Exploring Innovation and Excellence: Leadership AGC Class of 2023's Exclusive Tour of TECO

On September 21, 2023, the Leadership AGC class of 2023 had an amazing time visiting Thermal Energy Corporation (TECO), the powerhouse behind the Texas Medical Center's chilled water and steam supply. Our exclusive plant tour was a behind-the-scenes experience like no other, and we were privileged to gain insights from some of the industry's most influential leaders. 

Thanks to the speakers: 
Mycah Jewell, P.E., VP of Engineering and Maintenance, Thermal Energy Corporation
Pat Kiley, Kiley Literary Legacies 
Abbey Roberson, AICP, VP of Campus Planning, Texas Medical Center

Click here for event photos. 

AGC Houston's Construction Leadership Council's Exclusive Tour of MAREK's Prefab Shop

On September 21, 2023, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) gathered at MAREK and had the opportunity to tour its prefab shop located at 5810 N. Houston Rosslyn Road, Houston, Texas 77092. A big shoutout to the incredible team at MAREK for their warm welcome and the hard work that made this field trip a success! Interested in joining the CLC? Please contact Charlene Anthony at charlene.a@agchouston.org.

Click here for event photos. 

Take Advantage of ACG of America's Upcoming Webinars

AGC of America offers web based education throughout the year on various topics related to the construction industry. These topics range from newly released industry regulations to innovative processes and technology that can benefit your company. AGC’s WebEd program will deliver the information you need to the comfort of your home or office. 

Webinar: Understanding New Build America, Buy America Requirements

Wednesday, October 4, 2023 | 2 pm – 3 pm (EDT)

New Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requirements take effect on federal-aid construction projects awarded on or after October 23. These domestic iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials sourcing requirements will impact state or local agency-procured construction projects with one dollar of federal financing (e.g., federal-aid transportation, water and wastewater, affordable housing, broadband, etc.).

Know the rules before you bid. The last thing any contractor wants to do is rip out and replace work at their own cost because an item is not compliant.

During this webinar, widely regarded construction law firm Smith Currie Oles partners, Ronald Robey and Elysha Luken, as well as AGC of America Vice President of Government Relations, Jimmy Christianson, will:

• Review the nuts and bolts of guidance from the White House Office of Management and Budget governing BABA compliance, including how different types of projects may have these requirements.
• Discuss what contractors should be asking their suppliers and manufacturers.
• Discuss questions contractors should be asking their owners about contractor certification of BABA-compliant items, availability and more; and
• Explain the waiver process in the event an item is not domestically made, available, or within budget.

Click here to register today!

Webinar: Practical Guide to Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Final Rule

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | 2 PM – 3 PM (EDT)

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently announced their massive final rule, “Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations,” with an effective date of October 23, 2023.

The application of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts to federal and federally assisted construction projects leave many contractors uncertain about the requirements of federal prevailing wage laws and the consequences of non-compliance. The recent changes to the regulations are expected to add to this uncertainty. Failure to comply will place covered contractors at risk of catastrophic consequences, from losing money on contracts due to failure to understand labor costs, to high dollar back pay and related penalties, to debarment from future federal work.

This webinar is designed to give covered federal prime and subcontractors a more detailed understanding of what changes were made in the final rule and to help prepare themselves as they work toward compliance, especially with the October 23 effective date looming.

Click here to register today!

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

You're not going to want to miss out on AGC Houston's professional development programs! These courses are intended for the following construction professionals: Superintendents, Project Engineers, Project Managers, Accounting Staff, Project Support Staff, Project Executives, Business Development, Technology Support Staff and more! Please click here for more information. 

Navigating Labor Relations: Understanding the National Labor Relations Board Impact on Contractors

A Vital Webinar for Management, HR, and Supervisory Roles

About: The NLRB is the federal agency that oversees labor relations in the US. It has the power to decide cases involving union organizing, collective bargaining, unfair labor practices, and strikes. President Biden has expressed his strong support for unions and workers' rights and has appointed judges who share his vision to the NLRB. This means that Contractors, whether they are unionized or not, need to be aware of the NLRB's rules and rulings, and how they affect their business.

