AGC Constructor
Associated General Contractors of America
Top News
 Contractors increasingly turn to electronic solutions for communicating, accessing plans and managing projects, but that puts them at risk for cyberattacks. Can't happen to you? If you use the internet - and let's face it, who doesn't - your construction firm is at risk. Find out how easily it can happen and what you can do to protect yourself and your company in the September/October issue of Constructor. Other features in the latest edition of the magazine include "All Eyes on November," a look at what the industry has a stake this November.
Visit http://www.nxtbook.com/naylor/NGCS/NGCS0516/index.php#/0 to view the full article online. |
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Two-thirds of construction firms report they are having a hard time filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released recently by AGC of America. Association officials said that many firms are changing the way they pay and operate to cope, but warned that labor shortages could undermine broader economic growth and called for new workforce measures to improve the pipeline for recruiting and training new craft workers.
Visit https://www.agc.org/news/2016/08/31/two-thirds-contractors-have-hard-time-finding-qualified-craft-workers-hire-amid to view the full article online. |
Advocacy
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Steve Sandherr, AGC of America's chief executive officer, issued the following statement this week in response to the passage of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier:
"The fact an overwhelming and bipartisan majority of the House approved this new career and technical education legislation is a clear sign that members of Congress understand the need to provide more students with the skills they need to enter high-paying careers like construction. Significantly, this new legislation includes reforms we have long advocated to allow school officials to offer programs that local employers need. In addition, the measure opens the way for greater acceptance of industry-recognized credentials within school programs, something we also have long championed.
"Moving forward, the Associated General Contractors of America will be working aggressively to encourage the Senate to quickly pass this measure and send it to the president for his signature. The last thing our economy can afford is to continue preparing students for jobs that don't exist while employers search in vain for workers with skills that aren't taught."
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Business Tips
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Diversity in the construction industry has dramatically increased, according to data from The Center for Construction Research and Training. Nearly 70 percent of new construction jobs between 2012 and 2015 were filled by Latino workers. Accordingly, managers must be proactive about meeting the language needs of their rapidly changing workforce. To properly support this diverse population of workers, employers must ensure their employees have the resources needed to work effectively — and safely.
Visit http://www.constructormagazine.com/closing-language-gaps-can-be-life-saving-for-diverse-worker-populations/#.V9nF0JgrKHs to view the full article online. |
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Attractive layouts, color, and ample graphics are common features in proposals these days, but many still lack the effective design for the most part. While they are generally appealing to look at, they fail to meet the most important document design criterion – function. Effective design goes beyond pretty; it facilitates better communication. Here are a few design
tips that will distinguish your proposals, not just in terms of their visual impact, but also in their ability to clearly convey your message(s) to your prospects. Visit https://www.agc.org/sites/default/files/Files/Education/Beyond%20Pretty-How%20to%20Design%20an%20Effective%20Proposal.pdf to view the full article online. |
Chapter News
 It’s fall in New Jersey, and parents and students across the state are paying for the new semester of college. For dozens of students, college tuition came with help from New Jersey’s union construction industry, which awarded $1,057,500 to 277 students in 2016, and many millions of dollars to thousands of students over the past two decades.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=400222&issueID=50074 to view the full article online. |
Member News
 C1S Group, a TEXO member based in Dallas, has hired Connie Clark as director, human resources. Clark is responsible for establishing an HR Department for C1S and for managing internal recruiting and talent acquisition. Her human resources skills include compensation and benefits, employee relations, HR department start up, HR policies and procedures, HRIS technologies and recruiting and talent acquisition.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=400226&issueID=50074 to view the full article online. |
 C.W. Driver Companies, an AGC of California and San Diego Chapter member, has announced the start of construction for Five Lagunas, which includes the rebranding and renovation of the Laguna Hills Mall in Laguna Hills, California. The center’s rebranding to Five Lagunas pays homage to the five towns situated in close proximity – Laguna Beach, Laguna Canyon, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel and Laguna Woods.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=400220&issueID=50074 to view the full article online. |
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S.W. Cole Explorations, LLC, an AGC of Maine and AGC of New Hampshire member, has acquired the equipment and materials of Great Works Test Boring, Inc. In the deal, the drilling company obtained three drill rigs and associated equipment, bringing the number of rigs owned by S.W.COLEx to five.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=400223&issueID=50074 to view the full article online. |
 Thornton Tomasetti, a General Building Contractors Association, Inc. member, has announced that Co-President Robert DeScenza, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, has received a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) award from City & State Reports. DeScenza was among the 28 business leaders recognized for outstanding corporate citizenship at a July 28 event at New York University.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=400224&issueID=50074 to view the full article online. |
 Busy traffic, a steady flow of visitors and unique materials were among the challenges Western Specialty Contractors, an AGC of Missouri and Master Builders of Iowa member, faced when it restored the stone facade of Charleston, Illinois' historic Coles County Courthouse.
Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/ngc-constructor/articles/index.asp?aid=400225&issueID=50074 to view the full article online. |
Industry Events
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