Members' Edge - April 12, 2017

AGC News

AGC Of America Unveils Steps To Improve Worker Safety As 239 Out Of 358 Metro Areas Add Construction Jobs

The Associated General Contractors of America unveiled a new study designed to improve the safety of construction workers as it announced that two-thirds of metro areas added construction jobs during the past 12 months. Association officials said the new safety study is designed to help construction firms prevent workplace fatalities and injuries.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2017/04/04/construction-association-unveils-steps-improve-worker-safety-239-out-358-metro-areas to view the full article online.

AGC Of America Offers Workforce Development Scholarships

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offers Workforce Development Scholarships to students enrolled in accredited technical schools or craft training programs in any discipline of commercial construction. Students in technical or approved craft training programs will have until June 1 to apply for $1,000 scholarships (renewal for up to two years) from the AGC Education and Research Foundation.

The complete list of criteria can be found here. Students can apply here.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=435654&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.

AGC Of America Calls On California & Local Lawmakers To Reject Bans On Employers Working On Border Security Projects

The Associated General Contractors of America urged state and local officials in California to reject or repeal proposals to punish companies and their employees for working on border security projects on behalf of the United States government. Association officials also noted, in a letter to the state and local lawmakers, that the federal courts will strike down any such discriminatory and obstructive measures.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/State_Empl_201701_Alpha.pdf to view the full article online.

AGC Of America's Texas Builds Campaign Promotes The Commercial Construction Industry

AGC of America and its Texas chapters launched a campaign designed to highlight the many benefits of working in the construction industry. Titled Texas Builds, the campaign relies on testimonials from dozens of construction workers throughout Texas, touting the industry's commitment to safety and the many career opportunities. Help AGC promote and grow the construction industry by sharing the website and videos with colleagues, industry partners and family!

Visit https://youtu.be/9RF53L06j44 to view the full article online.

Member News

Laura Bellows Featured In Houston Business Journal News Story On Trailblazing Women

Laura Bellows, Chair and CEO of W. S. Bellows Construction Corp., was recently featured with four other "Trailblazing Houston Women" in a Houston Business Journal feature story. The article focused on business leaders in the aerospace, construction, energy, residential and retail sectors who have left their mark in Houston. Bellows spoke about the Bellows' family history and legacy in the commercial construction industry and the challenges she's encountered in leading the company since 2007.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=436182&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.

Brookstone, LP CFO Elected Chairman Of Construction Financial Management Association

The Construction Financial Management Association and Brookstone, LP announced the election of Samantha M. Hutchison, CCIFP, as its 2017-18 Executive Chairman.

"I am honored to represent CFMA as Chairman this year," stated Hutchison. "Along with the other officers, I am committed to providing outstanding leadership for CFMA as we continue to grow by delivering exceptional value for our members and stakeholders. I believe in CFMA as the foundation for success for our membership, and look forward to giving back to the association and to the industry as Chairman."

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=435658&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.

Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc. Announces New Hires

Slack & Co. Contracting, Inc. welcomed Kevin Johnson as a Project Manager. With approximately 10 years in the workforce, Kevin has extensive experience in civil earthwork, deep foundations, structural concrete and industrial building projects. Previously, Johnson worked for
Group Contractors as a Project Manager.

Ken Terveen joined the the company as a Senior Estimator. He brings more than 18 years of experience in estimating and project management.Most recently, he was a senior estimator for J R Caskey in Oilville, Va.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=436145&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.

Bell & McCoy Brews The Spotlight On Lighting Controls Show At Historic Heights Fire Station

On April 19, 2017, Bell & McCoy Lighting and Controls will be hosting a Specifier Spotlight at the Houston Heights Historic Fire station. The all-day event will feature the latest technology in features and lighting control products.

Specifier specific continuing education credits will be offered throughout the day and include a variety of presentations such as Lighting For The Museum Environments; Selecting The Right Lighting; Codes and Controls; and much more.

In keeping with Bell & McCoy's 2017 Craft Brewed Circuit Theme of Keeping It Local, the event will include a happy hour featuring three of Houston's very own: Southern Star Brewing, Yellow Rose Distilling, and Solaro Urban Winery.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/Bell_&_McCoy.pdf to view the full article online.

News you can Use

OSHA Pushes Back Implementation Of Silica-Exposure Rule

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's new rule on silica exposure will go into effect Sept. 23, instead of June 23, to give the agency time to develop "guidance materials and training for compliance officers."

Visit http://www.natlawreview.com/article/osha-delays-silica-rule-construction-industry to view the full article online.

OSHA's Safe And Sound Campaign Assists Employers In Keeping Workplaces Safe & Healthy

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched its Safe and Sound Campaign recently, calling on employers to review their safety and health programs to protect workers, and reduce workplace injuries and deaths.

Visit https://www.osha.gov/shpcampaign/?ct=t(The_Leading_Edge_03_17_17_Members_3_16_2017) to view the full article online.

How To Prepare For Construction Drone Use

Contractors must be well-acquainted with Federal Aviation Administration rules on drone use before attempting to include them in construction activities, writes Emily Peiffer. Contractors should decide who will fly the drones, develop company guidelines for their use and set up an insurance plan before moving forward, she says.

Visit http://www.constructiondive.com/news/5-steps-to-adding-drones-to-construction-operations/438484/ to view the full article online.

Construction Sector Adds 6,000 Jobs In March

Nonfarm payrolls increased by 98,000 in March, below economists' average expectations, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The construction sector gained only 6,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate decreased from 4.7% to 4.5%, while revisions to January and February numbers led to a decrease of 38,000 jobs from earlier reports.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=435662&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.

Membership Benefits

AGC Members Save Money On New Chevrolet, Buick And GMC Vehicles

Associated General Contractors of America is pleased to provide AGC members and their employees with a private offer of up to $1,000 off the purchase or lease of most new Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles. Association members can combine this offer with most current incentives, including the National Fleet Purchase Program and Business Choice Offers for an even better deal.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=435741&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=435649&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.

Here's Looking at You

Southwest AGC 401(k) Plan Members & Leaders Head To Ballpark

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=435650&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.

Mayor Sylvester Turner Speaks At PAC Legislative Breakfast

The AGC Houston Political Action Committee and Government Affairs Committee hosted an advocacy breakfast on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 with special guests Mayor Sylvester Turner and Corbin Van Arsdale, Texas Building Branch. The event featured an overview of the TBB legislative issues at hand, the current state of affairs at the Capitol, and some of the current bills being discussed in House and State committees. Mayor Turner focused on hot issues the city is solving, including the Houston municipal employees' pension funds.

At the meeting's conclusion, AGC Houston presented Mayor Turner with a hardhat and a check for Hire Houston Youth, his summer jobs program for high school youths.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/pg/AGCHoustonChapter/photos/?tab=album&album_id=10154607382344117 to view the full article online.

Thank You For Making The 26th Annual AGC Houston BBQ Cook-Off & Fair A Huge Success!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=436363&issueID=56213 to view the full article online.