The Blueprint

Spring Summit Just Around the Corner

May 2018 -- Upcoming Events

Our very first Chicagoland AGC Spring Summit is just over two weeks away. Join us on Wednesday, May 16 at Maggiano's in Oak Brook. Registration will begin at 11:30, with the luncheon and program starting at noon. The event will feature a presentation on the importance of company culture in the construction industry, honor this year’s Safety Award winners, and provide an opportunity to network with other industry professionals.

Support the Future of the Industry at our June 27 Scholarship Golf Outing!

May 2018 -- Upcoming Events

Registration and sponsorship information for our June 27th Scholarship Foundation Golf Outing is now live! The Chicagoland Construction Scholarship Foundation awards renewable scholarships to qualified Chicagoland-area college students earning a construction-focused degree. The Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to date and plays an integral role in supporting the future workforce.

Save the Date for our PAC Fundraiser!

May 2018 -- Upcoming Events

This year's 3rd Annual PAC Fundraiser wil be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10 at the River Forest Country Club. Ensure that the interests of the construction industry are represented in the Illinois legislature through your donation. More information will be made available as the date nears.

Common Sense Solutions has Moved!

May 2018 -- Member Spotlight

Common Sense New Address

Register for our May 16th Spring Summit!

April 2018 -- Upcoming Events

You are cordially invited to our very first Chicagoland AGC Spring Summit on Wednesday, May 16 at Maggiano's in Oak Brook. Registration will begin at 11:30, with the luncheon and program starting at noon. The event will feature a presentation on the importance of company culture in the construction industry, honor this year’s Safety Award winners, and provide an opportunity to network with other industry professionals.

Chicagoland Construction Scholarship Golf Outing

April 2018 -- Upcoming Events

This is an all-day event, with registration beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch at 11:30. We'll kick off the shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and conclude with a 19th hole barbeque. A day on the links, spent with colleagues and friends, all for a good cause--this is an event you don't want to miss!

Tax Reform & Its Implications for Contractors--Complimentary Seminar April 3!

March 2018 -- Upcoming Events

Join us the afternoon of April 3 at the Conference Center of 1211 W. 22nd Street in Oak Brook for a complimentary seminar on tax reform. Registration will begin at 2:30 pm, with the presentation beginning at 3:00 pm. Cocktails and a social hour will follow.

While simplification may have been achieved for some individual taxpayers, contractors must navigate a maze of new, complex and interrelated tax provisions. This interactive seminar will discuss the implications of tax reform and what your firm should do now to plan for the changes. By understanding the potential impacts of the changes, your firm may retain competitive edge in the marketplace. Advanced registration is required.

Online Registration for our Spring Summit is Open!

March 2018 -- Upcoming Events

Open House for CAGC Members to Meet with Riley Construction

March 2018 -- Upcoming Events

On Tuesday, April 3, Chicagoland AGC's St. Charles office will hold a meeting for members to meet with Riley Construction Company, Inc. at 2020 Dean Street, Unit I in St. Charles, IL. Riley Construction will be the general contractor for the new St. Charles police station. The purpose of this open house is to allow CAGC members an opportunity to preview the project scope, schedule, and procurement process and to meet the project team members. Demolition is scheduled for May through July of 2018 and construction is scheduled for August of 2018 through July of 2019. The time of the open house will be announced in a follow-up email.

CAGC Members Recognized at AGC of America Convention

March 2018 -- Member Spotlight

Member companies Pepper Construction and Tyler Lane Construction were recognized last Tuesday at the AGC of America 99th Annual Convention in New Orleans. Pepper's Indiana team won first place in the Construction Safety Excellence Awards for the 250,000-650,000 hours division, and Tyler Lane received the Merit Award in Building Revision $10 to $99 million for the Lane Tech College Prep project. Congrats!

Help us Grow our Construction Leadership Council

March 2018 -- CAGC Bulletin

Our Construction Leadership Council (CLC) cultivates the next generation of leaders in the Chicagoland construction industry through educational, philanthropic, and networking events. Its growth is vital to the ongoing success of Chicagoland AGC, as it provides an entryway for young professionals to learn about the Association and get involved early on. Read on to learn about how your company can get involved.

