AGC Constructor

Associated General Contractors of America

Top News

We continue to hear from many of you that the labor market has become tighter since AGC of America last surveyed its members about the extent of workforce shortages. We feel it is important to continue our efforts to better quantify where these shortages are taking place, how severe they are, and what steps firms are taking to both cope with tight labor markets and improve the supply of new, qualified workers. That is why we are asking you to take a few minutes to complete the following workforce survey that we prepared. Your responses will help us better define the problem to elected and appointed officials, the media, educators and your peers within the business community. The more people understand the issue, the more likely they are to act on the measures we identify in our Workforce Development Plan that are designed to make it easier for school systems, local associations and private firms to establish career and technical education and training programs. Take the survey now!

New ConstructorCast Episode Explores OSHA Silica Rule

Go in depth on the new OSHA silica rule's history, its contents, AGC's efforts, and what it all means for your business on the latest episode of the ConstructorCast. For this episode, we sit down with Kevin Cannon, AGC's Senior Director of Safety and Health Services, for the full story on how the rule came about and where things are headed down the road. Stream or download the full episode here!

Alliant Build America and AGC in the Community Competitions Now Open

Apply by Wednesday, October 26, 2016!

AGC of America is proud to announce the launch of our 2017 project award competitions! The Alliant Build America Awards (including the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category) and AGC in the Community competitions are now accepting applications. These programs recognize the nation’s most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy divisions; those contractors excelling in their partnering and collaborative endeavors; and the charitable contractors and chapters giving back to their communities. 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 Wednesday, October 26, 2016 for full consideration. Learn more about AGC of America’s awards programs at www.agc.org/awards.

Inside July/August: The Dangers of Highway Work Zones

As AGC of America's recently released highway work zone safety survey makes clear, too many construction workers are at risk of being injured or killed by vehicles crashing into their work sites. July/August's cover story, "Are We Safe Yet?" reveals some of the problems, along with several solutions, to help curb the dangers of highway work zones. Be sure to check out the infographic too that highlights the survey results.

This issue of Constructor also houses the much-anticipated 2016 Regional Resource Guide, plus stories on the NLRB's joint employer rule, federal construction and executive orders, driverless trucks, OSHA's new silica rule and more.

AGC Sponsors National Carpentry Competition

AGC of America would like to congratulate the winners of this year's SkillsUSA national carpentry competition that were announced on June 24 at the 52nd annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. This was the seventh year that the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) sponsored the national carpentry competition, and AGC of America was proud to participate as a platinum sponsor of this contest.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=388882&issueID=47576 to view the full article online.

Advocacy

FAA Extension Heads to the President

The House and Senate this week extended Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding and taxes through Sept. 30, 2017. The AGC-supported bill includes some but not all of AGC's priorities. AGC will continue to pursue a multiyear bill that provides increased funding for the Airport Improvement Program and an increase to the cap of the Passenger Facility Charges, which is used to finance local airport infrastructure projects.The bipartisan legislation includes several policy changes relating to aviation security, consumer protection and safety. However, the agreement maintains the current $3.35 billion funding level for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Both the House- and Senate-passed aviation bills had increased AIP funding by $400 million to $3.75 billion.

Visit http://www.mmsend50.com/link.cfm?r=5dl3C_j0eUQe12vA1ZTQHA~~&pe=ngP0rdZAnPB2NvoKfNfpkBz2pFQe-sRJrsOY-nq1SA-0NMUJ0-bQsC0n9chs1JjR5mnw-XBToJmZ695HDuUcuA~~ to view the full article online.

OSHA Delays Enforcement of Anti-Retaliation Provision in the New Recordkeeping Rule

On July 13, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) announced that the agency will delay enforcement of an anti-retaliation provision in its newly revised record keeping rules. This provision could deter the use of practices such as mandatory post-incident drug testing and safety incentive programs based on injury and illness rates. While the extension does provide employers with additional time to examine their policies, it does not eliminate the broader concerns regarding the position the agency has taken on such programs. Specifically, OSHA mentions in the preamble to the new rule that employers who require mandatory post-incident drug testing and implement safety incentive programs based on injury and illness rates could be in violation of the new regulation. AGC views the position taken by OSHA as both inappropriate and unlawful and is currently working with outside counsel to explore options for litigation.

