://www.marmc.nmci.navy.mil/requestaccess.cfm
 
 

Educational Opportunities

We are pleased to offer the following classes:
                                                  
First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder ½-Day Refresher Training
Location Sponsored by United Coatings Corp.
COST: $75.00 VSRA members; $110.00 Non VSRA members
SESSION 1 DATES: March 18, 2008, 8:00am – noon
SESSION 2 DATES: March 18, 2008, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Tecnico Corp., 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324
 
 
First Aid/CPR/AED/Emergency First Responder Certification
Location Sponsored by Tecnico Corp.
COST: $105.00 VSRA members; $140.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: March 19, 2008, 7:30am - 4:30pm
LOCATION: Tecnico Corp., 831 Industrial Ave, Chesapeake, VA 23324
Emergency First Responders ~ OSHA Approved/Internationally Accepted
*This certification is OSHA-approved/internationally accepted and is a step beyond the Red Cross certification and is more oriented to industrial environments.* This course provides comprehensive instruction in CPR and First Aid, as well as Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, emergency oxygen administration and conscious choking management skills. Upon successful completion of this course, attendees receive a Certification Card.
 
 
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Prep Course
Location sponsored by Old Dominion University Virginia Applied Technology & Professional Development Center
COST: $140.00 VSRA members; $175.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: May 27 & 28, September 9 & 10, and November 18 & 19, 2008, 8:00am-4:30pm day one and 8:00am-noon day two
LOCATION: Old Dominion University, 4111 Monarch Way, Suite 106, Norfolk, VA 23529
Recent changes to the NAVSEA NBPI Exam have resulted in lower pass rats. In order to better prepare your workers, VSRA is offering a 1-1/2-day pre-course specifically to address exam standards and increase inspector-level knowledge. Each attendee must bring a current copy of NAVSEA Standard Items 009-32 and 009-04 (FY08).
 
 
NAVSEA Basic Paint Inspector Training (NBPI)
Sponsored by VSRA and course approved by NAVSEA
Location sponsored by MARMC
COST: $550.00 VSRA members; $675.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: March 31-April 4, May 19-23, June 16-20, September 22-26, and December 1-5, 2008, 7:00am - 5:00pm
LOCATION: MARMC Building LF-18, Norfolk Naval Base
Attendance is limited to 20 applicants. A score of 80% or higher is required to be eligible for the certification. Students passing the exam will receive a four-year certification and a laminated wallet card from SSPC. Test results will come directly from SSPC. 
 
Due to changes with the SSPC, all documents related to this course need to be submitted to the SSPC representative, Jeannine Bodack. Her email address is: bodack@sspc.org, phone: 877-281-7772 x 2204, fax: 412-281-9995. These documents must be submitted two weeks before the first day of class. Please go to the SSPC website http://www.sspc.org/training/nbpi_prereq.html to view the current required documents.
 
 
NAVSEA Standard Items FY09 Training
Sponsored by VSRA and course approved by NAVSEA
Location sponsored by AMSEC LLC
COST: $225.00 VSRA members; $280.00 Non VSRA members
DATES: March 26-27, 2008, 8:00am - 4:00pm
LOCATION: AMSEC LLC, 2829 Guardian Lane, Virginia Beach, 23452
Attendance is limited to 5 applicants, so don’t delay in signing up. The attire for this location is business casual. Please dress accordingly.
 
 
NAVSEA Cableway Training and Certification Training
Instructional Partnership by VSRA and AMSEC
This training is certified by NAVSEA
Location sponsored by AMSEC LLC.
COST: $595.00 VSRA Members; $745.00 Non-VSRA Members
DATE: April 14-18, 2008, 8:00am – 4:00pm
LOCATION: AMSEC LLC, 2829 Guardian Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452
                                                                        
The attire for this location is business casual. Please dress accordingly. Attendance is limited to 20 applicants. This course delivers 35+ hours of lecture, video, hands-on lab work and text-based assignments over a five day period. A score of 70% or higher on the comprehensive exam is required for successful completion. The course covers all NAVSEA requirements and skill sets in depth. Upon successful completion of this course, the attendee will receive a NAVSEA Cableway Certification Card.
 
 
Blueprint Reading
Location sponsored by Earl Industries, LLC
COST: $325.00 VSRA Members; $399.00 Non-VSRA Members
DATE: April 15-18, and November 3-7, 2008, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
LOCATION:  Earl Industries, 3128 Victory Blvd., Portsmouth, VA 2370
This course is directed to rising welders and shipfitters, or workers who need a familiarity with blueprint terminology, symbols and design features specific to ships. The course provides 28 hours of instruction with take-home activities, 3 quizzes and a final exam.  Attendees will receive critical drawing analysis experience, as well as hands-on blueprint activities.  For a complete course outline please contact the VSRA office.
 
 
HR Seminar
COST: $50.00 VSRA Members, including continental breakfast
DATE: May 14, 2008, 8:00 am – 12:00 noon
LOCATION:  Troutman Sanders Multi-Purpose Room, 20th floor, Town Point Center, Virginia Beach
AGENDA TOPICS and GUEST SPEAKERS
9:00-9:20am         Registration
9:20-9:30am         Welcome & Introduction                 Chris Abel, HR Committee Chair
9:30-10:15am        Employee Benefits                         Chris Reid, Towers Benefits 
10:15-11:00am      Employee Evaluations/Discipline     Sandy Vinson, Epsilon Systems
11:00-11:30am      Lunch (light lunch provided, sandwiches, chips, sodas)
11:30am-12:15pm  Employee Recordkeeping             Coleen  Baybutt,
                                                                                HR Business Solutions
12:15-1:00pm      Employee Handbooks/                   Chris Abel, 
                          Workplace Policies                         Troutman, Sanders
                                                           
1:00-1:15pm        Q & A with Guest Speaker Panel
 
 
Please register on the VSRA website www.virginiashiprepair.org for above seminars. Phone registrations are not preferred, however, can be accommodated. For questions/help registering please call our office at 757-233-7034, we want to make this transition process easy for our members.
 
**Please note, you must be logged in to receive the discounted VSRA price for seminars.**
 
Refund & Cancellation Policy: VSRA offers seminars at a greatly reduced rate to our members. Cancellations must be made within 4 business days of the course date to receive full credit contingent on slots being filled. Late cancellations will be given a 50% credit towards future training or 100% if open slot is filled. No-shows WILL BE CHARGED the course fee, and no refunds will be made. Substitutions are welcome; however, please contact the VSRA office as soon as possible.