The nation's buildings and infrastructure will become more efficient, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting energy consumption, according to a new green construction plan released Thursday by AGC. The plan outlines measures designed to stimulate demand for green construction projects, boost infrastructure capacity, and improve building efficiency and green construction practices. Read More
Emissions from Off-Road Diesel Equipment Are Less Than 28 Percent of Estimates
Emissions from California's construction and other off-road diesel equipment are less than 28 percent of what state officials have estimated, AGC announced last week. As a result, the California Air Resources Board has no scientific justification for sticking to a new rule requiring construction contractors to spend billions of dollars on their existing equipment. Read More
AGC Urges Administration to Reject 'Blacklisting' Program
AGC cautioned the Obama Administration to reject calls to impose new contracting rules that would allow for blacklisting of companies based on arbitrary reasons, false accusations and unproven anonymous complaints. Read More
Construction Employment Increases in 26 States
Construction employment expanded in 26 states and the District of Columbia between February and March 2010, yet only Arkansas and North Dakota have more construction workers than they did a year ago, according to AGC's analysis of federal employment figures released April 16. Read More
AGC Member Tells EPA: Diesel Emissions Rule Risks Workers' Lives
AGC member Jon Cloud testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to explain how California's plan to require construction contractors to install emissions reduction kits on their off-road diesel equipment will endanger workers and force job cuts. Read More
BUILDING
Federal Government Seeks to Reform Wall Street
Following passage of the health care bill, President Obama and congressional Democrats are now seeking to reform the country's financial sphere with a financial overhaul bill. The 1,336-page bill includes key provisions that would negatively impact commercial real estate, such as risk-retention provisions, regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, and new reporting requirements for real estate investors. Read More
UTILITY
DOT Secretary Helps Promote Safe Digging Month
April is National Safe Digging Month, an issue AGC and partners PHMSA and CGA have long-promoted. Last week, Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood encouraged Americans via his blog to dig safely as they begin yearly spring rituals, such as gardening and other yard work. Read More
HIGHWAY
AGC Participates in Work Zone Awareness Activities
Highway and Transportation Division Chairman Dean Word (Dean Word Co., New Braunfels, Texas) joined Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, New York state and city DOT officials and others at a national event in New York City to kick off Work Zone Awareness week. Read More
Senate EPW Committee Concludes Hearings, Ready to Draft Reauthorization Legislation
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has now completed a series of hearings related to the reauthorization of SAFTEA-LU. The most recent dealt with opportunities to improve safety in transportation. At the conclusion of the hearing, Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said that this was the final hearing and the next time the committee meets it will be to mark up a transportation authorization bill. Sen. Boxer said the committee staff will meet over the next several weeks to finish drafting the bill. Read More
CHAPTER NEWS
Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania Promotes Work Zone Awareness Week with Children’s Artwork on Billboards
To help raise the public’s awareness of the dangers of driving though work zones, Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP) put together a billboard campaign comprised of children’s artwork stressing the importance of work zone safety. Read More
AGC of South Dakota Building Chapter Supports Monument Tour for World War II Vets
Hundreds of World War II veterans from nine states visited Washington, D.C.’s World War II memorial on April 24 as part of the Honor Flight. Over 100 of those veterans flew from South Dakota thanks to support from the South Dakota Building Chapter. Read More
MEMBERSHIP
New Member Benefit Program Partner: Computer Guidance Corporation
Computer Guidance Corporation offers special pricing for AGC members on its fully integrated financial and project management solution suite coupled with advanced business intelligence and innovative productivity tools. eCMS construction management solution and its 28 integrated applications are implemented and supported by a team of seasoned accounting, construction and technology experts who understand the diverse needs and challenges of today's competitive environment. Read More
AWARDS
Only One Week Left to Apply for the Education Excellence Awards
Wednesday, May 5 is the last day to submit your application for the 2010 Education Excellence Awards, recognizing the most innovative and collaborative training and development programs. Read More
