For those Americans fortunate enough to live outside the Beltway, the only "Washington types" you may see on a regular basis are your representatives in the House and Senate. The most recent issue of Constructor magazine takes you on a tour of the strange animals that capital dwellers confront in the Beltway jungle every day. Enjoy this and more in the September/October issue.

Eighty percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released today by Autodesk and AGC of America (AGC). Association officials said shortages pose a significant risk to future economic growth and they released a new workforce development plan to solve the growing problem.

AGC of America is now accepting applications for its 2019 AGC Diversity & Inclusion Awards program. AGC will present a total of six awards in three award categories: 1) Diverse Business of the Year, 2) Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Awards, and 3) Chapter Diversity & Inclusion Award. These awards seek to raise awareness of the value that a diverse workforce and inclusive environment brings to a company by spotlighting diversity and inclusion champions within AGC.

AGC of America is launching its 2019 project award competitions. The JLT Build America Awards (including the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category) and AGC in the Community competitions are now accepting applications. The JLT Build America Awards recognize the nation’s most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy divisions; as well as those contractors excelling in their partnering and collaborative endeavors. The AGC in the Community Awards recognizes the charitable contractors and chapters who are giving back to their communities. AGC member companies and chapters in good standing who meet the competition requirements should apply online for some much-deserved recognition. Apply by October 24, 2018 for full consideration.

You’re sold on the wrap up concept. The economics make sense. The risk transfer makes sense. You have a solid loss prevention platform and your claims management team mitigates costs at a high level. From a coverage perspective, it all makes sense. Then your team hears, "wrap up," and cringes, right?

When budget allocations for business development and marketing are limited, a firm must choose wisely and allocate its funds where they will provide the most impact.

Skanska USA, a member of multiple AGC chapters, has achieved the ‘topping out’ of the Durham County Main Library at 300 N. Roxboro St. in downtown Durham. The topping-out, which signals the placement of the last major piece of structural steel on the project, was commemorated with a ceremony celebrating the workers’ achievement and featuring officials from Durham County, the Durham County Library and the construction partners.

C.W. Driver Companies, an AGC of California and San Diego Chapter member, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Crown Valley Park Community Building, a 30,000-sq-ft, three-story building in Laguna Niguel, California. The $25 million project marks the final phase of a three-tier improvement plan for Crown Valley Community Park, with full completion anticipated for Spring 2020.

Dallas-based MYCON General Contractors Inc., a TEXO member, has acquired Pavlovich Construction Services of Grapevine, Texas to support the firm’s growth in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Firm principals of Pavlovich will join MYCON, including Roger Pavlovich as vice president; Justin Swaim, LEED AP, as project director, as well as members of their team.