Meet the Staff Series: Mike Hampson

March 2018 -- CAGC Bulletin

Meet our Executive Secretary, Mike Hampson. Mike moved with his family to Sycamore 12 years ago to serve as the Executive Director of Fox Valley AGC. Prior to that, Mike had worked for eight years as the Director of Member Services for Central Illinois Builders of AGC. Mike grew up in the construction world, as his father was a heavy highway contractor in Springfield, IL. While earning his BA in Business Management at University of Illinois Springfield, Mike was a member of the laborers union and worked with many of the local contractors.

Mike looks forward to working with membership and staff to build CAGC into the premier construction association. Mike excels at member relations and aims to get everyone as involved in the Association as possible. When not working, Mike enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren and playing soccer.

Save the Date for Spring Summit!

February 2018 -- Upcoming Events

This year's Spring Summit luncheon to honor our Safety Award winners will be held on Wednesday, May 16 at Maggiano's in Oak Brook. More information will be available soon. We look forward to seeing you there!

FREE Electrical Safety Training

February 2018 -- Upcoming Events

The Construction Safety Council (CSC) is hosting free four-hour trainings on working safely with electricity in construction. Training sessions will be held 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on February 14, April 19, and May 16 at the CSC offices at 4415 W. Harrison Street, Suite 404, in Hillside, IL. Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. Whether you work directly with electricity or around it, the potential for electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions exist. Some workers are completely unaware of the potential electric hazards present in their work environment, which makes them more vulnerable to the danger of electrocution.

CSI Chicago's 15th Annual Building Enclosure Event

February 2018 -- Upcoming Events

CSI is hosting a presentation overviewing trends and drivers affecting building enclosure and the building industry. The program will also cover building performance simulation fundamentals and history, BIM, comparisons of underlying simulation methods, and thoughts on how these can be used to design better building envelopes. The event will take place on Thursday, February 22nd at Maggiano's at 516 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The event is divided into a morning session and an afternoon session, each of which is similar to the other. Attendees may choose to attend one or both. Chicagoland AGC members receive the Industry Partner Rate.

Two Member Companies to Present at March 6th Safety Expo

February 2018 -- Upcoming Events

Two Chicagoland AGC member companies, Mortenson Construction and Safety Controls Technology, will be giving a presentation titled "Silica--What to do to Comply" from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6 at the ASA Construction Expo & Safety Conference at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. Register here!

Maximum Workplace Safety Fines Increase 1% Again

February 2018 -- Industry News

For a second consecutive year, maximum fines for Department of Labor safety and health agencies increased to keep pace with inflation.

The 1.02 percent increase is in line with the Consumer Price Index inflation rate as of October 2017, the department said in Jan. 2 notice (83 Fed. Reg. 7) detailing the updated penalties.

Upcoming Construction Education Institute Courses

February 2018 -- Education & Training

As a member of Chicagoland AGC, you have access to continuing education courses through the Construction Education Institute (CEI). Read on to learn about a few of the upcoming courses that our members have found particularly valuable.

Save the Date: Golf Outing Wednesday, June 27

January 2018 -- Upcoming Events
Save the date! The first Chicagoland AGC Golf Outing will tee off on Wednesday, June 27 at Cog Hill in Lemont, which features multiple courses to accommodate our growing Association. The outing will benefit our scholarship foundation, which offers renewable scholarships to Chicago-area college students earning a degree in a construction-related field. We look forward to seeing you there!

Quick Tips for Preventing and Addressing Workplace Harassment

January 2018 -- Industry News
In light of the mounting allegations against – and even admissions from – certain elected officials, well-known journalists and high-ranking Hollywood moguls, employers must be vigilant in taking steps to protect their workplaces and employees from sexual and other forms of harassment. While this issue remains a complicated one, there are some simple risk management steps that can be taken in order to minimize the risk of harassment in the workplace and to increase a company’s lines of defense against such claims.

Welcome to New Member Dolmen Construction!

January 2018 -- Member Spotlight
The Chicagoland AGC is pleased to welcome Dolmen Construction as a new member. Dolmen is a subcontractor focusing on rough carpentry, framing, insulation and drywall installation. Welcome, Dolmen!

Chicagoland AGC Welcomes Meyer Concrete!

January 2018 -- Member Spotlight
Established in 1965, Meyer Material's concrete pumping division was one of the first concrete placing companies in the Chicagoland area. In 2012, the current ownership bought the pumping division, bringing the company full circle back to its family-owned roots. Meyer Pumping has and will continue to to perform concrete and material placing work on jobs from small do-it-yourself residential jobs to some of the iconic high rise towers on Chicago's skyline.

