ou know you should wear sunscreen every day. But what kind? How long can you keep it?

Get the answers to these questions and other truths about sunscreen.

SUNSCREEN: TRUE OR FALSE1. The higher the SPF, the better the protection.FALSE. It sounds right—a sun protection factor of 100 should be twice as protective as SPF 50. But it's only a few percentage points more effective. An SPF of 15 screens 93% of the sun's rays and an SPF of 30 screens 97%. "But the number becomes irrelevant if you aren't applying enough in the first place," says Mona Gohara, MD, a dermatologist in Danbury, Conn., and an assistant clinical professor at Yale University dermatology department. Most people don't use enough, studies show."For better protection apply 1 to 2 ounces (the size of a Ping-Pong ball) of sunscreen on your body 30 minutes before going outdoors [so your skin can absorb it completely] and every two hours to any exposed skin after that," Gohara says.For your face, apply a dollop the size of a silver dollar every day, no matter what the weather. Note, too, that SPF refers to protection from UVB (the burning rays) only, not UVA (the aging rays). You need to guard against both since both can lead to skin cancer.

2. It's OK to use last year's bottle of SPF. TRUE. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of

about two years, says Jordana Gilman, MD, a New York City dermatologist. If you are using sunscreen properly, however, you shouldn't have any left, since it takes about 1 to 2 ounces of sunscreen to cover the entire body. A 4-ounce bottle should last for, at most, four applications.

3. Sunscreen only needs to be applied to exposed skin.FALSE. The average T-shirt offers an SPF of about 7, notes Gilman. Darker fabrics and tighter weaves provide more protection, but it is much safer to apply sunscreen to your entire body before you get dressed. Or better yet, wear clothing made of UV protective fabrics. These have been specially treated with colorless UV-absorbing dyes, and most offer an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50, which blocks both UVA and UVB.Don't want to invest in a whole new summer wardrobe? Spike your detergent with a wash-in SPF product you can toss in with your laundry.

4. Using makeup with SPF is just like wearing regular facial sunscreen. FALSE. Certainly, applying makeup that contains SPF is better than skipping it altogether, but it's not as effective as wearing a facial lotion with sunscreen underneath. Generally, most makeup cracks on skin, allowing UV rays through."For makeup to provide adequate ultraviolet protection, it would need to be applied in a really thick layer, which most women do not do," Gilman says.

IN THIS ISSUESunscreen: Are You Really Covered?

Message from the CEO: Safety at All Times

QUALITY CORNER 9 Tips for Improving Your Communications Skills

WOOHOO WELLNESS Top Tips for Making Healthy Foods More Fun

SAFETYBicycle Safety

REGIONAL NEWS Carolinas Mid-Atlantic National Capital Virginia Corporate

MAY/JUN 2015

®

Y

Sunscreen: Are You Really Covered? What's true, and what's not, about sunscreen and SPF.By Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Message from the CEO: Safety at All Times

So unless you plan to spackle on your foundation, smooth on a layer of lotion with sunscreen first and then apply your makeup.

5. Sunscreen can cause cancer. FALSE. The only way sunscreen could be hazardous to your health is if it is absorbed into the body, which does not happen, says Amy Wechsler, MD, dermatologist and author of The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Reverse Stress Aging and Reveal More Youthful, Beautiful Skin. "UV rays break down the chemical molecules in some sunscreens relatively quickly, long before they can seep into skin."Still concerned? Use a sunscreen containing physical blocking ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which stay on the surface of the skin as a protective barrier. Don't be tempted to use babies' or children's sunscreens, which don't necessarily contain physical blocks.Also, you should check the "active ingredients" section on the label to see what the bottle contains. Even the same product can vary from year to year.

6. "Water-resistant" sunscreen doesn't need to be reapplied after swimming. FALSE. "No sunscreen is truly waterproof," Wechsler says. The FDA agrees. Sunscreens are allowed to call themselves "water-resistant" but not "waterproof," and their labels have to say how long the water resistance lasts.You should reapply sunscreen every two hours, and every time you get in and out of the water or work up a sweat.

7. Wearing sunscreen can lead to vitamin D deficiency. FALSE. No doubt about it: You need vitamin D (which your body can make when exposed to the sun). But that doesn't give you a no-SPF pass."You still get enough sun to make plenty of vitamin D through the sunscreen," says Brett Coldiron, MD, a dermatologist at the University of Cincinnati.It can be harder to make vitamin D during the winter or when you're older. But you can still get vitamin D from fortified foods or supplements. The Institute of Medicine recommends that most adults get 600 IUs of vitamin D a day. Some people may need more, so check with your health care provider.

