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 Special Session #4 Convenes - and Likely Adjourns - Today
Governor Walz called legislators back for a fourth special session today to extend peacetime emergency powers for an additional 30 days. There have been ongoing, recent negotiations over a public works bill, but it is unlikely that they will take up any bills as the State is currently in a financial blackout period due to preplanned bond sales. The earliest the legislators can formally pass a bonding bill is September 20th.
Yesterday, AGC of MN and dozens of other organizations sent out action alerts to encourage members to contact their legislators. You can make a difference by adding your voice to the hundreds of people all asking for passage of a bonding bill during a special session later in September. We need your voice. Please take a couple of minutes to send a message to the governor and your legislators. We need to keep fighting for our infrastructure needs and our industry.
Click Here to Act (Open in Google Chrome)
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RFP for Construction Industry Labor & Employment Council
The Construction Industry Labor & Employer Council (CI-LEC) requests proposals for a study to analyze currently available data and research and make recommendations for future research projects to determine the current and future economic benefits and challenges of the union construction industry business model in Minnesota.
All proposals are due by October 16, 2020.
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Legal & Labor Physical
September is the time to review your legal and labor issues. Feel free to email Mike to schedule a physical - confirm the unions with whom you are signatory and terms, explore signing with other unions, review your construction contracts, or learn how AGC can support your business.
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 STP Registration Open for September-October:
ONLINE PARTICIPATION AVAILABLE
AGC is offering two units of the 6-unit Supervisory Training Program (STP) in September/October. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, in-person seats are limited. We have been offering remote participation in STP classes for years, and have a good system for maximizing the classroom experience for online participants. Register at the links below. Unit 4: Contract DocumentsFive consecutive Wednesdays, beginning September 23
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 Registration Open for 2020 MN Conference on Architecture
Registration is now open for A'20 MN: The Minnesota Conference on Architecture. The event will be virtual this year, taking place over three Tuesdays, October 13, 20, and 27. AGC members will receive AIA member registration pricing.
Programming is focused on three areas:
- Design for Positive Climate Impact & Environmental Justice
- Resilience and Collective Recovery
- Future of Design
Learn more and register.
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Next Week is Construction Safety Week
Construction Safety Week is next week, September 14-18! Find resources and templates here for use at your firm. Do you have some great photos of employees representing best safety practices on your job sites? Send them to Renee for inclusion in our Safety Week promotions!
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 Nominate a Worthy Award Winner!
Since 1995, AGC of Minnesota has recognized Minnesota construction industry leaders through the presentation of two individual awards. The Skill-Responsibility-Integrity Award (SRI) is given to those who have consistently demonstrated these core AGC values throughout their careers. Lifetime Achievement Awards have been presented to exceptional individuals whose careers have been distinguished by outstanding leadership, extensive industry knowledge, and a strong commitment to enhancing the future of the industry.
More information coming soon on how we will be honoring our award winners this year.
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AGC of America/Autodesk Workforce Survey Results
Thank you to the 39 Minnesota contractors who participated in the 2020 AGC of America-Autodesk Workforce Survey, which was released yesterday.
Full results of this national survey are available here, and you can also view Minnesota-specific results.
A few highlights, comparing Minnesota answers to overall U.S. answers
(all percentages are shares of respondents who answered the question)
By what percentage has your firm's headcount changed in the past 12 months?
- Decrease: MN 51% of respondents, US 41% of respondents
- Increase: MN 15%, US 27%
- No Change: MN 33%, US 32%
We are having a hard time filling some or all:
- Salaried positions: MN 15%, US 28%
- Hourly craft positions: MN 33%, US 52%
In the last 6 months, our firm has: - Increased base pay rates: MN 46%, US 38%;
- Provided incentives/bonuses: MN 14%, US 17%;
- Reduced base pay rates: MN 5%, US 3%
What impact, if any, has the pandemic had on your firm's projects?
- Projects under way have been halted: MN 16%, US 33%
- Scheduled projects have been postponed or canceled: MN 70%, US 60%
- We have won additional projects or add-ons to current projects: MN 3%, US 12%
- Projects have taken longer than we anticipated: MN 35%, US 44%;
- We have put longer completion times into our bids or contracts: MN 14%, US 22%
- Costs have been higher than we anticipated: MN 35%, US 32%;
- We have put higher prices into our bids or contracts: MN 11%, US 18%
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 Hauling Supplies the Right Way - The Top Five Misconceptions about Electronic Logging Devices
Transporting supplies is an essential part of the construction industry. Electronic logging devices have made it possible to monitor nearly all aspects of a truck's activities. These technological guardians track a truck's speed, location, sudden braking and even the sharpness of turns. Having a clear understanding of what an ELD does can save your construction site time and money in the future. Learn more
This post is co-written by Bryan Huntington and Justin Gillette
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 Gopher State One Call Utility Updates
Gopher State One Call (GSOC) has published their Quarter Summer update. Inside this important update are suggestions for Utility Infrastructure Contractors to ensure they are following guidelines and have the necessary resources for successfully completing utility infrastructure projects. Read more further about this important communication from GSOC here.
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 Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
525 Park Street, Suite 110 | St. Paul, MN 55103
651-632-8929
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