Intended Audience: Anyone in a training, management, human resources or supervisory role and includes such positions such as project managers, assistant project managers, superintendents and safety personnel.  

This virtual, webinar program is taught by Frank L. Carrabba who has been engaged in the practice of labor and employment law for over 52 years. He began his career in 1971 in Washington, D.C. where he served as an attorney-advisor to a member (judge) of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Thereafter, from 1973 to 1977, he was a trial attorney for the NLRB in Houston and San Antonio, Texas. The first case he tried at the NLRB, Eastex, Inc., resulted in a United States Supreme Court decision in 1978.

Co-instructing this program is Ved D. Chitale, Senior Associate, Andrews Myers, PC., who regularly advises individuals and businesses of all sizes on labor and employment laws including FLSA, ADA, ADEA, Title VII, ERISA, Texas Uniform Trade Secrets Act, Texas law on non-compete and non-solicit covenants, and more, such as the Pay Day Act, employment torts, and wrongful termination.

Click here to register today!

Looking for New Training Opportunities?

With AGC's live, instructor-led courses, it's never been easier to build your skill set and access the training you need. Group pricing available.

AGC members OR non-members can save 5% off the following virtual programs. Don't miss your chance to save on construction training this summer — just use code Aug5Edge when signing up!

Upcoming Courses

10/2/2023 - 10/13/2023: AGC Edge Building Information Modeling - Virtual Training

10/6/2023: Texas Sales and Use Taxes - Virtual Edition

10/9/2023: Fundamentals of Building Trades - Fireproofing, Firestopping and Building Thermal Insulation

10/13/2023: Texas Lien Laws

10/13/2023: Advanced Texas Lien Laws

10/16/2023 - 11/13/2023: Introduction to Construction Plan Reading & Specification Documents

11/1/2023 - 12/1/2023: AGC Edge Lean Construction Education Program - Virtual Training

11/6/2023 - 11/9/2023: Supervisory Training Program Unit 2: Oral and Written Communication

11/6/2023 - 11/17/2023: AGC Edge Project Manager Development Program - Virtual Training

12/4/2023 - 12/20/2023: AGC Edge Project Manager Development Program - Virtual Training

12/5/2023: Fundamentals of Building Trades - MEP Systems

12/5/2023 - 12/14/2023: AGC Edge Building Information Modeling - Virtual Training

12/11/2023 - 12/20/2023: AGC Edge Construction Supervision Fundamentals - Virtual Training

AGC of America Education & Research Foundation Scholarship Applications Now Open

Each year, the AGC Education and Research Foundation offers undergraduate and graduate-level scholarships to students enrolled in ABET or ACCE accredited construction management or construction-related engineering programs. The application closes November 1, 2023.

Over $10 million in scholarships have been awarded to more than 4,000 students attending colleges and universities across the country. Through endowments made by AGC members and supporters, as well as AGC Chapters, the Education and Research Foundation awards over 100 scholarships each year to students dedicated to pursuing a career in the construction industry.

Students can click here to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact Paige Packard, Program Director, AGC Education and Research Foundation, paige.packard@agc.org.

Call for Nominations: 2024 AGC Houston Standard of Excellence Award

If you know someone who rocks at their job in the construction industry, we want to hear from you! Fill out the nomination form and send it to us by email. Click here to download the nomination form.  

The AGC Houston Standard of Excellence Award started in 1998 and honors a construction industry employee who shows the best qualities of: teamwork and professionalism, creativity and innovation, commitment and cooperation, customer service and quality and community service. Anyone who works in the construction industry can apply – whether you work for a general contractor, subcontractor, supplier, service company, architect or engineer.