LABOR
Construction Labor Law Developments Covered at AGC's Annual Symposium
The AGC Labor and Employment Law Council - a network of labor lawyers who represent AGC members and chapters - held its 26th Annual Construction Labor Law Symposium on April 16 in Washington, D.C. Attorneys and chapter labor relations managers from across the country attended. Read More
Tax Incentives Expected to Encourage Hiring; Seasonal Hires Qualify
On March 18, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act to encourage employers to hire workers who were previously unemployed for at least 60 days immediately prior to hiring. Consisting of two parts, a “tax holiday” and an “additional business tax credit,” employers may claim these credits beginning on April 1, 2010, with a special catch-up period in the second quarter of 2010 for qualifying first quarter wages paid after March 18. Read More
EVENTS
Webinar - Advanced Issues about Worker Misclassification: What Every Construction Contractor Needs to Know A Double-Header - May 18 & 20 - 2:00pm-3:30pm ET
In recent months the IRS and DOL have announced the construction industry will be the primary target for audits and other enforced worker misclassifications. Are your construction HR professionals ready? Learn and understand the advanced issues about worker misclassification in a contractor-friendly manner with this two-part webinar. Read More
FREE WEBINAR: Construction Outlook: Ready for a Rebound? Tuesday May 04, 2:00pm ET, presented in partnership with REED Construction Data
As the economy gains speed and more stimulus funds flow, some contractors are finally recovering. The three tenors of architecture and construction economics will sing out their predictions and answer your requests in this lively, interactive webcast. Read More
FREE WEBINAR for AGC Members: What Impact Will the New Health Care Law Have on Construction Contractors? 1:00-2:30pm ET, Thursday, May 6, 2010
This AGC webinar will detail the recently enacted health care bill and the sweeping changes to the delivery of health care in the United States. Focusing on the impact on employers in the construction industry as well as their responsibilities and requirements to offer health care benefits to their employees, AGC has partnered with a prestigious law firm experienced in this matter to analyze the impact of the bill on construction employers and suggest preparations that employers should begin implementing to comply with the new law. Plus, AGC's chief economist, Ken Simonson, will close out the event with a preview of the impact the legislation will have on the demand for future health care construction. Read More
FREE WEBINAR: A Practical Framework for Implementing BIM Wednesday, May 26,1:00-2:30pm ET, Presented in partnership with Autodesk, Inc.
In recent years, new technologies and practices have fundamentally changed how building projects are delivered. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a prime example. When effectively implemented, it allows contractors to gain insight into cost, schedule and potential coordination issues-before work begins in the field. Construction Companies that have embraced a model-based approach to construction have quickly realized that a successful BIM deployment can deliver exceptional value and ROI. Read More
AGC’s BIMForum and BIM Education Program Come to Kansas City Join the BIMForum, AGC of America and the Kansas City Chapter, AGC for four great programs in Kansas City, June 15-18
The day when Building Information Modeling (BIM) will be standard practice on construction job sites is coming. Studies show that BIM use among project owners, architects and contractors has steadily increased and is projected to become even more widespread in the years ahead. BIM is leading the way to a fundamental paradigm shift for the entire AEC industry. Read More
Webinar – Integrated Project Delivery Under ConsensusDOCS & AIA May 27, 2010 • 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
Any company considering Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) must have a clear understanding of its various forms, from the simple to the most complex. Our panel of experts will provide not only an introduction to IPD, but will also discuss the key principles necessary for a successful IPD construction project. They will explore and expose the best and worst of the concepts embodied in the current standard form contracts on the market. Read More
BOOKSTORE
Load Securement: Know Before You Go DVD
This DVD reviews applicable requirements for transporting equipment and materials over the road. Unsecured cargo can injure workers or worse. Make sure you plan for safety. A must-have for every jobsite. Read More
To ensure delivery of AGC’s News & Views, please add 'communications@agc.org' to your email address book or Safe Sender List. If you are still having problems receiving our communications, visit our white-listing page for more details. To safely unsubscribe from this group, click here.
