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In this issue...
HFD & HPD Chiefs Highlight Safety Importance at MidYear Meeting BIM & Project Manager Dev. Program Kick Off in September Members Swing it High at CLC Golf Tournament Tamara Hancock, AGC Houston COO, Reaches 20-Year Milestone Safety Stand-Down Begins September 14
Construction Firms Are Protecting Their Workers And The Public
Now more than ever, as the state begins to slowly re-open for business, it is imperative that we all adhere to the safety protocols that have been put in place. As has been stated many times, COVID-19 is global, but personal. Each of us need to do our part to KEEP SAFETY VIRAL.
You can find updates on AGC HOUSTON's dedicated COVID-19 Resources webpage for the commercial construction industry. Visit AGC of America's extensive Covid-19 resources page and workingsafe.agc.org, which highlights many of the steps firms are taking to protect workers.
Education/Training
Professional Development Classes Tailored to Build Your Career AGC offers legal, financial, regulatory and national management programs designed for these times. SEPTEMBER
Safety
View the full list of OSHA courses here. 21-23: OSHA 502: Update for Construction Industry Outreach Trainers 22-24: OSHA 2264: Permit-Required Confined Space Entry 23-25: WTR 301: Introduction to Water and Wastewater Regulations 23-25: OSHA 503: Update for General Industry Trainers 28-Oct. 1: OSHA 510: Standards for Construction 28-Oct. 1: OSHA 521: Guide to Industrial Hygiene 28- Oct. 1: OSHA 5400: Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for the Maritime OCTOBER 5-8: OSHA 511: Standards for General Industry 12-15: OSHA 500: Trainer Course in OSHA Standards for Construction AGC News
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020, AGC of America noted that steep monthly declines in public and private nonresidential construction spending offset a surge in homebuilding in July, while industry employment decreased compared to July 2019 levels in two-thirds of the nation’s metro areas.
Construction spending in July totaled $1.36 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, a gain of 0.1 percent from June.
he coronavirus has harmed the construction industry, prompting project delays and cancellations, layoffs and furloughs, yet it remains difficult for a majority of firms to find craft workers to hire, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by AGCf America and Autodesk. The survey paints a picture of an industry in need of immediate recovery measures and longer-term workforce development support, according to AGC.
The AGC Business Development Forum is a group of AGC members who are interested in learning more about business development in all sectors of the industry. The AGC Business Development Forum's mission is to advise AGC members of new market opportunities, to follow and report on trends in the construction market, and to advise members on the techniques and tools of BD.
Check out more here: https://youtu.be/o2zEm5XAFME
AGC of America launched a nationwide program on May 13, 2020, designed to help expand the diversity of the industry by making job sites more inclusive. Called Culture of CARE (commit, attract, retain and empower), it is designed to help firms create more welcoming workplace environments for staff, particularly those from diverse demographic backgrounds.
In addition to the new program, the association has already released its Business Case for Diversity & Inclusion in the Construction Industry, which provides the economic, safety and productivity rationale for expanding construction diversity.
Visit BuildCulture.org
AGC's “HR/TED Conference” this year provides three days of education and networking for HR, training, and workforce development professionals in the construction industry. Educational sessions for training professionals cover the most cutting-edge techniques in training and development currently in use and envisioned for the future in the industry. The HR sessions help HR professionals in the industry remain up to date and compliant with employment laws and best practices. Some sessions interest both HR and training professionals alike. Click here to register 
Events
SEPTEMBER
Swing With Your Peers On The Green! Monday, Oct. 5, 2020 Whether you have a great hook, a better slice or are simply looking for a reason to play on this private, 18-hole regulation course, form your team now! Member News
News you can Use
The HEALS Act Includes Essential Liability, Workforce, Financial & Unemployment Reforms, But Association Will Work to Get Needed Infrastructure Investments Included in Final Relief Measure.
“Senate Republicans have crafted a relief measure that includes a number of vital provisions that will allow hard-hit construction firms to begin rebuilding their businesses and payrolls," stated AGC of America CEO, Stephen Sandherr.