Congrats to Winners of CISCO's Top 2017 Projects

January 2018 -- Member Spotlight
The Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) will recognize a number of Chicagoland AGC members for their remarkable 2017 projects at the annual CISCO meeting next month. Among those members who won were Clark Construction Group, Ujamaa Construction and Bulley & Andrews, with a special mention going to W.E. O'Neil. Congratulations!

Builders Connect 2017

December 2017 -- Upcoming Events
Builders Connect 2017 will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, December 6, from 12-2:30 p.m. at the Drake. The Association will gather to celebrate a strong construction season, honor Community Builder recipients Sterling Bay and Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., and commend those celebrating milestone membership anniversaries. A special thanks to all those who are sponsoring the event!

Construction Employment Increases in 243 Metro Areas Between October 2016 & 2017

December 2017 -- Industry News
CONSTRUCTION EMPLOYMENT INCREASES IN 243 METRO AREAS BETWEEN OCTOBER 2016 & 2017

Happy Holidays from the Builders Association

December 2017 -- CAGC Bulletin
As 2017 comes to a close, we want to thank you for your membership with the Builders Association. Since 1906, we have proudly served as the leading trade association for the Chicago commercial construction industry. We look forward to continuing that legacy through the merged Chicagoland AGC in 2018. From all of us at the Builders Association, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

2018 Dues Statements to Arrive Mid-December

December 2017 -- CAGC Bulletin
Keep an eye out for 2018 dues statements from the Chicagoland AGC. Dues statements will be sent out mid-December. We look forward to working with you as we move into this exciting new chapter for the Chicagoland construction industry.

Congrats to Tracey Mendrek of Wight & Company

November 2017 -- Member Spotlight
Wight & Company recently welcomed Tracey Mendrek as Director of Client Partnerships. In her new role, Mendrek's focus is on cultivating new client relationships, as well as nurturing trusted partnerships. Wight & Company connects architecture, engineering, and construction services, thereby providing clients with integrated design and delivery solutions. The Builders Association extends warm congratulations to Mendrek and welcomes her as a Builders Association member.

Government Relations Committee Hosts Successful PAC Fundraiser

November 2017 -- CAGC Bulletin
On Thursday, October 26, the Builders Association Government Relations Committee held its second annual PAC reception at the Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook. The committee honored this year's Construction Industry Advocates: Senator Bill Brady, Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., and DuPage County Board Chaiman Dan Cronin. Thank you to our sponsors, especially James McHugh Construction Co. for sponsoring at the Excavator Level!

OSHA Reveals Top 10 Violations for 2017

November 2017 -- CAGC Bulletin
OSHA recently released the top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety violations for fiscal year 2017.

Construction Week This Week

October 2017 -- Upcoming Events
As the demand for construction continues to rise, so does the need for an educated, talented, and qualified labor force. This labor shortage is not going to correct itself. As a response, contractors across the nation are declaring the first week in October of each year as "Construction Week." Please contact us with any lingering questions about how you can participate!

RSVP for Builders Association PAC Fundraiser

October 2017 -- Upcoming Events
For the second year, the Builders Association Government Relations Committee cordially invites you to a PAC reception from 5:30 to 7:30 on October 26 at the Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook, where we will honor several Construction Industry Advocates. To RSVP or sponsor, please call 773.444.0465.

FREE October 19 Webinar: Digitizing Your Field Data

October 2017 -- Upcoming Events
AGC of America is offering a Contractor Development Webinar Series, free to AGC members. The first of nine webinars is on Digitizing Your Field Data, and will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT on Thursday, October 19. Emerging contractors might choose to avoid field automation tools, fearing that they won’t recover the investment, or achieve ROI. This webinar will describe why this shouldn’t be the case, and why they especially should embrace emerging mobile tools to capture critical field data to support their operations.

Workplace Wellness Seminar

October 2017 -- Upcoming Events
The Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) is holding a workplace wellness seminar at Maggiano's in Oak Brook on Wednesday, October 18. Research has shown that companies implementing health and wellness programs can effectively reduce employee risk status and help lower health care costs. By confronting the top-drivers of health care costs, employers can control their health insurance premiums and improve the overall health of their employees.

