Over the past several months, we have received a number of reports, most of which were anecdotal, about sporadic shortages of skilled construction workers in certain parts of the country. At the same time, overall construction employment, while rising steadily, remains well below peak employment levels. As a result, we are having a hard time gauging the extent of worker shortages and if and where those shortages may be impacting construction projects. Please take a few brief minutes to complete the following survey so we can conduct a more complete and accurate assessment of if, where and to what extent there are actual shortages of skilled craft workers and/or qualified construction professionals. Your input will help us correctly calibrate our messaging to elected officials and the media and will also guide our efforts to support workforce development. Thank you in advance for your time and support. Take the survey here.

 

Construction can be a risky business, and the best in the business do everything they can to prevent the worst — whether the casualties fall under the heading of technological, environmental or human — from happening at all. But while the factors inside your operation can be controlled to a reasonable degree, the rest of the world outside it, alas, cannot. Be sure to catch Constructor's September/October cover story on crisis management. Learn More...

 

Groups and posts, impressions and likes. And what about Tumblrs and the blogosphere? It's a brave yet not-so-new world anymore. Has your company taken the plunge? Find out why and how you should get started, plus a few new ideas to up your game. Learn More...

 

 For up-to-date news and information, follow Constructor magazine on Twitter: @ConstructorMag.

 

The Obama administration should reconsider its proposal to impose oppressive new regulations governing the employment of veterans and people with disabilities on federal contractors, officials with the AGC of America argued recently during a meeting with the administration. Association officials said federal employment and compliance enforcement data indicate there is no justification for the costly new rules. Learn More...

 

After one of the longest downturns in living memory, the non-residential construction market is showing signs of recovery. As successful heavy and general contractors, subcontractors and project owners prepare for new opportunities, they’re updating risk management and surety programs to make sure they support potentially rapid growth. Learn More...

 

The Cross Family, founders and owners of Cross Insurance, one of the largest independent insurance providers in New England, has been named the recipient of this year’s Major Achievements in Construction Award from AGC Maine for its efforts to advance the construction industry in the Pine Tree State. Learn More...

 

Intermountain Electric, Inc. (IME), a member of multiple AGC chapters, recently announced the addition of Ed Watson as building information management / virtual design construction (BIM / VDC) project manager. Watson will be responsible for the development and implementation of BIM / VDC in projects, offering advantages such as better profits, less rework, reduced project duration and the ability to offer new services. With substantial experience in electrical construction, Watson has contributed to many notable projects in industries such as healthcare, solar, telecommunications and industrial. Learn More...

 

Weifield Group Contracting LLC, an AGC of Colorado Building Chapter member, is proud to announce that its own James "Jim" Dent, has been appointed to the Colorado State Electrical Board. The State Electrical Board licenses, registers, and regulates electricians, apprentices, and electrical contractors. They conduct regular inspections of the installations that they regulate, and review special requests for exceptions to the code. The board’s mission is to protect the health of the public by enforcing the state electrical statutes. All members serve for three-year terms. The board is made up of nine professional and public members that are appointed by the governor. Learn More...

 

Abstract Construction, a Dallas-based, full-service general contractor and TEXO member, announced today the launch of ‘40 Acts of Kindness,’ a campaign to give back to surrounding communities in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The 40 Acts campaign will run through the summer and culminate with a community-wide event in late October. Learn More...

 

Will Hodges, president of Cadence McShane Construction Company, an AGC Houston Chapter and TEXO member, is pleased to announce that the firm has recently completed the construction of Legacy at Bear Creek, a new 78-unit assisted living and memory care facility on behalf of co-developers, PinPoint Commercial, L.P. and Thrive Senior Living. The 51,000-sq-ft residential complex is located on a 6.8-acre site at 200 Keller Smithfield Road South within the Keller Town Center, a 340-acre mixed-use planned development in Keller, Tex. Learn More...

 

Southland Industries, one of the nation's largest mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) building systems experts and an AGC of California and AGC of Metropolitan D.C. Washington member, recently expanded its energy services group. As a division of Southland Industries, Southland Energy enters the energy services company (ESCO) marketplace backed by over 60 years of experience in designing, building, operating and servicing high-performance facilities. As such, Southland Energy has the ability to self-perform the vast majority of work required for complex energy projects, ultimately driving down costs for its clients. Learn More...

 

The 2013 AGC Building Contractors Conference brings together high-level leaders in the building construction industry to share, learn and discuss the issues that are essential to them and their business. This year’s theme is "Increasing Your Firm’s Productivity Through Industry Innovations." Learn More...

 

Aug 22, 203
Management by Values * Developing a Lean Culture

Sept 12-14, 2013
CLC Fall Working Weekend
St. Louis, Mo.

Sept 24, 2013
Webinar: A Technology Blueprint for General Contractors

Oct 8-9, 2013
Denver BIMForum
Denver, Colo.

Oct 15, 2013
Unit 5: Lean Supply Chains and Assembly
Colorado Springs CO

Oct 15, 2013 - Oct 19, 2013
2013 Building Contractors Conference 
Colorado Springs, CO 

Oct 16, 2013 - Oct 17, 2013
Construction HR and Training Professionals Conference 
Chicago, IL 

Oct 23-25, 2013 
AGC/CFMA Construction Financial Management Conference 
Las Vegas, Nev. 

Oct 23-25, 2013 
Safety Management Training Course 
St. Louis, Mo.