AGCVA eBulletin

JACKCRETE, a Hampton Roads based polyurethane foam contractor, was entering the competition with an impressive project at The Midtown Tunnel on interstate 264 connecting the cities of Portsmouth and Norfolk in Hampton Roads, Virginia. The tunnel system was showing signs of water infiltration along the eastbound approach where the bridge structure began the descent into the underwater tunnel. Seawater would leak through this massive concrete infrastructure resulting in saltwater gathering in the roadway as motorist approached the tunnel opening, causing commuters to splash the cars behind them with water. While not a hazard during the summertime, the risk present in winter was very apparent- stagnant water on the approach could freeze, leaving motorists at risk.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/vgc-nwl/pdf/Press_Release_SPFA_Award.pdf to view the full article online.

Provided by:  Virginia Business - January 2, 2018
The law firm of Gentry Locke in Roanoke announced that Roanoke lawyers Jonathan D. Puvak and Daniel R. Sullivan have been promoted to partner.

Visit http://www.virginiabusiness.com/companies/article/331940?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily to view the full article online.

January 10, 2018 
Congratulations to Geoff Bean(WM Jordan Co.), LEED AP, BD+C, who has been named a 2018 Top Young Professional in @ENRnews Regionals Top 20 Under 40 annual contest!  Geoff is the AGCVA Tidewater District President this year and recently won the award for Outstanding Achievement as the Tidewater Membership Chairman.

Visit http://www.wmjordan.com/news/2018/01/geoff-bean-named-a-2018-top-young-professional-by-enr-regionals/?platform=hootsuite to view the full article online.

Crossover Healthcare Ministry, a free clinic serving the families of the working poor in Central Virginia. Our vision is to ensure a healthy, vibrant community.  We know that the business climate is competitive and employers face tough economic realities.  Many companies want to, but, are unable to assist their employees and contractors with health insurance, this is where CrossOver comes in.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/vgc-nwl/pdf/HealthCareMinistry.pdf to view the full article online.

New General Contractor Member
Central District
W.E.L., Inc.
PO Box 109
Concord, Virginia 24538
Phone: (434) 993-2210
Fax: (434) 993-2287
Contact:  William Litchford
Specialty:  Demolition, Asbestos Abatement & Encapsulation
http://www.welinc.com

New Subcontractor Member
Richmond District
Advanced Fueling Systems, Inc.
9998 Lickinghole Road
Ashland, Virginia 23005
Phone: (804) 798-2900
Contact:  Nick Wallace
Specialty:  Petroleum Tanks & Pumps, Steel Storage Tanks

New Subcontractor Member
Tidewater District  
Fire Tech Services Inc
820 Greenbrier Cir #8
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Phone:  (757) 523-7330  
Fax:  (757) 523-7336  
Contact:  Griffith Brinkley
Specialty:  Fire Alarm Inspections & Service, Fire Detection Equipment, Fire Extinguishers, Fire Sprinklers: Automatic
http://www.firetechva.com

New Service/Supplier Member  
Central District  
Advanced Drainage Systems Inc
401 Olive Street
Findlay, OH 45840
Phone: (434) 238-4751
Contact:  David Camden
Specialty:  Pipe Fabrication, Piping Contractors, Precast Storm Drainage Products, Storm Sewers
http://www.ads-pipe.com 

New Service/Supplier Member  
Tidewater District
American Scaffold, Inc.
2640 Indian River Road
Chesapeake, Virginia 23325
Phone: (757) 995-6577 
Fax:  (619) 231-4930
Contact:  Marty Carlson
Specialty:  Scaffold Erectors, Construction Equipment, Contractors Equipment (General), Equipment Sales & Rentals
http://americanscaffold.com

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/vgc-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=485118&issueID=61358 to view the full article online.

At the winter board meeting in January, AGC’s board heard in detail about the Virginia BEST program.  For over an hour Scott Sutton of WM Jordan and Arlene Lee of R.E. Lee answered questions from Board members and attendees.  They spoke of their experience and lessons learned when going through the program.  Virginia BEST is designed to encourage and recognize AGCVA members who voluntarily implement highly effective safety and health management systems to benefit construction workers and reduce or eliminate injuries, illnesses and fatalities on construction sites in Virginia.  Many questions were answered and as a result, five AGC members have submitted their intent to go through the process.

In addition, Scott Sutton was able to get the green light to open the program up to Subcontractor members of AGC.  This is a big step and companies who go through Virginia BEST will be safer, more profitable and will considered best in class by others.  Each applicant is matched with an AGC member who serves as a mentor to help you walk through the process.  You may take the self-assessment here.  Each company needs to achieve a 33% to achieve level 1.  There are three levels to go through the process.

Due to the high interest on Virginia BEST, AGC will be holding Q & A sessions in each district for interested companies.  To learn more contact:  Gordon Dixon gordon@agcva.org or look up more details on the AGC website:  AGCVA Virginia BEST

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/vgc-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=485554&issueID=61358 to view the full article online.

The Virginia Legislature is in the 60 day Session which is scheduled to end in early March.  With a new Governor and Lt. Governor and almost a 1/3 of new legislators in the House, there is a lot of work that is needed to explain issues in enough detail so citizen legislators understand all sides of an issue.

AGCVA’s Legislative Committee, comprised of member volunteers from every district with General Contractors and Subcontractors providing input,  meet weekly to go over bills, hear specific updates (details of bills often change daily) and send emails or calls to legislators on AGCVA’s positions. 

