Members' Edge - February 1, 2017

AGC News

AGC Of America Launches New Campaign To Promote The Commercial Construction Industry In Texas

The Associated General Contractors of America and its Texas chapters launched a new campaign on January 25, 2017 designed to highlight the many benefits of working in the construction industry. The new campaign, called Texas Builds, relies on testimonials from dozens of construction workers throughout Texas to highlight the industry's commitment to safety and the many career opportunities that exist in the sector.

Click Here to view the video.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=423303&issueID=56208 to view the full article online.

Coalition Asks Trump To Repeal Labor Mandate

President Barack Obama issued an executive order that mandated use of project labor agreements on large-scale federal projects, but a coalition of several trade groups, including the Associated General Contractors of America, have asked President Donald Trump to rescind the order. The groups estimate that the mandate would add 12-18 percent to construction costs.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=423305&issueID=56208 to view the full article online.

Member News

Construction Attorney Curtis W. Martin inducted into the Fundraising Hall of Fame of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Attorney Curtis W. Martin, Managing Partner of the Houston office of the national construction law firm of Peckar & Abramson, P.C. (P&A), has been inducted into the Fundraising Hall of Fame of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. This honor recognizes his efforts over the years riding in the BP MS 150 Fundraising Hall of Fame for the National MS Society, a two-day fundraising cycling event and the largest event of its kind in North America. Since 2001, he has raised more than $100,000 for the worthy charity.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/TEXAS-#145400-v1-cm_press_release.pdf to view the full article online.

Matt Moore and Angela Connor Join Peckar & Abramsoon

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=423417&issueID=56208 to view the full article online.

J.E. Dunn Construction Tops Out On New Construction Project For Rice University

On January 20, as the structure for the final floor of the highly anticipated new parking garage and office building project was put in place, Rice University and JE Dunn Construction held a "topping-out" celebration.

The new six-story, 67,000 square foot office facility will house administrative departments on levels 2-6. A portion of the first floor will house shared meeting spaces to be made available to students during the evenings.

Visit J.E. Dunn's website

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=423307&issueID=56208 to view the full article online.

Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc., Announces New Promotions

Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc. has promoted John Benton to Operations Manager. John joined Slack & Co. in 2014 as Director of Project Management. With over 25 years of experience with earthwork and utility projects, John has demonstrated superior management skills with his team of project managers. John holds a degree in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.

Adam Ryan has been promoted to Director of Project Management at Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc. In 2009 he joined the company as an Estimator. His grasp of the industry and management skills have earned him several positions at Slack & Co. From Estimator to Assistant Project Manager, then Project Manager to Assistant Director of Project Management, and now his new position. Adam is a Construction and Engineering graduate from North Carolina State University.

Visit http://slackandco.com/ to view the full article online.

News you can Use

Revised EPA Permit Makes Site Operators Jointly, Severally Liable

The Environmental Protection Agency's 2017 construction general permit, taking effect February 16, 2017 will make site operators jointly and severally liable for infractions. Several industry groups oppose the provision.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=423367&issueID=56208 to view the full article online.

December Ushers In Increase In Labor, Material Costs

The IHS PEG Engineering and Construction Cost Index of construction labor and material costs increased 2.6 points to 53.3 in December after two months of declining prices. Labor costs increased in the Northeast, Midwest and Southern regions but stayed the same in the West.

Visit http://www.forconstructionpros.com/news/12290948/construction-costs-end-2016-on-a-high-note to view the full article online.

Flood Insurance Reform On Agenda For 2017

Congress is expected to focus on flood insurance reform in the spring, as the National Flood Insurance Program will expire Sept. 30. Some lawmakers support the development of a private flood insurance market as part of reform.

Visit http://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/compliance-regulation/pitfalls-ahead-for-flood-insurance-reform-in-2017-1093568-1.html to view the full article online.

2017 Is Shaping Up To Be A Bigger Year For Skyscrapers In Houston

Houston is in the middle of a construction boom, with several new skyscrapers completed and others still under construction. A Houston Chronicle article featuring the new towers, includes a photo gallery of the new towers.The Market Square Tower is 498 feet tall, excluding it from the list of Houston's 30 tallest skyscrapers by roughly five feet. The second tallest skyscraper to be built this year was the BHP Billiton Tower (477 feet), found at 1500 Post Oak Boulevard. Three other skyscrapers, Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel (395 feet), Hilcorp Energy Tower (346 feet), and Le Meridien Hotel (338 feet) were also built in 2016.

Visit http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/How-Houston-s-newest-skyscrapers-measure-against-10820269.php to view the full article online.

Crane Watch: Mapping Houston's Major Construction Projects

In August 2016, the Houston Business Journal launched Crane Watch, an interactive map with details of major construction projects currently underway in the Houston area.

Project categories include education, hotel, industrial, medical, mixed-use, office, residential, retail and other. In addition to the project’s location, each description includes size, developer and/or owner, estimated completion date and other aspects. Companies are encouraged to add data to the map.

Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/datacenter/crane-watch.html to view the full article online.

Join Houston Revit Users Group!

AGC Houston members are invited to join the Houston Revit Users group, which meets on the second Tuesday of the month. Revit and BIM application users range from beginner to expert skill levels. Since 2002, the Houston Area Revit Users Group (HARUG) has been the main resource in the area for Revit Users, AutoCAD Architecture (previously Architectural Desktop), AutoCAD and other BIM-related tools.

Visit http://www.meetup.com/RevitHouston/ to view the full article online.

ACE Mentor Program Houston Hosts Building Blocks Breakfast

Join ACE Mentor Houston to celebrate our current mentors and to hear what is new for the ACE Mentor Program for 2017.

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Networking/Breakfast: 7-7:30 a.m.

Annual Update & Awards: 7:30-8 a.m.

Speaker/Program: 8-8:45 a.m.

Featuring Guest Speaker Diana Eidenshink, Interim Executive Director, ACE Mentor Program America

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ace-mentor-program-houston-building-blocks-breakfast-2017-tickets-30727740499 to view the full article online.