TEXO Onsite Newsletter
Industry NewsIndustry News
  
A new study has found that proposal activity for architecture, engineering and construction firms sank to its lowest level in over a decade in the second quarter of 2020, as the coronavirus-related downturn trimmed backlog and reduced revenue for firms across the country.
  
For the second month since the coronavirus pandemic began, prices of construction materials have risen.
Nonresidential construction input prices rose by 2.3% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released last week. This follows a rise in prices of 0.8% in May.
  
Texas Central won a key ruling Thursday that will make it easier to build the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, but hurdles remain before construction can begin.

The Surface Transportation Board, which oversees regulation of various modes of transportation, primarily freight rail, in addition to some passenger rail, reversed a prior decision, and will now take jurisdiction over the project. 
   
Harrison Steck, P.C.
      
Griffith Davison, P. C.
      
Peckar & Abramson
   
What's Happening at TEXOWhat's Happening at TEXO
  
The AIA/TEXO Committee would like to invite you to the next Industry Roundtable Discussion focused on Mentorship. In this discussion, you will get an overview on Mentorship, learn the roles and responsibilities of the Mentor and Mentee, identify strategies that address developmental needs, adapt to mentoring virtually or from afar, and discuss many more critical factors that help make mentoring successful. The program will be conducted by industry leaders through a web conferencing services and provide Q&A opportunities throughout the discussion.
 
WHEN: Wednesday, July 22 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual Event
  
 Subjects Addressed Include:
  • Identifying who is protected by statutory liens and bonds.
  • Knowing when and how to file statutory notice to protect payment rights.
  • Understanding the remedies available on both private and public projects.
  • Finding out how contractors, subcontractors and suppliers can protect their payment rights.
  • Learning what Texas laws govern payment rights on construction projects.
  • Understanding how the Texas Prompt Payment Acts for both public and private construction projects, encourage prompt payments.
  
2020 has been difficult – but we know positive things can come out of difficult situations.  We have learned several things from this crazy year:
  • We can productively video conference over the internet (saving fuel, time and energy).
  • We need to openly discuss the dynamics of our industry.
  • We need each other.
Purpose: To facilitate membership communication in a video conference based roundtable discussion with 10‑15 people about a current topic.

Vision: Members will find value in discussing current topics and casually learning from general discussion with peers.

Company Culture in a COVID World | Thursday, July 23 | 9-10 a.m.
 
HR Trends | Thursday, July 30 | 9-10 a.m.
 
Diversity and Inclusion Efforts in the Workplace | Thursday, Aug. 6 | 9-10 a.m.
 
Safety Best Practices | Thursday, Aug. 13 | 9-10 a.m.
Registration Coming Soon
  
  • A "No Handshake" policy will be in effect at all events. This includes fist bumps, elbow bumps and other greetings that go against the 6-foot social distancing practices.
  • Social distancing practices will be put in place in all common areas.
  • Hand sanitizer will be provided at the registration table and in front of all meal stations.
  • Common areas will be wiped down consistently throughout the course of the event.
  • Attendees are encouraged to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after any eating, blowing of the nose, coughing, sneezing and using the bathroom.
  • Attendees who have any symptoms related to COVID-19 are discouraged from attending any events. Attendees who have a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, diarrhea, or vomiting within the previous two weeks of the event should not attend.
  
We are committed to staying in communication with our members to provide timely updates and useful resources throughout this uncertain period, so be sure to keep checking back on our website for a continuously updated list of resources and materials: www.texoassociation.org/resources/coronavirus.
   
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
      
Reliable Paving, Inc.
      
CONSTRUCT Show
   
TEXO Challenge CupTEXO Challenge Cup
Title Sponsor: Intex Electrical
Player Gift Sponsor: DGB Glass
Meal Sponsor: George-McKenna Electrical Contractors 
Registration Bloody Mary Sponsor: Eyesite Surveillance
Trophy Sponsor: Austin Commercial
Closest to the Pin Sponsor: Mogul Wealth
Beverage Cart Sponsors: J&E Companies, Gray Reed, Ranahan Project Controls
Golf Hole Sponsors: Aries Building Systems, Dynamic Glass, DynaTen Corporation, George-McKenna Electrical Contractors; Hackett Bonds & Insurance Services, Trade Management
Platinum: Milwaukee Tools
Gold: Mogul Wealth, Prime Controls, TDIndustries, The Beck Group
Silver: AEC, Brasfield & Gorrie, Byrne Construction Services, Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing, Cokinos | Young, Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors, Humphrey & Associates, Lee Lewis Construction, Peckar & Abramson, Ridgemont Commercial Construction, Rogers-O'Brien Construction
Bronze: CORE Construction Services, Dee Brown, Faber Technologies, Marek, Northstar Builders Group, SEDALCO, Turner Construction
Member Discount ProgramsMember Discount Programs
CompGroup AGC is a registered safety group formed to administer the workers' compensation program underwritten by Texas Mutual for building construction contractors that are members of the AGC. They offer expert claim oversight, specialized loss prevention services, including extensive practical safety information, workshops and special educational events. Call Julie Schatz @ 972-770-4444 or email the CompGroupAGC@RobertsandCrow.com to get information on how your agent can access this competitive program.
Through Reliant Energy’s partnerships with AGC Texas Building Branch, TEXO members receive exclusive benefits for using and promoting Reliant Energy for electric service. 
   
Cokinos l Young