AGC Constructor

Associated General Contractors of America

Procore
Top News
The number of unemployed workers with construction experience dropped to the lowest total for September since 2000, as hiring continued to slow despite robust demand for construction, according to an analysis by AGC of America. Association officials cautioned that the hiring slowdown most likely reflects a lack of available workers that could lead to project delays unless more students and workers join the construction sector.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2015/10/02/construction-unemployment-falls-lowest-september-mark-15-years-hiring-slows-amid to view the full article online.

 
An overwhelming majority of construction firms report trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots as demand for construction continues to rebound in many parts of the country, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released last week by AGC of America. Association officials called for new career and technical school programs, as well as other workforce measures to offset the labor shortages that are forcing firms to change how they operate and pose risks to workplace safety.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344329&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
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.
 
American Rental Association
Advocacy
On Oct. 1, the House approved the conference report for the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, which includes several AGC-supported procurement reforms.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2015/10/02/agc-backed-procurement-reforms-pass-house to view the full article online.

 
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.
 
NewForma
Business Tips
A construction cost audit can turn a project sideways if you aren’t prepared. There are many different compliance issues that arise during the contract audit process. However, almost all of these can be boiled down to four root causes.

Visit http://www.constructormagazine.com/avoid-construction-audit-pitfalls/#.ViAD5flVhBc to view the full article online.

 
Member News
Brasfield & Gorrie, an Alabama AGC member, recently announced the completion of a construction package including the build-out of the A320 final assembly line hangar (FAL), service building and logistics center on the Airbus U.S. Manufacturing Facility campus in Mobile, Alabama. A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the project, which began in January 2014.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344358&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
Brayman Construction Corporation, a member of multiple AGC chapters, recently announced that the Jonathan Hulton Bridge, a major river crossing in Oakmont, would be opening to traffic on Oct. 20, 2015. Pennsylvania Transportation Secretary Leslie Richards attended the ceremony on Sept. 17, stating that the opening is "another milestone on our journey to a better tomorrow."

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344364&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
Commodore Builders, a Newton-based commercial construction management firm and an AGC of Massachusetts member, announced recently that it has hired Oscar Medua as senior estimator and Rob Blanchard as senior project manager.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344365&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
C.W. Driver, an AGC of California member, recently completed construction on the $110 million, 100,000-sq-ft Life Sciences building at Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles. Construction on the project began in June 2013 and completed in August 2015.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344348&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
When Hill & Wilkinson, an Austin Chapter and TEXO member, first started saying yes to niche jobs like the south dock repairs for Quaker Oats in 1992, CEO Paul Driscoll said he never thought it would spur a Special Projects Division, much less one with $25 million in revenue. Recently, Hill & Wilkinson announced the new division, which was created to meet increasing demand from clients who need teams that can work quickly and efficiently on challenging and unique projects. The Special Projects Division will work with a wide range of budgets and complexities and serve over half a dozen industries.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344352&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
A long dormant track of land in the heart of West St. Louis County is awakening with the construction of a new $49 million luxury apartment with numerous amenities. The Residences at Sunset Ridge is a joint venture project by TriStar Properties and Propper Construction Services, an AGC of Missouri member. The 254-unit apartment is emerging on an 11-acre track northwest of I-270 and Manchester Road along Des Peres Road. It is the largest project being built within a $100 million mixed-use development that will also feature an assisted living facility, office and a planned hotel.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344362&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
Sundt Construction, Inc., a member of multiple AGC chapters, has been selected as the construction manager at risk (CMAR) for a new courthouse in downtown Redding, California.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344354&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
Tocci Building Companies, a Boston-area construction management company and recognized leader in virtual design and construction solutions and an AGC of Massachusetts member, announced recently that it kicked-off the renovation of a 120,000 sq-ft facility at 65 Grove Street in Watertown, Massachusetts. The $13,000,000 project will transform an outdated manufacturing plant into a premier office space.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344366&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
Turner Construction, a member of multiple AGC chapters, announced recently the promotion of Brad Simmons to operations manager of the company’s Nashville, Tennessee and Huntsville, Alabama offices.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344367&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
Western Waterproofing Company, an AGC of Missouri member, and its 30+ branch offices and member companies nationwide (including Brisk Waterproofing, Peoria Roofing, Western Facades and Harry S. Peterson Co.) are now known as Western Specialty Contractors. In addition to the new name, Western has also adopted a new logo and a new tag line - Confidence Through Performance.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=344346&issueID=47567 to view the full article online.

 
Industry Events
Events 
October 30, 2015 

Hiring Fairs 
October 20, 2015 
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 

November 3, 2015
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
Des Moines Hiring Fair
Des Moines, IA

November 5, 2015
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
Chicago Hiring Expo
Chicago, IL

November 7, 2015
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Flint Hiring Fair
Flint, MI

New York, NY

November 11, 2015
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
VETS ROCK! Hiring Fair at Mohegan Sun
Uncasville, CT

November 12, 2015
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Hiring Fair
Washington, DC

November 17, 2015
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Huntsville Hiring Fair
Hunstville, AL

November 17, 2015
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Virtual Job Fair

November 19, 2015
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Portland Hiring Fair
Portland, OR