Events
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Register today for the Texas Building Branch 2015 convention at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Lake Tahoe, featuring the CompGroup AGC Safety Awards Luncheon and the TBB Outstanding Construction Awards Dinner. Guest speakers include: Robert Bass, Jr., shareholder in the Austin office of Winstead PC and member of the firm's construction law practice group; John Cyrier, state representative for Texas House District 17 and CEO of Sabre Commercial, Inc., in Austin; and Chuck Greco, president of AGC of America and chairman of Linbeck Group, LLC.
Congratulations to the following AGC Houston member companies that won a 2014 Outstanding Construction Award and will be recognized at the convention:
Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd.: The Treehouse Memorial City Dyad Construction, LP: Greens Crossing Tract A - HD Supply Linbeck Group, LLC: Parc Binz One Satterfield & Pontikes: TAMU Francis Hall Renovation Tellepsen: The University of Houston Student Center Redevelopment Vaughn Construction: TAMU Jack K. Williams Administration Building Renovation Visit http://www.agctbb.org/#!agc-tbb-convention/cken to view the full article online. |
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Thursday, August 6
4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Crisp, 2220 Bevis Street $20 - Early Bird Ends July 31 $25 - Regular Pricing Ends August 5 $30 - At The Door Get your company name in front of Houston commercial construction industry's movers and shakers! Sponsor this popular, quarterly members-only mixer! This networking event draws a large crowd of commercial construction industry professionals. Contact Amy Collins for sponsorship details. Click here to register. Early bird pricing ends July 31. Free for general contractor members!
Visit http://agchouston.org/files/13832_1st_thursday_registration_form_-_august.pdf to view the full article online. |
Visit http://agchouston.org/files/13797_2015_clc_golf.pdf to view the full article online.
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The AGC Southwest Chapters plan is the largest AGC Association plan in the nation, with more than 70 companies already participating. All AGC Houston members who want to find out more about the 401(k) plan are welcome to attend this special event. Truluck’s – 5350 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77056
August 20, 2015 •Time 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. •For CEO’s, CFO’s & HR with a 401(k) plan •RSVP Space is limited; Please RSVP to Ginger Gray ggray@rwbaird.com or 713-296-8079. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=330857&issueID=40174 to view the full article online. |
Education/Training
"This program gave me an opportunity to broaden my exposure to the community, meet other industry peers and learn specific leadership and management skills. What makes this leadership program stand out is that it is about an experience through leadership among the major industries in Houston." Stephen Turner, Estimator, Brookstone, LP, Leadership AGC Class of 2015 Application deadline is August 12, 2015. Nominate your company's up-and-coming young professional today!
Visit http://agchouston.org/pages/leadership_agc_1819.asp to view the full article online.
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Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=330811&issueID=40174 to view the full article online. |
Project Manager Development Program Module 1: Estimating and Job Costing This five-course program covers the essentials of project management for emerging project managers. This class develops professional estimating skills, including: an understanding of the different types of estimates; the importance of documentation and formatting; and the link between design, estimating and project costs.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1426 to view the full article online.
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Safety
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has announced the launch of its annual Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers. For the fourth consecutive year, OSHA's campaign aims to raise awareness and educate workers and employers about the dangers of working in hot weather, and provide resources and guidance to address these hazards. Workers at particular risk are those in outdoor industries, such as agriculture, construction, landscaping and transportation.
Visit http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/osha/OSHA20140929.htm to view the full article online.
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This course is the update required every four years for all OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainers for General Industry. It provides timely information on OSHA General Industry standards, policies and regulations.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1903 to view the full article online. |
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This course is the update required every four years for all OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainers for the construction industry. It provides timely information on OSHA construction industry standards, policies and regulations.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1902 to view the full article online. |
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This course covers industrial hygiene practices and related OSHA regulations and procedures.This course features workshops in health hazard recognition, OSHA health standards and use of sampling equipment.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1972 to view the full article online. |
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Essential for the new construction worker, this course will provide an overview of the risk management and insurance profession from the health and safety program perspective.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1924 to view the full article online. |
Membership Benefits
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Avis Rental Car: AGC Members Can Save Up to 25% on Car Rentals in the Continental U.S.
