Events
Your business, partnership, support and friendship mean the world to us. Thank you for supporting AGC Houston and helping make this great city one of the nation's top places in which to live and prosper.
In observance of Thanksgiving, the AGC Houston office will close Wednesday, November 25 at 3 p.m. and reopen Monday, November 30, at 8 a.m
Visit http://www.visithoustontexas.com/events/ to view the full article online.
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Join AGC Houston in celebrating a successful 2015 in safety. From our OSHA Partnerships, variety of classes and engaging Safety Committee meetings—this year is one to look back on fondly. We’re inviting all member safety professionals to come spend time with one another before we start again to do even better in 2016!
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 3 - 6 p.m. Onion Creek Café
Visit http://agchouston.org/files/14296_sphh_invitation.pdf to view the full article online.
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AGC Houston general contractor and specialty/sub-contractor members are invited to showcase and celebrate their safety programs.
AGC's CSEA program recognizes companies that have developed and implemented premier safety and loss prevention programs.
There has been an important change for 2016 entries: The two-year sit-out that was required for companies that won first place in prior years has been removed.
Visit http://agchouston.org/pages/construction_safety_excellence_awards_1583.asp to view the full article online.
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Beginning in early 2016, information reporting provisions under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act require many employers to file annual information returns with the Internal Revenue Service and provide annual statements to employees containing health plan coverage information.
Did you know? AGC Houston has helpful information for employers regarding Forms 1094 B & C and Forms 1095 B & C.
• Login to the Members Only section of the AGC Houston website. • Then click on the Employment Practices Committee Articles submenu and Health Insurance Reporting Requirements.
Visit http://agchouston.org/login.asp?return=members_only_206&sec=206 to view the full article online.
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In 2016, AGC Houston will be awarding Patrick J. Kiley Excellence In Leadership scholarships to deserving students. Do you know of anyone who could use the money for higher education? Apply today!
Scholarship application deadline is February 1, 2016. To date, the scholarship has generated more than $393,000 and helped to fund students' dreams of earning a degree in a construction-related discipline.
Visit http://agchouston.org/pages/agc_scholarships_675.asp to view the full article online.
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Education/Training
Learn the difference between leading and managing, and understand the importance of communication in effective leadership positions. Students learn to develop techniques for motivating and negotiating solutions, as well as effectively managing change.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1430 to view the full article online.
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Safety
AGC Houston is committed to helping employers and workers address safety and health issues through the OSHA Strategic Partnership program. To date AGC Houston members Anslow Bryant Construction, Ltd.; Brookstone, LP; W. S. Bellows Construction Corp., Linbeck Group, LLC; SpawGlass Construction; Tellepen; Allstate Commercial Flooring; Keystone Concrete; TAS Commercial Concrete Construction, LLC; and Trio Electric, Ltd. have signed a formal partnership agreement.
AGC Houston and OSHA are still accepting applications from members wanting to reduce occupational-related fatalities and serious injuries within the construction industry, effectively implement all facets of jobsite safety, and achieve self-compliance through cooperative efforts. Contact Director of Safety Services Kim Mason for details.
Visit http://agchouston.org/pages/agc_osha_partnering_program_64.asp 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=1985 to view the full article online.
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This course is designed for individuals interested in teaching the OSHA 10- and 30-hour construction safety and health Outreach Training Program to their employees and other interested groups.
Visit http://agchouston.org/calendar.asp?pageid=901&calid=1988 to view the full article online.
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Membership Benefits
As a qualified association member with an active Ford Commercial Fleet Identification Number, AGC members can receive significant discounts on new Ford fleet vehicle purchases. Combined with Ford’s National Commercial Fleet Incentive Program, qualifying members can save as much as $2,000+ off select vehicles.
Visit https://www.agc.org/member-benefits/ford to view the full article online.
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An effective safety program can help keep your employees on the job, reduce your premium and earn your company dividends. CompGroup AGC was created in 1993 by various Texas members of the Associated General Contractors of America to provide a better option for workers’ compensation coverage.
Contact your insurance agent and tell them you want a CompGroup AGC quote or contact program administrator Roberts & Crow at 800-406-9614 — ask for Julie Schatz.
Visit http://www.compgroupagc.org/ to view the full article online.
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AGC News
Join more than 150 industry professionals and participate in the development of regulatory and legislative activity on both a national and local level, assist in the development and creation of new safety training programs and products and hear the latest initiatives from OSHA and other industry experts.
Visit http://meetings.agc.org/safety/ to view the full article online.
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Join your fellow AGC members as the 97th Annual AGC of America Convention heads to the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, March 9-11, 2016. The AGC Annual Convention and Technology & Construction Solutions Expo is the ideal opportunity to see everything AGC can do for you and your business. The convention features more than 15 education breakouts, terrific networking events and industry leading speakers, all in a perfect location for business, culture, family and fun!