Resource: Business Development Best Practices

October 2017 -- Industry News
AGC of America is constantly creating new resources for our members. One such resource is the Business Development Best Practices webpage. Everyone wants and values their business relationships, but how do you establish them effectively? Is it just about meeting people? You meet someone, talk, and you have a relationship. Seems easy, yet effective business relationships take dedication and commitment. September's article, "Keys to Building Effective Business Relationships," provides six key ways to building effective business relationships.

Builders Association to Merge with Fox Valley AGC

October 2017 -- CAGC Bulletin
The Builders Association is pleased to announce that both our general contractor member firms and those of Fox Valley AGC voted overwhelmingly to merge our associations. The merged organization, Chicagoland AGC, will better serve our valued members and the industry as a whole. We thank all those who were so actively involved in this 18-month process. We will continue to keep you informed of our progress in advance of the official launch date: January 1, 2018. If you are interested in being more involved in this new organization, please contact us.

Construction Week Webinar Tuesday, September 12

September 2017 -- Upcoming Events
As the demand for construction continues to rise, so does the need for an educated, talented, and qualified labor force.This labor shortage is not going to correct itself. As a response, contractors across the nation are declaring the first week in October of each year as "Construction Week." In order to support your firm in your Construction Week efforts, the Builders Association is holding a webinar on Tuesday, September 21 at 9:30 a.m.

CLC Announces September 21 Fall Jobsite Tour

September 2017 -- Upcoming Events
The CLC cordially invites you to a night of scaffolding, hard hats, and music. Yes, this year's Fall Jobsite Tour will be held at the DePaul School of Music. The tour will be followed by a networking event at Broken English, 2576-2680 N. Lincoln Avenue.

Save-the-Date for October 26 PAC Reception

September 2017 -- Upcoming Events
For the second year, the Builders Association Government Relations Committee cordially invites you to a PAC reception from 5:30 to 7:30 on October 26 at the Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook, where we will honor several Construction Industry Advocates. Formal invitations will be mailed next week.

Save-the-Date for Builders Connect

September 2017 -- Upcoming Events
The Builders Association looks forward to celebrating a successful year in construction at the annual Builders Connect on December 6. The event will be held at the Drake Hotel in Chicago.

Recruiting Tip of the Month

September 2017 -- Industry News
Many new hires do not work out in the first 18 months due to poor attitude. Research shows that even professional interviewers can sometimes fail to detect attitude issues. People today are immersed in interview tips and tricks through social media, which may enable some candidates to learn how to hide a negative attitude in order to get hired. By following these tips, your company may improve its chances of spotting this type of candidate before they become an unsatisfactory hire.

BA Members Continue to Grow Through Construction Education Institute

September 2017 -- Education & Training
Did you know that your membership with the Builders Association affords continuing education opportunities with the Construction Education Institute? Classes at CEI change as new technologies and topics emerge and are taught by the industry's most respected instructors; in-seat fees are just $100 for members of the Builders Association.

Construction Week Webinar Tuesday, September 12

CLC Announces September 21 Fall Jobsite Tour

Save-the-Date for October 26 PAC Reception

Save-the-Date for Builders Connect

Recruiting Tip of the Month

BA Members Continue to Grow Through Construction Education Institute

Get Involved in Construction Week October 2-6

August 2017 -- Upcoming Events
As the demand for construction continues to rise, so does the need for an educated, talented, and qualified labor force.This labor shortage is not going to correct itself. As a response, contractors across the nation are declaring the first week in October of each year as "Construction Week." And while there are many materials to help promote this initiative, its success will ultimately require the support of proud and passionate individuals.

Save-the-Date for CLC Jobsite Tour

August 2017 -- Upcoming Events
CLC-ers, mark your calendars for our September 21 jobsite tour and networking reception. We'll get an inside look at the DePaul School of Music center on the Lincoln Park Campus. When completed, the center will include the 505-seat William E. and Mary Pat Gannon Hay Concert Hall, a 140-seat recital hall, a smaller recital hall that will seat 81 people, and the 76-seat Philip Corboy and Mary Dempsey Jazz Hall. The space is designed to optimize the acoustics of the school's many ensembles and provide an elegant atmosphere for a variety of performances. Thank you to Bulley & Andrews for providing us with this opportunity. Keep an eye out for more details as the date rolls closer!

