The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House for DynaGrace Enterprises was held on Saturday, Feb 3rd.
DynaGrace Enterprises has moved out of a home-based office into a commercial building in Morgan, Utah. DGE has determined their growth opportunities needed a storefront, and for other legal and regulatory reasons, DGE moved into a beautiful, rural, commercial, building that allows them to be more successful.
A good portion of the community of Morgan, Utah came out to support their ribbon cutting ceremony. DGE loves having a place where prospective clients routinely visit to make a decision to purchase their services. DGE feels they are definitely more professional in a commercial office.
DynaGrace Enterprises was limited on space for doing the services that they really wanted to do such as website design, publishing books, STEM activities for children and a podcast studio. After 12 years working at home, it was time to be more productive in a different environment. Focus and staying on task are the theme for DynaGrace Enterprises in 2018.
According to CEO and Founder, Linda Rawson, “Physically leaving home to go to an office helps us be more efficient and produce more.”
DynaGrace Enterprises has a pure team environment with Jennifer Remund and Linda Rawson
collaborating on upcoming projects. These women have already jumped into the business community. They regularly attend Women in Business events put on by the Northfront Business Resource Center. They also serve on the Morgan County Chamber board. DynaGrace Enterprises participated in the first-ever Festival of Trees put on by the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce.
Linda Rawson states, “We have a singular mission, and that is to make DynaGrace Enterprises a Women-Owned, rural, powerhouse for professional business services. Our Women-Owned business is in the one percent in the State of Utah and we are here to stay and prosper.”
The new address is 298 E 300 N, Morgan, UT 84050. The hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
DynaGrace Enterprises is a 100% Women-Owned Small Business. We provide Information Technology, System Integration, Writing and Business services, quality products and innovative solutions for government and commercial businesses of all sizes.
Customers can learn more about DynaGrace Enterprises by visiting the company’s website at DynaGrace.com or by calling the company directly at 888-676-0058.
No organization or business wants to experience any form of natural disaster, they happen anyway. The need to plan for them becomes even more critical. Disaster preparedness and recovery is a crucial component of a business plan. Securing reliable temporary buildings and mobile offices are a great way to ensure the continuation of your business. You can continue operations while your main/permanent facilities are undergoing repairs.
The essence of temporary buildings and mobile offices
When we talk about temporary buildings and mobile offices during a disaster recovery, we are merely referring to modular construction. Modular constructions are housing units that have all the potentials to get you back on track with minimal downtime. Apart from providing alternative office space, modular buildings offer a solution for recovery and volunteer centers. They also offer portable classrooms, lunchrooms, emergency/health centers, as well as congregational or meeting space.
Why you need temporary recovery buildings and mobile offices
Think about hurricane Harvey and Irma—the massive trail of destruction they left in their wake. Property worth Millions was lost to businesses and communities alike. A significant amount of properties were damaged, and business brought to an abrupt end in different locations across Florida, Texas, and Georgia. You don’t have to allow natural or man-made disasters affect your business operations. Recovery temporary buildings and mobile offices will be of great benefit by helping you to continue your business operations in the following order:
In the aftermath of a disaster, mobile offices render on-site temporary office and storage space. They can also function as site, field or engineer offices to assist workers during disaster recovery efforts. Functional mobile temporary disaster recovery can rapidly be delivered in hours or a few days to assist recovery. In most cases, such mobile offices also include generators, telephone, internet equipment and furniture.
Modular construction
Modular construction involves the building of command centers, emergency rooms, medical clinics, office buildings and such other large-scale buildings using modular components. They are constructed in a manufacturing plant, making them time-saving solutions during disaster time.
Portable classrooms
If you have suffered damages from tornadoes, earthquake or terrorist attacks, they can benefit from modular classroom trailers also known as portable classrooms. They are available in different shapes and sizes and can be temporary or permanently installed.
Safety tips for using modular buildings
Damage to a mobile building
If for whatever reason your mobile office trailer unit was hit by a colossal disaster causing it to flip or tossed to one side, losing its footing; never attempt to balance it yourself. Keep everyone, including pets from moving in or around the building. The ground may be affected by water and shifting may occur. So make sure you access the situation critically and call in an expert if necessary.
