The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a final rule on May 1st to increase protections for construction workers in confined spaces which could protect nearly 800 construction workers a year from serious injuries and reduce life-threatening hazards.

Last week, several AGC of America members alerted their local chapters to requests from Focus Media Group, or Mark Peters on behalf of Focus Media Group, to profile their companies in a magazine called Business in Focus. As part of the magazine's pitch, they claim to be working directly with AGC of America's communications team. AGC of America is not, in fact, working with them or affiliated with them in any capacity and is advising caution in any dealings with them. If you have any member reports of solicitations from this group or have any questions, please contact the Builders Association.

If you haven't registered yet for next Wednesday's Spring Summit, you may still do so. We look forward to conferring Builders Association Safety Awards to over 20 member firms, and a great presentation on the Impact of Millenials on Your Organization. Special Thanks to our sponsor THE HORTON GROUP.

The annual Builders Scholarship Foundation's golf outing will be held July 15th at Ruffled Feathers in Lemont. Many new games and sponsorship opportunities will be featured. Sponsorships are first come, first served. This fun-filled day continues to be the sole fundraiser for our very worthwhile scholarship program.

The Under-40 up and coming industry leaders met for the kick-off of our AGC chapter's Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in February. We look forward to continuing its momentum at our next program on Thursday, May 7th at Corcoran's in Chicago.

The Builders Association implemented this worthwhile safety awareness effort in 2013 which has been very well-received by industry CEOs, superintendents and tradesworkers, and the public. Participation grows each year and we look forward to even greater outreach this June.

This is the first time the International Congress on Construction History (held every three years) will be in the United States...and in our backyard, to boot! The Association is sponsoring an evening event on June 5th.

Negotiation updates are being distributed to signatory contractors and posted to the Members Only side of our website as we receive them. The most up to date Wage Allocation listing may be accessed on our Labor page as well. Please contact the Builders Association office if you have any questions.

"What should construction executives be doing now to prepare for the inevitable when it comes to cybersecurity in our industry?" Association member Holland & Knight has written a document dealing with this important issue.

AGC is hosting this webinar on Tuesday, May 12th from 1:00 - 2:00 PM CDT. Presenters will share their Lean journey and demonstrate the application of Lean techniques in the field. Project examples and results of project managers and superintendents who have added value by applying Lean to safety, planning, trade coordination, prefabrication, and quality will be used.

The 6th Annual Lean Summit is jointly presented by the Construction Users Roundtable (CURT), Lean Construction Institute (LCI), and Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). This event will be held June 10, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Lean Construction Summit is an opportunity for owners, design professionals, contractors and industry associations to come together in a unique setting to learn about new techniques and trends in lean construction, network with each other, share best practices, and develop solutions to improve the construction industry in the United States and around the world.

The LCI Chicago Community of Practice is presenting "Achieving Transformational Results Through Collaboration - The Center for Advanced Care at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center" at 3:00 pm on Thursday, May 7, 2015.

We are thrilled to have the following firms join the Association:

Calumet City Plumbing Co., Inc.

Edon Construction

Kingdom Community Construction

Plante Moran

The Builders Association ensures that the interests of the construction industry are represented by monitoring all bills introduced in the Illinois General Assembly and the City of Chicago and taking the stance that best serves our members, supporting construction and business-friendly bills, opposing bills that will impact the industry adversely and impede the ability of our members to do business, supporting legislators and candidates who are pro-business and are advocates of legislation that benefits the construction industry through PAC (Political Action Committee) funds, and drafting legislation that will improve and expand opportunities for Builders Association members.

Don't forget that we are partnered with NPP to bring our members discount pricing on business expenses, including wireless service, office products, industrial supplies and travel. NPP has negotiated discount contracts with prominent companies such as Verizon, Staples, Fastenal, Expedia and Impac Fuel Services. Our participating members are very happy with their company's significant savings reflected in their bottom lines. You can sign up with NPP for free, and there is no obligation to purchase. Your employees can also receive discount pricing through this partnership. Please contact the Builders Association for more info or check out Membership webpage!

During Commercial Truck Season, members can receive additional $500 On The Job bonus cash on select vehicles. With required proof of membership, AGC members are eligible for a $500 cash allowance and one of four On The Job program options. Choose from 2 years (8 changes) no-extra-charge oil changes, or up to $1,000 upfit, or graphic allowance, or a Bosch® tool pack. With bonus cash available during Commercial Truck Season, that's up to $2,000 in total incentives on select vehicles. Plus, this offer can be combined with most local or national offers for more savings.

The DFI Educational Trust will hold the second annual Thomas J. Wysockey Scholarship Fundraising Dinner on July 16, 2015, at the Union League Club of Chicago. The scholarship is named for Thomas J. Wysockey, chairman emeritus of Thatcher Foundations Inc., Gary, IN, a very active Association member. Mr. Wysockey is a past Chairman of the Builders Association.