The deadline to submit a nomination is December 31, 2023, and the winner will be announced at our 2024 Annual Meeting.

Please click here to apply!

As Temperatures Soar, AGC Houston Prioritizes Your Safety Above All Else

Remember the golden rule for outdoor work: Water. Rest. Shade. By adhering to these simple guidelines, you can stay cool and protected during scorching days.

Heat stress can pose serious risks, but fear not! Our team at AGC Houston is here to assist you in creating a comprehensive heat stress plan. With our expertise, you can ensure your projects stay on track and your workforce remains safeguarded. We're committed to your well-being, so don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. Let's beat the heat together and keep your projects running smoothly! 

For more valuable tips on staying safe in hot weather, click the following links:

Link 1 - OSHA: Water. Rest. Shade. 

Link 2 - Protect Yourself: How to Handle Extreme Heat

Upcoming Safety Classes

AGC Houston is proud to partner with the The Region VI OSHA Education Center at The University of Texas at Arlington. The OSHA Education Center at The University of Texas at Arlington is the top-ranked OSHA Training Institute Education Center in the country. AGC Houston is not an OSHA Training Institute Education Center, but serves as a Host-Training Organization for The University of Texas at Arlington OSHA Training Institute Education Center.

View the full list of OSHA UT-A courses here.

OCTOBER

10/2/2023 - 10/5/2023: OSHA #511 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY

10/2/2023 - 10/5/2023: ATP 191 SAFETY AND HEALTH AUTHORIZED TRAINER

10/9/2023 - 10/12/2023: OSHA #3095 ELECTRICAL STANDARDS

10/9/2023 - 10/12/2023: OSHA #510 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION

10/16/2023 - 10/19/2023: RM 101 SAFETY, HEALTH, AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISK MANAGEMENT (SHERM) PRINCIPLES

10/17/2023 - 10/19/2023: OSHA #2264 PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE ENTRY

10/23/2023 - 10/25/2023: OSHA #502 UPDATE FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OUTREACH TRAINERS

10/23/2023 - 10/26/2023: OSHA #500 TRAINER COURSE IN OSHA STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION 

10/24/2023 - 10/26/2023: OSHA #3085 PRINCIPLES OF SCAFFOLDING

10/25/2023 - 10/27/2023: OSHA #503 UPDATE FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY OUTREACH TRAINERS

10/30/2023 - 11/2/2023: OSHA #2225 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

10/30/2023 - 11/2/2023: OSHA #511 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS FOR GENERAL INDUSTRY

10/31/2023 - 11/2/2023: OSHA #2055 CRANES IN CONSTRUCTION

Guidelines for Creation of Inclement Weather Preparedness Plan

Don't wait for disaster to strike! Your business's resilience starts with preparedness! When it comes to severe weather, being ready can make all the difference. Check out our guide for employers on how to prep, plan, and stay safe during the hurricane season (June 1 - November 30) in the U.S. 

Please click here for more information!

OCTOBER 11: Orientation AGC

OCTOBER 12: Women in Construction Cornhole and Cocktails

OCTOBER 18: AGC & DBIA Houston – Bourbon & Blueprints for AEC Leadership 

NOVEMBER 2: 2023 HR & Safety Professionals Day

NOVEMBER 9: Fall Flannel Fest November Mixer

NOVEMBER 16: 2023 Construction Leadership Council Cornhole Tournament

2024: AGC Houston 32nd Annual BBQ Cook-Off - SAVE THE DATE!

Kyle's Weekly Updates

Stay tuned on #HawaiianShirtFridays for updates from Kyle Holland on LinkedIn that focus on all the value that AGC Houston can offer members. If you've missed any of our insightful videos, fret not! Head over to our YouTube page for a catch-up session. Stay connected, stay informed!  