Do not attempt to enter the modular building if you notice it has lost its footing. Make sure the piers or block holding the structure are still intact before venturing in.
Is it flooded?
If there is water gathering inside the building, do not step in yet. Verify if the electrical and gas connection is still in a functional state. Check for any damages. Also, if there has been no power restoration at the time of inspection, switch off the control box to avoid any incidence when restoration occurs.
Final thought
There is always a way to bounce back when disaster strikes, and recovery of temporary buildings and mobile offices are the best means to continue business while dealing with the chaos.
Before we can talk about the evolution of something, it is imperative we understand what that thing is all about. So what is a spineboard?
A spine board (or backboard) refers to a patient handling device used in pre-hospital trauma care, specifically to provide rigid movement for patients with suspected spinal limb injuries. They are very common with ambulance staffs, ski patrollers, and lifeguards.
Historical evolution of the spineboard
Centuries ago, early men used wood slabs with straps of sinew and leather to bind and secure an injured victim. The practice evolved a bit in 1979 when men started using slabs of woods together with straps of nylon webbing as a more advanced tool. The majority of these boards were mostly manufactured of poorly sealed, inexpensive and incomplete plywood finish. Their unprofessional designs make them look bad when used, and considering their porous nature; they also absorbed fluids.
An advanced backboard
Bound Tree Parr via a picture from an ebay post that is no longer up
However, a little progress was made with the introduction of the Parr Backboard which featured quality Baltic Birchwood. The board has many great layers of sealants displaying impeccably over a baby-smooth sanding job. The Parr Backboard was a custom-made product with reinforced runners, lots of handholds and strap-pin locations. One such board is a regional favorite in the Mid-Atlantic and is called the Henley Board from Maryland,–one that still maintains innovative and sturdy head immobilizer mechanism.
Enter the Plastic Backboard
Be that as it may, the advent of the dreaded HIV led to an increase in awareness among clinical experts and the need to control infection issues. From the increased sensitivity comes Plastic Backboards which quickly turn out to be the favorite material for backboards.
Some of the early and famously used synthetic plastic backboard was Ferno’s folding backboards which feature prominently in ambulances and were very reliable in performance. Today, the company (Ferno) is still a remarkable brand making waves with their plastic backboard, with different types and style of models in one catalog.
Earliest Plastic backboards were either one-piece boards with acrylic runners or two-piece plastic. Some of these plastic boards use ABS plastic, which is a bit heavy. However, the real game-changing technology that emboldens plastic spineboards was the inclusion of rotational molding.
By using polyurethane-foam-filled high-density shells, these two parts were lightweight but sturdy and could withstand aggressive EMS use another popular two-part composite version incorporates fiberglass rods inside a hollow plastic board.
More advanced spineboard versions
The success recorded in two-part plastic spineboards led to the construction of a three-part version. This uses molded hollow polyethene plastic laden with polyurethane foam with carbon plastic rods. The rods enable the structure to be stronger, but with time, the board could become flexible when the rods displace the foam inside the board.
The latest evolution involves the direct placement of the rods inside the molded plastic channels, allowing them to make contact with the plastic while the board appears well padded. This latest evolution allowing the rod to touch the plastic provides for a firm bonding as well as improving wear. The method is currently being used by most boards in the market.
Contour boards are another innovative development, featuring a concave surface which provides lateral stability and comfort. The EZ Lift Rescue System and the Kemp Lifeguard AB Spineboard are typical examples of highly reliable modern designs with unique features.
From the preceding, it is safe to say that the Backboard has evolved significantly over the past two thousand years, most especially for the past 20 years.
Silica is among the most common elements that occur naturally on the planet. The mineral is found in most materials common on construction sites. This includes soil, sand, on concrete, rocks, granite, masonry, and landscaping materials. When these materials are disturbed, it will create the silica dust. Types of disturbance can be, grinding, cutting or drilling.
The dust from materials can comprise of what is referred to as silica particles. Typically, materials containing crystalline dust particles are not harmful unless they are disturbed. When disturbed, the materials will generate small-size particles capable of getting into your lungs. This is a process known as “respirable crystalline silica.” These dust particles are usually microscopic, smaller than the sand you’ll find on the bank of the sea. They are so tiny that you cannot see them. They are a significant cause of lung disease and lung cancer. Just a little amount of silica dust is powerful enough to cause a devastating health hazard.
