Members' Edge - May 21, 2020

In this issue...

We're Here for You!

As we look to reopening our Chapter, we are making sure to do our part to keeping everyone safe with a continued focus on best practices for safety.

Keep checking the AGC Houston website for a continuously updated list of resources and materials.

Now more than ever, as our state and city begin to slowly re-open for business, it is imperative that we adhere to the safety protocols that have been put in place.

Each of us need to do our part to KEEP SAFETY VIRAL.

View Governor Abbott's updated "Open Texas" checklist.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616340&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616341&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

Education/Training

AGC is Your Resource for Professional Development!

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616354&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

All our courses are presented in a virtual format via Zoom!

For a full list of classes, visit the AGC Houston Calendar

MAY

27: Texas Sales and Use Taxes for Contractors

JUNE

2: Stormwater Education Program

3: Communicating In The COVID-19 Crisis And Beyond

5: Texas Contract Law

5: Texas Lien Laws

5: Advanced Texas Lien Laws

18: Conceptual Planning, Scheduling and Risk Mitigation

25: Jobsite Innovation Forum: Bluebeam Tips And Tricks

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616355&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

Hurry! Workforce Scholarship Application Deadline is June 1

Specially For Craft Workers!

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offer Workforce Development Scholarships to individuals enrolled in accredited technical schools or craft training programs in any discipline of commercial construction.

Interested individuals have until June 1, 2020 to apply for $1,000 scholarships (renewal for up to two years) from the AGC Education and Research Foundation.

To review the complete list of criteria click here. Students can apply here.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616356&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

Safety

Upcoming Safety Classes

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616362&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

OSHA's Dedicated Website to COVID-19

The Occupational Safety And Health Administration's dedicated resource page provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus pandemic.

Check out the resources.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=617470&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

AGC News

Check Out These Upcoming AGC Webeds

Entering the Federal Market – The Basics, Pitfalls to Avoid, and What to New Contractors Can Expect

May 28, 2020 - 1-2 p.m.

Navigating the Complexities of Covid-19 and Its Impact on Your Compliance Process

June 4, 2020 - 1-2 p.m.

Understanding the New A92 Changes and the Responsibilities of the Competent Person for Underground Work

June 10, 2020 1-2 p.m.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/05/01/nonresidential-construction-spending-declines-march-pandemic-halts-projects-group to view the full article online.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616370&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

AGC Succeeds in Securing New Paycheck Protection Program Guidance from Treasury Department

The Treasury Department’s new Paycheck Protection Program directive gives many construction contractors additional guidance that AGC has been seeking. It provides the clarity that many need to decide how to proceed with their loans. Most important, the Department has opted to provide a safe harbor provision for firms that self-certified their need for loans that totaled less than $2 million.

In addition, the new guidance provides a mechanism to allow firms that received loans of $2 million or more and are later found to have not met the Department’s need-standard to repay, seemingly without penalty, those loans.

Visit https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/Paycheck-Protection-Program-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf to view the full article online.

AGC Launches Nationwide Campaign to Make Jobsites More Inclusive

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.

“We are asking companies to take bold and visible steps toward creating a more diverse, safe, welcoming and inclusive construction industry,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC's Chief Executive Officer.

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

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=617464&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

Message from the President/CEO

Strange Days Indeed

“Nobody told me there’d be days like these…”

That line, from a 1984 John Lennon song, has been rolling around in my head ever since the “stay at home” order first came to Harris County. Now, with the governor announcing Phase Two of reopening the state, I am hopeful that these “days” will soon be gone, and my brain will find a new tune to perseverate on.

After nearly two months of “lockdown” it was exciting to hear Governor Abbott unveil his plans for moving forward. That excitement, however, is somewhat tempered by what the region could face if we all do not take the required precautions seriously, and personally. As many in our community want and/or need to return to work, it is more important than ever that businesses shine in their ability to provide a safe and healthy worksite for their workforce, as well as those who patronize their business.

We are now closing in on two months since commercial construction was deemed “essential.” To this point, there is no way to aptly thank the folks in our industry on how they addressed and attacked a situation that heretofore had not been seen. From the conception, to the installation and through the execution of the “recommended practices,” the commitment by everyone at all levels has been outstanding.