8. Sunscreen with antioxidants provides better UVA/UVB protection. TRUE. While they aren't active sunscreen ingredients, antioxidants are great SPF supplements. Sunscreen alone does not block all of the damaging rays from the sun -- even an SPF of 50 blocks out only 98% of UV rays. "Antioxidants are a good way to catch the UV radiation that 'sneaks' past the sunscreen," Gohara says. Sunscreens infused with antioxidants, such as skin-loving green tea extract or polyphenols from tomatoes and berries, are proven to reduce the formation of free radicals (small chemical particles that wreak havoc on skin and can cause skin cancer) in the presence of UV light. Spring’s green plant life will hopefully do the same!

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he construction season is fully geared up and the summer season with all the home projects, not to mention vacation, is about to start. Whether at work,

at home during the week or on weekends, or enjoying recreation, there is no time when safety should not be on the top of our mental list of things to do.

While it sounds cliché, we owe it to our co-workers, families, friends, and business associates to be safe at all times. Over the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to visit several MBP projects, both buildings and transportation, in various stages of construction progress and also work in a number of MBP’s offices. Whether you are in an office, on a site nearing completion, at a project just underway or working alongside traffic whizzing by at 60 or 70 miles an hour, it requires a keen sense of safety to keep yourself and those around you out of harm’s way.

MBP’s Safety Committee continues to do an excellent job of reminding us about work site, home, and recreational hazards, but it is up to each team member to put it all

into practice in your daily routines. Whether commuting, moving about the jobsite, working in the office or at home, or relaxing on vacation, it requires a keen awareness of your immediate surroundings, activities, and others around you. There is no task that is too small or large that does not warrant safety consideration. Being safe and working safely does not take extra time and if you make safety a priority, it will actually save you time regardless of the task.

I could write pages and pages based solely on lessons learned, my own and those of others, but the most basic component of safety is common sense. If you have to pause and ask yourself “is this really safe?”, then likely it is not. Take the time to be safe and enjoy work, home projects, and recreational activities throughout the year. I know I will.

T

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Collin MacKay Attends His Senior PromJohn MacKay’s son, Collin, attended his Senior Prom on May 2, 2015. Collin and his date, Baylee, were careful to coordinate the attire with his Mustang (black and white). While at the dance, Collin took time to grab a selfie with Amanda Lugo.

A Successful First Rotation!Over the course of Clark Pugh’s first rotation as a Co-op at the Raleigh branch, he collaborated with team members on a variety of tasks to include cost estimating for several construction projects, claims analysis, as well as assisting the Commissioning team. His most memorable moment from his rotation was a site visit to Talley Student Center at his university, NC State. Clark has gained invaluable experience in the construction field and looks forward to returning to MBP in the fall.

CAROLINAS

Gadget Girls Promote Local STEM ProgramsIn late spring, Kevin Lugo’s daughter, Amanda and her girl scout team, “Gadget Girls,” out of the North Carolina Coastal Pines branch, took part in a hands-on three-day robotics program, learning how STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields can help achieve their goals now and in the future. Their robot, “Cookie Monster,” was created over a six-week design period where the Gadget Girls team conceptualized, designed, built, and programmed the machine. The team of nine girls, grades ranging from 7 to 12, had an incredible experience working collaboratively to build their brainchild, Cookie Monster, and are already planning for the 2016 competition!

Bailey Flores Tackles Big DataThis June, Bailey Flores will be heading back to North Carolina State University’s Institute for Advanced Analytics to pursue her Masters of Science in Analytics. NCSU started this program in 2007 to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply complex methods and tools for large-scale data modeling. Although Bailey realizes these topics either put most people to sleep or make their eyes pop out of their head, she is beyond excited to jump into learning the material. Bailey will be 1 of 115 students who were accepted into this intense ten-month program. Bailey is appreciative of the years she has been with MBP as a Co-op and full-time team member and is grateful for the professional experience and growth she has received. She looks forward to keeping in touch with our team members as she moves forward in her career.

