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 Top News
New industry outlook shows contractors expect a boost from the bipartisan infrastructure bill and broad-based private-sector demand, except for retail and office construction, if they can find workers and materials
Construction contractors expect increasing demand for numerous types of projects in 2022 despite ongoing supply chain and labor challenges, as most firms plan to add workers this year, according to survey results released recently by AGC of America and Sage. The findings are detailed in Expecting Growth While Coping with the Lingering Impacts of the Pandemic: The 2022 Construction Hiring & Business Outlook.
In this episode of ConstructorCast, a panel discusses the partnership between AGC and Procore Technologies, and their efforts to raise money for the benefit of African American and disadvantaged students studying construction at Historically Black Colleges & Universities. The scholarship program has already connected with seven HBCUs, and raised over $400,000 including a $250,000 contribution from Procore. B. Scott Holloway, president and CEO of member and donor company Josam Company, joins in on the discussion, and encourages other members to donate to the effort.
AGC to continue with litigation on the merits of the ETS
On January 13, the Supreme Court reinstated the nationwide stay on implementation and enforcement of the OSHA COVID-19 vaccination-or-testing emergency temporary standard (ETS). As a result of this decision, OSHA will have to suspend its ETS compliance efforts, many of which took effect on January 10. The case will now go back to the lower courts for litigation on the merits of the ETS. There, AGC of America will remain engaged via its Construction Advocacy Fund-backed lawsuit challenging the ETS. To support the Fund and other pro-construction industry efforts, click here.
In an effort to assist AGC members with increasing the vaccination rates among their workforce and with understanding the ETS requirements, the association created a COVID-19 vaccine tool kit webpage that contains a construction-oriented summary of the ETS detailing employers’ compliance options and obligations as well as additional resources. This toolkit also includes a series of vaccine Public Service Ads AGC of America created specifically targeting construction workers.
AGC of America is now accepting session proposals for AGC’s 2022 Construction Safety, Health & Environmental Conference. This notice is a call for presentations for a limited number of speaking opportunities.
We are looking for experienced presenters to deliver dynamic and engaging presentations related to safety and health, and the environment. AGC wants to deliver content that will stimulate and provoke discussion. We invite you to share your knowledge and help us shape the 2022 experience. For more information on speaker expectations, important deadlines, and how to submit your proposal, please refer to our conference guidelines. Proposals are due by close of business on Monday, February 28, 2022. 
AdvocacyEncourages prioritization of review and permitting reform regs, discourages limits on state flexibility
On January 6, AGC provided feedback to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on its initial guidance on implementation of the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). AGC strongly encouraged the agency to expediently implement environmental review and permitting reforms contained in the bill without creating new regulatory hurdles in the process. Additionally, AGC encouraged the agency to seek adequate industry input and allow for an extended transition period to new Buy America requirements on construction materials. AGC cautioned the agency that language contained in their guidance document on limiting new highway capacity for single occupancy vehicles defies congressional intent. AGC will continue to monitor FHWA’s implementation of this historic legislation and ensure the policies contained in the bill are implemented clearly and as intended.
For more information, contact Alex Etchen at alex.etchen@agc.org or Cory Gattie at cory.gattie@agc.org.
Construction Economic NewsPrices of construction materials jumped nearly 20 percent in 2021 despite moderating in December, according to an analysis by AGC of America of government data released recently. Association officials said contractors rate materials costs as a top concern for 2022, according to a survey predicting the industry’s outlook for the industry the association released yesterday.
“Costs may not rise as steeply in 2022 as they did last year but they are likely to remain volatile, with unpredictable prices and delivery dates for key materials,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “That volatility can be as hard to cope with as steadily rising prices and lead times.”
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The January/February 2022 issue of Constructor magazine is now available!
Read about the challenges and achievements of constructing wind farms in our cover story, "Tall Tales of Wind Farm Construction." Other highlights include: • New Year, Same Virus • How the Infrastructure Bill Was Won • Hell & High Water • Mobile Collaboration on Jobsites Saves Time and Money Click here to start reading this issue now! Thank you to our advertisers, whose support helps make this publication possible.
Business Tips
Networking is a naughty word in construction — most people cringe at the idea. Let’s approach networking from a different point of view that’s not cringeworthy then. Let’s think about it as making friends, learning about someone or someone’s company, or just finding common ground.
BY LINDSAY YOUNG, NU MARKETING BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BEST PRACTICES SERIES 
Member News
While Palmisano, LLC, a Louisiana AGC Inc. member, was established with a desire to challenge the status quo and build a better world, the company started in a manner similar to the vast majority of construction companies named after their respective founders. On the quest to break new ground, Palmisano has decided to rebrand as Impetus.
Brinkmann Constructors, an AGC of Missouri and AGC of Virginia member, has hired Samantha Cook as chief financial officer. Samantha has more than 15 years of experience in the construction industry managing financial services. Samantha will be responsible for aligning Brinkmann’s accounting, finance and technology with plans for future growth as well as setting overall financial strategy for the organization.
Industry EventsDon’t miss this Texas-sized event
Experience the AGC Annual Convention, providing contractors of all sizes and markets the opportunity to gain business-critical insights into the issues most affecting their operations. AGC brings together experts from across the industry to share their knowledge and help prepare contractors to meet the challenges of today (and tomorrow). Alongside the incredible keynote speakers, the AGC Annual Convention will feature more than 15 education breakout sessions covering a variety of key industry topics. Held in conjunction with this event, the AGC Equipment, Technology & Construction Solutions Expo provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for your whole team to meet with more than 100 leading industry suppliers showcasing the latest tools, solutions and equipment to power your construction business. January 19, 2022 Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) connects the military community — service members, military spouses, and veterans — with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce. For details on any event, please visit the Hiring Our Heroes Calendar.
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