As demand for construction in most parts of the country continues to expand and the number of unemployed construction workers hits record low levels, AGC of America and Autodesk are working to better quantify where these shortages are taking place, how severe they are, and what steps firms are taking to both cope with tight labor markets and improve the supply of new, qualified workers. That is why we are asking members to take a few minutes to complete the workforce survey that we have prepared. The more people understand the scope, and consequences, of a tight construction labor market, the more likely they are to act on the measures we are promoting to make it easier for school systems, local associations and private firms to establish career and technical education and training programs. The more members who take the survey, the better able we all will be to describe labor market conditions where you operate. 

As an AGC member, your firm plays a powerful role in sustaining economic growth throughout the U.S. by producing structures and roadways that increase productivity and improve the nation’s quality of life. Whether you’re building a new highway or renovating a high-rise office tower, your innovative practices, creative solutions and hard work culminate in projects that will be admired for decades to come. Showcase your work by participating in a new monthly photo contest, sponsored by Constructor. Submit images of active construction projects to constructor@naylor.com or JClapp@naylor.com, along with a 100-word description. Each month, Constructor will select one photo to be featured in an upcoming issue of its newsletter, as well as the next issue of the magazine. Any photo submission may be used in future AGC marketing materials or newsletters.

 

To be considered for July, submit your photos to constructor@naylor.com or JClapp@naylor.com by July 31.

AGC Charities is providing an opportunity for members to honor the veterans they work with while helping wounded veterans receive the support they need. AGC's charitable arm, AGC Charities Inc., is asking firms to nominate veteran employees for an opportunity to be featured in the November/December issue of Constructor Magazine as part of our continued efforts to support Warrior Canine Connection. We are asking members who would like to nominate a veteran colleague to make a contribution of at least $100 to Warrior Canine Connection. After contributing, supporters will automatically be sent a link to an online nomination form. Donations along with nominations must be submitted by mid-August. Make your contribution and nominate a veteran here.

 

AGC of America is proud to announce the launch of the 2020 AGC Awards competitions! The Construction Risk Partners Build America Awards (including the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category) and AGC in the Community competitions recognize the nation’s most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure, and federal and heavy divisions; those contractors excelling in their partnering and collaborative endeavors; and the charitable contractors and chapters giving back to their communities. AGC member companies and chapters in good standing who meet the competition requirements are encouraged to apply online for some much-deserved recognition. Apply by Wednesday, October 23, 2019 for full consideration. 

 

On July 11, Kevin Cannon, AGC’s Senior Director of Safety and Health Services, testified before the House Committee on Education and Labor’s Subcommittee on Workforce Protections on the topic of heat exposure in the industry. Cannon testified to AGC’s thorough, proactive work on this subject and informed lawmakers that legislation mandating the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to quickly formulate a one-size-fits-all national standard to address workplace heat exposure is unwarranted. In addition, AGC pointed out how the Obama administration’s OSHA previously denied a petition for such a standard given existing agency authorities to take enforcement action when heat hazards exist on the jobsite. AGC will continue to be proactive in providing outreach and education on this important workplace safety issue. For more information, contact Kevin Cannon at cannonk@agc.org.

 

Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) invited AGC to participate in a July 10 hearing to kickoff consideration of legislation to reauthorize the federal highway and transit programs under the FAST Act before it expires September 30, 2020. Sen. Barrasso stated his intention for the committee to take the lead in the reauthorization effort and report out a bill before the congressional summer recess in hopes of avoiding the need for any short-term extensions. AGC’s Highway and Transportation Division Chair Max Kuney of Spokane, Washington, expressed during his testimony the importance of completing a highway bill on time and informed lawmakers of the disruption that can be caused to state highway construction programs and contractors when there is uncertainty about federal funding. Kuney also noted that Congress must provide the revenue necessary to keep the Highway Trust Fund from becoming insolvent and expressed AGC’s support alongside “our many partners in the business community and organized labor” in calling for a motor fuels tax increase. 

Construction employment grew in 249 out of 358 metro areas between May 2018 and May 2019, declined in 57 and was unchanged in 52, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released recently by AGC of America. Association officials said firms in many parts of the country would likely have added more workers if it were not for an acute shortage of qualified workers.

At a time when contractors are doing all they can to attract more millennials and Gen Zers to the industry, utilizing an inspirational poem by Eric Borden, a longtime heavy equipment operator and “The Pasture Poet,” can help immeasurably. Read about Eric’s journey in the industry and literary world in the July/August issue of Constructor. Also included are stories on AGC’s newest course offering, member and chapter workforce development efforts and results of the association’s work zone safety survey.

As the construction industry begins to embrace technology and the digitalization of plans, models, contracts and correspondence, managing all of the data — while maximizing productivity — requires strategy.

With space at a premium in many urban areas, developers are digging deeper foundations to increase the square footage of residential, commercial and mixed-use building projects. Digging deeper foundations has many advantages but also brings about many challenges that need to be addressed at the design phase.

Kinsley Construction, Inc., an AGC of Metropolitan Washington D.C. member, was awarded a contract by Holladay Properties to construct a new Tru by Hilton Hotel in the mixed-use development of The Landing at Cannon Branch in Manassas, Virginia.

 

Turner Construction Company, a member of multiple AGC chapters, announced recently that it has completed the management of a $3.12 million renovation of Alabama A&M’s 30,000-square-foot Thigpen Hall.

 

In June, Miron Construction Co., Inc., an AGC of Wisconsin and an AGC of Milwaukee Inc. member, welcomed 50 female students to its Neenah headquarters for the fourth annual Build Like a Girl event. The day-long program aims to showcase opportunities for women in the construction industry and combat both the severe lack of women in the field and the skills gap affecting the industry as a whole.