IMPACT Trustees have been exploring options for ensuring Ironworkers are able to work on wind farm projects. While Ironworkers have been erecting wind turbines for many years, with the increase in the number of wind farms there has also been an increase in training requirements in three areas: tower climbing / rescue training, torque and tension training and wind turbine maintenance.

The companies of IMPACT Regional Advisory Board (RAB) Members Bob Hoover (Aker Construction, Inc.) RAB III, LeRoy Stromberg (Alberici Constructors) RAB IV, and Steve LaRue (Garco Construction, Inc.) RAB X were among the 2009 Engineering-News Record (ENR) magazine's top 400 contractors list.

As an ironworker apprentice, Bryan Belcher helped build the Griffon roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, hang steel in Scope 's domed ceiling in Norfolk, and construct Virginia Beach's Renaissance Academy.

IMPACT has published three specialized training modules covering Fall Hazards for Connectors, Controlled Decking Zones, and Multiple Lift Rigging Procedures. These modules serve as guides to help emphasize the importance of complying with special training requirements set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Subpart R - Steel Erection Standard.

The 2010 Ironworker Apprenticeship Competition and Conference will be held September 15-20, in Seattle, WA. Next year's competition and conference will mark the first time there will be no registration fee for either the conference or ensuing competition.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded $6,499,992 to assist national industry and employer associations and labor-management organizations in advancing Registered Apprenticeship through the development of innovative programs that utilize an updated 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework.

The Standards of Excellence are one of the most significant programs recently initiated at the Ironworkers International Union. The program arose from conversations regarding the attitudes of some Ironworkers and their conduct on the job which shows a basic lack of respect for company tools and starting and/or quitting times among other similar problems. The International Association recognized an opportunity to try and address these issues internally by developing and implementing the Ironworkers' Standards of Excellence.

On September 18, 2009, architects, engineers, contractors (AEC) and others involved in the AEC community will have the opportunity to visit steel fabricators, mills, service centers and other facilities throughout the country. Currently, more than 100 SteelDay events are scheduled in 43 states for the AEC community to tour facilities and jobsites, attend educational seminars, network, and see how the structural steel industry is contributing to build America.

Despite Nevada Governor Gibbon's veto of a bill to allow the use of Collectively Bargained Workers Compensation (CBWC) Programs, labor and management representatives rallied to lobby a two-thirds vote, overriding the Governor's veto on May 31, 2009. The new legislation takes effect on July 1, 2009.

Wage and benefit settlements reported to the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) so far in 2009 have resulted in an average first year increase of $1.49 or 3.1 percent. This is down considerably from the average $2.30 or 4.9 percent reported for the comparable period a year earlier. Second and third years settlements are also lower, but by lesser amounts.