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Antonio Pilato participated in a mountain bike race at Stillwell Woods in Syosset, NY. There were approximately 100 participants. The race benefited the MACHO Foundation. The MACHO Foundation is dedicated to inspiring, empowering, and unifying people through the message encoded in their acronym, “My Actions Can Help Others.”

MID-ATLANTIC

NATIONAL CAPITAL

A REEL Big Catch!On a recent fishing trip in the Chesapeake Bay with a couple of old high school friends, Billy Rios fished for three hours and landed this 43-inch, nearly 40-pound, striped bass, which ended up being the biggest catch of the day!

In Sewell, NJ, the Philadelphia team participated in Walk MS, a walk to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. This locale is one of the largest community driven walk sites. There were different options for participation, such as a leisurely two-mile walk or a challenging six-mile one. The team chose to participate in Walk MS to support Don Terch and his wife Jen, who have been participating every year for the past five years. Team members who participated were Don and Jen, Gerry Timothy, wife Evy and children, Keith Maxwell and wife Nisa. Overall, the team raised $600 for the National MS Society!

VIRGINIA

Phil and Tassy Heckman have a new granddaughter! She arrived on "Pi Day" (3.14) in Lynchburg at the Virginia Baptist Hospital. This makes the fourth grandchild and also makes the 16th great-grandchild for the Heckman family patriarch. Phil's Dad, John Heckman, is shown here with proud Dad, Colby.

VIRGINIA CONTINUED...

On March 26, 2015, some of the Roanoke Branch Team Members attended the 2015 VDOT Salem District Inspectors Workshop.

Don Young and wife, Lana, took a two mile hike up to the Cascades waterfall in the State Park near Blacksburg, VA.

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On April 9, 2015, Cory Wachob and his wife gave birth to their first son, Niyam (pronounced knee-um) Oliver Wachob. He weighed 7lbs, 6.9oz and was 21” long. Congratulations Wachob family!

Kathon Betterton, daughter of Mark Betterton, competed in the Martinsville Recreation Department Half Marathon in late April. She began competitive running in late summer 2014 by joining the Franklin County High School cross country team as a freshman. She not only completed the 13.1-mile course, but won in her age group on her first attempt. She is also a member of the high school track team, running the one and two mile events and plans to run for the cross country team again this fall.

Bob Boyle took some pictures of the new resident at the Dominion Boulevard project site. It is a male bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), our national bird, and the only eagle unique to North America. The bald eagle's scientific name signifies a sea (halo) eagle (aeetos) with a white (leukos) head. At one time, the word "bald" meant "white", not hairless. It takes five years for a bald eagle to attain a solid white head and tail feathers. Our new resident lives in the marshlands (east) side of the project and visits our storm water management #2 on the south end of the project. The team also just learned that he found a mate! She, who is bigger than the male, is a little shyer in front of the camera. Maybe next time we can get a picture of them both.

Stacey Cottrell’s husband, Alan and his friend, Rick Conn participated in the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, Arsenal of Democracy: World War II Victory Capitol Flyover in Washington, DC. The flyover was held to honor the heroes who fought in the War and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships, and aircraft that enabled the United States and its Allies to achieve victory. One of the most diverse arrays of World War II aircraft ever assembled flew above the skies of Washington, D.C. The

formations represented the War’s major battles from Pearl Harbor through the final air assault on Japan,

and concluding with a missing man formation to “Taps". Alan and Rick flew a Stearman.

Widely known as the Stearman, Boeing Stearman or Kaydet, it served as a primary

trainer for the USAAF, the USN (as the NS & N2S), and with the RCAF as the Kaydet throughout World War II. After the conflict was over, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civilian market. In the immediate postwar years they became popular as crop dusters, sports planes, and

for aerobatic and wing walking use in airshows.

Devin Aurand, son of Stephanie Aurand, had a successful track meet Saturday, May 9, 2015 at Glen Allen’s Invitational. For Devin’s fist race, the 110-meter Hurdles, he finished 1st in his heat and 21st overall with a time of 17.55. For Devin’s second race, the 300-meter Hurdles, he finished 3rd in his heat and 26th overall with a time of 45.56 (a personal record). Over 30 schools competed in the meet. With only two regular season meets left, Devin is hoping to run his way to Regionals!