BuiltWorlds to Host The Cities Conference

August 2017 -- Upcoming Events
We've been hearing for years about the enormous infrastructure needs facing cities, that cities are "disrupt-able" and ripe for change. But what's often left out of the conversation is how to capitalize on it. Fortunately, on August 24 from 7 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, BuiltWorlds is hosting a conference to address this very topic.

Industry Adds 16,000 Jobs in June

August 2017 -- Industry News
Construction employment increased by 16,000 jobs in June to the highest level since October 2008, signaling a new burst of hiring after three months of pause, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged federal, state and local lawmakers to enact measures to make it easier for school officials, local associations and construction firms to set up construction training programs.

DK Cole's HR & Recruiting Tip of the Month

August 2017 -- Industry News
Staying on or under budget on a construction job without sacrificing quality is an everyday goal for most contractors. The same is true for hiring new employees. Some hiring managers have the false impression that they’re saving their employer money by making low-ball salary offers. But, frankly, the opposite is true. This article outlines the reasons you should avoid low-ball offers.

McHugh Construction Names Alex Bonfil Vice President of Concrete

August 2017 -- Member Spotlight
James McHugh Construction Co. is pleased to announce the promotion of Alex Bonfil to Vice President of Concrete. As Vice President of Concrete, Bonfil oversees all aspects of concrete operations, including preconstruction and estimating, negotiating contracts, managing budgets, approving subcontracting awards, establishing and achieving objectives, and ensuring the strong financial performance of his projects. He is responsible for the continuous improvement of concrete operations as well as supervising McHugh's industry-leading concrete teams working on some of the most complex structures across Chicago. Bonfil, who joined McHugh in 2012, formerly served as a concrete estimator manager where he oversaw the company's concrete preconstruction and estimation functions. In that role, he spearheaded the implementation of 3-D modeling technology in the concrete division, enabling his team to deliver more accurate concrete estimates to clients. Today, that technology is employed across the company's portfolio to expedite construction timelines, enhance field team training, and mitigate development issues before they arise. "Alex is a proven professional who has earned the trust and respect of our clients, project teams, and leadership," said Bruce Lake, president of McHugh Construction. "We have every confidence that our concrete division will be strengthened with his talent, hard work and team-first approach." Bonfil earned his BS and MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.

Congrats to Tribco Construction Services on New Space

August 2017 -- Member Spotlight
As of July 31st, Tribco Construction Services has relocated both its Warrenville and Chicago offices to 10 S. LaSalle, Suite 202 in Chicago. Congrats on the new space, and best wishes for many successful years there!

Builders Foundation Raises over $32,000 for Scholarship Fund

August 2017 -- CAGC Bulletin
The Builders Foundation raised over $32,000 to support hardworking college students striving to make their mark on the industry. The Union Carpenters & Contractors generously sponsored the event, which was held on July 12. Despite the rain earlier in the day, the weather cleared up and the event was enjoyed by all.

There's Still Time to Register for the Builders Foundation Golf Outing!

July 2017 -- Upcoming Events
For the past 15 years, the Builders Foundation has built a solid foundation for the industry to continue to grow upon by supporting qualified college students from the Chicagoland area majoring in the fields of construction management or constructing/civil engineering. Come celebrate our 15th annual golf outing fundraiser for a good cause! As usual, this is an all-day event, with registration beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch. We'll kick off with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m. and conclude with a dinner reception at 5:30 p.m. Just think of it: a day on the links, spent with friends and colleagues, with delicious food and drinks. This is an event you don't want to miss.

Save-the-Date for Construction Week October 2-6

July 2017 -- Upcoming Events
As the demand for construction continues to rise, so does the need for an educated, talented, and qualified labor force.This labor shortage is not going to correct itself. As a response, contractors across the nation are declaring the first week inOctober of each year as "Construction Week." And while there are many materials to help promote this initiative, its success will ultimately take the support of proud and passionate individuals.

You're Invited to AIA Contract Documents 2017 Release

July 2017 -- Upcoming Events
Architects, contractors, attorneys, and other in the AEC industry are invited to AIA Contract Documents 2017 Release: Explore Revised General Conditions, Owner-Architect and Owner-Contractor Agreements. The event will take place on Wednesday, July 26 from 6-8 p.m.