Construction materials that contain silica
There are lots of construction materials out there that contain silica, and these include but not limited to bricks, cement, asphalt, drywall, mortar, grout, tile (including the ones mentioned above) and others.
What illness can result from a silica dust situation?
When crystalline silica is present in the air due to disturbance of materials bearing silica, people, especially workers at construction or mining sites become exposed to it through inhaling. When people inhaled crystalline silica particles, severe or sometimes, life-threatening illnesses can occur. Tuberculosis, silicosis, lung cancer, and acute obstructive pulmonary disease can result from it.
Furthermore, exposure to silica dust has also been linked to other dangerous health situations such as renal disease, and other forms of fatal cancers. In 1996, the International Agency for Cancer research on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) identified silica dust (crystalline silica) as a factor responsible for the human carcinogen. The WHO reaffirmed this position in 2009, demonstrating how dangerous silica dust and its crystalline particles can be.
Effects & realism of a silica dust situation
The unchanging position of the WHO regarding silica dust entails it is a significant health challenge. Even the American National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) also recognized the fact that workers at construction sites and other industries stand a higher risk of contracting silicosis. Silicosis is a progressive disease that only gets worse, even exposure to respirable silica dust has stopped.
Studies have shown that the numbers of people living with silicosis in the United States are estimated to be between 3,600 to 7,600 affected cases. New cases of the silica infection occur every in the US, and their surveillance programs in operation in Michigan and New Jersey.
To mitigate the spread of the silicosis, the NIOSH recommended that construction or such other industry workers should refrain from bringing silica to the home by:
Using washable or disposable working clothes at the work site
Take a shower (if possible) and change into new clothes to prevent contamination of cars, homes, or other work areas.
Park your vehicle where silica will not contaminate it.
Lastly, the OSHA recognizes the danger silica pose to employees. Therefore set forth a recommendation through its regulation 29 CFR 1926.1153, directing construction employers to minimize workers exposures to silica. The permitted levels at or below Permittable Exposure Level of (PEL50 ug/m3). While complying with other exposure control methods and guidelines.
Silica dust is hazardous, and it is best to prevent such a situation from occurring by keeping to acceptable working and behavior patterns.
Modular construction refers to a building method wherein sections of pre-fabricated buildings are manufactured in a plant. Then later delivered to the customer in single or more complete modular sections. Modular style of construction enhances top-quality production and cost efficiency. Every unit of the pre-fabricated building is constructed in an enclosed facility. Wherein negative environmental factors are not allowed to weigh against the construction timeline.
Advantages & benefits of modular construction over conventional construction
Modular style of construction is becoming popular among homeowners due to some reasons.
Eco-friendly
Modular construction uses a strict control process that generates less waste, minimize site disturbance, reduce dust and other contaminants while enhancing tighter structure without damaging the environment.
Versatility & Flexibility
The various components used in modular buildings can easily be expanded, relocated or reused at any time. Such flexibility enables you to adapt to future changes or expansions at your place of business or domicile.
Quick Installation
Components of modular buildings are pre-engineered to pave the way for quick assembly during installation. A faster installation time results in a minimized cost of plant productivity.
Modular building components are installed quickly and efficiently. This results in a lower cost of labor when compared to traditional construction.
Saves on Energy Bills
Modular homes are designed to be much more energy-efficient. Therefore means your monthly expense will be substantially reduced.
Decreases Construction Time
About 60-90% of modular building construction occurs in a secure factory. This efficiently eliminates weather barrier while allowing timely completion of projects.
Low Maintenance Cost
Modular style construction incorporates durable prefabricated materials that require very little maintenance beyond the occasional surface cleaning. This effectively eliminates the cost of surface repairs, repainting and other maintenance that bedevils the conventional building method.
Does Every Modular Home Look Alike?
The popular misconception is that all modular homes look alike, but that isn’t the case. Modular homes have no limitations in construction. You can suggest and create any style of your choice. Almost every host plan can be converted into a modular home. This means you can build your ideal modular home. Here is a great video from Intermodal Structures, that shows how modular construction is put together.