The nation's buildings and infrastructure will become more efficient, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and cutting energy consumption, according to a new green construction plan released Thursday by AGC. The plan outlines measures designed to stimulate demand for green construction projects, boost infrastructure capacity, and improve building efficiency and green construction practices. Read More
Emissions from Off-Road Diesel Equipment Are Less Than 28 Percent of Estimates
Emissions from California's construction and other off-road diesel equipment are less than 28 percent of what state officials have estimated, AGC announced last week. As a result, the California Air Resources Board has no scientific justification for sticking to a new rule requiring construction contractors to spend billions of dollars on their existing equipment. Read More
AGC Urges Administration to Reject 'Blacklisting' Program
AGC cautioned the Obama Administration to reject calls to impose new contracting rules that would allow for blacklisting of companies based on arbitrary reasons, false accusations and unproven anonymous complaints. Read More
Construction Employment Increases in 26 States
Construction employment expanded in 26 states and the District of Columbia between February and March 2010, yet only Arkansas and North Dakota have more construction workers than they did a year ago, according to AGC's analysis of federal employment figures released April 16. Read More
AGC Member Tells EPA: Diesel Emissions Rule Risks Workers' Lives
AGC member Jon Cloud testified before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to explain how California's plan to require construction contractors to install emissions reduction kits on their off-road diesel equipment will endanger workers and force job cuts. Read More
BUILDING
Federal Government Seeks to Reform Wall Street
Following passage of the health care bill, President Obama and congressional Democrats are now seeking to reform the country's financial sphere with a financial overhaul bill. The 1,336-page bill includes key provisions that would negatively impact commercial real estate, such as risk-retention provisions, regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives, and new reporting requirements for real estate investors. Read More
UTILITY
DOT Secretary Helps Promote Safe Digging Month
April is National Safe Digging Month, an issue AGC and partners PHMSA and CGA have long-promoted. Last week, Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood encouraged Americans via his blog to dig safely as they begin yearly spring rituals, such as gardening and other yard work. Read More
HIGHWAY
AGC Participates in Work Zone Awareness Activities
Highway and Transportation Division Chairman Dean Word (Dean Word Co., New Braunfels, Texas) joined Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez, New York state and city DOT officials and others at a national event in New York City to kick off Work Zone Awareness week. Read More
Senate EPW Committee Concludes Hearings, Ready to Draft Reauthorization Legislation
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has now completed a series of hearings related to the reauthorization of SAFTEA-LU. The most recent dealt with opportunities to improve safety in transportation. At the conclusion of the hearing, Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said that this was the final hearing and the next time the committee meets it will be to mark up a transportation authorization bill. Sen. Boxer said the committee staff will meet over the next several weeks to finish drafting the bill. Read More
CHAPTER NEWS
Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania Promotes Work Zone Awareness Week with Children’s Artwork on Billboards
To help raise the public’s awareness of the dangers of driving though work zones, Constructors Association of Western Pennsylvania (CAWP) put together a billboard campaign comprised of children’s artwork stressing the importance of work zone safety. Read More
AGC of South Dakota Building Chapter Supports Monument Tour for World War II Vets
Hundreds of World War II veterans from nine states visited Washington, D.C.’s World War II memorial on April 24 as part of the Honor Flight. Over 100 of those veterans flew from South Dakota thanks to support from the South Dakota Building Chapter. Read More
MEMBERSHIP
New Member Benefit Program Partner: Computer Guidance Corporation
Computer Guidance Corporation offers special pricing for AGC members on its fully integrated financial and project management solution suite coupled with advanced business intelligence and innovative productivity tools. eCMS construction management solution and its 28 integrated applications are implemented and supported by a team of seasoned accounting, construction and technology experts who understand the diverse needs and challenges of today's competitive environment. Read More
AWARDS
Only One Week Left to Apply for the Education Excellence Awards
