Education/Training
Lean Construction Program: Units 1-7 (Virtual Option) Begins January 27, 2021 through March 3, 2021 This class is taught online using Zoom Meetings and is a joint venture between AGC Houston, AGC of Metro DC and AGC Florida East Coast Chapters. How lean is implemented within a construction firm can vary based on many factors and the lean transformation is most effectively driven and planned by individuals within a firm. Following completion of this program, individuals will have a deep knowledge of both the theory and application of Lean Construction and will be able to sit for an exam to earn AGC's Certificate of Management - Lean Construction (CM-Lean) credential.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=655311&issueID=69087 to view the full article online.
Safety
Recognizing AGC Contractor Members for Safety Excellence since 1991, the National AGC Safety Awards (NASA) program is an ongoing effort that allows AGC members to evaluate their safety record. Safety awards are given to members who have an incident rate 25 percent below each division's average and members who have a zero incident rate in the following divisions: Building, Highway, Heavy/Industrial, Municipal/Utilities and Associate/Specialty.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/2020_NASA_AWARD_INFORMATION_pdf.pdf to view the full article online.
AGC News
AGC of America has broken down the now-enacted 2020 year-end federal legislative package and how it impacts our construction industry. Click here to review their analysis. AGCA is hosting a webinar titled "The Construction Regulatory Road Ahead." During this webinar, regulation experts from AGC of America will discuss the answers to pressing questions that will impact your business. Tuesday, January 19, 2021 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. COST: Free for TEXO/AGC Members; $99 for Non-Members Register Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=655136&issueID=69087 to view the full article online.
In a further response to AGC pressure to restrict the use and ultimately require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to revise its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) “Loan Necessity Questionnaire” – including the lawsuit that AGC filed against SBA on December 8, 2020, – the agency has just announced that it is providing an additional 60 days for public comment on the questionnaire and “will submit any resulting amendments to the information collection to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval.”
Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/12/08/construction-trade-group-sues-block-fed%E2%80%99s-unlawful-effort-change-paycheck-protection to view the full article online.
On December 21, 2020, AGC of America’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the release of compromise coronavirus relief legislation slated for House and Senate votes as early as today: “The new coronavirus recovery measure announced today should provide some needed relief for a construction industry that is coping with project cancellations and job losses in most parts of the country. Most notably, the measure includes $10 billion in needed funding to help address the pandemic-induced shortfalls in state transportation revenues. This new funding should keep a number of road projects from getting canceled or delayed over the coming months."
Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2020/12/21/new-coronavirus-recovery-measure-will-provide-some-needed-relief-contractors-coping to view the full article online.
Member News
 Tellepsen announced over the holidays that it once again partnered with "so many great companies in the subcontractor community, as well as our Tellepsen employees," in building bikes for children in the greater Houston area. The company distributed almost 600 bikes this Christmas and through the partnership of Texas Children's Hospital with Safe Kids Greater Houston, donated more than 400 helmets. Some of the top AGC member contributors include Marek Brothers Systems, Inc.; KenMor Electric Co. LP.; W.T. Byler Co, Inc.; and Diversified Thermal & Moisture Protection, LLC. Tellepsen's Susan Phillips, John Brock, and Victoria Mayes were recognized for taking the lead with this event, which includes loading, transporting, and delivering the bicycles. As tradition, the bikes are blessed before they move on to their forever homes. Click the link to hear a dedication prayer by Trent Tellepsen. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=655303&issueID=69087 to view the full article online.
It is with great sadness that AGC Houston learned of the unexpected passing of architect Ray Leichner on December 29, 2020, from a pulmonary embolism. Mr. Leicher was a longtime member of the Chapter's AGC/AIA Committee and was deeply respected by the commercial construction industry leaders.
Ray's entire career was spent in architecture, first with Caudill, Rowlett, and Scott, then as a principal with Bailey Architects and finally as a principal with Shepley Bulfinch. A visitation was held on Monday, January 4, 2021, at Earthman Funeral Directors. AGC Houston extends its deepest sympathies to the Leicher family and those in the E/A/C community who collaborated with Ray and lost an old friend. Read the full obituary here. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=654981&issueID=69087 to view the full article online.
News you can Use
Construction spending was a tale of two industries again in November, as soaring single-family construction masked ongoing downturns in private and public nonresidential construction, according to an analysis of new federal construction spending data by AGC of America. The new figures underscore the need for new infrastructure investments and other measures to boost demand for nonresidential construction amid the pandemic.
Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2021/01/04/nonresidential-construction-spending-shrinks-further-november-many-commercial to view the full article online.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reminds employers that the agency will begin collecting calendar year 2020 Form 300A data on Jan. 2, 2021. Employers must submit the form electronically by March 2, 2021. Electronic submissions are required by establishments with 250 or more employees currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records, and establishments with 20-249 employees classified in specific industries with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses. Visit the Injury Tracking Application Electronic Submission of Injury and Illness Records to OSHA for more information and a link to the Injury Tracking Application. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=655034&issueID=69087 to view the full article online.
Zach Mortice predicts construction technology trends for 2021 will include pocket-size lidar scanners, wireless charging for construction equipment, virtual reality inspections, aerial construction drones, and technology to assist with contract tracing for COVID-19. "As the pandemic marches on, pressure is increasing to create ways for people to experience and understand spaces virtually in order to keep safe distances," he writes.
Visit https://redshift.autodesk.com/construction-technology-2021/ to view the full article online.
Resources
Who’s getting the vaccine now?
If you are a front-line healthcare worker or resident of a long-term care facility, you are eligible now to receive the vaccine, since December 14. This group is considered Phase 1A. Phase 1B recipients include: People 65 years of age and older; People 16 years of age and older with at least one chronic medical condition that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Find out more about the state's COVID-19 vaccine information including a vaccination providers map here. Visit https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/immunize/vaccine.aspx to view the full article online.
Here's Looking at You
Congratulations to AGC Houston's Amy Mui, Director of Finance, who recently celebrated 20 years of service for the Chapter. AGC of America recognized this milestone with a special plaque in appreciation for her years of service to the Association and to its membership. Amy joins President/CEO Jerry Nevlud, Ada Lam, CFO, (her sister), and Tamara Hancock, COO, who also have dedicated 20 years of service for AGC. Congratulations to all for your service and dedication to AGC Houston!
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=655296&issueID=69087 to view the full article online.
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