Austin Chapter AGC
Austin Chapter AGC Monthly News Update
October 2015
In This Issue
Upcoming Chapter Events
AISD Groundbreaking
City Proposal Impacts A/E/C
Fish Fry
CLC Resume Workshop
CLC Happy Hour
ACE Mentor Program Kickoff
Health Insurance Option
Resumes and Job Listings
Quick Links
 
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UPCOMING CHAPTER EVENTS
CLC Fall Happy Hour - October 22
Confined Space Class - October 22 ( contact Larry to RSVP)
OSHA 10/30 Hour Class - October 29
Safety Committee Meeting - November 2
Medic First Aid - November 12  
Holiday Party - December 15 
 

Safety training available on demand!  Contact Larry Connelly to schedule. 

AUSTIN AISD BREAKS GROUND for NEW CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY BUILDING 

 
AGC staff Phil Thoden and Larry Connelly attend the groundbreaking ceremony, along with students and former instructor Jim Stricklan. 

The Austin ISD broke ground on October 13 for a new construction technology building located at Crockett High School in South Austin.  This building, funded by the 2013 AISD bond, will help continue to grow a program that the Austin AGC has proudly supported since 2009.  Upon completion of the building shell in April 2016, students will begin to finish out the interior. 
Students enrolled in the program learn basic skills in various construction trades.  They also earn a 10 and 30 hour OSHA safety card, and 23 hours of credit at Austin Community College. 

Over the past 6 years, the Austin AGC has served on the program's advisory committee, hired interns during summer months, and helped facilitate jobsite visits for the students in partnership with the local National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Chapter.  We are extremely proud of this opportunity for local students to engage in hands-on learning about the industry and consider a full-time career in construction upon graduation!
 

Several news outlets were in attendance and those stories can be found by clicking here
CITY CONSIDERS EXPANDING DEFINITION of "LOBBYIST" to COVER WHOLE A/E/C COMMUNITY
Under a new proposal, the City of Austin would require anyone from the A/E/C community who interacts with City officials (either elected or staff) to register as a lobbyist, pay a fee to do so, and report regularly about all interactions with City officials (including routine questions about projects planned or underway.) This is a major expansion of current requirements.  A copy of the resolution is available here. The Austin Statesman ran a "story behind the story" article on this issue back in late August.

The Austin AGC is working with industry allies to educate the City Council and various commissions about the negative ramifications of this proposal.  The industry coalition is also working to provide a more balanced, alternative solution. 

Soon we will send an advocacy alert to membership asking you to contact City Council on this important issue! 
OVER 500 PEOPLE ATTEND ANNUAL FISH FRY!

 

 

Over 500 AGC member employees, families and guests enjoyed the beautiful Texas Disposal System (TDS) Exotic Game Ranch on October 8 for the annual Austin AGC Fish Fry.  From skeet shooting to safari bus tours, good food, networking and live auction fun, the Fish Fry offered plenty of opportunties for industry professionals to relax and enjoy the evening.

 

The silent auction helped raise funds to support the AGC Student Chapter at Texas State University, and the skeet shoot helped support the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) organization.  

 

All photos, courtesy JJ Photography, from from the event are available on our Facebook site by clicking here.

 

Thank you to our main sponsors Texas Disposal Systems and Don Hewlett Chevrolet for making this event possible!   

CLC HOSTS RESUME WORKSHOP at TEXAS STATE
 
CLC member Kyle Pennington, Sabre Commercial, reviews a resume.
Each semester the Construction Science & Management students at Texas State University spend time preparing for the Construction Industry Career Fair.  Resumes are prepared weeks in advance in hopes of getting noticed by future employers.  While the students are confident in their construction knowledge, they may be less confident in their ability to create a resume that is appealing to employers. 

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has been a great resource to students by hosting the Construction Student Association's Resume Builder for the last three semesters.  Students have given a great deal of positive feedback on the event, stating that they feel better prepared and confident in their resume after attending this workshop.  Armed with the CLC's advice on resume formatting and general career fair strategies, Construction students have the ability to stand out in the crowd and confidently pursue the most sought after jobs.  
CLC FALL HAPPY HOUR - OCTOBER 22

Stop by and enjoy a cold beverage with other Construction Leadership Council (CLC) members in the middle of a working brewery! Nestled between the tanks, Austin Beerworks' taproom features all of their core beers, plus seasonals and exclusive beers only available there... and your drinks are free, courtesy of our event sponsors! 
 
Help us expand CLC's network by asking friends and co-workers who might be interested in joining the CLC. Potential new members are always welcome and encouraged to attend CLC happy hours.
 
Any non-member who attends and joins the CLC Austin Chapter by October 31 will receive one of many gift cards! 
 
Thank you to our sponsors!  
 
ACE MENTOR PROGRAM KICKOFF in AUSTIN

The ACE Mentor Program is a nationwide not-for-profit organization formed to mentor and inspire high school students to pursue careers in design and construction. A local Austin affiliate has just started and is looking for industry professionals to join in making the program's inaugural year a success. A short presentation will be given at the event where you will learn more about the program, your commitment, and the benefits of becoming a mentor.

Several AGC members are active in the local ACE program, as are well known architects and engineers looking to make a difference in the education of the next generation of building professionals. 
 
Invite any colleagues in the industry who you think would be interested in participating. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow professionals, while giving back to the local community.  We hope to see you there!

Location: The Dogwood, 715 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
Date & Time: Wednesday, November 4, 6-8pm
 
RSVP here 
AGC "ALTERNATIVE" HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION

If your company has a insurance renewal date coming up, then contact the  AGC Alternative  now for a quote. 
 
 
AGC of America's new private exchange program is available exclusively to AGC member firms in Texas with 10+ employees.   It is a private insurance exchange that operates like an online store (think Amazon.com), making it easy for your employees to shop for health insurance and other benefits all on their own or through the help of our dedicated employee hotline. 
 
It is interactive, easily reproduced and available exclusively to AGC member companies interested in having its own insurance exchange - not only to offer a broad range of health and other insurance benefits to its employees but also to administer the benefits they select.
 
For planning purposes, firms should request a quote 90-120 days prior to renewal. More information available here.
 
CONSTRUCTION RESUMES and JOB LISTINGS 

AGC Chapters around Texas have formed a partner website called texasconstructioncareers.com  to help you find employment or an employee.  Check out the job bank page to post your resume or review potential hires.