AGC Constructor

The May/June issue of Constructor magazine is now available online and in print. In it, we cover the new AGC-Autodesk grant program, designed to keep women safe on jobsites while recruiting more into the industry. We also recap AGC’s 2020 Annual Convention in Las Vegas, celebrate award winning projects and companies, provide COVID-19 resources to AGC members, and much more. 

 

As the nation reels from the deadly novel coronavirus pandemic, with construction projects threatened, leadership at AGC of America continuously advocates for members.

BY DEBRA WOOD

The coronavirus has required many construction firms to change the way they operate. AGC is committed to helping the industry keep workers safe and keep construction going. We are posting coronavirus safety tips at workingsafe.agc.org every Wednesday. We encourage you to incorporate these tips into your discussions and materials to employees.

The chief executive officer of AGC of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement recently in reaction to new guidance from the Treasury Department regarding Paycheck Protection Program loans: “The Treasury Department’s new Paycheck Protection Program directive offers the kind of guidance we have been seeking. It provides many employers with additional clarity on how to proceed with their loans. Importantly, the Department has opted to provide a safe harbor provision for firms that self-certified their need for loans that totaled less than $2 million."

On May 11, over 135 members of the House—led by Reps. Conor Lamb (D-PA) and Bob Gibbs (R-OH)—called on Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy to support approximately $50 billion in federal funding for state departments of transportation (DOTs) in the next COVID-19 response package. AGC, along with other transportation construction stakeholders, spearheaded this effort. Also, House Democrats proposed providing $15 million in direct funding for state DOTs in their recently released HEROES Act (see above). While AGC appreciates this measure, it is strongly encouraging Congress to increase the amount of funding for state DOTs as the legislative process moves forward. Such funding is essential to helping ensure planned transportation projects can proceed as planned and to helping protect construction jobs.

 

Construction employment declined by 975,000 jobs in April as a new survey by the Associated General Contractors of America and data from construction technology firm Procore show deteriorating demand for construction, officials with the association announced today. The new economic data underscores the need for new federal measures to help the construction industry recover, including infrastructure funding, safe harbor provisions and fixes to the Paycheck Protection Program guidance, association officials added.

With coverage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continuing to dominate the news, AGC of America has put together this resource page to share accurate, reliable and updated information to help members take a proactive approach and plan/prepare accordingly. The association will continue to monitor the situation and update the information accordingly.

 

AGC encourages its members and all contractors to implement the temporary tips below, if practical: First, educate your employees on how to protect themselves and others, including the importance of good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact (within 6 feet) with others.

In this day and age, most construction firms are well aware that having a company website is a vital element of their business strategies. Many companies use their websites to post updates on current projects, company happenings and other relevant information their current and potential clients may find useful, ultimately with the goal of driving business. However, this valuable content may go unnoticed if you’re not carefully implementing search engine optimization (SEO).

BY GINA GALLUP, THE BRADFORD GROUP

AGC’s Culture of CARE initiative is challenging leaders to take a bold and visible step towards ensuring their workplaces are welcoming, safe and inclusive for an increasingly diverse and talented pool of workers. On this episode, our guests share how this important program got started, how it’s growing, how it’s benefiting contractors in the AGC family, and how more contractors can sign the pledge and get started. Subscribe to AGC’s ConstructorCast on your podcast app, or stream online at www.agc.org/ConstructorCast.

Cadence McShane Construction Company, a member of multiple AGC chapters, recently announced the completion of four multipurpose activity centers in Richardson and Dallas, Texas for Richardson Independent School District (Richardson ISD).

 

AGC Georgia recently announced that Anthony Gorzelnik, a superintendent with McCarthy Building Companies, received the prestigious Safety Leadership Award. In addition, more than 750 superintendents and foremen with no loss-time accidents or recordables from around the state will receive an Amerson Supervisor Safety Award certificate.