February 2024 eBulletin
Date postedFebruary 1, 2024
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Wow what a convention! Thank you to all who attended in person and in thought. The opportunity for individuals from companies from across the state to come together, comrades and competitors alike, to be part of something bigger than themselves never ceases to amaze me.
This year’s attendance was up from previous years and broke the 450 mark. The kickoff breakfast was at capacity and the insights by our speaker, Gene Marks, speaking on “Building Value in your Workplace: Tactics and Strategies the Smartest Leaders are Making to Navigate and Grow”, were thought-provoking and well received.
Please join us in celebrating the membership anniversaries of these longtime AGCVA members!
Each month, we recognize those celebrating 50 or more years, 40 years, 25 years, 10 years, and 5 years of membership.
We applaud each of you for your commitment to AGCVA.
By virtue of your membership, you have made the AGCVA community stronger and have shown tremendous leadership and dedication to the industry. We are proud to serve each of you, and we thank you for your membership in AGCVA.
AGCVA members have been up to a lot in the last month!
We are thrilled to recognize these accomplishments and recognitions, and we encourage you to connect with your fellow members and extend your congratulations!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
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The Biden administration will send close to $1 billion to airports across the country to upgrade terminal facilities, including $41 million to Dulles International Airport and Norfolk International Airport in Virginia, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced Thursday.
The $970 million in grants will go to 144 airports in 44 states and three territories. Earmarked for terminal improvements, the grants will fund projects to improve the passenger experience and create jobs, Buttigieg and other administration officials said.
In Virginia, $35 million will go toward the construction of a new 14-gate, 400,000 square foot terminal at Dulles International Airport.
In Virginia, $35 million will go toward the construction of a new 14-gate, 400,000 square foot terminal at Dulles International Airport.
Virginia Mercury
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Artificial intelligence has been around since the 1980s but the technology is only now entering a new era in construction comparable to the introduction of mobile phones, according to Wyatt Jenkins, chief product officer at Procore. Philip Russo looks at the current AI landscape in the industry and examples of how the technology is being put to use in combination with such advances as computer vision and robotics.
Commercial Observer
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LEGISLATIVE & LEGAL
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AGC of America member Ty Edmondson, CEO of T.A. Loving Company, testifies before Congress on the need to improve implementation of new Buy America requirements.
On February 15, Ty Edmondson, CEO of T.A. Loving Company testified on behalf of AGC before the House Subcommittee on Highway and Transit regarding the implementation process of new Buy America requirements. Ty has been an active member of AGC and currently serves as the Utility Infrastructure Division Chair.
Ty highlighted in his testimony how implementation of the new Buy America requirements, included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has created uncertainty for contractors and called for a more efficient, timely, and transparent Buy America Waiver process. Specifically, he noted that the confusion and lengthy process can cause:
AGC of America
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On Wednesday, February 7, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its annual long-term budget outlook, painting a sobering picture of the country’s long-term fiscal outlook, which includes the highest federal debt level ever recorded in American history.
The long-term budget outlook paints a sobering picture of the country’s long-term fiscal outlook. For example, the federal debt is projected to increase from 99 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, to 116 percent of GDP in 2034—the highest debt level ever recorded in American history.
AGC of America
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
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We asked Career and Technical Education (CTE) instructors and administrators the best way an AGCVA member can support students, instructors, schools. Help us continue to celebrate CTE month by reading their comments below and take some time to think about how you could help bridge education and industry.
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The impacts of industry-wide challenges like the construction workforce shortage are experienced daily by contractors. Developing craft training is one way to alleviate that pressure, and while this may seem like an indirect solution, there is increasing evidence that these programs pay off in competitiveness and profitability.
The following are just a few of the reasons why 41% of firms are boosting their spending on training and professional development programs.
Construction Dive
SAFETY
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OSHA has launched a challenge aimed at boosting worker participation in implementing hazard controls and job hazard analyses.
As part of the annual Safe+Sound campaign promoted by OSHA, NIOSH, the National Safety Council and other safety organizations, the Hazard Huddle Challenge encourages managers to have discussions with workers about workplace safety hazards.
Safety+Health Magazine
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a new fact sheet on Workplace Mental Health, which is now available in English and Spanish. The fact sheet provides workplaces with vital information and resources to address mental health concerns effectively and will be incorporated into the Introduction to OSHA module of the OSHA 10- and 30-Hour Outreach Training courses.
AGC of America