ABC’s latest member program,ÌýProject Virtual, is now offering courses on BIM training and solutions to help ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓcontractors better plan, build, and manage their building and infrastructure projects.Ìý

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started aÌýpilot rebate programÌýfor nonroad engines called the Construction Equipment Funding Opportunity, which helps to provide financial assistance to public and private construction equipment owners for engine replacements and/or exhaust controls on older construction equipment.Ìý

The Public-Private Partnership AllianceÌýannounced the agendaÌýfor its 2014 National Conference for Public-Private Partnerships (P3C 2014), which will be held Feb. 24-25 in Dallas, Texas. As one of the largest events combining public planners, economic developers and A/E/C professionals, the second annual conference will bring together top industry decision makers to address the most relevant and pressing issues faced in public-private partnerships.

The 2014 Safety Training Evaluation Process (STEP)Ìýapplications are now availableÌýand have been mailed to all ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓchapters and contractor members.Ìý

This year’sÌýBizConÌýtakes place during Merit Week, Feb. 11-12 in Maui, Hawaii, and presents a great opportunity to mix work with play for the whole family. Merit Week features a line-up of events that allow ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓchapters and members to enjoy the exciting activities Hawaii has to offer while gaining insight and expert advice to take back to the office.

ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓannounced a new education program, theÌýÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓProject Management Institute, offering owners, project managers and estimators to learn how to utilize and develop tools that will improve profitability and productivity at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.Ìý

ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓmembers interested in participating in the 2014 BizCon in Maui, Hawaii, Feb. 11-12, have until Wednesday, Jan. 8 to register at the early bird rate and take advantage of the hotel discounts at the Grand Wailea.Ìý

The deadline to submit an intent to compete form to take part in the 2014 National Craft Championships April 29-May 2 in Birmingham, Ala., is Friday, Jan. 10. ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓchapters and contractors can send their best craft trainees to compete in the competition to represent their company’s dedication to workforce development, their ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓchapter’s training and their hometown.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) December 12 released the Spanish version of theirÌýladder safety smartphone appÌýwhich is designed to improve the safety of extension ladders by using visual and audio signals to make it easier for workers to check the angle of the ladder and offers useful tips for using extension ladders safely. When a user’s phone is set to Spanish language, the Spanish version of the app will install when downloaded.

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has added Metro Washington Chapter member Jim Anglemyer of WCS Construction, LLC, Washington, D.C., to the Beam Club Presidential Level, which recognizes ABC’s top membership recruiters.