Visit http://www.mmsend50.com/link.cfm?r=1247266968&sid=84002447&m=11342053&u=agca&j=30555451&s=http://convention.agc.org to view the full article online.
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Construction firms added 31,000 workers in October as the industry's unemployment rate declined to 6.2% amid robust demand for construction, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that construction employment is now at the highest level since February 2009, as the sector continues to recover from the downturn. "The industry continues to recover while the hiring slowdowns it experienced during the summer were prompted more by labor shortages than they were any slump in demand," said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist.
Visit http://r.smartbrief.com/resp/heygCnzwssCThOncCidWrnCicNGOWQ to view the full article online.
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Since Jan. 2015, AGC chapters and members have been accessing environmental compliance and green information on the newly updated Construction Industry Compliance Assistance Center—or CICA Center. AGC partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences to make the CICA Center available. Chapter Take-Away: Chapters can use this resource to get caught up on federal and state requirements, search for new topic ideas for meetings or conferences, and promote the association's dedication to provide educational resources for its members.
Visit http://www.mmsend50.com/link.cfm?r=1247266968&sid=84724882&m=11432851&u=agca&j=30768314&s=http://www.cicacenter.org/ to view the full article online.
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Construction job growth rebounded in October as 43 states and the District of Columbia recorded employment increases from a year earlier, while 35 states added construction jobs in the past month, according to analysis of Labor Department data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that sustaining such widespread job gains will require support at all levels of government for construction training programs.
"Construction job gains were more widespread than at any time since last February," said Ken Simonson, Chief Economist for the association. "Several states that had recently experienced year-over-year job losses began adding workers, while net employment gains accelerated in numerous other states."
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=350093&issueID=40192 to view the full article online.
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AGC of America and NCCER are exploring the option to align AGC's Supervisory Training Program (STP) curriculum with NCCER's Supervisor Assessment to offer a certification that is widely accepted by the construction industry.
The goal is to develop an alignment between AGC's six-unit STP and NCCER's Supervisor Assessment (i.e. certification exam). This alignment will prepare those who have successfully completed the AGC STP curriculum for the NCCER written assessment and Performance Verification.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=350273&issueID=40192 to view the full article online.
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Member News
Members of the Leadership AGC Class of 2016 helped to successfully lead high school students build benches at the fourth annual ACE Mentor "Build It Forward" Event, on Saturday, November 21, at Marek Brothers Systems, Inc.
Twenty teams of students worked all day to build a bench, which waa donated to a local charity. This is the second year the the Leadership AGC group has volunteered to oversee the teams as part of their community project. A big congratulations to all the members of the design/build sector who helped to make this project a reality. Many companies donated materials, time and staff. This marks the fourth year that Marek Brothers Systems, Inc. has served as base for the community project.
A big shout out to ACE Houston Chairman of the Board Angela Cotie, LEED AP, Gilbane Building Company for her work with the organization.
Founded in 1994, the ACE name stands for Architecture, Construction and Engineering. The ACE program helps to mentor high school students and inspires them to pursue careers in design and construction. It’s now the construction industry's fastest-growing high school mentoring program, reaching over 8,000 students annually.
ACE Mentor Houston Fun Facts: Years in Houston - 7 years Students Served - Over 600 Individual Mentors - 160 Mentor Companies - 32 Scholarships - Over $149,000 Schools served - Over 65
Visit http://www.acementor.org/index.php/affiliates/texas/houston/about-us/ to view the full article online.
Ammie Hudson-Blahuta, Hudson Building Systems Ltd., is excited to announce the opening of GiGi's Playhouse, a Down syndrome achievement center, on December 5, 2015 from 2-4 p.m. Ammie and her husband , Keith Blahuta, have spent the past two years fundraising for the non-profit organization's new location in Sugar Land. The new facility will provide direct educational and therapeutic programs to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
Hudson Building Systems specializes in the supply and installation of access floor, operable and accordion partitions, commercial overhead counter and sectional doors and medical supports. Ammie and Keith want to thank all their friends in the AGC Houston community for their fundraising support to make this project happen and welcome everyone on December 5!
Want to help? GiGi's Playhouse needs toys, play mats, office supplies, bookshelves, books and educational tablets. Contact Ammie Hudson-Blahuta for details.
ACE Mentor's Build It Forward Program Team #20 donated a bench to GiGi's Playhouse on Saturday, November 21. Pictured are Ammie and Keith's daughter, Sadie, and son, Keaton at the event.
Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/pdf/gigiplayhouse.pdf to view the full article online.
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Here's Looking At You
Members of AGC Houston’s Board of Directors and Government Affairs Committee met on Tuesday, November 23 with City of Houston Mayoral Candidate Rep. Sylvester Turner to hear his campaign strategy and vision for Houston. Turner addressed key city issues that have garnered media headlines in the past months and how he plans to resolve them.
