Immigration Enforcement and Audits increasing

The United States Government is increasing its enforcement and audit presence, especially with regard to issues involving immigration and employer sanctions. Audits and reviews are currently being performed by either agents of the United States Government, or by contractors or investigators engaged for that purpose. In the past,investigators have contacted companies in advance to inform them of an audit or investigation and schedule a convenient meeting time. Now they simply arrive unannounced at the business and ask for information. It is critical that staff who may be the first point of contact, such as the receptionist or other front desk personnel, be educated about how to conduct themselves in the
event this occurs.
Front desk personnel should be instructed that they are not to provide any information. They should request to see identification and then should contact the company official who will serve as the company spokesperson in dealing with the Government auditor or investigator. There should be one specifically designated individual within the organization who will serve this function and all staff should be made aware that this is the only person authorized to talk to a Government agent or investigator. The front desk personnel or receptionist should be cooperative
but should indicate that they are not authorized to provide the information.
Unless the Government agent or investigator presents a search warrant or subpoena for specific information, documents or items to be produced immediately, you or your members may request that they schedule a more convenient time to return. You may not refuse to speak with them altogether. It is to your benefit to be cooperative in providing what they request, if it is a legally sound and reasonable request, without providing them with any additional documentation or information. Often agents will engage in conversation to uncover details that may lead to further
avenues of investigation.

Taking Aim

Participants in the inaugural RMMI Archery Event at Golden High Country Archers deemed the event a “do-again,” and so plans are already underway for next year’s event. Two dozen archers took to the trail in search of 20 3-D targets hidden in the lush greenery behind Tony Grampsas park in Golden on Friday. In the Compound Bow division, Randy Carey of Big Horn Masonry took 1st place, followed by Brian Retland of Mission Masonry in 2nd and Rob Davis of Mission Masonry in 3rd. Rod Hayward of Threewit-Cooper owned the Traditional Bow category. In the beginner’s division, Alex Reed of United Rentals took 1st place, Randy Tuinder of Colorado Scaffolding took 2nd and Luke Barnes of United Rentals took 3rd. Jay Retzko of Boral Best Block earned the low score prize.
This was a member-planned and member-driven event with Scott Powers of Telluride Stone and Pem and Deb Eberlein of A.P. Eberlein doing all the work. They made the event a tremendous success.
Thank you to all of our sponsors, including Trophy sponsors A.P. Eberlein, JVS Masonry and TXI; Picnic Burger & Dog sponsor Telluride Stone; Appetizers at In the Zone sponsors Robinson Brick Company, Basalite, Boral Best Block and Rio Grande Co.; and Station sponsors Atkinson-Noland, Basalite, Threewit-Cooper, Summit Brick, US Masonry, JVS Masonry, Fischbach Masonry, Colorado Scaffolding, TXI, and United Rentals.
There were tons of door prizes distributed at the awards reception at In the Zone, provided by: Bear Creek Archery, Tanglewood Archery, Archery in the Wild, Rocky Mountain Specialty Gear, No Limits Archery, Heads Up Decoys, Buck Knives, HHA Sports, Trophy Taker, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Montana Decoy, Scott Archery, Muzzy, Shwacker, and Cmere Deer.

Searching for an Exec

The Board of Directors has formed a search committee to identify a new Executive Director for RMMI. The job has been posted on online job boards with a live link to the job description, which is posted on RMMI’s website. Applications are due by Sept. 11, after which the interview process will begin.

Work Ethic will be Taught in Schools

There is a huge change in education about to take place in Colorado. The Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness requirements that students will be taught include not only basic academics, but also learning and behavior skills. Two key areas that are of interest to all the construction trades are “Work Ethic” and “Personal Responsibility.” Other items of note include “Collaboration” “Communication” and “Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.” For more information on the Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness requirements, go to the Colorado Department of Education homepage. http://www.cde.state.co.us/

Apprentice Training

Speaking of education, there is still time to enroll students in the fall Masonry Arts class at Front Range Community College. High School Juniors and Seniors can take these classes, as well as traditional apprentices and unemployed workers looking to improve their employability. This semester FRCC is running a “stacked” class, which means all skill levels are in the same class but receive different levels of instruction. The class is Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Contact Ryan at FRCC 303-404-5233.