November 2003

Thank you for your interest in CAM TECH School of Construction. We provide the latest contractor information right to your computer. You can learn all you need to know from our website at www.camtechschool.com and by visiting one of our Free Licensing Information Seminars. Need books? We have a full Construction Bookstore online! We will keep you updated on what you need to know as a Florida Contractor or Future Florida Contractor!

In this issue, we are including information about:

New State Application Information!

Classes for February and April exams

Construction News

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In many parts of the world a day is set side to give thanks. The date and customs may vary from country to country but the desire to take time to reflect on life's blessings remains the same. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. It is a time for family, food, and football, and marks the unofficial beginning to the winter holiday season.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

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New State Application Information!

The State of Florida has recently changed the application to take the State exam.  You can obtain the new application from here or apply on-line at Professional Testing, Inc. .  The NEW fee for taking the State exam is $138 and is payable to Professional Testing, Inc.  The application is now only 2 pages long and is much simpler to complete.  NOW is the time!  Our next complete class Session begins in Tampa on January 8th and in Ft. Myers and Orlando on January 9, 2004 for the February and April State exams.
Please Note: Exam site seating is limited.  We recommend you apply as early as possible.  Meeting this deadline does not guarantee your admission to the exam.

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Classes for February and April Exams

 If you are testing in February or April 2004, classes will begin in Tampa on January 8th and in Ft. Myers and Orlando, on January 9th, 2004. You can print out a class schedule in our Schedule section, you can register for classes in the Register section, and you can purchase books in our online Bookstore!

"How you respond to the challenge in the second half will determine what you become after the game; whether you are a winner or a loser."
Lou Holtz

  
WHAT'S THE LATEST SCOOP ON THE TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS? 
Bucs in the Rankings
The NFL rankings hit Buc headquarters early Monday, October 13th morning and the team learned it still stood second in the league in overall and passing offense.
Given the Bucs' offensively-challenged past before Gruden's arrival, that statement still has a bit of a novelty ring to it, but Brad Johnson and company are proving every week that it's not a fluke. Indeed, the Buccaneers are showing up all over the NFL's team and individual rankings. Check out a few of the categories in which Tampa Bay and it's players rank high by visiting http://www.buccaneers.com.

Stone matrix asphalt is built to last
The durable asphalt mix is more expensive than the more-popular Superpave, but every year more states are studying SMA and using it. SMA lasts 20 to 30% longer than the conventional hot-mix pavement, but it can carry a cost premium of up to 50%.
Use of stone matrix asphalt, the durable, imported asphalt mix design that holds up to heavy traffic, is growing in the United States, even as state and local road agencies have specified ever-increasing tons of Superpave mix designs as well. http://betterroads.com

Women construction pioneers advocate for equality
While the building trades often talk about equality between men and women on the job, the reality often is far different. Discrimination and hostility often forced many of the first female construction workers to hang up their hard hats to take up advocacy roles.  Engineering News-Record

Construction growth fueling stronger economy
The Commerce Department reported that the total value of building projects in August increased by 0.2% from July's level. The $882.7 billion rate of spending marked the highest level since January, and analysts said the pick up in construction is a sign of a resurgent economy.  ABCNEWS/Associated Press    CNNmoney/Reuters  
 

3-D technology helps developers see the whole picture
High-definition animation technology allows users to "walk" through virtual plans for projects before construction even begins. Plans that incorporate animated models could be effective when used to present ideas to permit approval and design review boards, as well as to drum up potential investors for new projects.  Forbes/Reuters

Many factors go into green building design
When planning the envelope for a "green" building, architects need to take more than energy efficiency into account. Building orientation, window placement and material use are just some of the factors that contribute to energy use and environmental impact.  GreenBiz.com

OSHA Issues Safety and Heath Information Bulletin on Mold
A new Safety and Health Information Bulletin issued by OSHA today gives recommendations on how to prevent mold growth and how to protect workers involved in the prevention and cleanup of mold. Indoor exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks in some individuals. For more on this visit http://www.construction.com.