Kenya Barrett and her son, Jakarrie, visited her sister in California for Jakarrie’s 2015 Spring Break. During their vacation, Kenya and her family enjoyed a two-hour horseback riding adventure in the coastal mountains of Santa Barbara in Refugio Canyon. The trails took them through coastal Santa Ynez Mountains, up fern lined canyons, across streams, and past waterfalls to magnificent vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. They also took a two-hour TMZ tour through Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Hollywood Boulevard.

Steve Pancham met Henry L. Marsh III, retired Senator, at the City of Richmond’s April Boards and Commissions Reception. Mr. Marsh is an American civil rights lawyer and politician and was elected by the City Council as the first African-American mayor of Richmond in 1977. He was elected to the Senate of Virginia in 1991 and has been re-elected ever since. He currently represents the 16th district, consisting of the City of Petersburg, Dinwiddie County, and parts of the City of Richmond, and Chesterfield and Prince George counties.

Emily Claire Rosales, daughter of Christy Rosales, was Southeastern Elementary School’s Student of the Month for March 2015. Christy, John (soon to be stepfather), and big sister Erin are very proud of Emily. This is Emily’s first year back in the states after staying in the Philippines for two years. Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new school and a new

location, Emily managed to adapt well and continues to remain on the Honor Roll. She loves Southeastern Elementary School and the Chesapeake area! She also loves reading, math, swimming, riding her bicycle, and playing Minecraft. Keep up the great work!

With winter testing finally over, racing begins for John Landrum! Development work continues on the new Porsche as the added power from the new engine continues to find things to shake loose at speed, but John won his first ever pole position at the April race in Camden, SC, so it’s definitely going in the right direction! An open wheel racing program is in the works as well, but on hold until 2016.

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VIRGINIA CONTINUED...

CORPORATE

Leaping Across the PondIn April, Stephanie Adams and sister Jacquie, leaped across the pond to Europe and England. They spent three days exploring Paris and four days site-seeing in London. From the decedent food to the historical sites, there was no room for relaxing on this trip, instead their days were full of touring these beautiful cities and fitting as much as possible into one week. Stephanie’s Fitbit recorded an average of walking ten miles per day! In Paris, they devoured fresh crepes, croissants, and macaroons daily, explored Sacré-Cœur, Notre Dame, Champes-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Versailles, Les Invalides, Musée de l’Armée, Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Jardin des Tuileries. Once in London they were able to admire the view of Big Ben right across from their hotel, enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea, and shop in the famous Harrods. They also explored Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace (where they watch the Changing of the Guard), Kensington Palace and Gardens, The British Museum, Tower of London, Westminster Abby, Trafalgar Square, and toured the Harry Potter Studio. Overall, they had a busy, exciting, and unforgettable vacation!

It’s a Small WorldOn the sunny morning of May 10, the 10U Girls Fast-Pitch Softball Highlanders team played the Pirates, the league’s #2 team. The Highlanders pitcher, Sydney Prezioso, pitched a fast ball to the batter resulting in a foul ball over the fence and into the stands where parents were sitting. As the ball nearly hit Sydney’s mom Danelle in the face, a grandparent of one of Sydney’s teammates caught the ball just in time. As Danelle thanked the gentleman, the two realized they knew one another. The grandparent was none other than Bob Hixon! Danelle and Bob never knew that the girls were friends and teammates until that day. The Highlanders beat the Pirates 12-4 and Danelle hopes to see Bob at future games so he can catch more fly balls.

Dana Casamento and Chas Richardson, III went to Providenciales (Grace Bay), Turks and Caicos (or as the locals call it, "Provo") in April for a relaxing ten-day trip. They stayed at a cottage which was only a few steps from the beach. Chas' five-year-old son also came, which made it all the more fun. All three snorkeled, parasailed, jet skied, and lounged on the beach. While they were there, they also went on a conk shell boat tour where they enjoyed eating fresh conk salad and went to a fish fry. While the fish fry might have been a "tourist trap", they got to hear an awesome local band, eat amazing fresh food, and check out local vendors for trinkets to bring home. Because they had such a nice time and the weather was so perfect they plan to re-visit Turks and Caicos in the near future.

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Corporate and Fairfax kicked off their community outreach efforts by supporting their furry friends at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Northern Virginia (SPCA NOVA), whose mission is to end the abuse and homelessness of cats and dogs by rescuing them from cruelty, neglect, and abandonment; seeking safe, loving, and life-long homes for them. Collected were new and used items in good, clean condition. They recently were notified by the SPCA NOVA that the items were graciously welcomed and have been put to good use!

