Nominations due March 31, 2018.

Presented annually, this prestigious award gives special recognition to a construction industry employee who most exemplifies the highest standards of excellence.All construction industry employees are eligible including employees of general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, service companies, architects and engineers.

---

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.

Republicans’ brief control of the National Labor Relations Board ended with the expiration of Chairman Philip Miscimarra’s term on Dec. 16, 2017.  In anticipation of the change, the Board issued several employer-friendly decisions with significant impact.  The most high-profile among them is a ruling in Hy-Brand Industrial Contractors that overturns the controversial, AGC-opposed joint-employer standard established in Browning-Ferris Industries.

March 1: AGC Membership Mixer - NEW LOCATION! Cafe Adobe Sponsored by SMARTBID

March 23 & 24: AGC Houston Barbecue Cook-Off & Fair- Cook Team Registration Ends TOMORROW!

April 9: AGC/AIA Golf Tournament At Champions Golf Club - Registration and Sponsorships open!

September 22: SAVE THE DATE! APEX Awards Gala at The Houstonian. Sponsorships now open!

On Friday, February 16, 2018, the Austin City Council passed a long-discussed ordinance requiring employers to provide employees with paid sick and safe leave ("PSL"). Austin is the first city in the South ever to enact such a law. This law, which will become effective October 1, 2018, will affect all employers with employees who work at least 80 hours in Austin during a calendar year. Read the article from the National Law Review here and look for an industry outlook article from Andrews Myers, PC attorney Tony Stergio soon to be published in Member’s Edge.

On January 5, 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reissued 17 previously withdrawn opinion letters addressing a wide range of topics under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Fifteen of the 17 letters were originally signed off on during the final days of the Bush administration, but were withdrawn by the Obama administration "for further consideration by the Wage and Hour Division" on March 2, 2009, and stated that it would "provide a further response in the near future," but never did. 

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."

AGC members are eligible to participate in more than 20 discount programs specifically 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.

AGC Houston is pleased to announce that 401 (k) group plan participants can choose from a series of webinars designed to review the plan's highlights and personal retirement outlook. The first Webinar took place January 25 and the second one will be held today, February 22 at 4:00 p.m. 

Close to 70 CLC members- representing general contractors, specialty contractors, associates and affiliates of the commercial construction industry - spent a great evening networking on February 28, 2018 at King’s Bierhaus. In addition to hosting networking mixers for young professionals, the CLC raises funds for the Patrick J. Kiley Excellence in Leadership Scholarship through a Poker tournament, which will take place May 10 and a golf tournament on August 10. This group also launched Leadership AGC, a program designed to develop the next generation of leaders.

Contact Charlene Anthony at Charlene.a@agchouston.org for more information.

On February 13, 22018, with the support of the AGC Sporting Clays Event Committee, the chapter raised nearly $20,000! More than 200 novice shooters and marksmen braved the cold on both shooting courses at the Greater Houston Gun Club. Proceeds from the event benefit the Advocacy Fund to help ensure that the Houston commercial construction industry is represented at the local and state levels. View more photos of the event here.