Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute Wins National Award

BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies, or NASCLA, presented the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute with a national Innovation in Regulation Award, highlighting the institute’s success in supporting the growth and success of small construction companies in Louisiana.

The Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute was developed through a collaboration of Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

The award was presented at NASCLA’s annual conference in Denver.

“NASCLA’s recognition of the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute results from the tireless efforts and collaboration of the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, and Louisiana Economic Development,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “When we work together with a shared goal, we can effectively address the needs of our state as the demand for construction employees and contractors intensifies. The national recognition of LCAI is a great compliment to a program that is already producing positive results.”

The program is designed to help Louisiana’s small construction businesses prepare for the business and law portion of contractor exams while building a basic understanding of the construction industry. This approach was developed to assist small construction companies with building a solid foundation for success.

To date, LCAI has produced 243 fall graduates and 149 spring graduates since launching in 2016. The institute is delivered through live, interactive distance-learning at 13 locations throughout Louisiana. As the program evolves, the 2017 fall semester will include new information to support Louisiana contractors, including details on how to collaborate with Louisiana’s Department of Transportation and Development, and how to enhance safety and preparation measures with information from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The development of LCAI was driven by the growing demand for contractors as the construction industry sees continued expansion in the state. Louisiana’s construction industry has grown by nearly 15,000 new jobs since January 2016 as a result of increased industrial, commercial and residential development.

“NASCLA presents the Innovation in Regulation Award every three years to recognize innovation, creativity and excellence in the regulation of the contracting and construction industries,” said NASCLA Executive Director Angie Whitaker. “The strategic partnerships developed by these Louisiana agencies exemplify this innovative thinking. The Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute is something that is very beneficial to the people of Louisiana, and has been instrumental in bringing more people into the contractor field and providing them with the tools and resources needed to pass the necessary exams.”

Formed in 1962, NASCLA is the leading association composed of 41 state agencies across more than 30 states that have enacted laws to regulate the business of contractors. The association’s membership includes state and local contractor licensing agencies, construction firms, construction trade associations and others associated with the construction industry. The association was founded as a nonprofit corporation in Utah and has been based in Arizona since 2014.

“It’s exciting to be a part of the honor of winning the 2017 Innovation in Regulation Award for the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute,” said Director of Workforce Alignment William Seaman, who represents the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. “The LCAI program provides instruction in key business skill-sets, such as finance management, estimating, bonding and the bid process, helping these entrepreneurs to be more sustainable and to flourish in our state’s construction boom. The positive feedback from past students and the network of industry and governmental agency supporters has been outstanding.”

“LCAI is an example of partnership and teamwork to accomplish positive benefits for the citizens of Louisiana,” said Executive Director Michael McDuff of the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. “LED, LCTCS and LSLBC are very proud to be recognized for our cooperative and innovative efforts through this program.”

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