BA Partnering for First-Ever MEP-Palooza

July 2017 -- Upcoming Events
The Builders Association is partnering with several organization for the first ever joint networking event for young professionals in Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Construction! The event will be held on Thursday, July 20 from 1-4 p.m. at the scenic Bemis Woods Forest Preserves.

Pay-if-Paid vs. Pay-when-Paid Case Analysis

July 2017 -- Industry News
There are countless ways for a construction project to go awry. The first claims that come to mind are those based on delays or defective workmanship, but perhaps even more common are the potential claims which arise when a general contractor does not receive payment from the owner, but remains potentially liable to its subcontractors for work performed. Like most construction disputes, the answer to the question of whether or when a general contractor is liable for payment to its subcontractors starts (and often ends) with the language of the contract.

US Secretary of Labor Withdraws Joint Employer, Independent Contractor Informal Guidance

July 2017 -- Industry News
In line with AGC’s regulatory recommendations, on June 7, 2017, U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta announced the withdrawal of the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2015 and 2016 informal guidance on joint employment and independent contractors. Both pieces of guidance together took an expansive interpretation of employment and threatened the traditional relationship between contractors and their partners. AGC and its members were concerned that these interpretations would make compliance more complicated, leading to unnecessary enforcement efforts and increased costs to projects.

HR & Recruiting Tip of the Month

July 2017 -- Education & Training
Traditional job descriptions are little more than a list of skills and qualifications a hiring manager believes a candidate needs to succeed in the job. But, there are no guarantees that a candidate who possesses these skills and credentials will be able to perform the role successfully.

Update on IDOT/CDB Projects

July 2017 -- CAGC Bulletin
Both the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Capital Development Board have announced plans to shut down all ongoing projects effective June 30. Since the General Assembly has not approved a Fiscal Year 2018 budget, the agencies will have no authority to expend funds after the current fiscal year ends on June 30.

Discounted Seminar Registration for BA Members

May -- Upcoming Events
With the advent of new mass-timber technologies and specialized connection systems, sustainable wood-based structures are steadily gaining traction. The Chicago Committee on High Rise Buildings is hosting a seminar, The Heavy Timber High Rise: Building Tall with Wood in the 21st Century, devoted to this timely topic. Presentations will cover everything from new technologies and design process to fire safety issues and challenges. The event will end with a panel discussion, featuring leading industry professionals.

FORE! Builders Foundation Golf Outing July 12

May -- Upcoming Events
For the past 15 years, the Builders Foundation has been building a solid foundation for the industry to grow upon by supporting qualified college students from the Chicagoland area majoring in the fields of construction management or constructing/civil engineering. Come celebrate our 15th annual golf outing fundraiser for a good cause!

BuiltWorlds to Talk Workplace Wellness

May -- Upcoming Events
Between cigarettes, junk/fast food and exposure to dangerous environmental conditions, a job site can be one of the most unhealthy places to work in the world. Yet, besides ensuring job site safety, there's traditionally little that's been done by built industry companies to promote the health and wellness of employees.

Suicide Prevention Summit: Next Steps

May -- Industry News
As you may know, construction is rated as one of the industries most highly affected by suicide. Therefore, it is imperative to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health and to create caring cultures within our companies. In February, the Builders Association partnered with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention to put on a Suicide Prevention Summit. Currently, the Department of Psychology at Florida State University is conducting a study to better understand the high suicide rate in the industry.

Stay Up-to-Date with Contract Negotiations

May -- Industry News
Many contracts are being renegotiated through June 1. All updates are reported in real time on the members-only side of our website. Please note that you will need your member login information in order to access the Trade Wages/Allocations/Updates page. Contact us at info@bldrs.org for login information.

DK Cole's HR & Recruiting Tip of the Month

May -- Education & Training
No priority is more important to your business than hiring top talent. Yet, when it comes to hiring, many managers put recruiting tasks at the bottom of their "to do" list. Here are three reasons why recruiting it should be at the top.

BA Members Receive Member Pricing on any AGC National Events

May -- Education & Training
Don't forget that by being a member of the Builders Association, you are automatically a member of AGC National and receive member pricing on any events. AGC is hosting a number of excellent conferences over the course of the next several months. Take this opportunity to be a part of the wider AGC community.

Builders Association Welcomes New Member, Hays Specialist Recruitment!