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CORPORATE CONTINUED...

Race for the CureTeam members and family from the Columbia, Corporate, and Fairfax branches participated in the Washington, D.C. Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Mother’s Day weekend. The event was a great success, with pleasant weather and a hearty group breakfast afterwards. The team aimed to raise $500, but ended up raising more than $1,000! Thank you to all supporters for your donations!

A delicious Nacho bar was arranged for the team members in Fairfax to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Ole!

ANNIVERSARIES

Tom Boyer 5/4/2009 6James Tayloe 5/4/2013 2Michael Louvet 5/10/2004 11Wayne Williams 5/10/2010 5Tammy Fielder 5/10/2011 4Randy Odum 5/11/2009 6Keith Maxwell 5/12/2010 5Keith Harper 5/15/2006 9Ginger Ross 5/16/2005 10Kevin Day 5/16/2011 4James Hinkle 5/18/2009 6Kevin Lugo 5/19/1997 18Mallory Coartney 5/23/2013 2Seth Locklear 5/23/2013 2Robert Carpenter 5/24/2010 5Daniel Lawhorne 5/24/2013 2Lynn DeWolfe 5/27/1994 21Hao Hilton 5/28/2014 1

Ken Shorter 5/28/2014 1Kevin Bocock 5/28/1996 19Josh Lawrence 5/28/2002 13Buzz Dickens 5/29/2008 7Chris Payne 6/01/1993 22Mike Bagshaw 6/01/2000 15Sean Westcott 6/02/2003 12Charlotte Deitz 6/02/2014 1Josh Rowan 6/02/2014 1Lonnie Tebow 6/02/2014 1Doug Webb 6/03/2013 2Kimberely Roberts 6/03/2013 2

David Petrone 6/04/2007 8Vighnesh Umapathy 6/06/2011 4

Matthew Martin 6/07/2010 5Charles Miller 6/08/2009 6James Waldrep 6/09/2008 7

Richard Mouri 6/09/2009 6Douglas Wrenn 6/10/2002 13Robert Carter 6/11/2001 14Kay Jackson 6/12/2003 12Elobeid Abdalla 6/12/2006 9Bob Hixon 6/13/2011 4Lindsay Boyd 6/13/2014 1Michael Siburt 6/14/2004 11Ralph Kreider 6/18/2012 3Don Young 6/19/2006 9Heather Howard 6/23/2008 7Lowell Stine 6/23/2014 1Ed Moore 6/25/2014 1Pam Soyka 6/27/2005 10Billy Rios 6/27/2011 4Chris McLuckie 6/28/2005 10

9

Blend fat-free or low-fat yogurt or milk with fruit pieces and crushed ice. Use fresh, frozen, canned, and even overripe fruits. Try bananas, berries, peaches, and/or pineapple. If you freeze the fruit first, you can even skip the ice!

Assemble chunks of melon, apple, orange, and pear on skewers for a fruity kabob. For a raw veggie version, use vegetables like zucchini, cucumber, squash, sweet peppers, or tomatoes.

It is always fun to dip your food. Whip up a quick dip for veggies with yogurt and seasonings, such as herbs or garlic. Serve with raw vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower. Fruit chunks go great with a yogurt and cinnamon or vanilla dip.

Set up a pizza-making station in the kitchen. Use whole-wheat English muffins, bagels, or pita bread as the crust. Have tomato sauce, low-fat cheese, and cut-up vegetables or fruits for toppings. Then pop the pizzas into the oven to warm.

Frozen treats are bound to be popular in the warm months. Just put fresh fruits, such as melon chunks in the freezer (rinse first). Make “popsicles” by inserting sticks into peeled bananas and freezing.

Use celery, cucumber, or carrot sticks as the log and add peanut butter. Top with dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or cherries, depending on what “bugs” you want!

Skip the pre-made trail mix and make your own. Use your favorite nuts and dried fruits, such as unsalted peanuts, cashews, walnuts, or sunflower seeds mixed with dried apples, pineapple, cherries, apricots, or raisins. Add whole-grain cereals to the mix, too.

Decorate half a baked potato. Use sliced cherry tomatoes, peas, and low-fat cheese on the potato to make a funny face.

Keep all of these fun tips in mind for the Woohoo Wellness Team’s next company-wide program coming this summer!

