Survey Results Available

We are pleased to release the results of our 2014-2015 Construction Industry Assessment. Thanks to all of you who participated this year, especially our partners at AIA Minnesota and ACEC. If you have questions or need additional reports, contact Dave Semerad ([email protected]) or Julie Moore ([email protected]). To view the survey results, click here.

Recent AGC Developments

Retainage Discussions between AGC and MSA

Two meetings have been held between AGC and MSA regarding state retainage laws. The meetings have been cordial and productive. The focus of the discussions has been on the retainage amount and how it will be released, under what conditions, and options to retainage. The next meeting of the joint committee will be December 5 at 9:00 am.

Utility Contractors

A meeting was held on November 19  with contractors in the underground and utility sectors to discuss AGC's 2015 legislative platform and what services are offered through AGC to contractors in this sector. Tim Worke will be developing a work plan to discuss legislative strategy, affected agencies, communications, and delivery of services to members in these sectors.

Arbitration Decision in Ramsey Excavating Case

The arbitrator's decision in the Laborers Local 563 v. Ramsey Excavating case has been rendered. We will be scheduling a meeting with interested contractors to discuss the results of the decision and how it might impact contractors who sign the Laborers building agreement.

60 Minutes to Explore Country's Infrastructure Issues

This Sunday, November 23, 60 Minutes (CBS) will take a close look at the critical, crumbling condition of the country's infrastructure. Reporter Steve Kroft traveled to Pittsburgh to meet with engineers and former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. All AGC members are encouraged to watch this program. A preview of the report, shown on today's edition of CBS This Morning, is available here.

Seasonal Load Limit Changes Begin

Winter Load Increases will begin on unrestricted highways in the North and North-Central frost zones on Monday, November 24. Information about seasonal load limits is available here.

2015 Member Directory

AGC of Minnesota has contracted with Naylor Association Solutions to produce the 2015 AGC member directory which will be ready for distribution in March 2015. On Monday, November 24, the main contact person at each current AGC member company will receive an email from AGC, asking you to go online and make changes to your company profile (the email will include instructions for a successful update). This information will be used in the 2015 directory and will require some hard deadlines. Your prompt attention to the email will be appreciated...it shouldn't take more than five minutes. If you have any questions as you work through the update, feel free to contact Julie Moore at [email protected]. Should you have questions about the directory in general, contact Merry Beckmann at [email protected] or 651-796-2187.

Utility Infrastructure Survey

Contractor Survey

The Carlson School of Management, on behalf of the McKnight Foundation, has asked for assistance from AGC member contractors (general and specialty) with a survey project looking at employee placement, business creation, and skill building in the industry. Please take a moment to complete this brief survey, available here.

Remembering Friends and Family

Each year, we remember our industry friends and family who have passed away over the past year. This year's recognition will take place on December 4, during the Business Meeting beginning at 5:00 pm at the Minnesota History Center. We try very hard to have a complete list of everyone to be remembered, but sometimes a name slips by us. If your firm experienced a loss this year, please send the person's name to Denise Woods ([email protected]) for inclusion.

On Thursday, December 4, representatives from AGC member companies, ACEC, AWC, NAMC, MnDOT, and other industry-related organizations are invited to attend the AGC holiday reception at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul. Event information and registration are available here.

Contact Denise Woods ([email protected] or 651-796-2186) for information about sponsoring the holiday reception or contributing to the silent auction being held as part of the reception.  This silent auction replaces the one usually held during the Annual Meeting.

Once again, we will be collecting for Toys for Tots at the holiday reception. New toys, games and books, as well as cash and checks, will be greatly appreciated. Checks should be made out to "Toys for Tots." There will also be cash jars available at registration and on the bars. Checks can also be mailed in advance of the reception to Denise Woods at the AGC office. 

Are mental health issues impacting your jobsites? Do you know how to address them? On December 12, Total Employee Assistance Management (TEAM) will host a discussion of this important topic. Click here for details and to register by December 5.

On December 11, AGC and MnDOT will host the all-day Transportation Construction and Grading Innovations Technology Forum. This forum offers contractors and MnDOT representatives from around the state an opportunity to hear from industry experts and discuss common current issues. Details and registration information are available here.

CLC Bowling - Save The Date

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) will host their annual bowling event on Tuesday, January 20, at Tuttle's in Hopkins. Registration at 2:30 pm with bowling starting at 3:00 pm. More information will follow. Contact Merry Beckmann ([email protected] or 651-796-2187) with questions.

Move MN Coalition Meeting

All AGC members are invited to attend an important Move MN meeting on December 9, 8:30 - 10:00 am, at the Wilder Foundation (451 Lexington Parkway North, St. Paul). The meeting's agenda will focus on the Coalition's future strategies. This meeting will be followed by a government affairs committee meeting (10:00 - 12:00), at which plans for the upcoming legislative session will be discussed.

Construction Training Videos

Through its on-line bookstore, AGC of America offers monthly featured products, available at a discount to AGC members. A link to the bookstore is available through our home page, www.agcmn.org, or at http://store.agc.org?AffiliateId=AGCO254.

Make sure your workers are well educated about safety around the construction site by showing them any one of AGC's safety series DVDs, on topics ranging from worker safety orientation to power tool safety. These products enable field-level employees to recognize and promote safe practices in and around the construction site. Each DVD addresses site-specific hazards and controls and provides real-world solutions. This offer excludes the Diversity Rules DVD (product number 2103D).