In this issue
January 2025 Newsletter 
President's Report
A Dynamic and Memorable Fourth Quarter for Our Chapter!
The final quarter of 2024 was filled with growth, connection, and celebration for our chapter.
In October, we proudly hosted the 2024 Southeast Region Annual Planning and Leadership Conference, welcoming over 80 women from across the Southeast for a networking and leadership development weekend.
November marked our first business meeting of the new NAWIC year, where Paul Walker, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility and Technology at Hoar Construction, presented on Innovative Software in the Construction Industry, sparking valuable discussions among attendees.
To close out the year, we hosted a festive member-only Christmas party in December instead of our regular business meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to relax, celebrate the season, and strengthen our connections. As part of our celebration of season and outreach to the community we collected winter coats and blankets to donate to Firehouse Ministries. We dropped off multiple bags on these items on Monday, December 23rd.
Our after-hours networking dinners and Lunch and Connect events continued through November and December, providing open, agenda-free opportunities for women in the industry—both members and non-members—to connect, share experiences, and build relationships.
If you couldn’t attend, we missed you! Be sure to check the calendar in this newsletter for upcoming events. We’re excited to keep expanding our chapter and sharing our passion for NAWIC by creating even more meaningful connections.
Committees News
We still have committees that need volunteers. I encourage every member to actively engage with at least one committee. It’s a fantastic way to get involved and bond with industry professionals. Each committee is led by a board member dedicated to strengthening our mission. Check out the “Committee Corner” below for descriptions of our various committees. If you’re interested in participating in or chairing a committee, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or the assigned board representative.
Join the Members-Only NAWIC GroupMe Group
Since “Connection” is our theme for the year, we continue our NAWIC GroupMe Group to facilitate spontaneous communication and sharing among members. If you haven’t already joined, I encourage you to do so. Simply click on the following link: Join Birmingham's NAWIC GroupMe.
NAWIC Pals has gotten off to an awesome start!
Lastly, our NAWIC Pals showed up in December. I can’t wait to see where your encouragement and support of your PAL take us over the coming months. If you are part of the NAWIC Pals program, don’t forget to encourage your PAL throughout the year. The smallest of encouragement can mean the world to someone.
Let’s make this year memorable by building strong connections and growing together! Remember, you get out of NAWIC what you put into it. With our carefully planned year ahead, I look forward to connecting with each of you throughout the year, making it another fantastic NAWIC year.
If there is anything you would like to share or discuss, feel free to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Tina Thompson
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP
We’re proud to share that as of January 2, 2025, the NAWIC Greater Birmingham Chapter has grown to 73 members representing 57 different companies!
If you or someone you know is interested in joining our dynamic chapter, please register using the link below. We’d love to welcome you to our community!
JOIN NAWIC
MONTHLY BUSINESS MEETING
Thank to our November Speaker Paul Walker
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Paul Walker for taking the time to join us at our November 13th meeting to speak on software innovation in the construction industry.
Our attendees posed thoughtful questions, and Paul provided valuable insights that helped us all gain a better understanding of the topic.
Thank you again, Paul, for your continued support of NAWIC Greater Birmingham.
UPCOMING MONTHLY BUSINESS MEETING
Our next regular chapter meeting will be January 8th
Stephen Garrett Jr. CIMA of Garrett, Perkins & Associates will be out guest speaker for this event. Stephen will be talking about finances.
Be sure to register today for this meeting today.
Block Kids
We are excited again to be hosting our Block Kids Event on February 1st at McWane Center in Birmingham, AL.
Be sure to check out our website for more details and information.
Membership Committee
Embracing our theme of Connection, we provide multiple opportunities each month for members to engage, network, and build lasting relationships.
Join us for our monthly After-Hours Networking and Lunch and Connect events, open to both members and non-members, offering a welcoming space for women in the industry to connect in a relaxed setting. Be sure to check our website regularly for the latest details on these events.
Mark your calendar for these upcoming opportunities to connect:
- January After-Hours: Surin 280 on the 14th
- January Lunch and Connect: Baumhower's Vestavia on the 31st
We look forward to seeing you there!
Another way to STAY CONNECTED is by making sure you are a part of our Members-Only GroupMe Chat Group.
Here is the link if you'd like to join, simply click on the following link: BHM GroupMe
Chaplain/Friendship Committee
Our 2024-25 NAWIC PALS program is underway, and the ladies seem to be having and amazing time.
Can't wait to see what the rest of the year holds for our NAWIC Pals. The love support and encouragement will be amazing, I am sure.
Legislative Industry Issues Committee
DOL Overtime Pay Rule Invalidated!
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas invalidated the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Overtime Pay Rule. The onerous rule, which was finalized back in April aimed to implement tiered increases and effective dates for both the minimum salary threshold and highly compensated employees (HCE). The minimum salary threshold, under which workers are eligible for overtime pay, increased to $43,888 on July 1, 2024, and then would have increased to $58,656 on January 1, 2025; representing more than a 60% increase over the pre-rule threshold. The HCE threshold, above which workers are not eligible for overtime pay, was raised to $132,964 on July 1, 2024, and then slated to increase to $151,164 on January 1, 2025; a 41% increase. The rule also provided for automatic updates every three years for the minimum salary and HCE thresholds.