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10

Wear a helmet. The number one piece of safety equipment is the helmet, but keep in mind a helmet will not protect you from getting hit by a car, which should be your #1 goal. In addition to the helmet, you should have lights on the front and the rear of the bicycle, have a horn available, and wear some type of reflective clothing. Remember, regardless of what you believe, an automobile is larger and heavier than you and you will lose every time in the event of a collision.How to avoid getting hit by a car:

1. The Car Pulling Out On Your Right – Even in daylight, try to use your headlight in a flashing mode. If you see a car pulling out into traffic from your right and you are afraid that the driver has not seen you, wave and sound your horn. If you are riding close to the curb, there is a strong possibility that the driver is looking into the lane and not the curb. If you feel that you have not gained the driver’s attention, move to your left to increase the possibility of the driver seeing you.

2. The Door Prize – One of the dangers of riding close to parked cars is the possibility of a driver opening his/her door into your path of travel. To avoid the unexpected collision, ride to the left of the parked cars and leave enough space so that if a door were to open, you would not become an unintended victim.

3. The Crosswalk Accident – You are on your bicycle and crossing the street in the crosswalk and a driver turns into you. Drivers are not expecting bicycles in the crosswalk so never ride on the sidewalk, thereby staying out of the crosswalk. One study has shown that crossing the street in the crosswalk while riding on the sidewalk is twice as dangerous as riding in the road 1.

4. The Wrong-Way Wreck – You are riding against traffic on the left hand side of the road. A car at the next intersection makes a right hand turn right into you. It is against the law to be riding a bicycle on the wrong side of the road. You should travel in the same direction as the automobile traffic and either use a lane on the road or travel in a designated bicycle lane.

In Summary:1. Wear a helmet and a reflective vest or safety

triangle.

2. If possible, choose wide and slow streets on which to ride.

3. Always ride on the street and not the sidewalk.

4. Get a mirror and a light.

5. Never hug the curb.

6. Signal your turns.

7. Ride as if you are invisible. In other words believe that cars cannot see you.

8. If you have children, try and find a Bicycle Rodeo in your area. It is a great resource for bicycle safety for young riders.

Bicycle Safety

With the arrival of warmer weather many of us will be outside and some of us may decide to go for a bike ride or better yet, use a bicycle as a means of exercise. Before starting out on the road, there are a few things to remember.

1 Alan Wachtel and Diana Lewiston, Risk Factors for Bicycle-Motor Vehicle Collisions, 1994 Institute of Transportation Engineers, September 1994

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QUALITYCORNER9 Tips for Improving Your Communications Skills

An

MBP Quality Initiative

According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, communication skills are listed as the most important quality sought in job candidates.

Here’s a list of the most desirable traits (on a 1-5 scale, 1=not at all important, 5=extremely important):

• Communication skills (4.7)• Honesty/integrity (4.7)• Teamwork skills (4.6)• Strong work ethic (4.5)• Analytical skills (4.4)• Flexibility/adaptability (4.4)• Interpersonal skills (4.4)• Motivation/initiative (4.4)• Computer skills (4.3)

Now here’s the kicker: of all those qualities, guess which one was cited most often as missing from prospective job candidates?

That’s right, communication skills.

So whether you’re looking to get ahead in the job market — or within your own company — your ability to communicate will make you stand out the crowd!

Here are the 9 Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills:

1. Make communication a priority. Take classes, read books, magazine articles or learn from successful communicators around you. Seek a mentor or coach.

2. Simplify and stay on message. Use simple, straightforward language. Remember that Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was 286 words, about two minutes long.

3. Engage your listeners or readers. Draw your listeners and readers into the conversation. Ask questions and invite opinions. Solicit their feedback.

4. Take time to respond. After you’ve listened (and understood) take time to “draft” in your head what you want to say.

5. Make sure you are understood. Don’t blame the other person for not understanding. Instead, look for ways to clarify or rephrase what you are trying to say so it can be understood.

6. Develop your listening skills, too. The best communicators are almost always the best listeners. Listen without judgment and don’t be distracted by thinking about what you want to say next. Then, respond, not react.

7. Body language is important. Studies show that 65% of all communication is non-verbal. Watch for visual signs that your listener understands, agrees or disagrees with your message. And be aware that your body is sending signals, too.

8. Maintain eye contact. Whether speaking to a crowd or one-on-one, maintaining eye contact builds credibility and demonstrates you care about your listeners.

