AGC Constructor

August 2016

Top News

AGC, Transportation Construction Coalition Begin August Highway Trust Fund Grassroots Push

Earlier this month, the AGC co-chaired Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) kicked-off a grassroots effort to remind members of Congress that although they passed a five-year transportation bill last year, their job is not done and the Highway Trust Fund is still in need of a long-term revenue source. Use the August recess to meet with your federal Representative and advocate for a permanent Highway Trust Fund fix to be included in any comprehensive tax reform package. The House Ways & Means Committee released their blueprint for tax reform several weeks ago, which failed to mention the funding problems with the Highway Trust Fund. The Ways and Means Committee needs to hear our industry's concern about the failure to include a Highway Trust Fund fix in that blueprint. Visit Hardhats for Highways for talking points to help you in your meeting with your federal Representative, along with information on providing comments directly to the Ways & Means Committee about the importance of fixing the Highway Trust Fund. If you are unable to meet in person with your member of Congress, you can send a letter to your representative through our Hardhats for Highways website.

Construction Employment Increases in 228 out of 358 Metro Areas Between June 2015 and 2016

Construction employment increased in 228 out of 358 metro areas, was unchanged in 48 and declined in 82 between June 2015 and June 2016, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged Congress to act on legislation to reform and increase federal funding for career and technical education to encourage more high school students to pursue high-paying careers in construction. AGC released the employment data at press event in Boise, Idaho. Learn More...

Alliant Build America and AGC in the Community Competitions Now Open

Apply by Wednesday, October 26, 2016!

AGC of America is proud to announce the launch of our 2017 project award competitions! The Alliant Build America Awards (including the Marvin M. Black Partnering Excellence category) and AGC in the Community competitions are now accepting applications. These programs 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 26, 2016 for full consideration. Learn more about AGC of America’s awards programs at www.agc.org/awards.

Advocacy

AGC Wins Landmark Case on Insurance Coverage for Construction Defects

The New Jersey Supreme Court has just decided a landmark case on commercial general liability (CGL) insurance coverage for construction defects. In the process, it has become the latest court to hold that the CGL policy (sold to AGC members across the United States) does provide significant coverage for such defects. On August 4, the six members of the court unanimously endorsed the majority rule that the policy does cover water and other property damage resulting from unintended and unexpected defects in a subcontractor's workmanship Learn More...

Business Tips

A Hurricane Preparedness Plan Can Save Time, Money & Lives

In the 1700s, Ben Franklin famously said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Today, nearly 300 years later, these words ring true, especially for builders during hurricane season, June 1 through November 30. Contractors across the United States should take hurricane preparedness seriously. Here are a few key tips that could benefit any builder in need of updating or creating a hurricane preparedness plan. Learn More...

Natural Gas-Powered Generators Lower Fuel Costs, Reduce Emissions

The hottest year ever recorded in human history was 2015, and it was also the year the globe crossed the symbolic threshold of over 400 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Taking care of the environment now has never been so critical. With the unseasonably warm trend and increasing number of construction projects expected to continue into 2017 and beyond, contractors are sure to look for power solutions that not only increase operational efficiencies, but also meet stringent environmental regulations. Learn More...

Chapter News

Carolinas AGC Announces 2016 Top Young Leader Award Winners

The Top Young Leader Award will recognize who play critical roles in the community and professional arenas of the construction industry. We believe it's important to honor the achievements of our young leaders; the emergence of these young leaders is critical to the future of CAGC and the members we serve. See the full list of recipients and photos here.

AGCVA Appoints New CEO

The Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) is pleased to announce the selection of Gordon N. Dixon as chief executive officer, succeeding current CEO Steven Vermillion who is retiring. Learn More...

Member News

C1S Group Named One of the "50 Best Places to Work"

Inc. magazine has named C1S Group, a TEXO member, one of the "50 Best Places to Work" in the United States. Inc.’s roster of the 50 best workplaces is the first such measurement of American companies with up to 500 employees and is intended to both guide and inspire businesses to build workplace cultures that allow their staff to grow along with the bottom line. Chosen from among 500 entrants, C1S is the only North Texas company on the list. Learn More...

Linbeck Completes Morris Foundation Women and Children's Center

Linbeck Group, a Texas-based, technology-driven building construction firm and a member of multiple AGC chapters, recently announced its completion of the $8.4-million Presbyterian Night Shelter’s Morris Foundation Women & Children’s Center (2320 Poplar Street). Construction on the project began April 1, 2015 and was completed on schedule and on budget using, among other technological tools and processes, BIM 360™ Field. Learn More...

McCarthy Building Companies Promotes Mark Allnutt to Vice President of Southeast Division

McCarthy Building Companies Inc., a member of multiple AGC chapters, recently announced the promotion of Mark Allnutt to vice president of McCarthy’s Southeast Division. Allnutt will oversee business development, office administration, virtual design & construction (VDC) and will assist in McCarthy’s preconstruction services. Additionally, he will continue to oversee some of McCarthy’s most prominent health care clients in the Southeast Division. Learn More...

Sundt Selected for Two Affordable Housing Projects in El Paso

The Housing Authority of the City of El Paso has selected Sundt Construction, Inc., a member of multiple AGC chapters, as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for two residential projects totaling $56 million. Learn More...

Western Specialty Contractors Facades Division Transforms Discreet Entrance to Luxury New York Condo

The Facades Division of Western Specialty Contractors, a member of multiple AGC chapters, has helped to transform the discreet entrance to one of Manhattan, New York's most luxurious condominium high rise buildings into a functional work of art. Learn More...