Get the recognition you deserve for all the outstanding community work you do. Apply for the AGC in the Community Award today! AGC Charities is looking for members who are giving back to the community. AGC member companies and chapters in good standing who meet the competition requirements are encouraged to apply online for some much-deserved recognition. Apply by Friday, October 30, 2015, for full consideration. Learn more about AGC of America’s awards programs at www.agc.org/awards.

We strongly encourage AGC member companies in good standing who meet the competition requirements to submit an online application for the Alliant Build America Awards for some much-deserved recognition for their outstanding projects. As an added bonus, all entry fees are donated to the AGC Education and Research Foundation’s Alliant Build America Scholarship Fund and matched by Alliant to double the impact for young constructors across the country. (Not that you needed another reason to apply, of course!) Apply by Friday, Oct. 30, 2015, for full consideration. Learn more about AGC of America's awards programs at www.agc.org/awards.

In today's competitive world, contractors must streamline operations and come up with innovative solutions to a variety of construction challenges. Many firms have embraced Lean methodology as a way to deliver projects more efficiently. The September/October issue of Constructor looks at how Lean can minimize costs and maximize value on your construction projects in our cover story, "Lean in and Learn."  Other highlights of the September/October issue include "Getting Ready for the Big Ships," a story on how the New Panamax ships and the business they carry have inspired renovation projects at ports around the world; "Old, New, Tried & True," an article filled with strategies to keep up your marketing sleeve; and "The Picture of Health," a piece aimed to help members weave their way through the Affordable Care Act maze.

Both chambers of Congress recently approved the Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2015 that will require the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)—or other federal construction owners—to execute U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) construction projects over $100 million. AGC sent a letter urging members of Congress to support the act, which passed the Senate by unanimous consent on Sept. 25 and passed the House on a 423-0 vote on Sept. 30. The president is expected to sign the measure into law, which would apply only to new projects, not projects currently under development or construction. The act also increases the authorized funding level for the Aurora, Colorado VA Hospital Project.  In conjunction with this increase in authorization level, the congressionally approved continuing resolution that funds the government through Dec. 11 also includes a provision that provides the VA an additional $625 million. The project is expected to cost $1.7 billion, which is nearly three times what the agency planned to spend in 2011.

3 - 3:45 p.m.  
Employer Best Practices Webinar

8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Warwick Hiring Fair 
Warwick, RI

October 21-22, 2015 
9:30 a.m. (10/21) to 4 p.m. (10/22) 
Fort Carson Transition Summit 
Fort Carson, CA 

October 21-22, 2015 
3 (10/21) to 4 p.m. (10/22)
Fort Campbell Transition Summit 
Fort Campbell, KY 

October 21, 2015 
7 - 9 p.m. 
MCAS Miramar Military Spouse Networking Reception 
San Diego, CA 

October 22, 2015 
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
MCAS Miramar Military Spouse Hiring Fair 
San Diego, CA 

October 27, 2015 
8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Ft. Worth  Hiring Fair 
Ft. Worth, TX 

October 28, 2015 
7 - 9 p.m. 
Quantico Military Spouse Networking Reception 
Quantico, VA 

October 29, 2015 
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 
Quantico Military Spouse Hiring Fair 
Quantico, VA