Members' Edge - September 8, 2020

In this issue...

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=632992&issueID=69078 to view the full article online.

We're Keeping Safety Viral In Houston!

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.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=633041&issueID=69078 to view the full article online.

AGC News

Public and Private Nonresidential Construction Spending Down July

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.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/09/01/public-and-private-nonresidential-construction-spending-slump-july-industry to view the full article online.

AGC of America Workforce Survey Results: Even With Job Delays, Skilled Workers Needed

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.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/09/02/coronavirus-has-caused-significant-construction-project-delays-and-cancellations-y-0 to view the full article online.

AGC BD Forum Offers Resources for Construction Professionals

#AGCBizDev

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

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=633019&issueID=69078 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.

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=633018&issueID=69078 to view the full article online.

Registration Now Open For 2020 Construction HR Virtual Conference

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=633831&issueID=69078 to view the full article online.

News you can Use

Coronavirus Relief Measure Includes Provisions That Will Help Hard-hit Construction Firms Recover

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.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/07/27/senate-republicans%E2%80%99-coronavirus-relief-measure-includes-provisions-will-help-hard to view the full article online.

Wage and Hour Division Offers FLSA Compliance Assistance Materials.

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.

Visit https://www.enr.com/articles/49741-medistar-to-roll-out-air-filter-that-kills-coronavirus-say-researchers to view the full article online.

Recent Immigration Decisions to Impact Construction Industry

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.

Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/06/25/recent-immigration-decisions-impact-construction-industry to view the full article online.

Harris County Commissioners OK $30M Small Business Recovery Fund Grant Program

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.

Visit https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2020/06/30/harris-county-commissioners-small-business-grants.html?utm_content=1593597607&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin to view the full article online.

Minority-Owned Firms Hit Harder Amid Pandemic

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.

Visit https://www.constructiondive.com/news/covid-19-presents-new-challenges-for-minority-owned-construction-firms/580683/ to view the full article online.

Webinar Focussed On Bluebeam Review 20 New Additions

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.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=633556&issueID=69078 to view the full article online.

Resources

Safety Stand-Down Kicks Off Sept. 14

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=633105&issueID=69078 to view the full article online.

The Heat is On! Keeping Workers Safe

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.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=633013&issueID=69078 to view the full article online.

Download The AGC Houston Safety Committee Emergency Contingency Plan

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=633014&issueID=69078 to view the full article online.