The balancing act in keeping everyone safe and healthy, while affording the opportunity to provide for their families, has been especially gratifying.

So, thank you to everyone on the great job of managing the uncertainties of an uncertain time. “Keeping Safety Viral” will remain our mantra as we continue through the unprecedented days ahead. Or, as Mr. Lennon so aptly called them… “Strange days indeed, most peculiar, mama.”

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616389&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

News you can Use

How Contractors Can Brace For The Next Pandemic Wave

Parts of the country are cautiously opening up after pandemic lockdowns, but a second wave of the coronavirus is possible in coming months. Kim Slowey explores how construction companies can prepare for that possibility with safety protocols, job site technology, remote work, and legal, insurance and financial protection.

Visit https://www.constructiondive.com/news/how-construction-firms-can-prepare-for-a-potential-second-wave-of-covid-19/578014/ to view the full article online.

Concrete Prices Up, Lumber Prices Down

Coronavirus lockdowns caused prices of softwood lumber to decline 21.1% in April compared with March, cutting an annual gain of 26.8% in March to 2% last month, according to IHS Markit. However, prices of ready-mixed concrete increased 3.4% year over year in April, while prices of concrete pipe increased 7.9%.

Visit https://www.enr.com/articles/49376-commodity-prices-continue-decline-says-ihs-markit to view the full article online.

Senators Propose Change To PPP Tax-Deduction Rule

A bipartisan group of senators has proposed a bill that would allow tax deductions for certain costs covered by Paycheck Protection Program loans. Without the change, payroll costs and mortgage interest paid with forgiven loans will not be deductible for first- and second-quarter estimated taxes in July.

Visit https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/18/small-businesses-wont-be-able-to-deduct-some-expenses-covered-by-ppp.html to view the full article online.

Texas County Restricts Access To Flood-Bond Funding

Cities in Harris County, Texas, must adhere to the county's flood plain standards to access $2.5 billion in flood-bond money. The goal is to have more consistent rules so a city doesn't build in a way that increases flooding danger in another city.

Visit https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/houston/article/Harris-County-to-cities-Update-building-15280528.php to view the full article online.

Census Bureau Targets Southwest Part Of Town

According to the latest statistics, the Southwest (Gulfton, Westwood and Braeburn) community was identified as one of 10 areas in Harris County with the lowest Census participation. An entire week of census outreach activities were dedicated to this area just last week.

Spread the word to your employees that they respond to the Census. We all benefit from billions of dollars in federal funding. All responses are confidential, and by law, cannot be shared with federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI, ICE or even the local police.

Respond today at 2020census.gov so you can be counted, regardless of your place of origin or immigration status. Census forms are available in multiple languages.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616372&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

Resources

AGC Houston COVID-19 Recommended Practices for Construction Jobsites

AGC Houston recently compiled a recommended practices document for jobsites in English and in Spanish. As we continue to monitor the situation, it will update it as needed. Be sure to check the AGC Houston COVID-19 Resources page frequently.

What best practices are working for you? Let us know! Please send your commentsand photos to catherine.b@agchouston.org.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616357&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

COVID-19 Jobsite Posters, Videos and Other Resources

OSHA 3394 - English: 10 Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus

OSHA 3395 - Spanish: 10 Medidas que Todos los Lugares de Trabajo Pueden Tomar para Prevenir la Exposición al Coronavirus

AGC of America's National COVID-19 Safety Stand Down Resources (includes tool box talks, job site posters, and more.)

COVID-19 Recommended Practices for Construction Jobsite

English & Spanish

The Department of Labor video quick tips on social distancing, disinfecting workplaces and industry risk factors to keep workers safe from COVID-19.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=616358&issueID=69071 to view the full article online.

How to Ease Workers' Anxieties About Returning to the Jobsite

In order to keep sites running smoothly, contractors must ensure that employees’ anxieties about jobsite cleanliness and social distancing are addressed. Constant worry about exposure to COVID-19, family pressures and the 24-hour news cycle are distractions that can lead to injury.

Visit https://www.constructiondive.com/news/managing-absenteeism-and-uncertainty-on-the-jobsite/577170/ to view the full article online.