Students from various Region V and International schools competed yesterday in the ASC/TEXO Region V Student Competition. We had a great time watching students prepare and present their proposals in the Commercial Building, Design/Build and Heavy Civil Categories. Students also had the chance to meet and network with TEXO members in the Networking Lounge throughout the day. It was a great day and another great year of competition. Read all about the two-day event on TEXO's EXPOSURE page. Thank you to AUI Contractors, The Beck Group and Austin Bridge & Road for being competition sponsors. We also want to say thank you to all of our Networking Lounge sponsors and Dinner presenters.

Wednesday, March 4
11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: TEXO Dallas Conference Center
Cost: Complimentary
Topic: OSHA Update

This month TEXO would like to present Mr. Greg Wynn, Assistant Area Director of the Dallas OSHA office. Mr. Wynn will be discussing the National Stand Down for Safety initiative, a review of 2014 from OSHA perspective, OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards, the Fatal Four and focus items for the Dallas Area Office. This is the first time TEXO has had Mr. Wynn present at our Superintendent Safety Forum and we look forward to the opportunity to meet and discuss our common interests with him. Learn more and register

Thursday, March 5
11:30am - 1:00pm
Location: TEXO Dallas Conference Center
Cost: Complimentary
Topic: OSHA Update

This month TEXO would like to present Mr. Greg Wynn, Assistant Area Director of the Dallas OSHA office. Mr. Wynn will be discussing the National Stand Down for Safety initiative, a review of 2014 from OSHA perspective, OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards, the Fatal Four and focus items for the Dallas Area Office. This is the first time TEXO has had Mr. Wynn present at our Superintendent Safety Forum and we look forward to the opportunity to meet and discuss our common interests with him. Learn more and register

March 11-12
Location: Austin, TX

The AGC Texas Building Branch 2015 Legislative Day is scheduled for March 11 & 12. A welcome reception will be held on March 11, followed by legislative visits the next day. By participating in the legislative day events you will get the opportunity to meet with your Texas State House Representative and Senator as well as their staff.  For event details and registration information, click here.

Thursday & Friday - March 26 & 27
8:00am - 4:30pm (March 26), 8:00am - 1:00pm (March 27)
Location: TEXO Dallas Conference Center
Cost: $350 - TEXO Members
Suggested Attendee: 10+ years' experience
**Limited to 30 attendees**

Using the proper communication techniques to convey difficult messages, manage perceptions, achieve buy in and get your message across is an essential component in personal and business interactions. This workshop will integrate material from the Harvard Program on Negotiation with proven techniques, to better equip participants with the skills needed to develop communication competence in conflict situations. Learn more and register

Tuesday, March 31
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Location: TEXO Dallas Conference Center
Cost: Complimentary - TEXO Members Only

TEXO has a lot to offer its members. From safety training, to a legislative voice, to industry leading professional development programs and courses, to valuable Member Benefit Programs, TEXO has something to offer to help every person in your company advance their career. On March 31, we will be holding the first TEXO 101 at the TEXO Dallas Conference Center. This course is a perfect opportunity for you to meet the leadership of TEXO and learn what TEXO can offer you and your employees.
Register Now!

Tuesday, March 31
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: TEXO Dallas Conference Center
Cost: Complimentary - TEXO Members Only

The TEXO IMPACT Networking Series makes its 2015 debut on March 31. Join fellow TEXO Members for a time of fun, food and networking at the TEXO Dallas Conference Center. The crawfish will be provided by Cajun Crawfish Company. Don't miss this incredible event to build your network in a fun and relaxed environment. Learn more and register now!

April 24-25
Location: Lake Fork Marina
Cost:

Early Bird Registration Lasts Until April 17

$170/Team - ASA or TEXO Member
$200/Team - Non-Member

Register now for the kick-off to the 2015 TEXO Challenge Cup, presented by Acton Mobile. ASA and TEXO are combining tournaments for the 2015 Bass Classic. Over 100 boats will be competing at the beautiful Lake Fork Marina north of Tyler. To learn more and register your team, click here.

It seems every major daily newspaper in Texas is reporting on the many job cuts in our state's oil and gas industry. AGC of America just released "Ready to Hire Again: The 2015 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook." In summary, the 10-page report describes the growing shortage of qualified workers-especially craft workers. That's one of the reasons an industry coalition developed a new statewide workforce development website, www.texasconstructioncareers.com. It is designed to connect laid off workers to meaningful, well-paying jobs in the construction industry.  Employers can post positions, check out industry job fairs, and take inventory of all the craft providers in Texas. To learn more about the program and website, click here.

The most recent Wage Survey has been released. Have you ever needed to know the basic hourly rates, health and welfare or pension rates? We've got you covered. Visit www.texoassociation.org/wagerates.html to view the most recent survey today. To download the PDF, click here. 