9. Respect your audience. Recognize your message is not just about you or what you want. You should sincerely care about the needs and the unique perspectives of those to whom you are communicating. One of the best ways to show your respect is simply by paying attention to what they say.

Copyright ©2005-2015 Joel Garfinkle, All Rights Reserved.

Joel Garfinkle is recognized as one of the top 50 coaches in the U.S., and the author of 7 books, including Getting Ahead: Three Steps to Take Your Career to the Next Level. He has worked with many of the world's leading companies, including Google, Deloitte, Amazon, Ritz-Carlton, Gap, Cisco, Oracle, and many more. Visit Joel online at Garfinkle Executive Coaching. Subscribe to his Fulfillment@Work Newsletter and receive the FREE e-book, 40 Proven Strategies to Get Promoted Now!

By Joel Garfinkle

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Please join us in:

Congratulating the following Team Members on their appointments:

• Matthew Knicley, Richmond – Lead Inspector• Jonathan Ely, Raleigh – Engineer Technician• Marshall “Doc” Hartless, Richmond – Client Site,

Construction Inspector I• Monya McMichael, Roanoke – Construction Inspector II• John Landrum, Richmond – Lead Engineer• Doug Montgomery, Chesapeake – Lead Consultant• Brian Cox, Richmond – Project Manager• Bill Jennings, Chesapeake – Project Manager• Mitch Price, Roanoke – Construction Inspector I• Christina Tsoi, FAI New York – Engineer• Catherine “Cate” Morrisey, FAI New York – Engineer• Noel Stallard, Roanoke – Construction Inspector II

Congratulating the following Team Members on their promotions:

• Dana Casamento, Corporate – Marketing Coordinator to Senior Marketing Coordinator

• Angie Oaks, Roanoke – Construction Manager to Project Manager

• Tim Oxford, Chesapeake – Construction Inspector II to Project Inspector

Applauding the following Team Members on achieving their certification:

• Matt DeSilver, Certified Construction Manager (CCM)• Duncan Stewart, Planning and Scheduling Professional

(PSP)

TEAM MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

BIRTHDAYS

May 2 Mike Bagshaw

May 3 Sam OverstreetMay 4 Chris McLuckie

May 5 Ken Macdonald Doug Webb

May 6 Josephine Bilounga Desmond Michael

May 7 Gary Bonham Heather Howard

May 14 Robert CarterMay 15 Eddy Kwon

May 16Brad Greeff Kevin Wills Jim Yatzeck

May 17 Antonio Pilato Kevin Riley

May 18 Tammy Fielder Justin Johnson

May 20 Angie Oaks Claudia Orozco - Solano

May 23 Michelle SvyMay 24 Erik KaldmaaMay 26 Gator Galbraith

May 27 Keith Harper Agnes Tajat

May 28 Bob HixonMay 28 Ken SmithJune 1 Phil Heckman

June 2Ronald Bell Tifany Davis Sagar Khadka

June 5 Donnie MooreJune 8 Ray Heflin

June 9 Tyson Mauchley Joe Murphy

June 13 Rich Tympel

June 15 Keith Rines Matt Withers

June 18 Hao Hilton Dick Rauscher

June 21 John Landrum

June 22 Bryn Bernstein Andrew Kestner

June 25 Jason MacDonald Randy Odum

June 26 Mike Bradbury Don Young

June 28 James Hinkle

June 29Brian Haskins Gerald Timothy Rob Williams

June 30 Lindsay Boyd Steve Doane

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EVERYONE’S A RECRUITER!Remember that each and every one of you is a recruiter – not only the HR Team! We have been able to make some great hires through recommendations or referrals from other Team Members. Whenever you attend a professional association event, chapter meeting, or even a social event, keep in mind that the person you are talking to may be looking for a new opportunity or may know someone who is. We have a fantastic Team Member Referral program, which is an excellent way for you to earn some extra income while referring great people to MBP! Please contact any HR Team Member for more information.

VISION IS HERE!Vision is now up and running! If you have the following issues please see who to contact:

• If you are unable to connect to Vision, please send an email to the IT Help Desk

• If you are able to log in but do not see your active job codes, please contact Amy Funkhouser

• If you need help using the timesheet function, please contact Joyce Reynolds or Julie Detwiler

Please remember to fill your timesheets out daily, and have them completed and signed by COB Friday or the last of the month. Vision training materials are available on TeamNet.