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Education/Training
Feb. 2: CM-Lean Credentialing Exam
Feb. 2: CM-BIM Credentialing Exam
Safety
Jan. 29-Feb. 1: OSHA 510: Occupational Safety/Health Standards, Construction
Jan. 30-Feb. 1: OSHA 3015: Excavation, Trenching and Soil Mechanics
Jan. 31-Feb. 2: OSHA 503: Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers
AGC News
 Applications are now being accepted through January 31, 2018. NEW! We're excited to announce that a new streamlined scholarship application process is being implemented this year. For specific information related to the application process, please click here.  Celebrating 100 Years of Construction!February 26-28, 2018 | New Orleans, LA
Celebrate the 100th anniversary at the Boogie Woogie Bugle Bash, benefiting the Education & Research Foundation. February 25, 2018, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. at the National WWII Museum. Click here for all the conference and gala details. According to survey results released January 3, 2018 by AGC of America of America and Sage Construction and Real Estate, 75 percent of construction firms plan to expand their payrolls in 2018 as contractors are optimistic that economic conditions will remain strong as tax rates and regulatory burdens fall. Despite the general optimism outlined in Expecting Growth to Continue: The 2018 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook, many firms report they remain worried about workforce shortages and infrastructure funding.
For this month’s episode of the ConstructorCast, AGC of America sat down with Leah Pilconis, AGC’s Senior Counsel of Environmental Law, to talk about the complex world of environmental permitting and what AGC is doing to try to make it easier for construction companies. The discussion examines the breadth of requirements, the opportunities to streamline regulations and make environmental protection more efficient, and where environmental regulations might be headed in the coming years.
Search for the ConstructorCast in your podcasts app to subscribe.
Have you explored the Construction Industry Compliance Assistance (CICA) Center yet? The AGC-supported CICA Center is a free online resource on environmental compliance and sustainability that is open to the entire U.S. construction industry. The Center is an online clearinghouse of resources on the top rules you will need to keep track of during your construction projects.
Events
February 1: AGC Houston Annual Chapter Meeting & Networking Breakfast
February 13: AGC Advocacy Sporting Clays Tournament February 15: AGC Membership Orientation March 1: AGC Membership Mixer - NEW LOCATION! Details Coming Soon March 23 & 24: AGC Houston Barbecue Cook-Off & Fair  Whether you are a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, enjoy a morning of shooting fun and your chance to win some great prizes! Sponsorship, Raffle & Registration Details here. News you can Use
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District Columbia rejected challenges to OSHA's 2016 silica rule made by industry groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. A spokesperson for the U.S. Chamber said the chamber still is reviewing the decision, "but we continue to believe that OSHA lacks substantial evidence to support its rule." In 2016, OSHA published a final rule regulating workplace exposure to silica, Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (29 CFR 1910, 1915 and 1926). Read the full article here.
Read "D.C. Circuit Rejects All Industry Challenges to OSHA’s New Silica Standards" here. AGC Houston Silica Task force members spent more than a year clarifying the hard questions that aren't specifically addressed in the silica standard for construction. View more information and resources here.  Looking to enhance your workforce?
NextOp is hosting a luncheon on February 8, 2018 to showcase how companies can get connected with prescreened, qualified veterans who are looking to enter the workforce in construction.
On December 13, 2017, the House and Senate Republican conferees for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, reached an agreement to resolve the differences between the two versions of the tax reform legislation. AGC of America sent a letter to the House and Senate negotiators outlining the construction industry's priorities for the conference committee. AGC also worked with Senator Inhofe (R-Okla.) to ensure that trusts could access the pass-through business deduction, which was initially excluded in the Senate legislation. Based on comments made by multiple Senators, this effort is believed to be successful.
AGC Of America released the following metrics in the construction industry employment and unemployment rates: Construction employment increased by 24,000 jobs in November to the highest level since November 2008, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America. Association officials said that tight margins are keeping firms from paying even more to attract hard-to-find workers, noting that efforts to cut tax rates should help lead to higher average hourly earnings for the sector." Construction employment totaled 6,955,000 in November, a gain of 24,000 for the month and 184,000, or 2.7 percent, over 12 months.
Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of AGC of America released a statement December 1, 2017 in connection with the proposed Senate Tax Reform measure: "The association has long advocated for comprehensive tax reform, especially considering that construction employers pay the highest effective rate of any industry at 30.3 percent. The Senate tax reform bill has been substantially improved over the course of the past few days and we support its passage.
"It is important to note that most construction firms are organized as pass-through entities, such as S corporations and partnerships that are taxed at personal rather than corporate tax rates. While the Senate proposal has wisely increased the pass-through deduction from 17.4 percent to 23 percent, the fact that the cut is temporary is concerning. We also remain disappointed that infrastructure was largely overlooked in the tax reform process. This is a missed opportunity." Microsoft recently announced that a HoloLens hard hat accessory is in the works and will be released early 2018. In addition to the accessory, the HoloLens has also passed some important safety and durability tests. These tests have recently confirmed that the headset meets the requirements of ANSI Z87.1, which allows them to be used as safety glasses, and it has also been rated IP50 for dust protection. 
Membership Benefits
 AGC members are eligible to participate in more than 20 discount programs specially designed to meet the needs of contractors. Whether you are looking to purchase a new vehicle for your fleet or for ways to cut costs on fuel and shipping, AGC programs can save you money. Enroll and maximize the value of your membership. Discover more. Check out the digital version of Cornerstone AGC Members and Chapters can now save up to 20% on the first $500.00 of orders, get free two-day shipping, and can also access exclusive discounts on Amazon Business items. Amazon Business users are able to set up accounts free of charge and then control and monitor who has access to make purchases, plus run reports.
Here's Looking at You
 The mood was festive and filled with holiday cheer on Monday, December 4, 2017 at The Houstonian’s historic Manor House, which served as a backdrop for AGC Houston leaders to celebrate the year’s achievements. Current Board of Directors members as well as other AGC leaders representing various committees celebrated the year’s milestones and the start of the holiday season. The event also served to recognize Don Jones, W.S. Bellows Construction Corp. as a new Honorary Life Member. Jones will be officially recognized February 1, 2018 at the AGC Houston Annual Chapter Business Meeting. Annual Chapter Business Meeting registration and sponsorship details here. New Members
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