AGC Constructor

Associated General Contractors of America

Top News

AGC and Sage Begin Surveying Members for Annual Outlook

Each year around this time, AGC asks you – our members – to predict what next year will be like for your business. This year AGC has partnered with Sage to prepare questions that focus on expectations for market performance, hiring, labor market conditions, etc. Please take a moment to complete the survey here at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2016AGCBusinessOutlook. We will spend November and December asking members to complete the survey. After that we will work with AGC's chief economist Ken Simonson and the team from Sage to analyze the results, which we will release in early January to the media and members. As in the past, we will also prepare state-specific outlooks for every state where we have a sufficiently robust response. Thanks in advance for all your help and support, and please contact Brian Turmail at turmailb@agc.org with any questions.

The Hill Ranks AGC's Steve Sandherr Among Top Lobbyists of 2015

Every year, The Hill publishes a list of the country's most influential and effective lobbyists. For the seventh year in a row, the newspaper recognized AGC of America's CEO, Stephen Sandherr, on the list. In the recognition, The Hill called attention to the association's work on getting a long-term highway and transit bill enacted as well as pushing for career and technical education reform to help support the recovering construction industry.

So You Want to be a TV Star

Leopard Films, a creator of reality, lifestyle and entertainment programming, is searching for the next male do-it-yourself (DIY) star to help families with household renovations. Here are the criteria:

- Must be a master of their craft

- Must be charming and good looking with a great personality

- Must be in great shape between the ages of 27-40

- Being a family man is a plus

If you fit this bill and are interested in applying, submit your contact info, a picture, and your business credentials to steve.sawyer@leopardusa.com.

Leopard Films USA is the sister company of Leopard Films in London. Based in New York, Leopard Films USA offers full production and post-production services for clients across the television spectrum. Programs range from hit lifestyle shows to gritty, access-driven documentaries. Clients include A&E, Discovery, TruTV, HGTV, DIY Network, BBC America, FLN and TLC. Hit shows include HGTV's House Hunters and Dear Genevieve as well as the hugely successful DIY hit Man Caves. Visit http://www.leopardfilmsusa.com or https://www.facebook.com/leopardusa for more information.

Shape Up and Ship Out

Massive port renovation projects are happening around the U.S., inspired by the Panama Canal expansion which will allow larger-capacity ships to navigate through it. To prepare for those vessels and the business they carry, AGC members are building some of the biggest and most challenging port projects. The November/December issue of Constructor dives into the complexity of these projects and shows the critical impact they have both on land and on sea, in our cover story, "Shape Up and Ship Out."

Other highlights of the November/December issue include "Taking Off," a look at the unique attributes to airport construction; "The Workforce Shortage Report: Western Region," the last of our 2015 regional reports on the current employment challenges; and "AGC's 97th Annual Convention," a preview of the Texas-sized party planned for members in March.

Construction Employment Declines in 144 out of 358 Metro Areas Between September 2014 and 2015

Construction employment declined in 144 out of 358 metro areas between September 2014 and September 2015, while construction was stagnant in 55 and increased in 159 metro areas, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America. Association officials said many contractors are having a hard time finding qualified workers to fill available positions, which may account for the underwhelming employment figures.

"It appears that many of these job losses have more to do with a lack of workers than they do a lack of work," said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "While some markets are seeing a softening in demand, overall construction spending continues to rise while the sector's unemployment rate continues to fall." Click here read full press release.

Advocacy

Transportation Bill Conference Committee Begins

Last week, select members of the House and Senate – called conferees – began negotiations on resolving the differences between the two chambers' long-term highway & transit bills. However, with funding levels and duration yet to be agreed upon, negotiations are off to a slow start, which could result in yet another short-term extension if Congress does not reach a deal by November 20. AGC – along with our members and chapters – has been a leader in the reauthorization process and advocated for the construction industry's priorities in a letter to all conferees, detailing which provisions and policies should be included in a final transportation bill. Please visit Hardhats for Highways and send a letter to your members of Congress, urging them to support a long-term highway & transit bill.

