Hire local.
Two Shuswap companies are being recognized for taking this slogan to heart.
Shuswap Construction Industry Professionals began a program in January 2013, Get a Local Quote, to help promote the use of local contractors and suppliers for projects.
A SCIP board member then suggested it would be good to recognize the local builders in the area who hire local businesses.
On Friday night, the results of that idea materialized, with three Shuswap Community Builders awards presented at SCIP’s annual general meeting.
The awards recognized winners in three categories: Level 1 - residential projects from $100,000 to $500,000; Level 2 - residential projects from $500,000 to $1,500,000 and Level 3 - over $1,500,000.
Winning both the Level 1 and 2 categories was McDiarmid Construction of Salmon Arm, owned by Ian McDiarmid. The Level 3 category was won by Bush Mountain Construction Ltd. of Blind Bay, owned by Gordon Bush. Gift certificates from local restaurants, media exposure and being pictured on the front of the SCIP directory made up the prizes.
Winners were decided based on a point system, which included: • for using a local general contractor - six points; • for each local sub trade/suppliers used - three points. (If from one to 20 - three points, if 21 to 40 - four points, if 41 to 60 - five points, and if more than 60 - six points. ); • for using the SCIP plan room to utilize drawings for the specified project - one point; • for a clear pre-qualification process supporting local businesses - two points; • for notifying all bidders the results of tender within two weeks of closing - one point; • for a well-prepared tender package - four points; • for using local professional offices that contribute to the completion of the project - four points; • for having an open tender versus invitational - two points; and • for providing reference checks upon completion - five points.
In terms of the competition, local includes Salmon Arm, Sicamous, Enderby, Chase and the North Shore.
Donna Smith, coordinator at SCIP, says this was the first year for the competition so it’s hoped it will continue and get better known over time. She emphasizes that anyone can participate; builders don’t have to be a member of SCIP. Even a homeowner can participate if they’re hiring sub trades. Forms are available at city hall, she said, so builders can pick them up there when picking up building permits.
The contest has already been successful in getting the number of local trades better known.
“It was amazing the reaction I’m getting…, Smith said, noting people are surprised by how many local trades are in town.