To read the court’s opinion please click here.
Legislative for self-funded plans - New HIPPA Reproductive Health Rule in Effect 12-23-24
HIPPA Reproductive Health Rule in Effect 12-23-24
Guidance on Harassment in Construction
Construction Chronicles: OFCCP Issues Guidance on Combatting Harassment in the Construction Industry
Committee Corner
Connecting and Growing Together
As women in construction, we understand the importance of connections in growing our membership and ourselves. Despite our busy schedules, making time for these connections is crucial. Joining a committee is a fantastic way to make a small commitment while building valuable relationships within the industry.
Why Join a Committee?
- Networking: Meet and connect with other professionals in the industry.
- Skill Development: Gain new skills and experiences.
- Contribution: Make a meaningful impact on our organization and industry.
Opportunities Available We have numerous committee openings this coming year. Check out the list of committees and reach out to the board member listed or myself to join a committee that interests you.
Let’s make the most of our time and grow together through these valuable connections!
Calendar
Locations of After Hours and Lunch and Connect are subject to change:
Click Here for the latest information and to register for upcoming events.
Be an Inspiration
Inspirational Quote of the DAY!!!!
Make this Your Best Year EVER
Send me your favorite quote, it may be used in one of the upcoming newsletters.
RENEWAL
For questions, please contact [email protected].
2. Click the profile icon in the top-right of the screen, then click "My Profile."
3. Click the header labeled “Membership.”
4. Click “Renew” button on your current Membership and follow the prompts to select your Membership Type and then complete the remaining steps through checkout.
Need additional assistance with renewal check out this link
Scholarships
The NAWIC Founders' Scholarship Foundation (NFSF) awards over $100,000 in scholarships yearly. The award amounts range from $500 to $2,500. For questions on eligibility of the national scholarships please email [email protected].
Our chapter offers several scholarships, including one in collaboration with Brasfield & Gorrie, to Auburn University. Each applicant must meet the requirements of the individual University/College and submit the application though the schools scholarship platform.
Be A Sponsor
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
See link below
NAWIC Gr. Birmingham Chapter 53 - Become a Sponsor (nawicbirmingham.com)
NAWIC's mission is to empower women in the construction industry and our core value is to enhance their success. A NAWIC sponsorship allows companies to annually demonstrate commitment and support of these values. NAWIC offers a variety of sponsorship opportunities to help companies communicate their message to the industry and our members.
The Gr. Birmingham Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction is looking forward to your support as we begin the next year with a strategic plan that incorporates membership growth, education, and professional development goals, through events that empower, promote, inspire and connect the women of our chapter and yet to be members in our industry. Your donation qualifies you to be a sponsor for the entire year! As we share the value of NAWIC throughout all our events, we want to let the construction industry know that you believe in the values and core mission of NAWIC. Sponsors like you allow the leadership and membership of our chapter to execute programs that introduce construction as a viable career path, promote construction trades as another alternative to a successful career choice, work with students and introduce a library of professional development strategies and tracks that ultimately escalate professional growth.
If you are a Small Business/Minority Owner Business, you will received 10% off the sponsorship package of your choosing. Sponsorships run October 1st through September 30th each year (NAWIC fiscal year). Disclaimer: These sponsorships only include items listed. It does not include dues, etc.
Events
Networking | Community Service Projects | Scholarships | Block Kids (K – 6th) | Professional Speakers
*Women in Construction (WIC) Week
**Annual TopGolf Sponsorship forms will be separate
Annual Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships run October 1st through September 30th each year (NAWIC fiscal year)
Platinum Sponsor $2,000.00
· Logo displayed on website for full year with link re-direct to your company website
· Logo displayed at all monthly membership meetings
· Recognition on 12 monthly newsletters
· Monthly social media recognition
· Recognition at Empowered Small Group Coffee & Connect events
· Recognition during WIC Week* events virtually and in-person
Gold Sponsor $1,500.00
· Logo on website for full year with link re-direct to your company website for ½ of the year
· Logo displayed bi-monthly at membership meetings
· Recognition in 7 monthly newsletters
· Bi-monthly social media recognition
· Recognition during WIC Week* events virtually and in-person
Silver Sponsor $1,000.00
· Logo on website for full year
· Logo displayed at bi-monthly membership meetings
· Recognition in 5 monthly newsletters
· Recognition during WIC Week* in-person event
Bronze Sponsor $750.00
· Logo on website for full year
· Name and Logo displayed at board meetings
· Recognition in 2 monthly newsletters
· Recognition during WIC Week*
Lunch Sponsor $500.00
· Logo next to Food/Drink table
· Company swag accepted to provide attendees
· 15 minute speaking opportunity to showcase your organization and the benefits it brings to the construction industry
· Acknowledgment on monthly email following the event
Committee Donation
· Committee Specific Donation
o Block Kids
o WIC Week
o Community Service (Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Habitat for Humanity, She Builds,