Visit http://www.mmsend50.com/link.cfm?r=5dl3C_j0eUQe12vA1ZTQHA~~&pe=utJEWBCO_CLae6qtwk5_9HSmBE8hb1t3GYGuMAsK3WzGWA1CiP6v_pOfldphP6THPQ2Ov79Sa0Cb7noM4U0N5A~~ to view the full article online.

Business Tips

LinkedIn for Business Development

LinkedIn has been called Facebook for professionals, the virtual rolodex, and the headhunter’s haven to name a few. Regardless of what you call this online network, LinkedIn can be important for business development. Before delving into LinkedIn business development advice, let’s look at why LinkedIn is beneficial for the construction industry.

Visit https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Images/Construction%20Markets/2015-09%20LinkedIn%20for%20Business%20Development%20%28O%27Brien%29%20%282%29.pdf to view the full article online.

Chapter News

AGC Foundation Announces 2016 Grants

The Associated General Contractors (AGC) Oregon-Columbia Chapter Foundation recently announced grants totaling $55,000 to the following organizations.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=388889&issueID=47576 to view the full article online.

Member News

Advanced Condensing Boilers Remedy Aging Heating System at Chicago Medical Facility

A medical center in Chicago required a quick and efficient remedy to nurse its aging and failing boiler heating system back to good health. New high-efficiency condensing boilers provided the medicine needed. Larry Latas, system director for multiple medical facilities in Chicago, needed to upgrade the aging boiler at the 15,000-sq-ft Presence Health facility. Carl Wigginton, vice president of service at Murphy & Miller Inc., a Chicago-based HVAC mechanical services firm and Builders Association member, handles heating maintenance at Presence Health.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=388886&issueID=47576 to view the full article online.

Brandeis Appoints Vice President, Regional Sales Manager

Brandeis Machinery & Supply Company, an Indiana Constructors and AGC of Western Kentucky member, recently announced the recent appointment of Lee Heffley as vice president, regional sales manager. Heffley joined Bramco-MPS (formerly JFT and now a Brandeis sister company) as sales manager in 2001 and was named vice president of sales in 2007. He will initially be responsible for sales in the Brandeis Stanville and Corbin branches and coal industry sales in western Kentucky and Indiana.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=388891&issueID=47576 to view the full article online.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. Transforms Historic Government Building into Bay Area Metro Center in San Francisco

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., a member of multiple AGC chapters, recently finalized construction on the new Bay Area Metro Center, home to a collaborative of local government agencies that include the Association of Bay Area Governments, Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. The renovated regional agency headquarters building is located in San Francisco’s Rincon Hill district and completed in collaboration with lead architect Perkins + Will, and interior architect/design firm TEF Design.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=388893&issueID=47576 to view the full article online.

Gaston Electrical Provides Tel-Data Services for UMass Memorial Health Care

Gaston Electrical Co., Inc., a leading electrical services contractor in the New England region and an AGC of Massachusetts member, announced recently that it has begun a multi-location low voltage installation project on behalf of UMass Memorial Health Care (UMass Memorial). The scope of work includes upgrades to existing IDF closets, the installation, testing, and calibration of a new HD3 WiFi system with associated Category 6A cabling, new fiber optic backbone cabling, and a Distributed Antenna System (DAS). The project is designed to enhance and expand wireless coverage at multiple locations within the UMass Memorial system.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=388892&issueID=47576 to view the full article online.

Tocci Building Companies Awarded 2016 AGC Safety Award for 23rd Consecutive Year

Tocci Building Companies (Tocci), an AGC of Massachusetts member, was awarded a National Safety Award by the Massachusetts branch of AGC of America on June 24, 2016, at The Boston College Club in Boston. This marks the 23rd consecutive year that Tocci has been a recipient of the award, and further distinguishes the company as a leader in safety.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=388887&issueID=47576 to view the full article online.