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October 16-20 is Construction Inclusion Week, and the theme for Day 5 is Community Engagement. AGC of Minnesota is proud to participate in many avenues for community engagement, including with the Boys & Girls Club of the Twin Cities! Click the video below for the story of another Boys & Girls Club, and their Vice President's advice for companies who want to partner with them.
We're honored to display the Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Award received this year from AGC of America, and we are proud of the hard work AGC of Minnesota members continue to do to make their companies places marked by inclusion!
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Thom Farnham (1950-2023)
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Thomas (Thom) Farnham. Only recently retired, Thom was a long-time friend and business associate of many AGC of Minnesota members through his work in the insurance and risk management field. Thom was employed by TC Field & Co. and later with North Risk Partners.
Thom was a familiar face to many attending AGC events over the years. He was actively engaged in volunteering with various AGC endeavors and assignments, including the AGC Annual Meeting Planning Committee. A regular attendee of the AGC Annual Membership Business Meeting, Thom always made sure that proper decorum and rules of procedure were followed accordingly. Thom will be deeply missed. The AGC staff and our entire membership extends our condolences and prayers to Thom’s family and friends. A full obituary with service arrangement details can be found here.
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$1.4 million in funding now available for clean heavy-duty off-road equipment
The MPCA is now accepting applications for grant funds to replace or improve heavy-duty off-road diesel equipment, eligible under the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA). Recipients can use the funds for cleaner diesel, alternative fuels, hybrid, or all-electric equipment, helping reduce emissions from older, diesel-powered equipment.
Information to help applicants submit proposals can be found on the grant web page. You'll also find details once they become available on accessing an online training designed to assist applicants that is being held on Wednesday, November 1 at 2:00 p.m. Applications are due no later than 4:30 p.m. CT on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 through the SWIFT Supplier Portal.
Funding available
Approximately $1.4 million in funding is available. Grantees will be required to provide a cash match for a percentage of the equipment cost, and the old diesel engine, vehicle, or equipment must be destroyed. The money comes from Minnesota’s share of the national Volkswagen (VW) settlement and DERA.
Eligible projects
Eligible equipment may include marine engines, locomotives, trailer refrigeration units, terminal tractors, off-road engines, and equipment or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo, agriculture, mining, or energy production.
Questions?
Applicants who have any questions regarding this RFP must email questions to grants.pca@state.mn.us, subject line: “FFY 23 DERA grant question”, no later than 4:00 pm CT on Friday, December 15, 2023. Answers to questions will be posted frequently in the SWIFT Supplier Portal.
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SADBOC Greater Minnesota Procurement Fair
The fair will provide an opportunity for small businesses and contractors to learn about special programs designed to provide better access to the government marketplace. A trade show will be open throughout the day in addition to a variety of workshops including Selling to the Government, State & Federal Certifications, etc. There will be 8 workshops in 2 tracks to choose from, along with the opportunity to visit with 25 representatives from State & Federal Government Agencies, Large Businesses, and Resource Providers on the trade floor.
The event is FREE and open to all businesses! Learn more and register.
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Let's Talk Rental Attachments
We’re entering fall, marking the peak of landscaping season. This brings a checklist of necessary items, particularly attachments. Renting equipment offers a smart solution for acquiring non-standard attachments, enabling you to tailor your machines to your project’s requirements. Our rental equipment boasts an extensive array of attachments, saving you from purchasing items you might rarely use. Read more
by Taylor Kelenic, Ziegler CAT
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Please take a few minutes to respond to the 2023 Minnesota Construction Industry Assessment Survey!
Reminder: the 2023 Minnesota construction industry assessment survey is only open until November 3, and your response is vital!
Your participation gives us rich and insightful data on trends regarding market conditions, equipment purchases, remote work policies, sourcing of workforce, retention strategies, and so much more. This data is vital to AGC's ability to effectively advocate for the industry.
View previous Industry Assessments
The survey link has been sent to our primary contact(s) at all AGC member firms, and through our partners at AWC, AIA, and ACEC. If you have not seen a link, please let Renee know!
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Urgent Action Alert:
Protect Minnesota's highway and bridge construction funds
THE LATEST: At the expense of highway and bridge projects and construction jobs, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is moving to force states to spend their federal-aid highway funds, meant for road and bridge construction, to pay for buses, Amtrak trains, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Tell the White House and Congress we need to fix roads and bridges and stop trying to fund non-construction initiatives with highway construction funding.
WHAT TO DO: It takes less than 45 seconds to send the prewritten message telling the White House and Congress to oppose FHWA’s effort to divert road funding! You can also add your own personal comments about why Minnesota needs these funds to repair roads and bridges.
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National Solar Agreement
Be aware that three international unions—IBEW, LIUNA and IUOE—reached a national solar agreement potentially aimed at dividing solar work among the three trades. It is unclear the impact or reception of this tri-trade agreement. Email Mike if you want a copy or to discuss.
ESST Update
AGC has gathered feedback from contractors and sister AGC chapters in other states who have experience with earned safe and sick time legislation to better understand the compliance issues and concerns, has provided several webinars about the impact of Minnesota’s new earned safe and sick time legislation including how to comply through a private program, and has organized a representational committee to work with the unions to explore waivers and alternate systems of ESST that better fit the construction industry. No agreements have been reached to date. We will update signatories (on our lists which are created from the bargaining authority forms) as any agreements are reached.