• International discounts - including Canada • Free Preferred Enrollment for all members • Live coupons and seasonal offers Visit https://www.agc.org/member-benefits/avis-rental-car to view the full article online. |
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Through Reliant Energy's agreement with the Texas Building Branch AGC (www.reliant.com/agc), association members receive the following benefits: • One-stop-shop service to install temporary meters. Reliant requests your temporary meter from the TDSP and can manage the transition from temporary to permanent power • No hassle temporary service enrollment • Discounted prices • Incentives for referring future tenants, friends and family
Visit www.reliant.com/agc to view the full article online. |
• $200 bill credit when you activate a smartphone device on a plan of $34.99 or higher. • AGC Houston members receive 22% off corporate calling plans. • Employees receive up to an 18% discount (15% plus an additional 3% discount if enrolled in online billing) on their plans. Visit http://agchouston.org/files/13822_verizon_overview_july_through_sept._2015_(1).pdf to view the full article online.
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AGC Member Companies & Employees Save $ Through Purchase of Buick, Chevrolet Or GMC Purchase or lease an eligible 2014 or 2015 Buick, Chevrolet, or GMC passenger car, light-duty truck, van, or SUV. Available during the program period October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2015. Redeeming this private offer is simple: 1. Provide proof of AGC membership, print your company list from the AGC Membership Directory, or call the local chapter to verify. 2. Visit your GM dealer and mention this private offer. 3. Choose an eligible vehicle or vehicles to purchase or lease and present your AGC Proof of Membership Form to your dealer.
Visit https://www.agc.org/member-benefits/gm-discount to view the full article online. |
AGC Houston members are invited to learn more about the 401(k) Plan at a special luncheon on Thursday, August 20. See more details under Events.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=330818&issueID=40174 to view the full article online.
AGC News
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Plan to join your peers at AGC's 2015 Contractors Environmental Conference on September 2-3, in Arlington, Virginia, to explore ways to turn environmental responsibilities into successes for you and your firm.
• Next Generation of Compliance and Reporting Environmental Violations • Stormwater: Self-Inspections and Documentation, Work in Sensitive Areas • Factoring Endangered Species Into Your Project • What GCs Need to Know about Asbestos, Lead and PCBs Visit http://meetings.agc.org/cec/ to view the full article online. |
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Because of the accelerated use of personal portable mobile devices being used in the workplace, many companies have adopted policies regarding employee usage for business. As employees access the company network and use their personal devices for company business, many risks can ensue. Read Employment Practices Committee member Anthony Stergio's article on the benefits of implementing a policy related to personal mobile devices and the risks they incur.
Visit http://agchouston.org/files/13889_2015_a._stergio_bring_your_own_devices.pdf to view the full article online. |
Member News
It is with great sadness that AGC Houston learned of the sudden passing of John English, a dedicated employee of SpawGlass Construction Corp. for 41 years until his recent retirement in December 2014. John was proud to be one of the 10 original stockholders of the Texas-based general contractor. Although born in New York, English and his family moved to Houston in his early years, and he graduated from Bellaire High School in 1969, later graduating from Florida International University. John and his wife of 33 years, Sherry, were blessed with many friends, and they loved to travel and spend time with their children and grandchildren. A memorial service was held Monday, July 20, at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive with gravesite service directly following at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway. Many in our industry grieve his loss. We send our deepest sympathies to his family and all those who worked by his side at SpawGlass Construction Corp. To send condolences and for more information about John’s life, click on the link below. Visit http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/houstonchronicle/obituary.aspx?n=john-english&pid=175297343& to view the full article online.
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The Legal 500 recently announced that Coats Rose was ranked among the leading construction law firms in the U.S in their 2015 directory of law firms. Coats Rose Director Patrick E. Gaas was recognized for his work in the area of industrial construction. For 27 years, The Legal 500 has been analyzing the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research program revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms in 106 jurisdictions. Gaas is recognized in the State of Texas as a leader in the field of construction law.
Visit http://www.coatsrose.com/legal-500-ranks-coats-rose-among-top-construction-law-firms/ to view the full article online. |
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The Lone Star College System selected Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc., to build additional learning spaces at the LSC-Cy-Fair campus to address campus-growth needs and the area’s shortage of skilled workers. Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc. will provide construction manager at risk services as part of phase I of the 2015 General Obligation Bond program. Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=330870&issueID=40174 to view the full article online. |
Here's Looking At You
AGC Houston members gathered at the Junior League of Houston on Thursday, July 16 to hear Derek Daly, legendary international racing car driver and automotive sports announcer, and to recognize a safety director and two specialty contractors for their safety programs.
