Author: Jeanie Clapp

BY KEN GARCIA In the intricate tapestry of environmental concerns, per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have emerged as focal points, sparking heightened attention and regulatory scrutiny. Some PFAS, a group of human-made chemicals known for their persistent nature and widespread use in various industrial and consumer products, have raised environmental and health concerns. Because of this, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed new regulations in 2022 that would clas- sify two PFAS – perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) – as hazardous substances. This would fall under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) or Superfund.…

ConsensusDocs contracts revised to reflect latest industry best practices BY NICK FORTUNA When ConsensusDocs was established in 2007, it marked a major step forward for the construction industry. Twenty organizations in the architecture, engineering and construction industries had come together to transform the business of construction through standardized contracts. Founding members of ConsensusDocs included AGC of America, Associated Builders and Contractors, Construction Owners Association of America, American Subcontractors Association and Mechanical Contractors Association of America. Since then, the list of industry coalition members has doubled to more than 40, a clear indication that ConsensusDocs has achieved success. The platform now…

Building a brand to help recruit and retain life-long employees The construction industry is the backbone of infrastructure development and economic growth. As populations grow and cities expand, the demand for construction projects continues to rise. However, hiring the right talent in this dynamic and demanding sector is often a challenging task. Just ask Kelly Smith, CEO of All Tech, a TEXO member and second-generation firm that performs project and maintenance electrical work on commercial, industrial and healthcare construction. Smith’s father started All Tech – headquartered in Dallas with an office in Cleveland – when she was young and contemplating…

What’s the outlook in the coming election year? Positive? Negative? AGC’s chief economist and a host of other industry professionals are choosing from both columns of the menu. BY AMY DREW THOMPSON Overall, says Ken Simonson, chief economist for AGC of America, the industry forecast in the coming year is positive. This is the industry temperature, as results of the association’s annual business outlook survey are being examined. But industry pros we spoke with feel similarly, even if their optimism is tempered by a bit of cautiousness. Maintenance of the numbers, says Krysta Van Ranst, is what most of her…

By Jason Hannold, Head of Construction, Senior Account ManagerPivot Onsite Innovations, a member of General Building Contractors Association Safety has long been a bedrock of the construction industry, but it still remains a dangerous one with deaths only decreasing by 2.2% from 2020 to 2021, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The reality is: a construction worker’s health has a direct impact on their performance, and poor health can lead to deadly mistakes. In recent years, the definition of safety in construction has evolved to encompass more than personal protective equipment and signage. Today, it includes the health and…

… but it’s also quite reliable. unCommon Construction’s apprentice program has helped more than 300 students build 15 houses (and earn a collective $350k for their efforts) while building myriad hard and soft skills – and the confidence to bring them straight to the jobsite. BY A.D. THOMPSON Workforce development and retention woes are a hot topic these days. In fact – and we can pause here for what are likely the collective eye rolls of innumerable AGC members – workforce development and retention woes have been relevant for at least a decade. Programs by the scads, we’ve reported on…

According to a report released in September by Procore Technologies, Inc. and AGC of America, 78% of civil and infrastructure construction firms expect their project backlog to increase or remain the same over the next year as new federal infrastructure funding ramps up. The report, Top Civil & Infrastructure Trends: Today’s Industry Challenges and Opportunities, found that many firms are worried that labor shortages and productivity challenges could undermine their success with these projects. “With increased backlogs prompted by once-in-a-generation government investment in the U.S. and Canada, civil and infrastructure organizations are on the precipice of historic projects across North…

The Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio learn about career paths in STEM BY ALYSSA DIGANGI Historically, the path for ambitious young girls with a desire to change the world has been one filled with closed doors and stifled opportunity — for too long, bright young minds have been pushed away from the STEM field simply because of traditional, societal expectations. On May 9, 2023, Stronghold Engineering, an AGC of California and San Diego Chapter member, invited the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio to tour their facility, to learn about the exciting possibilities of STEM — and to be inspired. The…

2023 Workforce Survey shows nation is failing to prepare young people for construction careers BY NICK FORTUNA Construction workers have always taken pride in the demanding nature of the job, which requires skill, knowledge, teamwork, work ethic, strength, stamina and a willingness to sweat. But these days, the hardest-working person at most construction firms is more likely to be wearing office attire than a hardhat and work boots. Recruiters at construction firms just might have the most difficult jobs in their companies, working to counter stereotypes about the industry and to spread the word about the rewarding, high-paying jobs available…

BY KEYAN ZANDY, CEO, SKILES GROUP, A TEXO MEMBER Effective, respectful conflict management is an art — especially in an industry as stressful as ours. Conflict is often uncomfortable, so actively avoiding it can be an appealing solution. While this tactic may be more comfortable in the heat of the moment, it only leads to unexpressed frustrations, unmet needs and superficial harmony. In contrast, going too far in the opposite direction can create a damaging and toxic team culture. (Anyone who has seen a hard hat thrown across a trailer knows what I mean.) So where is the sweet spot?…