Texas Building Branch’s Corbin Van Arsdale, Vice President and General Counsel, came from Austin to hear Turner and spoke about their friendship and collaboration over the years in the Capitol. While AGC Houston does not endorse political candidates, we encourage everyone to vote in the run-off election December 12.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=350021&issueID=40192 to view the full article online.
AGC Houston members of the Patrick J. Kiley Excellence In Leadership Breakfast Forum series hear from Michael Covert, President and CEO of CHI St. Luke’s Health on Friday, November 20 speak about the health group's five-year expansion plan Howard Tellepsen introduced Covert and spoke about his company's long-standing relationship with St. Luke's. Covert has spent more than 44 years of experience in health care administration and most recently he served as the President and CEO of Palomar Health, San Diego, the largest health care district in the State of California and one of the largest in the United States.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=350314&issueID=40192 to view the full article online.
In case you missed it, AGC Houston President/CEO Jerry Nevlud spoke about construction safety on Houston Matters, Tuesday, November 3, 2015. Nevlud was interviewed by Craig Cohen, Houston Matters host, which airs live each day on 88.7 KUHF at noon. Jerry spoke about construction safety in Houston, how we promote it, our training programs, and the Construction Career Collaborative (C3). Jerry was very effective in conveying the importance of safety, that the construction industry is a risky business and that our members take safety very seriously.
James Shelton, OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist, also was an invited guest and he spoke about safety regulations in different trades and different types of training. Shelton explained how an investigation is conducted once there is a safety incident at a jobsite, he also addressed inspections and reporting requirements.
Visit https://soundcloud.com/houstonmatters/construction-safety-grand-parkway-and-grady-gaines-houston-matters-for-tuesday-november-3-2015?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=facebook to view the full article online.
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News You Can Use
AIA Houston's popular Gingerbread Build-Off will take place in front of City Hall on Saturday, December 12. Fun for the whole family, the event typically draws more than 3,500 spectators. Over 30 competing teams will create their masterpieces using 100 percent edible materials.
Visit https://aiahouston.org/v/site-home/Gingerbread-Build-Off/39/ to view the full article online.
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Employers beware! The new bipartisan budget, passed by both the House and the Senate and signed by President Obama on November 2, 2015, contains provisions that will raise OSHA penalties for the first time in 25 years. The budget allows for an initial penalty "catch up adjustment," which must be in place by August 1, 2016. The catch up adjustment is tied to the percentage difference between the October 2015 Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the October 1990 CPI.
Visit http://www.seyfarth.com/publications/OMM110315-LE to view the full article online.
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Construction has one of the highest suicide rates of any industry, and several steps are being taken to address the risk. The Carson J Spencer Foundation, RK Mechanical and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention have created a suicide prevention guide. Next year some chapters of the Associated General Contractors of Washington will sponsor outreach presentations for their members.
Visit http://www.riskandinsurance.com/contractors-grapple-with-employee-suicide-risk/ to view the full article online.
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AGC Houston's building along with key buildings in the Brookhollow Business park will be part of a special photographic exhibit curated by Delaney Harris-Finch and Anna Mod. This ambitious exhibition seeks to document, analyze and celebrate often overlooked secondary and tertiary mid-century jewels hidden in plain sight throughout the Houston area.
November 24, 2015 - Opening Reception at Architecture Center Houston 5:30 - 7 p.m.
An exhibit featuring 100+ photos will be on view. Churches, office buildings, business parks, donut shops, schools and gas stations show off the design and materials of these overlooked architectural resources of Houston’s sprawling and often underappreciated cityscape.
Visit https://aiahouston.org/v/event-detail/Houston-Uncommon-Modern/rk/ to view the full article online.
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The Greater Houston Partnership announced the release of its Fall Impact Report. Among its highlights, The Partnership successfully advocated for legislation in our three priority areas during the 84th Legislative Session, which will help ensure our region's continued growth and success. Our three priorities included: early education, transportation and economic development incentives.
The Partnership also urges Houstonians to support Proposition 7 for transportation funding.
Visit http://www.houston.org/assets/pdf/news/Impact%20Report%20Infographic.pdf to view the full article online.
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Andrews Myers' Tony Stergio recently released an article regarding the new open carry law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2016. Any business that wishes to ban the open carry of weapons within their establishment must post a specific sign, in English and Spanish, in at least 1" text, the word for word language of the statute. If the sign doesn’t comply with the language of the law, then arguably a licensed handgun holder does not receive effective notice. To prohibit open carry on a property, the business must display a sign that says the following:
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/hca-nwl/articles/?aid=350024&issueID=40192 to view the full article online.
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