by Jessica Gillette | Jul 24, 2025
CONSTRUCTION LAW SURVIVAL SEMINAR
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 9:00AM – 4:30PM
Our Construction Law Survival Seminar is back by popular demand! Join Jim Fullerton for a full-day discussion on what you need to know about construction law as a professional in the construction industry.
TOPICS COVERED:
Mechanic’s Liens
– Time Limits, Notices and Claims to Preserve
Mechanic’s Lien Rights in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C.
Public and Private Payment Bond Rights
– Federal Miller Act and State Little Miller Acts in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and D.C.
– Private Payment Bond Rights
Lien & Bond Progress Payment Waivers
– Review and revising waivers in contracts and progress payment waivers
– Lien Waivers, Bond Right Waivers, & Claims Waivers
Construction Contracts
– Contract Terms to put in your Proposals
– Reviewing and Revising Contracts you receive
– Conduit, Pay when Paid Clauses and Claims Procedures
Each Construction Law Survival Seminar participant will receive continental breakfast, lunch, refreshments and the newest edition of the 700 page Construction Law Survival Manual. Seminar starts at 9:00 am. Check-in starts at 8:30 am.
Jointly sponsored by Fullerton & Knowles, P.C., ABC-VA and NACM South Atlantic.
SPEAKER
James D. Fullerton, President, Fullerton & Knowles, P.C.
Mr. Fullerton is a Martindale Hubbell Peer Rated Lawyer Preeminent. Jim represents owners, lenders, design professionals, suppliers, subcontractors, general contractors and other members of the real estate and construction industries region-wide. He advises on all real estate and construction law issues; public procurement and bidding, contract formation and disputes; defects in labor and materials; design defects in plans and specifications; inefficiency, impact and delay claims; mechanic’s lien and bond rights; litigation, arbitration and mediation in public and private projects; joint ventures, mentor protegee agreements and other arrangements for minority and disadvantaged business enterprises; bank and lender representation; commercial transactions and loan closings; sales contracts and leases.
Mr. Fullerton is also a master brick mason, a licensed real estate broker and the owner of Summit Real Estate. He is Counsel to Board of Directors, Virginia Precast Concrete Association; and is Counsel to Board of Directors, Central Atlantic Precast Concrete Association. He graduated from the University of Colorado and the University of Virginia School of Law.
LOCATION
ABC-VA Northern Virginia Training Facility
42680 Trade West Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
COST
Member – $100
Non-Member – $100
Includes breakfast bars, coffee, water and lunch
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual can no longer attend. Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made 48 hours in advance.
Questions?
Contact Jenny Tashjian
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 16, 2025
LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PROGRAM KICKOFF
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 3:30PM – 5:30PM | Northern VA Training Facility
The 2025 Leadership Institute kicks off on September 25 with a program overview and the ABCs of ABC. Applications for the Leadership Institute are due Friday, September 12, 2025.
The Leadership Institute brings together aspiring leaders that have three or more years in the AEC industry. Our program is designed to enhance the potential of our industry’s rising leaders by helping them to develop a greater self-awareness of their unique leadership style. Current industry leaders will facilitate discussions that encourage active participation.
The curriculum requires reading assignments, an emotional intelligence/personality assessment with a professionally facilitated workshop, social outings and a community service project.
Eligibility
- Nominee must have worked in the Architecture, Engineering & Construction (AEC) industry for a minimum of three (3) years
- Nominee must be employed by a member in good standing of the ABC Virginia Chapter
- Nominee must be able and willing to attend at least nine out of ten sessions to graduate
Sessions (beginning September 25)
- Program Kickoff & the ABCs of ABC (Instructor: Patrick Dean, ABC-VA | September 25)
- Behavior Profile Workshop & Emotional Intelligence (Instructor: Brooke Johnson, Hensel Phelps | October 9)
- The Purpose Driven Life (Instructor: Spencer Teel, TEEL Construction | October 30)
- Situational Leadership (Instructor: Brian Fish, Hensel Phelps | December 4)
- What Makes a Leader? (Instructor: Patrick Dean, ABC-VA | December 18)
- Identifying Ideal Team Players (Instructor: Steve Skinner, WCS Construction | January 8)
- Stephen Covey’s Speed of Trust (Instructor: Mike Bellaman, ABC National | January 22)
- Effective Communication (Instructor: Zeena Fangman, HITT Contracting | February 19)
- Corporate Culture and Ethics (Instructor: Steve Daves (retired), R.W. Murray | March 12)
- Career Development (Instructor: Mark Bailey, TMG Construction | April 16)
- End of Year Celebration (May 7)
LOCATION
ABC-VA Northern Virginia Headquarters
42680 Trade West Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
COST
$625 per Participant
Please note: registration is not available online. Please submit your application with all required documents to Jenny Tashjian.
