Members' Edge - February 14, 2019

Education/Training

Presenters Needed For Upcoming Jobsite Innovation Forums

Have you developed an innovative means to collect, monitor and interpret data? Share your expertise, implementation successes and practical tips with your industry peers.

AGC Houston is now accepting submissions for presentations for our 2019 quarterly Jobsite
Innovation Forums. Deadline for consideration: Feb. 28.

March 21 — Data Collection
June 13 — Data Monitoring
Sept. 26 — Data Interpretation
Dec. 12 — Interactive Workshop on Data Uses in Construction

Read The Details

Visit https://agchouston.org/AGCH/News/Articles/Job_Site_Innovation_Forum_Call_for_Presentations.aspx to view the full article online.

AGC News

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=544991&issueID=63823 to view the full article online.

AGC Releases Construction Costs Report: Labor & Materials Shortages On The List

After a year marked by numerous price spikes, construction costs declined in December but remained elevated compared to year-earlier prices, while prices of new buildings also moved higher, according to an analysis by AGC of America. The cost of many construction projects is increasing as firms cope with labor shortages and increased costs for many of the materials they need for projects.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2019/01/15/construction-costs-dip-december-most-materials-and-services-prices-accelerate-2018 to view the full article online.

AGC of America 100th Annual Convention Scheduled In Denver, April 1-4

Visit https://convention.agc.org/ to view the full article online.

Member News

McCarthy Building Companies Promotes Al Gomez to VP, Operations Of Houston Division

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Southern Region has promoted Al Gomez to vice president, operations of the Houston division. In this role, Gomez is responsible for integrating McCarthy’s various departments, while leading management and operations on all projects. Gomez’s responsibilities include coordination of preconstruction strategies, ensuring excellent client service and overseeing safety for the division.

A Leadership AGC Class of 2015 graduate, he has worked with McCarthy for more than 14 years. Gomez relocated to Houston in 2011 where he continued his focus and worked on major projects including Texas Children’s Hospital, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and CHRISTUS Spohn Health System.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=543535&issueID=63823 to view the full article online.

News you can Use

Department Of Labor Releases Electronic FLSA Compliance Assistance Tool

The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the launch of an enhanced electronic version of its Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This new online version of one of the Wage and Hour Division’s most popular publications is intended to assist American employers and workers with a simple, easy-to-follow resource that provides basic WHD information, as well as links to other resources.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2019/02/08/dol-releases-electronic-flsa-compliance-assistance-tool to view the full article online.

OSHA Penalties Adjusting In 2019

OSHA's civil penalties amounts for violations of workplace safety and health standards will increase in 2019 to adjust for inflation. The adjusted maximum penalty amounts will take effect upon publication in the Federal Register. New penalties for willful and repeat violations will be $132,598 per violation; serious, other-than-serious, and posting requirements are $13,260 per violation; and failure to abate violations are $13,260 per day beyond the abatement date.

Visit https://www.dol.gov/asp/2019-inflation-adjustments.pdf to view the full article online.

Construction Spending To Reach $1.46T by 2022

Construction spending is set to reach $1.35 trillion in 2019 and increase to $1.46 trillion by 2022, according to FMI. While a downward trend is expected for multifamily construction this year and next, areas such as public safety, education, lodging and office will grow during the period, according to FMI

Visit https://www.bdcnetwork.com/construction-spending-projected-increase-more-11-through-2022 to view the full article online.

Houston Led U.S. Cities With $28B In New Construction Starts Last Year

Houston's $28 billion in construction starts was the highest value by total volume in the U.S. in 2018, ConstructConnect says. Providence, R.I., led the way in year-over-year percentage change with 71%, jumping from $2.3 billion in 2017 to $4 billion in 2018.

Visit https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/economic/2019/02/construction-starts-biggest-cities-u-s-canada-2018 to view the full article online.

Architecture Billings Index Positive For 15th Straight Month

Despite dropping 4.3 points, the American Institute of Architects' Architecture Billings Index stayed positive for the 15th month in a row in December. "Given the concerns over the ongoing tariff situation, it is not surprising to see a bit of a slowdown in progress on current projects," AIA chief economist Kermit Baker says.

Visit https://www.bdcnetwork.com/architecture-billings-slow-close-2018-growing-demand to view the full article online.

Membership Benefits

Get The Most From Your AGC Membership!

Whether you recently joined AGC Houston, are a seasoned member or are a new employee interested in learning more about what AGC offers, sign up today for the Membership Orientation!

Feb. 21, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Lunch Provided

Visit https://agchouston.org/Shared_Content/Events/Event_Display.aspx?EventKey=2019357A&WebsiteKey=c528e6e9-a956-41d3-9bf4-82416fc10399 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=543527&issueID=63823 to view the full article online.