CompGroup AGC offers workers' compensation coverage exclusively for commercial construction contractors and sub-contractors. Through our partnership with Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state's leading writer of workers' compensation insurance, CompGroup AGC is able to offer competitive rates, responsive customer service, expert claim handling and extensive loss prevention training and safety programs.
AGC CHARITIES STEPS UP for HURRICANE HARVEY RELIEF
As we continue to learn more about the devastation throughout Texas and other states caused by Hurricane Harvey, we wanted to let you know that the charitable arm of AGC of America, AGC Charities Inc., will be supporting members of the AGC family and their communities affected by this storm. You can support this effort by making a contribution to AGC Charities.
To learn more and make a contribution, click here.
AGC of America worked closely with our chapters in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to provide significant assistance for member firms' employees, their families and their communities affected by that storm and the subsequent flooding. We plan to work closely with AGC chapters in the affected areas to do the same in response to Hurricane Harvey.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
7 of 10 CONSTRUCTION FIRMS HAVING DIFFICULTY FILLING CRAFT POSITION, ACCORDING TO 2017 AGC AURVEY
Seventy percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time filling hourly craft positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce, according to the
results of an industry-wide survey released this week by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that many firms are changing the way they operate, recruit and compensate, but cautioned that chronic labor shortages could have significant economic impacts absent greater investments in career and technical education.
"In the short-term, fewer firms will be able to bid on construction projects if they are concerned they will not have enough workers to meet demand," said Stephen Sandherr, chief executive officer for the Associated General Contractors. "Over the long-term, either construction firms will find a way to do more with fewer workers or public officials will take steps to encourage more people to pursue careers in construction."
For Texas contractors (roughly 10% of the 1608 survey responders) the results are similar, with sixty-nine percent of firms having difficulty finding workers.
Private residential up 6-9% and nonresidential up 1 to 5%
Public overall at -3 to 0%
Goods & services inputs PPI up 2 to 4%
Employment cost index up 3 to 4%
Those national totals may differ slightly in Texas where we continue to see strong population growth and demand for both public and private construction.
SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS ADJOURNS
Gov. Greg Abbott's special session ended Aug. 15 when the House adjourned after a last-ditch effort to pass a property tax reform bill that failed in the Senate. Abbott has said he will not call lawmakers back to Austin for a second special session.
During the session that began July 18, lawmakers managed to find compromise and pass legislation on about half of Abbott's 20-item agenda. The legislation includes: must-pass "sunset" bills that will keep some state agencies from closing; a proposal to crack down on mail-in ballot fraud; a bill to extend the life of maternal mortality task force; reforming the municipal annexation process; limiting local ordinance regulating trees; and imposing new restrictions on abortion.
Legislation creating a uniform process across the State for expedited building permits across by municipalities was approved by the Senate but not the House.
For more information from the AGC Texas Building Branch (TBB) about their efforts to promote and protect the commercial construction industry at the state legislature,
click here for their latest newsletter update.
SOLD OUT SPORTING CLAYS EVENT RAISES SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS
The 2017 AGC Austin Sporting Clays Classic on August 24 was a fun, and sold out, event that also raised funds to support ongoing scholarships for students in the
Construction Student Association (CSA) at Texas State.
Organized by our
Construction Leadership Council (CLC), the event featured good food, shooting contests, networking and fun for 150+ members of the Austin construction community.
Thank you to the CLC leadership for an outstanding networking/social event, and also to many generous sponsors whose support made it possible!
CLC awards scholarship to a Texas State student and future construction professional.
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.
