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The General Election is November 4 - www.VoteTexas.gov
October 20 - First Day of Early Voting
October 31 - Last Day of Early Voting November 4 - Election Day Visit http://bipac.net/page.asp?content=startpage&g=agchouston to view the full article online. |
We're excited about this new event specifically designed to support our advocacy efforts. Join us at Houston's premier golf entertainment complex, Topgolf, for this fun event geared for golfers of all levels—beginner to advanced. The tournament is limited to first 50 teams of four players and benefits the AGC Houston Advocacy Fund. Fees include three rounds of Topgolf, food, beverages, and libations. Awards will be given to top three teams. Registration begins at 2:00 p.m., with the tournament being held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1870 to view the full article online.
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11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Do you have questions about the impact of ACA on your business? Not sure of your options and consequences? Gain an update on the ACA, recommendations for analyzing the impact on your business, and solutions for implementation. Hear from three industry experts about the latest changes to the Affordable Care Act and how the ACA will impact your business. Topics will include: • What the new world of health insurance looks like from the insurance carriers based on the size of the employer • Updates on when penalties will be assessed based on the employer size • Transitional rules for 2015/2016 • Seasonal employee exception • Measurement and stability periods • Non-discrimination rules To learn more and register, please click here.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289681&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289329&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Participants will learn notice deadlines and requirements for filing lien and bond claims; How to obtain forms to use for claims; How to obtain project information; How to avoid project information; How to avoid common problems with lien and bond claims; How to document a claim and what is is not covered by a lien or bond claim.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1386 to view the full article online. |
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AGC Houston - Frontline Leadership is a six-session training program designed to equip new, current, or aspiring supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage and develop their people and projects. The format consists of six half-day modules that can be taken as stand-alone courses or as part of the series.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1680 to view the full article online. |
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BIM Technology explores the major applications and classes of BIM tools across all project phases; how BIM processes for QTO, shop drawing and fabrication, and construction scheduling can improve projects; and the impact models have for improving estimating, scheduling, and coordinating.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1409 to view the full article online. |
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Gain an awareness of how pre-project planning affects the potential success of a project and understand the different areas of planning for the construction phase of a project. Broaden your understanding of the impact building codes, permits, reviews and inspections can have on a project. Learn how Building Information Modeling (BIM), LEED, environmental issues and lean construction are impacting the construction industry.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1428 to view the full article online. |
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This session will build on the Liens and Bonds speech with an advanced discussion of liens and how they are enforced. The session will also cover a variety of payment topics such as spotting important issues in joint check agreements, the new law related to releases and the construction trust fund act.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1388 to view the full article online. |
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OSHA has issued a final rule extending the deadline for crane operator certification requirements in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction final rule published Aug. 9, 2010, by three years, to Nov. 10, 2017. The rule also extends by three years the employer's responsibility to ensure that crane operators are competent to operate a crane safely. The final rule becomes effective Nov. 9, 2014. During the three-year period, OSHA will address operator qualification requirements for the cranes standards including the role of operator certification. The final cranes and derricks rule required crane operators on construction sites to meet one of four qualification/certification options by Nov. 10, 2014.