Uptick in Department of Labor Audits of Construction Sites 
By Anthony G. Stergio, Andrews Myers, PC

The Houston region has seen a recent uptick in Department of Labor (“DOL”) audits focused on specific construction sites. In conducting these audits, the DOL typically chooses a particular construction site and targets both general contractors and subcontractors at the site. The DOL may either collect documentation from each construction contractor on site or conduct spot check interviews with employees of those various construction contractors. Recent DOL audit inquiries have concerned possible:

• Minimum wage violations.
• Underage worker violations.
• Overtime violations.
• Prevailing wage violations (on projects that receive federal funds).

The audit surge is a fulfillment of the Biden Administration’s promise to increase DOL oversight and compliance throughout the construction industry. Considering the escalation of audits, contractors should take preventive measures to evaluate whether their pay practices comply with federal law (and advise their subcontractors to do the same). Contractors should also conduct training for site managers on what to do if a DOL audits occurs on their construction site. Such training should, at a minimum, include:

• Who to immediately call if the DOL announces its presence.
• How to respond to documentation requests from the DOL.
• What to do if operation issues make a DOL audit difficult at the time of the DOL’s arrival.
• What to do with respect to interview requests for your (or a subcontractor’s) employees.
• Actions to take if the DOL wants to interview managerial/supervisory employees.

For more information, please contact Anthony Stergio.

AGC Confidential Salary Survey - 2023 Results

Maximize Your Membership Benefits this May: Unlock Exclusive Opportunities with Our Member Benefits

AGC Houston is a full-service membership organization providing more than 500 member companies with access to advocacy, networking opportunities, safety services, and education and training programs.

An AGC Houston membership automatically enrolls your company in Associated General Contractors of America, providing additional valuable benefits and access to resources and training. Our membership includes general contractors, specialty contractors, associates (suppliers) and affiliates (professional services firms). AGC Houston’s membership territory reaches 24 counties, and our members represent a $2.3 billion market. 

AGC Members Saved Over 14.5 Million Dollars Last Year Using AGC Member Discount Programs 

The AGC Member Discount Programs offer a variety of benefits to our members, including access to high-quality services, state-of-the-art technologies, and premier products. Through our partnerships with leading companies, we are able to provide discounts on a wide range of products and services. These discounts are designed to help our members save money and improve their daily business operations.

Our value-added discounts provide a competitive advantage that can set your business apart from others in the industry. AGC Member Discount Programs are just one of the many benefits of being an AGC member that aim to help our members succeed and grow. Please reach out to Cindy Samons cindy.samons@agc.org to take advantage of these amazing discounts. 

Reliant Energy Discount Program

Setting up electrical service at a site is one of the tedious details you have to handle before you can start work on a project. Let Reliant's program for AGC Texas Building Branch (www.reliant.com/agc) make it a lot easier.

The program provides the following to AGC members throughout Texas:

• A dedicated representative
• Concierge service
• Industry support
• Special pricing

Elmore Interest, Inc. dba Admiral Glass Company
6655 Polk Street
Houston, TX 77011
Phone: (281) 953-3300
Website: http://admiralglass.net

Roof Top innovations, LLC
311 N. Sycamore St
Tomball, TX 77375
Phone: (281) 825-2696
Website: https://rooftopinnovations.com/

Autodesk
1 Market St #500
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: (415) 356-0700
Website: https://construction.autodesk.com/

Flex-Erect
6417 Toledo St. 
Houston, TX 77008
Phone: (713) 999-8040
Website: http://www.flex-erect.com

Performance Equipment Rentals
Performance Equipment #232
11971 N Grand Parkway East
Suite #200 
New Caney, TX 77357
Phone: (470) 531-3077
Website: http://www.pequipment.com

Sendero Industries
6814 Thornwall St.
Houston, TX 77092
Website: http://senderoindustries.com

Henner & Scarbrough LLP
700 Milam St.
Suite 1300 PMG #368
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (470) 531-3077
Website: https://www.henscarlaw.com/