September 4, 2020

LABOR & LEGAL NEWS
Call for Lawyers: Tuesday, 1:00 pm

AGC of Minnesota has been working with construction contractors, community activists, labor leaders, and others to create Construction Connection to Community, a forum to meet and identify needs and resources to rebuild South Lake Street and University, and to help remove barriers and grow DBE construction contractors.  The conversations and work have been good.  Planning has grown and it is time to reach out for legal participation.  We anticipate CCC will confront and may choose to address a myriad of legal issues, from micro client concerns (incorporation, contracts, closings, etc.) to macro policies to improve the industry (industry practices, government, labor, financing, dispute resolution, etc.).  

We have set up a Zoom call for Tuesday, 8 September at 1:00pm to explain CCC and give lawyers the opportunity to decide if there is a role she/he may play in it. Please email Mike if you have questions or would like to attend.
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.
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.
EVENTS & EDUCATION
Sporting Clays Fundraiser Takes Place in Two Weeks

Shooter spots are now mostly filled for the Sporting Clays Fundraiser on Wednesday, September 16.  If you have a team you'd like to have included, please contact Lisa Larson.

Opportunities for sponsorship and promotion are still available! Contact Lisa to sign up.

Sponsorships include:
  • Shooting Station ($500 with rep at station / $250 sign only)
  • Direct Scholarship Donation ($500)
  • Raffle Item Purchase ($250)
  • Snacks on the Course ($350)
  • Beverages on the Course ($600)
  • Dinner Sponsorship ($1000)
The annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser benefits the AGC of Minnesota Foundation by providing scholarships to students pursuing a degree in the construction industry.

Thank You to our Current Sponsors!
 
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 Documents
Five consecutive Wednesdays, beginning September 23

Unit 5: Improving Productivity and Managing Project Costs
Five consecutive Thursdays, beginning September 24
Construction Safety Week: September 14-18, 2020

 
Construction Safety Week is coming up quickly! 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!
Nominations Open for 2020 AGC
Recognition Awards

Nominations are now open for AGC's Lifetime Achievement and Skill Responsibility & Integrity (SRI) awards.

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.
GENERAL NEWS
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% 
MPCA Cleared in PolyMet Permitting Decision

Star Tribune: State regulators were largely cleared Thursday of accusations of "procedural irregularities" while issuing a water quality permit for PolyMet Mining Corp. and the copper-nickel mine it wants to build in northeast Minnesota.

In a victory for the mine's supporters and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), Ramsey County District Court Chief Judge John Guthmann ruled that the MPCA did not deviate from most of its standard practices when it issued the permit. Read Full Article
Interactive Map of CHASE Level 3 Projects 

We're very proud of our CHASE contractor members, who have safety incident rates 50% lower than the Minnesota industry average.  CHASE Level 3 projects set the safety bar highest, with superior health & safety programs.  

Now it's easier to view all the Level 3 projects from the past few years, including photos, with our interactive map!


Now in its 17th year, and boasting 45 members, CHASE is the largest and longest-running cooperative partnership with Minnesota OSHA.

Congratulations to Benike Construction for the latest CHASE Level 3 project at Minimizer in Owatonna! 


Clouds Gathering on the Payment Horizon

There are clouds gathering now on the payment horizon for the construction industry. The clouds converging now and on into the fall call for even greater attention to protecting construction industry receivables. This applies to the industry from top to bottom. Learn more
 
Written by James K. Sander, Larkin Hoffman
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.
AGC Members: Apply for AGC of America Awards

The AGC of America awards programs recognize the nation's most pioneering projects as well as talented and community-minded contractors, student chapter achievements, and contractors implementing outstanding safety programs.

AGC member companies who meet the competition requirements are encouraged to apply online for some much-deserved recognition.  Deadline: October 21, 2020.

Below: four AGC of Minnesota members receiving their awards at the 2019 AGC of America Annual Convention.  Click thumbnails for larger versions.

 
JE Dunn Construction and C.S. McCrossan, Inc. receiving their
Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA).



Mortenson and Ames Construction receiving their Build America Awards.

   

CAREERS

Associated General Contractors of Minnesota 

525 Park Street, Suite 110  |  St. Paul, MN 55103
651-632-8929