Construction Industry Outreach Advisory Council (CIOAC) is ramping up to start recruiting for the coming 2015 summer internships. We are excited to announce again this summer the opportunity for students to learn more about the construction industry. We welcome all of our partners in the Constructions industry to be part of the selection for this year’s Summer Internships.

April 14-16
Location: Hilton Hotel, Forth Worth
Early Bird Registration ENDS February 3

The AIC Annual Forum is a yearly construction conference hosted by the American Institute of Constructors. Each year professionals from across the country attend the Annual Forum to hear from industry experts on the latest in construction management practices. The Annual Forum also provides many networking opportunities for individuals looking to expand their professional network. The 2015 Annual Forum is heading to the City of Cowboys and Culture, Ft. Worth, Texas!
Learn more and register

Students taking Construction Management and Job Costing have been given an assignment to interview location construction company executives and managers on various topics related to a construction company's accounting practices and financial management techniques. The professor, Daniel Darrouzet, asks that if you are interested in being an interviewee that you contact him for more information. If you would like to read Professor Darrouzet's letter, click here. To see a list of presentation topics, click here.

English

March 5, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30

Spanish

March 4, 18, 24, 25, 31

OSHA 10-Hour Additional Completion Hours (All dates include English & Spanish)

March 6, 20 (Spanish Full), 27

REGISTER NOW!

About the Program
The TEXO Safety First program is a hands-on, interactive orientation for commercial construction employees in all divisions so they can learn the essentials of jobsite safety. This unique program provides an industry specific orientation in safety which all commercial contractors can use. Endorsed by industry leaders in the field of construction safety, during each instructional session, participants handle the equipment they are being trained to understand and operate. Participants also have real-time conversations with the instructor and other class participants on the components of each module.

Learn More about TEXO Safety First

Dates:

March 6, 20
April 3, 17
May 1, 15, 29

Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Construction Eduction Center (CEF)

The award winning TEXO Safety First program now has a Test Out option. By attempting the Test Out portion of TEXO Safety First, attendees will receive their TEXO Safety First badge and hardhat sticker after passing the test. For more information about requirements to participate in the TEXO Safety First Test Out program, click here.

TEXO is now offering advanced OSHA courses for those seeking to further their knowledge on construction safety. The following courses are offered as a part of the OSHA Education Center from the UTA Division for Enterprise Development Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS). To learn more about each class and to register, click below.

Respiratory Protection - OSHA 2225
February 24-27
Learn More and Register

Monday, March 9
8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: TEXO Fort Worth Offices
Cost:

$65 - TEXO Contractor & Industry Members
$185 - Non-Members

Register Now!

ENGLISH
Tuesdays - April 7, 14, 21, & 28
7:00am - 3:30pm
Location: TEXO Dallas Conference Center
Cost:

$125 - TEXO Members

$250 - Non-Members

Register Now!

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SPANISH
Thursdays - April 9, 16, 23, & 30
7:00am - 3:30pm
Location: TEXO Dallas Conference Center
Cost:

$125 - TEXO Members

$250 - Non-Members

Register Now!

As a TEXO Member, you have access to some of the best industry deals and services available. Below are just a few highlighted Member Benefits services. To learn more visit our Member Benefits page on the TEXO Website.

You can get the best 401k on the market. 100% Unconditional Money Back Guarantee, Superb Investment Options, Award Winning Customer Service, and Significant Fee Discounts.  For a Free Evaluation and a Free Compliance Checkup of your current 401k, call Steve Heussner, Steve@MogulWealth.com, at 469-450-4663 or Kirk Quaschnick, Kirk@MogulWealth.com, at 214-420-7152 and mention TEXO.

Through Reliant Energy’s partnerships with AGC Texas Building Branch, TEXO members receive exclusive benefits for using and promoting Reliant Energy for electric service. Learn More

Enterprise Fleet Management
As a long standing partner of AGC and ABC, Enterprise Fleet Management would like to offer an innovative program that drives value for every customer by including best possible pricing and special incentives on vehicle acquisition; providing a separate line of credit; creating a cycling strategy to achieve optimum performance and best resale value; all while reducing the Total Cost of Ownership. Enterprise Fleet Management is a full-service solution for companies with small to medium-size fleets, we leverage our relationships with all manufacturers on most makes and models of cars, light- and medium-duty trucks across North America. Enterprise Fleet Management is a part of Enterprise Holdings; a family owned company that also operates the Enterprise Rent-A-Car/Truck Rental, National Car Rental and Alamo Rent-A-Car brands. Learn more by contacting Tyler Slaughter with Enterprise Fleet today!

Enterprise Truck Rental
As a partner of the AGC, Enterprise Commercial Truck Rental would like to offer a special promotion to AGC members to save 20% on commercial truck rentals to all first time renters! Enterprise Commercial Truck provides a cost effective rental program that drives efficiency without sacrificing productivity. AGC members can rent a variety of commercial vehicles including: heavy duty pickup trucks, cargo vans, stake beds and box trucks. Learn More by contacting Blair Culley with Enterprise today!