Both the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Capital Development Board have announced plans to shut down all ongoing projects effective June 30. Since the General Assembly has not approved a Fiscal Year 2018 budget, the agencies will have no authority to expend funds after the current fiscal year ends on June 30.

For the past 15 years, the Builders Foundation has built a solid foundation for the industry to continue to grow upon by supporting qualified college students from the Chicagoland area majoring in the fields of construction management or constructing/civil engineering. Come celebrate our 15th annual golf outing fundraiser for a good cause! As usual, this is an all-day event, with registration beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. We'll kick off with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and conclude with a dinner reception at 5:30 p.m. Just think of it: a day on the links, spent with friends and colleagues, with delicious food and drinks. This is an event you don't want to miss.

As the demand for construction continues to rise, so does the need for an educated, talented, and qualified labor force.This labor shortage is not going to correct itself. As a response, contractors across the nation are declaring the first week inOctober of each year as "Construction Week." And while there are many materials to help promote this initiative, its success will ultimately take the support of proud and passionate individuals.

Architects, contractors, attorneys, and other in the AEC industry are invited to AIA Contract Documents 2017 Release: Explore Revised General Conditions, Owner-Architect and Owner-Contractor Agreements. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 26 from 6-8 p.m.

The Builders Association is partnering with several organization for the first ever joint networking event for young professionals in Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Construction! The event will be held on Thursday, July 20 from 1-4 p.m. at the scenic Bemis Woods Forest Preserves.

The construction focus four hazards account for the greatest number of preventable fatalities and serious injuries in the construction industry. AGC of America is pleased to offer this FREE one-day training program based on OSHA standards and best practices to answer the need for quality training within the industry. Learn how to register here! 

In line with AGC’s regulatory recommendations, on June 7, 2017, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta announced the withdrawal of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2015 and 2016 informal guidance on joint employment and independent contractors. Both pieces of guidance together took an expansive interpretation of employment and threatened the traditional relationship between contractors and their partners. AGC and its members were concerned that these interpretations would make compliance more complicated, leading to unnecessary enforcement efforts and increased costs to projects.

There are countless ways for a construction project to go awry. The first claims that come to mind are those based on delays or defective workmanship, but perhaps even more common are the potential claims which arise when a general contractor does not receive payment from the owner, but remains potentially liable to its subcontractors for work performed. Like most construction disputes, the answer to the question of whether or when a general contractor is liable for payment to its subcontractors starts (and often ends) with the language of the contract.

Traditional job descriptions are little more than a list of skills and qualifications a hiring manager believes a candidate needs to succeed in the job. But, there are no guarantees that a candidate who possesses these skills and credentials will be able to perform the role successfully.

Sika is a manufacturer of products serving commercial construction and industrial markets. Product line includes specialty concrete, mortar, grouts and epoxies, structural strengthening systems, sealants, adhesives, liquid applied flooring, and roofing waterproofing systems.

The Builders Association is proud to see member company Siteline Interior Carpentry named as number 17 of  the "Fast 50" in Crain's Chicago Business. Congratulations!