Current News

NEWSLETTER

Spring 2021

A NOTE FROM THE MVBA PRESIDENT, NEWELL ISBELL SHINN

In this 13^th month of COVID, I am deeply grateful for your membership. You have found creative ways to operate your businesses, care for your employees and partners, and serve your customers in the face of great restriction and uncertainty. We as a group have been a model for active collaboration with the towns, protecting safety and minimizing the disruption on job sites.

Embedded in our mission of education, collaboration, and advocacy is the idea that the interests of the island and of the design and construction community are ultimately aligned. Like most values this one is lived out in our choices. These choices often come when faced with new regulations at the Martha’s Vineyard Commission or town level. We work hard to understand the issues, inform you, and represent you well. To do that, though, we need to know what you care about, what we have right and what we have wrong. Please reach out to board@mvbuilders.org or PO Box 290, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Events are a lifeblood of our organization and we also value your feedback on these. We want to hear more from you about what you find valuable and what you would like more of. Please contact us at: admin@mvbuilders.org

DID YOU KNOW?

The MVBA is nearly 200 members strong!
The MVBA Offers Scholarships gives Scholarships to local students pursuing a career in the trades!
The MVBA Offers educational courses and networking opportunities all year!

SUPPORTING OUR SENIORS

The MVBA is committed to supporting the community we live and work in, this includes assisting those who need us most. Martha’s Vineyard has a large older-adult community, and in order for them to continue to age safely in place, often their homes require modifications such as adding handrails or smoothing uneven floors. These home projects may be small by comparison to larger renovations or new builds, but it is life-changing for someone who requires these improvements in order to stay in their home which provides them the comfort of familiar surroundings and loved ones.

Through collaboration with Healthy Aging Martha's Vineyard, the MVBA is participating in the Home Safety Modification Program. This partnership allows MVBA members to be on a list of who may be contacted when a project is identified as a proper client for them. The contractor will review the work order and visit the home to finalize the project and provide an estimate. The homeowner or HAMV will pay all project-related expenses, including materials and labor. While local contractors continue to be extremely busy, this is an opportunity to give back to our community by making the time to take on a project and assist a neighbor in need.

Your feedback during this pilot program will help ensure we are developing a program that works for our island elders and for you.

The MVBA encourages all members to participate in this initiative to serve our community by offering our support and services to our Island seniors. If interested, please contact Healthy Aging Martha's Vineyard Executive Director, Cindy Trish at ctrish@hamv.org or (508) 954-0357

STAY STRONG: NOT TIME TO QUIT

In late March, the Vineyard, Cape Cod and Nantucket all experienced a significant increase in the number of daily COVID-19 cases. The Vineyard had more cases in the last week of March (47) than the previous three weeks total (23). The upward trend in case count continues as this reminder is finalized.

The Chilmark, Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, Tisbury and West Tisbury Boards of Health urge you to adhere to best COVID-19 prevention practices. This is not the time to let your guard down. Please remember:
Wear a properly fitting facemask in public, on jobsites, in work vehicles and when traveling or gathering with anyone other than immediate family.
Maintain 6 feet distancing from others not in your immediate family or household.
Ventilate cars, vehicles and enclosed space as much as possible to exchange air frequently.
As soon as you, a friend, or family member recognize early symptoms similar to a cold or flu you must self quarantine (separate from family, friends and coworkers) and get tested.
Symptoms are: Sore throat, Fever or chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
Avoid Risk! Do not enter businesses, establishments or homes that do not adhere to best practices or do not follow safety precautions,
If it feels or looks risky or unsafe, walk away and notify the town health department.
Follow the travel quarantine guidelines closely and get tested on your return to the Vineyard.
Non-essential travel out of the state or country to high-risk areas or events should be avoided. We must avoid bringing a variant to our community or allowing it to establish and spread.
Wash your hands frequently and cover sneezes with your elbow or tissue.
GET VACCINATED WHEN YOUR TURN COMES!!

IMPORTANT: We understand the sacrifices many have made, including the financial hardship faced after becoming positive or being a contact. We want to thank everyone who has remained vigilant, followed the protocols and gotten vaccinated when permitted.

BUT we are experiencing a serious surge and we must not let our guard down or assume this is over. It’s not. COVID is still here and there are dangerous variants spreading throughout the country.

Let’s stay the course. Follow these prevention measures and we will achieve reduced infection and illness and ensure widespread immunity. Prevention is the road back to a new normal. Together, we can get there quicker and safer.

For More Information

SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 7^th, 2021

Understanding the OSHA Process

Presented by Martha's Vineyard Insurance

&

Co-sponsored by Specialty Builders Supply

Are you ready for an OSHA visit? In the past year, OSHA has ramped up site inspections

and audits and is now conducting audits remotely.

Wednesday, April 7th, 2021

5:00 - 6:30 PM

For One CSL Credit

Being prepared for an OSHA audit is important to help reduce fines and is key in helping reduce downtime, preventing injuries, and providing a positive, safe work environment. This presentation will help contractors of all sizes understand the OSHA inspection process, your rights, and how to prepare for a safety audit. We will take a look at how to begin the process of preparing your companies onsite safety program and the steps you can take to become compliant during trying times. Safety starts with understanding your risk and exposures; this is step one in identifying both!

Understanding the OSHA Process

Presented by Martha's Vineyard Insurance

&

Co-sponsored by Specialty Builders Supply

Are you ready for an OSHA visit? In the past year, OSHA has ramped up site inspections

and audits and is now conducting audits remotely.

Wednesday, April 7th, 2021

5:00 - 6:30 PM

For One CSL Credit

SIGN UP Being prepared for an OSHA audit is important to help reduce fines and is key in helping reduce downtime, preventing injuries, and providing a positive, safe work environment. This presentation will help contractors of all sizes understand the OSHA inspection process, your rights, and how to prepare for a safety audit. We will take a look at how to begin the process of preparing your companies onsite safety program and the steps you can take to become compliant during trying times. Safety starts with understanding your risk and exposures; this is step one in identifying both!

JOIN US FOR FUTURE EVENTS

The MVBA is dedicated to providing our members access to networking events, continuing education courses, and business development seminars to support your business goals. Save the calendar page on MVBuilders.org to view new events that are always being added.