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 11, 2025
NAVIGATING CONSTRUCTION: A GUIDE TO INDUSTRY BASICS
Begins Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 8:00AM – 12:00PM
Enhance your professional value to your company! Whether you’re new to the industry or supporting those in the field, this workshop is for you! Learn foundational knowledge to communicate confidently and contribute more effectively. Gain confidence, clarity, and credibility when working with construction teams and documents.
What You’ll Learn:
– How construction firms are organized and how projects are executed
– The roles of employees, contractors, and how change affects the industry
– The basics of essential documents: contracts, change orders, and blueprints
– Key terminology and processes to help you speak the construction industry language
Who Should Attend?
Entry-Level Construction Professionals, Interns, Finance/Accounting Staff, Administrative/Executive Assistants, Marketing Specialists, Project Assistants, Bookkeepers
**Registration closes Friday, October 17, at 5PM.**
SCHEDULE
Four-Day Course:
October 21 & 22
November 4 & 5
8:00AM – 12:00PM
Light breakfast provided
COST
Member – $295
Non-Member – $395
Light breakfast provided
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual can no longer attend. Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made by 5PM on October 14, 2025.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 11, 2025
READING CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS: BLUEPRINT READING 101
Begins Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | Please see detailed schedule below
Crack the Code: Blueprint Reading Made Easy! Unlock the language of construction and boost your career! This comprehensive beginner-friendly course covers all phases of a construction project. Using real-world examples, participants will discuss the phases of construction including site, landscape, architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical.
All employees in the construction industry can benefit from this course. Knowing and understanding the blueprint language is a highly marketable skill and makes you an invaluable asset to your company.
SCHEDULE
Six-Day Course:
September 30
October 1, 7, 8, 14 & 15
2:00PM – 5:00PM
COST
Member – $370
Non-Member – $540
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
SUBSTITUTION/CANCELLATION POLICY
Substitutions are welcome at any time if the originally registered individual can no longer attend. Please note that a reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made by 5PM on September 23, 2025.
Questions?
Contact Kristen Altermatt
by Jessica Gillette | Jun 10, 2025
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE WORKSHOP
Tuesday, September 23 & Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Based off Stephen R. Covey’s popular book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this class will teach you how to execute critical priorities with focus & planning, end self-defeating behavior, develop strong relationships based on mutual trust, be prepared to deal with difficult circumstances before they happen, increase team engagement, morale and collaboration, create a highly effective culture based on core values and raise up the next leaders who model competence & character.
This dynamic, two-day workshop will help you:
• Prioritize and execute your most important tasks with clarity and discipline
• Break free from unproductive habits and behaviors
• Build strong, trust-based relationships
• Anticipate and effectively handle challenging situations
• Foster higher levels of engagement, morale, and collaboration
• Shape a high-performance culture grounded in shared values
• Develop future leaders who exemplify both character and competence
Join ABC-VA for two days of interactive discussion on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Learn how to use the seven habits to strengthen both professional and personal development. This renowned class will leave you feeling energized, refreshed and ready to take on the world with a new perspective.
PRE-WORK REQUIRED: Attendees will be sent a 360-degree survey to send to supervisors, colleagues, industry peers, friends and the like. Register early to make sure you have plenty of time for your surveys to be completed!
“A class everyone (at every level) should complete. I took so much from this and work to apply it to my life every day!” -Juliane Faller, Senior Business Development Manager, Balfour Beatty US
• Recommended but not required reading: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
• Information on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits/
• Information on Dr. Stephen R. Covey and The 7 Habits: https://www.stephencovey.com/
INSTRUCTOR
Patrick Dean, ABC-VA President – Pat was appointed president of ABC-VA in 1992, and the chapter grew rapidly under his leadership. The once Northern Virginia-based association expanded, opening offices with training facilities in Richmond and Norfolk. The ABC-VA membership increased significantly as the chapter became the foremost construction training association in the state while becoming the political advocacy group for the commercial construction industry. Pat is a firm believer in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and has been teaching this course for many years.
LOCATION
ABC-VA Central Virginia Training Facility
1600 E Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23228
COST
Members: $595
Non-Members: $795
Includes light breakfast, lunch and course materials
REGISTRATION / CANCELLATION DEADLINE
A reservation constitutes a financial commitment unless cancellations are made by 5PM on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. Substitutions are always welcome if the originally registered attendee(s) can no longer attend.
COURSE CONTACT
Kristen Altermatt
