Over a year ago, the AGC board of directors undertook the task of refreshing our Strategic Plan. Key to those discussions was a recognition that change is occurring rapidly in both society and in the construction industry; yet the impacts of change are often not readily apparent and can be easily overlooked. Additionally, like most other market sectors, the construction industry has been prone to react to change versus anticipating and embracing larger industry and cultural shifts.  A staff level DEI resource is a purposeful response to address the under-recognized reality that the construction sector must become more intentional in providing opportunity for diverse employment and minority and women-owned business engagement, if we are to continue to thrive into the future.  

As Yolanda settles into her new role, look for some exciting new member services and engagement opportunities to enhance your business model with DEI best practices and strategies that provide a competitive advantage in today’s construction marketplace. In the coming months, Yolanda will be leading efforts to create a DEI Council with AGC members. She will also be working to introduce members to the AGC of America Culture of Care pledge and what it means to embed this creed into your business model and business relationships. We are also excited that Yolanda will be elevating the AGC DEI presence with government agencies, community organizations and in the public policy arena. 

We are fortunate to have the skills and breadth of experience that Yolanda brings to AGC and our membership. Although she is already a familiar face to many members and friends of AGC, I hope in the coming weeks you will find time to reach out to her and invite her into the many conversations you might be having about inclusivity or to share some challenges you might be experiencing. I have every confidence you will find her to be an ally, expert resource, and value-added extension of your staff bringing the Trusted Resource advantage of AGC to your door. 

Action Alert: We Need a Bonding Bill MONDAY

Legislators will be coming back into session this coming Monday, October 12th. Legislators have confirmed that a final bonding bill is being drafted. However, there are mixed messages whether or not there will be a vote on the bill next week. 

A public works bill must originate in the House before being sent to the Senate. Join your colleagues in sending a strong message that the legislature needs to pass a capital bonding bill on Monday!

Click here for a quick and easy way to contact your legislators.

The Lean Construction Series is finally available in Minnesota this fall! Held for short periods three days per week from October 27-December 11, the series follows a schedule created with busy professionals in mind.

Click here for details or to register.

AGC is offering two Supervisory Training Program units for the November/December quarter. Click the links below to register:

The Laborers Training Center and AGC of Minnesota recently celebrated the first six graduates of their joint Laborers Superintendent Development Program.

Signatory contractors identify laborers with supervisory potential and leadership abilities to be included in this mentor/mentee program. The Laborers Training Center administrates and sponsors the cost of training through AGC's Supervisory Training Program classes, and participants also complete related on the job training hours under their mentor's supervision.

Pictured: Three of the six graduates in the initial cohort, along with their mentors.

We need to hear from you!

The 2020 AGC of Minnesota Construction Industry Assessment Survey provides an opportunity for you to provide your observations and experiences in the Minnesota construction marketplace. We have added a few new questions this year related to COVID-19 in order to get an accurate view of the impact the pandemic has had on your firm and the industry.

please contact Renee Horsman.

Hennepin County will be conducting one-on-one constructability reviews with prime and/or bridge contractors interested providing input into the development of this project. Items to be discussed at the constructability review include: construction access, schedule, staging and risk mitigation.  

The meetings will be conducted electronically (Microsoft Teams) the week of October 26th. If interested, contact Tony Schrempp, Senior Professional Engineer, at anthony.schrempp@hennepin.us or 612- 596-0397 to schedule a meeting. 

Additional information can be found here.

Transportation remains a vital issue in our state, with growing regional road, bridge and transit needs. This informational and engaging candidate series has already highlighted Rochester and St. Cloud, and will focus on Duluth, Mankato, and Moorhead in the coming weeks.

To register, click on the appropriate city name above, or click here for more details.

To submit questions ahead of time, email Laura Ziegler.