Congratulations to these AGC Houston members for leading their company's exceptional safety programs:
Safety Director of the Year/Ray Lambright Award
Kevin Virag, Gilbane Building Company
Specialty Contractor Award - Small Contractor Category
Allstate Commercial Flooring
Specialty Contractor Award - Large Contractor Category
Fast Track Specialties
The meeting also recognized all members that participated in the Safety Stand-Down May 5-15 and signed an OSHA Strategic Partnership in April and May.
Visit http://agchouston.org/gallery.asp?galid=2015&pageid=1935 to view the full article online.
News You Can Use
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The flurry of downtown real estate activity has been fueled by young professionals and empty nesters, who want to live in high-density, urban neighborhoods where they can walk to work, eat and play. The city of Houston's Downtown Living Initiative has further sparked downtown development. The initiative offers $15,000 per unit in tax breaks to developers building multifamily projects downtown. Sixteen of the 18 projects currently under construction or planned downtown were approved for the Downtown Living Initiative, which is nearing its 5,000-unit cap. Last year, Atlanta-based Novare Group's SkyHouse Houston apartment tower, located at 1625 Main, became the first Downtown Living Initiative project to be finished.
Visit http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/morning_call/2015/07/18-residential-projects-on-tap-for-downtown.html to view the full article online. |
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Willis Group Holdings Plc, the third-largest insurance broker, agreed to merge with Towers Watson & Co. to add consulting operations and help take on larger U.S. rivals. Shareholders of the broker will own 50.1 percent of the combined company, which will be domiciled in Ireland, lowering taxes for U.S.-based Towers Watson.
Visit http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-06-30/willis-group-and-towers-watson-agree-to-18-billion-merger to view the full article online. |
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Air Worldwide's latest U.S. hurricane model has new features, including a storm surge module and loss estimates that reflect local building codes and design practices. The model will help improve insurers' understanding of risks from wind and storm surge for risk selection, portfolio management and risk transfer, says Air Assistant Vice President Tim Doggett.
Visit http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20150629/NEWS06/150629843 to view the full article online. |
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Led by growing demand for new schools, hospitals, cultural facilities and municipal buildings, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) increased in May following its second monthly drop this year. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the May ABI score was 51.9, up from a mark of 48.8 in April.
Visit http://www.aia.org/press/releases/AIAB106745 to view the full article online. |
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The Great Houston Partnership held its quarterly Economic Development Council on July 6 in the Partnership board room. Council Host Dawn Landry, Vice President of Business Acquisition, Balfour Beatty Construction, moderated a lively panel discussion that featured an update on Houston’s economy and a recap of the Partnership’s top priorities during the 84th Legislative Session.
Visit http://www.houston.org/pdf/comm/July-Econ-Dev-Council.pdf to view the full article online. |
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The Clean Water Rule: Definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) was officially published in the Federal Register on June 29 and is effective August 28, 2015. Immediately following publication, at least 18 state attorneys jointly filed three lawsuits to block the rule.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=330828&issueID=40174 to view the full article online. |
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The Katy EDC and CEO Lance LaCour have been working for nine years to get a new University of Houston campus. That’s finally going to be a reality, thanks to $47 million allocated in capital construction bonds by the Texas Legislature, according to a news story reported in Bisnow. UH will be looking for a new site to develop a state-of-the-art academic building that will be at least 60,000 square feet. (More buildings or larger size may depend on the cost of the land.) UH currently has a 37,000-square-foot facility in Cinco Ranch, but it’s landlocked by development and cannot grow.
Visit https://www.bisnow.com/houston/news/other/uh-finally-gets-to-expand-in-katy-47854?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=mon-13-jul-2015-000000--0500_houston-re to view the full article online. |
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The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is taking an aggressive stance against wage violations in the industry, particularly those caused by the misclassification of employees as independent contractors. Read U.S. Department of Labor's Ana Arredondo's article here or click on the link below.
Visit http://agchouston.org/files/13825_2015_a._arredondo_building_compliance_in_const._industry.pdf to view the full article online. |