Facts About Modular Style Construction
Homes built using this type of construction appraise similarly as their on-site built counterparts. They do not depreciate.
Modular homes are highly customizable
Their designs vary in size and style
They can build on basements and crawl spaces
Accessible home loans for modular houses are the same as their traditional counterparts
Homes built using this type of construction can withstand 175mph of winds
Modular homes are ‘real properties’ like their conventional counterparts
Most building companies that offer modular home construction has a department dedicated to CAD (Computer Aided Design).
Concerning taxation, depreciation is just 7 years while that of conventional construction is 39 years.
Conclusion
Modular style construction has a lot of benefits and uses for your comfort, and you can always acquire the best with the right information and company. Your budget aside, you can obtain a special construction loan valid for one year to aid your construction needs.
Introduction—what is the General Services Administration?
The General Services Administration (GSA) is an executive agency of the US government responsible for managing equipment and property. It was established in 1949 and was tasked with the mandate of purchasing and distributing supplies to all government agencies. This includes maintaining supplies of important materials. Among its functions, the GSA oversees the construction of government buildings. As well as maintaining the various computers and communication devices used by the Federal Government.
Historical perspective of the GSA
July 1, 1949, saw the birth of the GSA. This was made possible by the US President, Harry Truman. Truman created and established the agency to streamline the tedious and administrative work of the Federal Government. The creation of the GSA saw the consolidation of various agencies of government into one federal agency. This included: Public Building Administration, National Archives Establishment, the Office of Contract Settlement, the Bureau of Federal Supply, the federal Work Agency and the War Asset Administration.
As the GSA took charge of government daily administrative needs, it ramped up its efforts in the 1950s by overhauling the White House. It was an effort to restructure and reorient the internal administrative affairs of the government towards achieving good service delivery and thorough maintenance. Thus, the GSA engaged in emergency preparedness by stockpiling materials that will be used in war times. The GSA retained various emergency and management functions that weren’t overhauled until they were later handed over to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979.
A government-wide intercity system—the Federal Telecommunication System–was created by the GSA in 1960. The problem of obsolete office buildings was addressed in 1962. The Ad Hoc Committee on Federal Office Space recommended a major new building program for better offices in Washington DC. That led to the construction of most of the office buildings that now dominate Independence Avenue.
Further events in the 1970s to 1980s
After the major progress made in the 1960s, President Nixon came onboard. In 1970, his administration created the Consumer Product Information Coordinating Center, which later became the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC). The body was responsible for the distribution of millions of consumer information publications from its facility located in Pueblo, Colorado.
Source: Canva (DynaGrace Enterprises Machelle L)
The Federal Buildings Fund was established, in 1971. It became operational in 1974 after the GSA gave out its rent bills for the first time to federal agencies. The GSA continues to deliver on its powers. In 1972, it established the Automated Data and Telecommunications Service. After 10 years, it later transformed into the Office of Information Resources Management.
The GSA also Created the Office of Federal Management Policy in 1973, and in 1978. It centralizes procurement policy through its Office of Acquisition Policy.
After the GSA introduced the use of charge cards to the federal government in 1984, with over 3 million cardholders on its Smartpay Program, the GSA opened its first ever child care center in 1987. The body now manages over 110 federal child care facilities covering over 8,000 children across the country.
GSA performance in the modern era
In 1994, the GSA through its Public Building Service introduced the Designed Excellence Program. This was in order to guide its selection of engineers and architects for major government projects. The Courthouse Management Group formed by the GSA in 1995 duly managed courthouse constructions.
Since the year 2000, GSA showed they embraced new technology and innovations like the internet for effective running of government activities. The GSA uses the internet to aid the administration of President George W. Bush in 2001, 2007 and 2009, under subsequent administrations. Also in line with global trends.
The year 2010 and 2013 saw the GSA completing over 500 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act projects across all 50 states, as well as increased IT spending. The GSA also introduced lots of initiative programs from 2011 to 2017. Such as the Technology Transformation Services, which is consolidating the efforts of the agency towards technology.
The GSA has been a remarkable government agency that covers the national administrative life of the US government.
