AGC Houston Hosts 2025 Annual Chapter Meeting

On February 12, 2025, more than 300 AGC Houston members gathered at the Junior League of Houston for its Annual Chapter Meeting, which featured keynote speaker Gordon Fowler with 3fold Communications. Those who attended gained insights on bridging the generation gap in construction trades, strategies for recruiting and retaining top talent, and strengthening communication between team members.

At the event, AGC Houston welcomed Jeremy Stovall with Brookstone Construction as Chairman of the AGC Houston Board of Directors for 2025-2026. Stovall has been actively involved with AGC at both the local and state level throughout his career, and his leadership will play a key role in guiding the chapter in the years ahead.

The Standard of Excellence award was presented to Wes Juergen with Austin Commercial. Established in 1998, this prestigious award gives special recognition to an outstanding construction industry employee who exemplifies the highest standards of excellence. The award criteria is based on commitment to teamwork, professionalism, leadership, creativity and innovation, customer and community service, and passion for the industry.

The William H. Scott III Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Richard Weinstein with Hilb Group. In honor of the AGC’s only two-time Board Chair, and longtime member volunteer, the William H. Scott III Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a member who has gone above and beyond to help support the chapter and industry.

AGC Houston also honored the Leadership AGC class of 2024. Thank you to all attendees and sponsors for making the event a success!

Sponsors:
Austin Commercial LP - VIP Sponsor
Cokinos | Young - VIP Sponsor
TDIndustries, Inc. - VIP Sponsor
Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd. - Patron Sponsor
Axis Builders, LLC - Patron Sponsor
Butler-Cohen - Patron Sponsor
Linbeck Group, LLC - Patron Sponsor
Marek Brothers Systems, LLC - Patron Sponsor
Satterfield & Pontikes Construction - Patron Sponsor
Andrews Myers, P.C. - Breakfast Sponsor
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors - Breakfast Sponsor
Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing - Breakfast Sponsor
Encompass Technology - Breakfast Sponsor
ENG Bim - Breakfast Sponsor
Fireproof Contractors, Inc - Breakfast Sponsor
Karsten Interior Services, LP - Breakfast Sponsor
Marsh McLennan Agency - Breakfast Sponsor
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. - Breakfast Sponsor
O'Donnell/Snider Construction - Breakfast Sponsor
Peckar & Abramson, P.C. - Breakfast Sponsor
Raven Mechanical, LP - Breakfast Sponsor
Reliant Energy - Breakfast Sponsor
American Global of Texas, LLC - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
Building Concrete Solutions - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
The Gonzalez Group - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
Gilbane Building Company - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
Graves Mechanical - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
Polk Mechanical Company - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
Rogers-O'Brien Construction - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
Samer Mekhail CPA, LLC - Keynote Speaker Sponsor
SITECH-SETX - Keynote Speaker Sponsor

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Tariffs and Construction

What Federal and Federal-Aid Contractors Need to Know

Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods to protect domestic industries or generate revenue. They can be percentage-based or flat fees per unit. These taxes are paid at the point of entry into the United States by the importer of the products and affect the pricing of goods. Steel, aluminum, lumber, and electrical components are just some of the examples of the wide variety of construction materials that can be affected by import taxes and experience price fluctuations.

To help contractors navigate challenges related to possible tariffs, AGC is creating resources, educating the construction community, and advocating for contractors on key considerations on the potential impacts as it relates to construction.

AGC of America is working to provide contractors with the most up-to-date information on tariffs.

Click here to view the Tariff Resource Center for Contractors.

In January 2025, AGC developed a Tariff Memo outlining key considerations and potential impacts of the administration’s trade policies on the construction industry. It covers general circumstances that construction contractors may face in connection with an increase in tariffs and how contractors can work through them.

Click here to view AGC's Tariff Memo

Webinar:

AGC is holding an upcoming webinar that takes a deep dive into tariffs. The February 27th webinar, “The Art of Dealing with Tariffs” will provide the best solutions and tactics for both your current contracts and best practices for contracts moving forward. While tariffs jeopardize construction companies’ bottom line, a well-drafted price escalation clause is your best answer.

Click here to register for this webinar.

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How To Manage Immigration Enforcement Anxiety

It has been reported that there has been a rise in anxiety over the potential presence of immigration enforcement officers in Houston. We understand that these developments may cause concern within our industry so please know that we are here to support you.

Immigration enforcement can create complex legal and operational challenges for employers, and it’s crucial to have clear procedures in place to handle such situations appropriately and lawfully.  

Below Are Some Best Practices That Could Guide Employers if ICE Agents Arrive at a Jobsite

Ask for Identification and a Warrant:

• Politely request identification from the ICE agents and the purpose of their visit.
• If they request access to the jobsite or company records, ask to see a warrant. Ensure the warrant is signed by a judge and describes the scope of the search or seizure.

Limit Access Without a Valid Warrant:

• Without a judicial warrant, ICE agents do not have the right to enter non-public areas of a jobsite. Public areas (e.g., parking lots or lobbies) are typically accessible, but private areas require authorization.

Notify Key Personnel:

• Inform the superintendent or project manager immediately.
• If possible, delay ICE's entry until the company's legal counsel or HR representative can be present, similar to procedures for an OSHA inspection.

Do Not Provide Voluntary Information:

• Employees should not obstruct ICE agents but also should not volunteer information or documents beyond what is legally required.
• Ensure employees know to direct all inquiries to a designated company representative trained to handle such situations.

Train Employees:

• Conduct training for employees and site supervisors on how to respond to ICE visits professionally and within legal boundaries.
• Reassure employees of their rights and the company’s commitment to compliance.

Legal Counsel:

• If ICE presents a warrant, contact your legal counsel immediately to review its validity and advise on compliance.

Please click here for additional resources. 

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Submissions Are Open for the 2024 AGC-TBB Outstanding Construction Awards

Calling all builders! Submit your top-notch projects for the 2024 AGC-TBB Outstanding Construction Awards! The deadline to apply is March 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. Only projects completed in 2024 are eligible to be submitted! Please contact Catherine Morgan (catherine.m@agchouston.org) or Pauline Preston (pauline@agctbb.org) for more information.  

Please click here to submit your application!