Visit http://www.mmsend50.com/link.cfm?r=959133122&sid=84988383&m=11463002&u=agca&j=30851447&s=http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/agchf/issues/2015-11-13.html#0 to view the full article online.

Business Tips

Recruit Construction Workers Now for 2020

You think you’ve got problems now? Consider your construction workforce situation five years into the future. The great recession smacked the construction industry like a bat on a ball several years ago, but current projections show a slow but steady rebound. In a recent AGC survey, 80 percent of construction firms indicated they plan to increase their payroll this year.

Visit http://www.constructormagazine.com/recruit-construction-workers-now-for-2020/#.VkZrYnarRhE to view the full article online.

Member News

BOND Dedicates Stonehill College's Athletic and Fitness Center

BOND, an AGC of Massachusetts member, recently celebrated the dedication of Stonehill College’s Rev. Mark T. Cregan C.S.C. Athletic and Fitness Center at the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex in Easton, Massachusetts. The ceremony honored the facility’s namesake, who served as Stonehill’s president for 13 years.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=348926&issueID=47568 to view the full article online.

Installing College Football's Largest Video Board

When the new video board was recently installed at Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, it became the largest in college football. While the size of the new video board has made headlines, the story behind the installation of the massive board is one of an incredible engineering feat.

Visit https://www.brasfieldgorrie.com/blog/the-engineering-marvel-behind-college-footballs-largest-video-board/ to view the full article online.

Cadence McShane to Provide Construction Services for Bowden Event Center

Will Hodges, president of Cadence McShane Construction Company, a TEXO and Houston Chapter member, is pleased to announce that the firm has been selected to provide the new construction services for Bowden Event Center on behalf of the Greater Keller Women’s Club. Located on Keller Parkway in Keller, Texas, the comprehensive assignment incorporates a chapel and adjacent event center. Construction began in late October with completion slated for fourth quarter 2016.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=348927&issueID=47568 to view the full article online.

Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors Creates $25 Million Special Projects Division

When Hill & Wilkinson first started saying yes to niche jobs like the south dock repairs for Quaker Oats in 1992, CEO Paul Driscoll said he never thought it would spur a Special Projects Division, much less one with $25 million in revenue. Recently, Hill & Wilkinson announced the new division, which was created to meet increasing demand from clients who need teams that can work quickly and efficiently on challenging and unique projects. The Special Projects Division will work with a wide range of budgets and complexities and serve over half a dozen industries.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=348922&issueID=47568 to view the full article online.

Sundt Construction Appoints Mike Hoover as President

Sundt Construction, Inc., a member of multiple AGC chapters, announced recently the appointment of longtime Sundt employee Mike Hoover as president of the company. Hoover, previously serving as Sundt’s executive vice president and chief operating officer for the general contractor’s Civil Group, replaces former Sundt president and CEO, David S. Crawford, who retains his chief executive title.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=348924&issueID=47568 to view the full article online.

Tarlton Completes Renovation of Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls

Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis-based general contracting and construction management firm and a member of multiple AGC chapters, completed the renovation of Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls, Missouri’s first all-girls public charter school for St. Louis City students that offers a hands-on college preparatory curriculum focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=348929&issueID=47568 to view the full article online.

Tocci Building Companies Celebrates Ribbon Cutting at Brookside Square in West Concord, Massachusetts

Tocci Building Companies, a Boston-area construction management company and AGC of Massachusetts member, celebrated the completion of Brookside Square in West Concord, Massachusetts, at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 2, 2015. The event was attended by project developer Oaktree FX Development (Oaktree), property manager WinnResidential, and special guest Massachusetts State Sen. Michael Barrett. After remarks in the Brookside Square courtyard, attendees were welcome to tour the property and a model apartment.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=348925&issueID=47568 to view the full article online.

Turner Construction Company Names Robert Baird Operations Manager for Georgia/Carolinas

Robert Baird has been named operations manager for Georgia and the Carolinas for Turner Construction Company, a member of multiple AGC chapters. Baird has been with Turner for almost 25 years, and in his new position he reports to Mark Dent, vice president/general manager for Turner Construction in Georgia and the Carolinas.

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=348931&issueID=47568 to view the full article online.

Industry Events

97th Annual Convention