Visit https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=26760 to view the full article online. |
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Attendees will review best practices to better protect themselves and others from hazards. Topics include confined space awareness overview, hazard control, hazard recognition and entering a permit-required confined space. Click here for information about the Spanish session.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1820 to view the full article online. |
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One of the many goals of this course is to help students make better risk-informed decisions by introducing more structured decision-making processes that focuses on five critical, yet interrelated, steps. These steps are as follows: identifying potential undesired outcomes, assigning an order-of-magnitude consequence severity to each outcome, assigning an order-of-magnitude occurrence likelihood to each outcome, assessing total risk magnitude, and making riskinformed decisions based on assessed risk magnitudes.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1754 to view the full article online. |
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This free training class focuses on preventing frequently cited construction hazards. The Focus Four Hazards in Construction are conducted as four-hour awareness training focusing on the greatest dangers of working on a construction site. Click here to learn more about the Spanish session.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1779 to view the full article online. |
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This class addresses the practices and procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment, to prevent the release of hazardous energy while employees perform servicing or maintenance activities. Click here for information about the Spanish session.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1827 to view the full article online. |
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This course covers the OSHA Standards, policies, and procedures in the construction industry. Topics include scope and application of the OSHA Construction Standards, construction safety and health principles, and special emphasis on those areas in construction that are most hazardous.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1761 to view the full article online. |
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Please consider using the following members for your business needs:
DTI Investment Group, LLC 11381 Meadowglen Lane, Suite E Houston, TX 77082 (713) 484-5000 Guard 1 Services, LLC 50 Briar Hollow Lane, Suite 495E Houston, TX 77027 (713) 337-4300 Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289370&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Vote for your favorite APEX 11 construction projects! The judges cast their votes to select the 2014 APEX 11 Awards, and now it's your turn. We want you to vote for your favorite construction projects too.
The top 13 APEX 11 "People's Choice" projects will be featured in the AGC Houston 2015 Calendar, which will be distributed to more than 2,500 industry professionals. Contest ends October 17, 2014. To view all 61 projects online in the agchouston.org 2014 Photo Gallery. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2014APEX11 to view the full article online. |
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In commercial construction, fabric panels systems seldom hit the radar when Fire Code compliance is considered. They usually come to light after an incident. Typically, Plan Review Departments within some major metropolitan areas focus primarily on the obvious considerations of occupancy, egress, exits, stairwells, sprinkler heads and strobes long before wall finishes and then, sometimes they are not considered or reviewed at all. The continual non-enforcement of fire ratings and testing on textiles or fabric panel systems contributes to the complacency about fire code compliance for those systems. The lack of enforcement may actually make it appear to some contractors and designers that the code is non-existent, but the code does exist.
Visit http://www.constructioncitizen.com/blog/liability-fire-code-compliance-absence-enforcement/1410091 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289350&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289351&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289354&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289355&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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"The AGC Alternative," the first of its kind, nationwide private insurance exchange to serve the commercial construction industry, begins offering firms belonging to the Associated General Contractors of America quotes today.
The private exchange, developed in collaboration with Willis North America, a unit of Willis Group Holdings, the global risk advisor, insurance and reinsurance broker, features comprehensive insurance coverage from Aetna, MetLife and Group Vision Service as part of its introductory suite of benefits. Now that the exchange's initial benefits providers have been selected, association members can get coverage quotes for policies that go into effect as early as January 1, 2015. For more information about the association's new private insurance exchange, click here.
Visit http://www.agc.org/cs/news_media/press_room/press_release?pressrelease.id=1615 to view the full article online. |
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289357&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
Under the revised rule, employers will be required to notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within eight hours, and work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations or losses of an eye within 24 hours. Visit http://agchouston.org/pages/osha_expands_requirements_for_reporting_sever_injuries_and_fatalities._1856.asp to view the full article online.
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released its final
rule implementing Executive Order 13658 (EO), which establishes a minimum wage of $10.10 per hour for direct federal prime contractors and subcontractors at all tiers. That $10.10 minimum wage must be adjusted annually for inflation. The new minimum wage will take effect on direct federal agency contracts entered into on or after Jan. 1, 2015. Visit http://news.agc.org/2014/10/06/final-rule-for-federal-contractor-minimum-wage/ to view the full article online. |
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AGC's Construction HR and Training Professionals Conference provides two days of education and networking for HR, training and workforce development professionals in the construction industry. Educational sessions cover the most cutting-edge techniques in training and development currently in use and envisioned for the future in the industry.