The Wage and Hour Division encourages employers to audit their pay practices and consider participating in the PAID program. On this website, interested employers can find the resources they need to participate in PAID, starting with relevant FLSA compliance assistance materials.
Two recent immigration decisions highlight the need for Congress to enact permanent immigration reform. First, last week, the Supreme Court ruled that recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) can continue to legally work in the country.
Harris County Commissioners Court approved a $30 million grant program designed to help small businesses that have yet to receive Covid-19 relief.
The Small Business Recovery Fund program, or SBRF, was approved unanimously by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the Harris County commissioners during the Commissioners Court meeting June 30. The $30 million grant program will be established with federal funding Harris County received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
Pandemic lockdowns have been tough on the construction industry but have been especially difficult for minority-owned firms, which already face challenges. "Now we're in a space where there are, one, fewer opportunities, and two, a more desperate and dire need for access to working capital," which has always been more elusive for minority-owned firms, says Kenneth Thomas, co-founder of the Minority & Women Contractors & Developers Association.
Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 — 10-10:30 a.m.
Join ECAD for a live walkthrough of all the new additions to Bluebeam Revu 20 version. Demonstrations will feature the helpfulness of new enhancements such as:
*Studio Invites
*Leader Line *Hexagon *Markups List and more! Register to learn more about the improved collaboration solution today.
Resources
AGC Houston encourages construction firms to host Safety Stand-Down events Sept. 14-25. AGC Houston and the Safety Committee urge all general contractors and specialty contractors to pause and dedicate time to promote worker safety and fall prevention during the Safety Stand-Down September 14-25-2020.Check out these resources specifically designed for the construction industry:
Employers should have an emergency plan in place that specifies what to do if a worker has signs of heat-related illness, and ensures that medical services are available if needed.
OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Heat page explains what employers can do to keep workers safe and what workers need to know - including factors for heat illness, adapting to working in indoor and outdoor heat, protecting workers, recognizing symptoms, and first aid training.
Are your jobsites prepared for flash floods? The AGC Houston Safety Committee has prepared the "Guidelines for Creation of Emergency Preparedness Plan," a highly useful free document. Click here to download the document and to view more safety-related resources from AGC Houston. Here's Looking at You
The AGC Houston staff recently applauded our very own Tamara Hancock, Chief Operating Officer, who received an Award for 20 Years of Service from AGC of America. Hancock began her career at AGC Houston in Jan. 1998. She has been instrumental in leading many programs for the Chapter. Congratulations, Tamara, on reaching many significant milestones in your career!
Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pena and HPD Chief Art Acevedo - along with Texas Building Branch President Corbin Van Arsdale - were the featured guests at our annual MidYear Safety meeting. With proper Covid-19 safety protocols in place, AGC members attended the event at The Briar Club, which also served to recognize Safety Award recipients. The public officials highlighted how the community and the construction industry can work together to create a safe working environment for workers and the greater community. The annual event also recognized Safety Award Recipients. The AGC Houston Safety Excellence Awards recognize construction companies demonstrating leadership in safety management. Nominated by industry peers, the award recipients are recognized for promoting safety excellence. Congratulations to the winners and click here to view event photos.
AGC Houston celebrated our Military May Appreciation Month a little late this year, due to the pandemic. Wearing facemasks and with safety protocols in place, active and retired veterans - as well as non-military shooting enthusiasts had a blast at our third Vets in Construction Shootout on Aug. 20, 2020. The event consisted of friendly shooting competition, simulator exercises, and a unique networking opportunity for construction professionals to meet other non-active and retired veterans in the industry. Check out the event's photos and more information here.
Pictured: Team Gilbane Building Company It was a great sight to see on Monday, Aug. 17, 2020: masked-up AGC Houston members finally able to get together (under COVID-19 safety restrictions) at the Wildcat Golf course and enjoy a good game of golf. A big round of applause to these teams and individuals who captured an award:
First Place: Dally + Associates New Members
Please consider doing business with these new AGC Houston member companies!
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