Many AGC districts hold legislative forums or receptions in the summer where we can build the relationship with our local officials that effort pays off during the Session.  We also have a lobbyist, Katie Payne of Williams Mullen who is constantly tracking down not just legislators but other lobbyists to help move bills into more construction friendly positions.  Finally, our CEO, Gordon Dixon, is often at the legislature discussing bills in more detail with legislators and their staff or providing testimony when Katie is in another hearing.

AGC is advocating for two key issues this year:  HB 823 and SB 319 will ensure General Contractors are not forced to waive their lien rights.  Subcontractors won that ability in 2015 and we are continuing that practice in Virginia for General Contractors. 

Another key issue (HB 1084) reduces Virginia’s Sovereign Immunity on statute of limitations for public construction contracts.  Currently if you work on a university project, you are on the hook on defects for life.  HB 1084 will set a statute of limitations to 5 years, which is what most states currently have.  

For a summary and status of issues AGC is tracking, click here.  If you have questions about a specific issue, contact Gordon Dixon at gordon@agcva.org

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/vgc-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=485557&issueID=61358 to view the full article online.

The AGCVA held its Annual Convention at The OMNI Homestead on January 18-22, 2018.  The 2018 officers and board were installed.  There was great networking and celebration at the “Star Spangled BASH” on Friday night.  View Photos online ... Password:  Homestead

Visit http://gitchellsphotography.pass.us/agcva2018/ to view the full article online.

So what do you get when 30 architect and carpentry students, 4 instructors and counselors and 1 bus driver show up at a job site at 9:30 am on a VERY cold morning? SUCCESS! 
Richard Park and his team were waiting and ready to go, with safety equipment ready to hand out, when the students arrived at The Lofts at Meadowcreek; a multifamily apartment complex that will provide 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments to the community. Richard Park of Pinnacle Construction & Development provided the students with an extensive tour of the project, explaining the project, and answering the student’s questions as they transitioned through the project.

Visit http://www.naylornetwork.com/vgc-nwl/pdf/Piedmont_District_Holds_Student_Job_Site_Tour.pdf to view the full article online.

Provided by:  Virginia Business - January 18, 2018
A group of Democratic legislators on Thursday urged the General Assembly to approve a package of bills aimed at helping small businesses and training young people for good-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.

At a news conference led by Del. Matthew James (D-Portsmouth), the lawmakers discussed several bills relating to workforce development and job creation in Virginia.  “Our No. 1 goal for this 60-day legislative session is to help improve the lives of all Virginians,” James said. “We’re here to help people get better jobs; we’re here to help small businesses get skilled workers.”

Visit http://www.virginiabusiness.com/news/article/332005?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily to view the full article online.

ATTENTION General Contractors & Subcontractors 
The NASA forms have been mailed out.  The AGCVA has won this award 20 years in a row due to YOU.  It is a quick form to fill out the information comes from the OSHA 300A Logs.  Questions?  Sheila Collins 804.364.5504 x211

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/vgc-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=485100&issueID=61358 to view the full article online.

May 7-11, 2018 
OSHA has announced the dates for next year's Safety Stand Down. This is a voluntary event that encourages employers to have a conversation with their workers about fall hazards and prevention. The week-long event is sponsored by OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and CPWR (The Center for Construction Research and Training).

Visit https://www.naylornetwork.com/vgc-nwl/articles/index.asp?aid=485102&issueID=61358 to view the full article online.

According to OSHA, falls from portable ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. NIOSH reports that more than 500,000 people in the US are treated for ladder injuries every year and about 300 people die EVERY YEAR from ladder-related injuries.

OSHA General Industry Standard 1910.23(b)(9) states that the employer must ensure that ladders are inspected before initial use in each work shift, and more frequently as necessary, to identify any visible defects that could cause employee injury.

Visit https://blog.weeklysafety.com/blog/ladder-safety?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=topic&utm_content=ladder-safety to view the full article online.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT – MODULE 1-5
Thursday, February 8 - Friday, February 9, 2018
Module 1: Estimating & Job Costing
TIME:  8:30 am to 4:00 pm
AGCVA Headquarters
COST:  AGCVA Member: $495 / Non Member: $795

This course will help early-career project managers gain awareness of how accurate cost information is critical to the success of the company through an understanding of different types of estimates, the link between design, estimating and project costs, and the importance of documentation and formatting.

Visit https://agcva.org/whats-new/calendar/#id=10971&cid=553&wid=801 to view the full article online.

A unique opportunity to partner with DGS leadership 
Tuesday, February 20, 2018  
Omni Richmond Hotel  -  3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Our Purpose:   ACE Virginia, a joint venture of the American Institute of Architects, Associated General Contractors & American Council of Engineering Companies of VA (AIAVA, AGCVA & ACECVA), offers opportunities to educate and promote best practices of the design and construction industry to our members, owners and developers (both public and private) and the general public. 

Visit https://agcva.org/whats-new/calendar/#id=10954&cid=553&wid=801 to view the full article online.

Complete Program Being Offered 
Thursday, February 22 to Monday, February 26, 2018 
AGCVA Headquarters (Glen Allen, VA)

Take a single unit, or complete them all and qualify for a professional credential in Lean Construction.  Lean Construction is driven to minimize costs and maximize value on each project completed, challenging all stakeholders to develop and apply better ways to manage the overall construction process. Everyone related to the construction process has incentive to get the project done faster and at a lower cost — from the project owners who want to see tangible results for their investment to designers and contractors who want to do their job well and move on to the next project.

Visit https://agcva.org/whats-new/calendar/#id=10969&cid=553&wid=801 to view the full article online.