Visit http://www.agc.org/cs/events/conferences/training_education_conference to view the full article online. |
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San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk
San Antonio, Texas Register today for the CLC Leadership Development Conference. This year’s event is co-hosted with the San Antonio Chapter of AGC and will take place at the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk. Highlights of the program include keynote speaker George "The Iceman" Gervin, former San Antonio Spurs player; Chuck Greco, Linbeck Group, LLC, and Senior Vice President of AGC of America; and a roundtable session that will allow attendees to learn best practices from CLC groups from across the country.
Visit http://meetings.agc.org/ldc14/ to view the full article online. |
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Many construction firms are still using multiple documentation and management processes that are 50 years old or more with paper prints and specifications still being the major documentation tool. To complicate the problem, as projects have become more complex, we have added more documentation, duplicated tasks and delegated responsibilities, creating inefficiencies and errors in the field. Hear how PCL Construction has utilized Autodesk BIM 360 to create repeatable document management processes to fuel their construction execution activities like layout—resulting in greater efficiencies with fewer errors. Click here for more information and details registering for this event. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289690&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Managing risk is not only about having insurance policies and practices in place. This webinar explores key risk areas of the construction business where it has proven valuable to leverage technology that supports enterprise-wide risk management approaches. Topics include safety & training, insurance compliance, content management, subcontractor management and much more. Click here for more details and to register. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289691&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Cooper Guest Lodge
Dallas, Texas For construction leaders on the rise, no program provides a more comprehensive, uniquely focused program than AGC's Advanced Management Program (AMP). This exclusive six-day program grounds construction industry executives in the essential skills and techniques required to successfully lead an organization. The conference will feature lectures on topics such as risk management, construction ethics, safety management, and much more. For details, click here. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289692&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Caesar's Palace
Las Vegas, Nevada The Construction Financial Management Conference was developed in response to a need for programs and workshops designed specifically for financial professionals in the construction industry. The three-day conference will feature lectures and workshops on topics such as construction taxes, change order and claims management, federal acquisition regulations and more. Visit http://meetings.agc.org/agc_cfma/ to view the full article online. |
AGC Houston leaders recently gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2014 National & Chapter Leadership Conference on September 28-October 1. Representing the AGC Houston Chapter were Chapter President, Jerry Nevlud; Vice Chairman, Bill Scott, Linbeck Group, LLC; and Chairman Steve Mechler, Balfour Beatty Construction. In addition, AGC Senior Vice President Chuck Greco, Linbeck Group, LLC, also attended the conference, which focused on best practices for chapters and featured presentations on topics such as the new AGC Alternative, the future of highway funding, workforce development and concluded with a discussion on the 2014 election. The 2015 National & Chapter Leadership Conference will take place in sunny Puerto Rico March 18-20, 2015 where Chuck Greco will be inducted as the AGC President and Jerry Nevlud as the President of The Executive Leadership Council. Photo: Bill Scott, Linbeck Group, LLC, and AGC President, Jerry Nevlud, visit with Elisa B. Pratt, AGC of America, at the reception.
Visit http://agchouston.org/gallery.asp?galid=1873&pageid=6 to view the full article online.
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Charlene began her career at AGC Houston in 2004 to oversee the construction futures, school programs, AGC student chapters and the Construction Leadership Council. Besides managing the Chapter's education courses and construction futures, she also currently oversees the Patrick J. Kiley Excellence in Leadership Scholarship program and the newly created Leadership AGC. About her experience, Charlene says that she "would not have wanted to spend the last 10 years anywhere else" and is "still on a learning curve!" Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289495&issueID=40134 to view the full article online.
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The ACE Mentor Program of Houston invites you to join in The Third Annual Build It Forward Event. This event brings together students involved in the ACE Mentor Program and industry-wide professionals. For more information and to learn how you can get involved, please click here.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289686&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Industry experts say two of the biggest challenges facing Houston’s construction industry are the rising cost of building materials and a strained labor market, where builders are reporting that their competitors are poaching workers from their job sites, and the challenges are predicted to continue. While costs have steadily increased since 2012, they went up significantly in Houston during the past year with high demand, labor shortages, concrete shortages, long lead times for critical components, and subcontractor fees and unavailability among the drivers of the cost surges, according to Houston-based Kirksey Architecture’s 2014 Construction Cost report.