May -- Member Spotlight
Hays is the world's leading group of recruitment experts dealing with direct hire, contract and temporary roles. The Chicago division specializes in technical placements including project managers, estimators, superintendents and executives.

Welcome to New Member Lockton Companies!

May -- Member Spotlight
Lockton is the world's largest privately-held, independent insurance broker. Energy, innovation and deep expertise fuel their efforts to solve problems and achieve real results. Lockton harnesses all of its global resources to do one thing: help you make your business better. They achieve this by improving your bottom line, managing your capital, attracting and retaining talent and by protecting your people, property and reputation.

BA is Excited to Welcome PPG Industries!

May -- Member Spotlight
PPG is a global manufacturer of paints, coatings, optical products, specialty materials, and fiber glass. Their vision is to be the world’s leading coatings company by consistently delivering high-quality, innovative and sustainable solutions that customers trust to protect and beautify their products and surroundings.

Kudos to Bob Hill Upon Graduation from Crain's Leadership Academy

May -- Member Spotlight
The Builders Association is proud to offer congratulations to Bob Hill, Senior Project Engineer of Crain's Leadership Academy. This prestigious program is offered only to professionals who have at least seven years of business experience and/or manage a team and who are on the fast track for increased responsibility at their organization. Professionals must be nominated and admitted before participating in this five-week program. Please join us in congratulating Bob!

Congrats to Michuda Employees for Passing CM-Lean Credentialing Exam

May -- Member Spotlight
Lean Construction is based on the holistic pursuit of continuous improvements aimed at minimizing costs and maximizing value on a construction project. To help contractors develop the knowledge needed to build lean, the Associated General Contractors of America developed the Lean Construction Education Program. This month, all 11 Michuda Employees who completed the seven-unit course passed the exam.

Another Successful Safety Stand Down in the Books

May -- CAGC Bulletin
Since 2013, each spring the Builders Association has designated a week as Safety Stand Down Week. The BA is proud to announce that this year's participation exceeded any year prior, with over 7,000 participants at 364 sites. Area contracting firms shut down their job sites to give a brief presentation on a relevant safety issue. This year's presentation focused on struck-bys and caught-ins, the leading cause of fatalities in OSHA Region V. Thank you to all 35 member companies who participated!

Thanks to All Who Attended the Spring Summit

May -- CAGC Bulletin
Over 100 construction professionals convened for May 11th's Spring Summit. The program began with a luncheon at which BA members were awarded this year's Safety Awards. Congrats to all award winners! Steve Coughran of Coltivar Group then gave a timely presentation on staying relevant and the importance of finding your specialty in the industry. Thank you to all who attended the Spring Summit. It's an incredible opportunity to honor the safe practices we strive for, to boost morale as construction season revs up, and to network with fellow Association members. Many thanks to McShane Companies, Pepper Construction, and Wight & Co. for sponsoring lunch.

Congratulations to This Year's Safety Award Winners

May -- CAGC Bulletin
As a leading industry advocate for safe construction performance, the Builders Association has instituted a Safety Award program to recognize its General and Specialty contractor members’ outstanding safety performance. The program allows firms of similar size to compete for two awards based on incident rates, and one award honors most improved safety record. Congratulations to the winners of this year's Safety Awards!

Words of Wisdom Shared at An Evening with Industry Icons

May -- CAGC Bulletin
It's not every night that construction leaders take center stage, but four industry icons received the red carpet treatment at May 18th's CLC event. An Evening with Industry Icons was held at the Muvico Rosemont 18 and some of construction's most successful voices shared their wisdom with the crowd.

Social Media Quick Tip of the Month

May -- CAGC Bulletin
Though social media can seem overwhelming, there's no doubt that it's important for companies to have a presence on it these days. If you're not sure where to start, just choose one platform to focus on, instead of creating a bunch of accounts that are rarely updated.

Register for the 2017 Spring Summit

May 2017 -- Upcoming Events
Mitigating Risk. Working in the construction industry, we hear this phrase on repeat and know its importance all too well. Your opportunity to learn more about this topic is coming up at the annual Spring Summit, where we will be hosting Steve Coughran, Director of Strategy for Coltivar Group. Steve will give a presentation on risk management, staying relevant in a quickly evolving industry, and strategizing for long-term success.