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20-Year CHASE Recognition Event
The Construction Health and Safety Excellence (CHASE) program is celebrating its 20th year with a special event to honor the participating contractors whose stellar safety records continue to lead the Minnesota construction industry!
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Join us at Ames Center on November 8 to celebrate the achievements of these contractors in the past year, and hear an inspiring safety message from renowned speaker Garrison Wynn - "Influencing Safety: What the most successful leaders do differently."
Whether you are trying to reduce your number of recordables or prevent a good safety record from creating complacency, this entertaining, safety leadership session will get you laughing, learning and motivated to create a culture of safety while maintaining productivity.
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Thank You to our Sponsors! | |
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AGC Honors
Each year, AGC of Minnesota solicits nominees to be recognized for career contributions and personal accomplishments that have elevated the industry beyond the boundaries of their respective firm or business. This year, honorees for the AGC Lifetime Achievement Award, Skill Responsibility, and Integrity (SRI) Award, the Jensen Safety Awards, the DEI Awards, and the joint MnDOT/AGC Bridge Awards will be celebrated during an exciting evening of recognition and live entertainment at the 2024 AGC Honors on January 16.
The event promises to be a memorable and fun evening that has been purposefully scheduled the night prior to opening the 2024 Minnesota Construction Summit.
We encourage all AGC members and industry friends to join us in celebrating these truly amazing individuals and firms while also enjoying some great music entertainment provided by renowned Twin Cities musical talent Mick Sterling and his band.
Click the images below to nominate an individual, firm, or project for one of the awards to be presented at the 2024 AGC Honors!
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Nominate an individual for the
Lifetime Achievement or SRI Award
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Nominate your firm for a DEI Award | |
Nominate your firm for a Jeff Jensen Memorial Construction Safety Excellence Award | |
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Save the Date:
2nd Annual Summit on Mental Health in Construction
The Minnesota Construction Coalition for Mental Health is proud to announce its 2nd Annual Summit on Tuesday, November 28. The agenda will feature subject matter experts and members of the Minnesota construction community discussing substance use and mental health in construction. More details here.
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Expand the Toolbox Presents:
Addressing the Construction Skilled Labor Shortage - International Professionals
Tuesday, October 24
International Institute of Minnesota
This event will provide insight and access to opportunities for contractors to learn about the variety of areas where they can legally employ international students & workers who are skilled and ready for the construction industry. By attending this event you will learn about the opportunities, process, timelines, and strategy when incorporating and accommodating international students and graduates within your organization.
This event is for construction contractors/employers, HR professionals and senior leadership who are currently embracing this opportunity or looking to be a champion of this work within their own company or the industry.
Learn more and Register
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AGC 2023 DEI Awards
Applications for the second annual AGC DEI Awards are now open! These awards recognize member businesses for their initiatives in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space, and are presented in four categories:
All applicants must be members in good standing with AGC of Minnesota for at least one year, and must sign the Culture of CARE Pledge. Submissions must relate to activities or initiatives conducted in the past 12 months.
Entries are judged by the AGC of Minnesota Diversity & Inclusion Judging Committee, based on the information provided in the application. Judges are non-members who are business owners, or work in educational institutions, government entities, and community-based organizations that work in tandem with the construction industry.
The 2023 Awards will be presented at the AGC Honors event on January 16, 2024 | St. Paul Event Center
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Applications are still being accepted for the next Executive Circle series. Now in its third year, this Executive Circle is an executive leaders’ development program.
If you, or someone in your firm, is charged with making decisions or influencing decisions on behalf of the firm, this program is a must. Participants explore various aspects of transformational leadership over six sessions with Tina Nazier, Wipfli’s National Construction and Real Estate Organizational Performance Strategy Leader. The 2024 program begins January 25 and concludes May 16. Application deadline is November 17, 2023 and is available to AGC member firms only. No more than 14 people will be accepted.
The program adheres to the AGC of Minnesota Antitrust Policy.
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2024 Minnesota Construction Summit
Have you seen the lineup of sessions at the 2024 Minnesota Construction Summit? From transition planning to tech innovations, and underground mapping to mental health, there's something for everyone at the Summit!
See all the Summit sessions.
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Keynote Speaker: Dr. Thom Mayer, Medical Director at the NFL Players Association
We work in turbulent times, where job stressors rise and resilience falls. It’s time we realize that all of us-at every level, on every team, at every job site are leaders, creating our own cultures by our actions. With lessons from his personal experience the speaker will weave lessons from 9/11, the NFL, and Ukraine to challenge and inspire you to lead all day-every day-in everything you do!
Come hear Dr. Mayer's message, "Leadership is Worthless, but Leading is Priceless: Changing Your Culture to Improve Your Team's Physical and Mental Health" on the first morning of the Summit!
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Save $50/registration by registering before December 1! | |
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CPP Open House
Join AWC and the City of Saint Paul for the Construction Partnering Program (CPP) Open House on Tuesday, October 24 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at McGough's Headquarters. This FREE Open House will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the program, meet current partners and more! Register here. Registration will close on Friday, October 20 at 5:00 PM.
This event is for contractors and subcontractors interested in mentoring smaller W/MBEs. Please note that you do not need to be an AWC Member.
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Don't Miss These Events!
Register now for these upcoming AGC events:
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Thank You to our 2023 Annual Partners! | |
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Your Trusted Resource
Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
525 Park Street, Suite 110 | St. Paul, MN 55103
651-632-8929
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