Wednesday, May 5 is the last day to submit your application for the 2010 Education Excellence Awards, recognizing the most innovative and collaborative training and development programs. Read More
LABOR
Construction Labor Law Developments Covered at AGC's Annual Symposium
The AGC Labor and Employment Law Council - a network of labor lawyers who represent AGC members and chapters - held its 26th Annual Construction Labor Law Symposium on April 16 in Washington, D.C. Attorneys and chapter labor relations managers from across the country attended. Read More
Tax Incentives Expected to Encourage Hiring; Seasonal Hires Qualify
On March 18, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act to encourage employers to hire workers who were previously unemployed for at least 60 days immediately prior to hiring. Consisting of two parts, a “tax holiday” and an “additional business tax credit,” employers may claim these credits beginning on April 1, 2010, with a special catch-up period in the second quarter of 2010 for qualifying first quarter wages paid after March 18. Read More
EVENTS
Webinar - Advanced Issues about Worker Misclassification: What Every Construction Contractor Needs to Know A Double-Header - May 18 & 20 - 2:00pm-3:30pm ET
In recent months the IRS and DOL have announced the construction industry will be the primary target for audits and other enforced worker misclassifications. Are your construction HR professionals ready? Learn and understand the advanced issues about worker misclassification in a contractor-friendly manner with this two-part webinar. Read More
FREE WEBINAR: Construction Outlook: Ready for a Rebound? Tuesday May 04, 2:00pm ET, presented in partnership with REED Construction Data
As the economy gains speed and more stimulus funds flow, some contractors are finally recovering. The three tenors of architecture and construction economics will sing out their predictions and answer your requests in this lively, interactive webcast. Read More
FREE WEBINAR for AGC Members: What Impact Will the New Health Care Law Have on Construction Contractors? 1:00-2:30pm ET, Thursday, May 6, 2010
This AGC webinar will detail the recently enacted health care bill and the sweeping changes to the delivery of health care in the United States. Focusing on the impact on employers in the construction industry as well as their responsibilities and requirements to offer health care benefits to their employees, AGC has partnered with a prestigious law firm experienced in this matter to analyze the impact of the bill on construction employers and suggest preparations that employers should begin implementing to comply with the new law. Plus, AGC's chief economist, Ken Simonson, will close out the event with a preview of the impact the legislation will have on the demand for future health care construction. Read More
FREE WEBINAR: A Practical Framework for Implementing BIM Wednesday, May 26,1:00-2:30pm ET, Presented in partnership with Autodesk, Inc.
In recent years, new technologies and practices have fundamentally changed how building projects are delivered. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a prime example. When effectively implemented, it allows contractors to gain insight into cost, schedule and potential coordination issues-before work begins in the field. Construction Companies that have embraced a model-based approach to construction have quickly realized that a successful BIM deployment can deliver exceptional value and ROI. Read More
AGC’s BIMForum and BIM Education Program Come to Kansas City Join the BIMForum, AGC of America and the Kansas City Chapter, AGC for four great programs in Kansas City, June 15-18
The day when Building Information Modeling (BIM) will be standard practice on construction job sites is coming. Studies show that BIM use among project owners, architects and contractors has steadily increased and is projected to become even more widespread in the years ahead. BIM is leading the way to a fundamental paradigm shift for the entire AEC industry. Read More
Webinar – Integrated Project Delivery Under ConsensusDOCS & AIA May 27, 2010 • 11:00 am – 12:30 pm ET
Any company considering Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) must have a clear understanding of its various forms, from the simple to the most complex. Our panel of experts will provide not only an introduction to IPD, but will also discuss the key principles necessary for a successful IPD construction project. They will explore and expose the best and worst of the concepts embodied in the current standard form contracts on the market. Read More
BOOKSTORE
Load Securement: Know Before You Go DVD
This DVD reviews applicable requirements for transporting equipment and materials over the road. Unsecured cargo can injure workers or worse. Make sure you plan for safety. A must-have for every jobsite. Read More
To ensure delivery of AGC’s News & Views, please add 'communications@agc.org' to your email address book or Safe Sender List. If you are still having problems receiving our communications, visit our white-listing page for more details. To safely unsubscribe from this group, click here.
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