AGC Houston and The Construction Career Collaborative are committed to enhancing career opportunities and ensuring the construction industry continues to progress. We are proud to offer the skill and safety training necessary to maintain a safe and educated workforce. To view more information about C3, click here and to see what AGC safety and education classes are being offered this month, click here.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=289382&issueID=40134 to view the full article online. |
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Two Houston school districts and a college system are putting new construction bonds to the vote next month, and, if passed, could collectively add $1.47 billion of construction projects to a busy market already fiercely competing for labor and materials. In November, voters served by Katy ISD and Lamar CISD as well as the Lone Start College System will consider multimillion-dollar bonds.
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/10/over-1b-of-houstonconstruction-projects-could-be.html to view the full article online. |
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Office space under construction in Houston has increased by about 54 percent during the past 12 months. More than half of that space is leased or committed, with large tenants that are moving or expanding taking the bulk of the space. About 5.4 million square feet of new space is expected to deliver by the end of the year, which will bring the yearly delivery total to 10.8 million square feet — far exceeding last year’s delivery total of 3.2 million square feet. In response to the construction boom, Houston added more construction jobs to its market than any other major metro in the country from August 2013 to August 2014, according to a survey conducted by The Associated General Contractors of America.
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/breaking-ground/2014/10/office-construction-reaches-highest-level-since.html to view the full article online. |
The lecture series kicked off on Wednesday, October 1, with Jean-Louis Cohen, an architectural historian and critic.On Wednesday, October 8, Belgian photographer Filip Dujardin spoke with Oscar-nominated production designer K.K. Barrett (best known for his work with director Spike Jonze on such films as Her and Being John Malkovich). On Wednesday, October 15, British architect and curator Liam Young and Polish visual artist Agnieszka Kurant will continue the discussion.
Visit http://ricedesignalliance.org/2014/rsarda-fall-2014-lecture-series-near-future/#more-13772 to view the full article online.
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The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced the results of a study of job postings from across the United States, revealing that demand for the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) and LEED Green Associate credentials grew 46 percent during a 12-month period. Top fields being advertised included available positions in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering; construction management; architecture; software development; sales management; property management; and interior design, among others.
Visit http://www.bdcnetwork.com/studies-reveal-growing-demand-leed-credentialed-professionals-across-building-sector?utm_content=buffer87ca8&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer to view the full article online. |
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The increased coverage around Obamacare and the state’s strong economy has led to more people being covered under employer insurance, which has played a role in bringing the number of uninsured down. However, due to Texas' lack of a comprehensive Medicaid program, the state has seen a much larger drop in the percentage of uninsured. This will begin to affect employers, especially those who hire low-income, uninsured workers. Employer penalties for uninsured employees will start in 2015. Dr. Vivian Ho of the Baker Institute states, "If these workers aren't insured, it’s more people these employers will have to take a penalty for because it’s expected the employers should provide insurance for uninsured people."
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/blog/vital-signs/2014/09/obamacare-made-a-dent-in-the-number-of-uninsured.html to view the full article online. |
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The Texas Supreme Court recently issued a blockbuster opinion affirming the limited scope of no-damages for delay clauses. The Court recognized the traditional exceptions to the enforcement of no-damages-for-delay clauses. These include an owner’s "active interference" with a contractor "or other wrongful conduct," including "arbitrary and capricious acts." The Court reasoned that the purpose of such exceptions is to "preclude a party from insulating himself from liability for his own deliberate, wrongful conduct." No longer is there uncertainty about the applicability of the traditionally recognized exceptions to no damages clauses. Texas now falls in line with the majority of states.
Visit http://www.andrewsmyers.com/news-09-29-2014.html to view the full article online. |