There's Still Time to Register for An Evening with Industry Icons

May 2017 -- Upcoming Events
The next Evening with Industry Icons is just over two weeks away, and the CLC is looking forward to hosting another panel of esteemed construction leaders. The event will take place on Thursday, May 18th at Muvico Rosemont 18. Registration will open at 5:00 p.m., with the panel discussion starting at 5:30 in Auditorium C. A cocktail reception in Bogart's Dining Room will follow the panel, from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Registration for the Builders Foundation Golf Outing is Now Open!

May 2017 -- Upcoming Events
For the past 15 years, the Builders Foundation has been building a solid foundation for the industry to grow upon by supporting qualified college students from the Chicagoland area majoring in the fields of construction management or constructing/civil engineering. Come celebrate our 15th annual golf outing fundraiser for a good cause!

BA Members Receive Discounted Registration for Seminar

May 2017 -- Upcoming Events
With the advent of new mass-timber technologies and specialized connection systems, sustainable wood-based structures are steadily gaining traction. The Chicago Committee on High Rise Buildings is hosting a seminar, The Heavy Timber High Rise: Building Tall with Wood in the 21st Century, devoted to this timely topic. Presentations will cover everything from new technologies and design process to fire safety issues and challenges. The event will end with a panel discussion, featuring leading industry professionals.

Ready to Comply with OSHA's Silica Rule in June?

May 2017 -- Industry News
Beginning on June 23, 2017, contractors must comply with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OHSA) respirable crystalline standard for construction. Although AGC continues to work towards the rule’s repeal and—at minimum—delay, contractors should be prepared to comply with it. As of today, nothing is certain except for the June 23 compliance date. To help educate AGC members, AGC has developed the "Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction" webpage designed to provide contractors with a better understanding of what is expected of them by OSHA.

Seven Questions to Consider When Entering a New Market

May 2017 -- Industry News
Grow, increase, expand. These concepts form the foundation of a company’s strategic goals. Although not all strategies require entering new markets, at some point, firms must expand beyond existing clients or geographies to achieve significant growth.

DK Cole's HR & Recruiting Tip of the Month

May 2017 -- Education & Training
I’ll never forget the project manager search we conducted for Tom, the COO of a large specialty contractor. Tom was highly regarded and his technical expertise was unmatched. But, he had an interview style that caused all five candidates he interviewed to walk away discouraged. In fact, some walked away angry! With heavy competition for talent, you can’t have a "negative COO" on the interview team. Finding the right balance between selling the company and vetting the candidate is the key. Look for team members with these following skills. If you do, you’ll get the right people on your recruiting team.

Upcoming MCA Trainings

May 2017 -- Education & Training
Membership to Builders Association includes access to a breadth of education and training opportunities through the Construction Education Institute. Several valuable courses being offered this month are described here.

Welcome to Our Newest Member, Lindholm Roofing!

May 2017 -- Member Spotlight
Lindholm Roofing is a third generation family business. Their services include all types of roofing, siding, gutters/down spouts, masonry, and window replacement. The Builders Association is proud to welcome them as our newest member!

50 Years of Building Trust: GH Johnson Celebrates 50 Years

May 2017 -- Member Spotlight
The Glenn H. Johnson Construction Company is proudly celebrating 50 years of dedicated service to its clients. Founded in 1967, the company has been building not only construction projects, but a reputation based on the Christian principles of honesty and integrity in all of its dealings. Glenn H. Johnson Construction continues endeavoring to be an organization which is respected by all who come in contact with them. They continue to succeed through their dedication to establishing and maintaining relationships built upon those who entrust the company with their construction needs. From the Builders Association, a big congratulations and wishes for continued success to Glenn H. Johnson Construction Company!

Leaders to Look For

May 2017 -- Member Spotlight
The following Builders Association members have been participating in a five-unit monthly Leadership Development Course and will be graduate in May. Congrats to: Anthony Alleman (Pepper Construction) Ryan Cummings (Blinderman Construction) Dana Erdman (Bulley & Andrews) David Haas (Pepper Construction) Susan Heinking (Pepper Construction) Jay Hunger (Bulley & Andrews) Scott Lapp (Bulley & Andrews) Jarrod Lichty (Bulley & Andrews) Tim Lumpp (Pepper Construction) Mark Ristow (Bulley & Andrews) Terrence Roche (Denk & Roche Builders) Brian Sanders (Bulley & Andrews) Mike Shydlowski (W.B. Olson) Susan Uhlarik (McShane Construction)