October 19, 2006 -- Golden West Publishers announced this week, a distribution partnership with the Alliance of Construction Trades (Tucson, Ariz.) for its innovative new English/Spanish communication tool, Just Point and Communicate!™ Construction Series. ACT's executive director, Jim Kuliesh, confirmed the partnership and is featuring Just Point and Communicate!™ in their popular Arizona Building Industry Supply Show (AZBISS) November 1 & 2, 2006 at the Tucson Convention Center. "This English/Spanish communication system is totally unique for our industry and we are eager to introduce its practical concept to the companies that deal with problems on the jobsite every day, due to language barriers." ACT is the nationwide distributor of the Just Point and Communicate!™ Construction Series.
The construction industry is especially vulnerable to mistakes that cost money and sometimes lives, stemming from ambiguity and miscommunication. This is a hot-button issue as immigration issues rage. 18.3 percent of Hispanic/Latino citizens "Speak English 'not well'" and another 10 percent, "not at all," states online U.S. Census Bureau figures (2000). But the fact is, there are many Spanish-speaking only U.S. citizens, whose work schedules prohibit extraneous education. "We created this series to bridge the communication gap that exists in the workplace," said Bruce Fischer, CEO of Golden West Publishers. "With these books neither side has to learn to speak the other's language, they just point to the word or phrase they want to say (appears in both English and Spanish) and the other person can respond. If the books are used on a daily basis in the workplace, then a certain amount of retention would be a natural side effect."
Each pocketsize edition ($14.95) includes common instructions, tools, and materials applicable to the individual field, with many helpful illustrations. Currently included in the Construction Series are brick and foundation masons, carpenters, carpet and flooring installers, electricians, landscapers and gardeners, tile and stone masons, painters, and roofers. The large reference book for General Contractors, Builders and Supervisors ($24.95) contains all eight of the industries, as well as a section to communicate better while hiring, and basic workplace safety and rules.
"Take a look inside the book ..." link and ordering information is available at justpointandcommunicate.com or goldenwestpublishers.com, or call LinDee Rochelle, 602.581.3541, for details. Phone or in-person interviews are available and a review copy, with press kit, will be sent to media personnel upon request.
Golden West Publishers, known for cookbooks and Southwest adventure books, launched in 1969 when schoolteachers Al and Mildred Fischer began collecting recipes in their spare time and sharing them. Owned now by son, Bruce and his wife, Bobbi, GWP is enjoying growth, with fresh titles and new business concepts.
