Duluth Member Networking Event

Thanks to everyone who joined us in Duluth this week for a great time of networking and axe-throwing! Click the photos below to see more.

Thanks especially to our sponsors - Lakehead Constructors, JR Jensen Construction, RSM, Safety Signs, and Veit!

See you at the Golf Tournament in Less than a Month!

We're sold out for foursomes, but there are still a few sponsorship opportunities available! Register here or contact Lisa Larson if you'd like to be recognized!

2023 Title Sponsor:

Cannabis Law Does Not Apply to Construction Sites 

The new MN Cannabis law is going into effect soon. AGC-MN’s position is that the construction worksite is exempt from the new law because the worksite is safety sensitive. This means that, for the construction worksite, we believe that there should be no change in your policies or procedures and anyone on the worksite (a) can be tested for cannabis consistent with the other drug and testing laws and (b) disciplined or terminated if cannabis is found consistent with your policies and other, non-cannabis drug laws. We would suggest that you update your policies to clarify that every construction worksite is a safety sensitive area and exempt from the statute. Other sites (i.e., areas that are not construction worksites such as an office) would be subject to the new Minnesota law (although is less problematic). AGC is willing to help as an amicus a contractor who is accused of violating the cannabis law on a construction worksite. Contact Mike for more information.

AGC Form Contracts Committee - Last Call

Last call if you would like to participate in AGC’s form construction contracts committee to review updates based on legislative changes. Contact Mike with interest.

AGC Concrete Committee Meeting - July 25

Technical committees provide members with a biannual opportunity to communicate with MnDOT staff and fellow contractors on contractor issues, as well as hear project and program updates relevant to the subject area. These committees continue to foster AGC member partnerships with MnDOT and allow participants to network and share information.

The AGC-MNDOT Concrete Committee will meet on Tuesday, July 25 from 1-3 PM at the AGC Office in St. Paul. Zoom is also an option for attendance.

Who can join?

Any AGC of Minnesota member can join; however, priority for committee membership will be given to contractors. Please contact Laura Ziegler to join. 

What the Inflation Reduction Act means for construction businesses

As the country’s environmental priorities shift to encourage investment in clean energy, construction businesses have the chance to take advantage of new or enhanced tax credits and other incentives (IRA of 2022). But not all incentives make sense or are even available for every business, so be sure to check your eligibility and understand their impact in your decision-making and tax planning. Learn more

By Anita Mahamed, Partner at Wipfli

With 20 years of experience, Anita Mahamed understands tax laws, and her clients rely on her to apply them to their situation and to their advantage.

AGC of America needs your help to measure the scope of construction labor shortages

The survey will close on August 14th.

AGC of America wants to understand exactly how labor shortages, supply chain challenges and inflation are impacting the construction industry. That is why we are asking you to take a few minutes to complete the following workforce survey that we and our partners at Autodesk have prepared. The more people understand the scope, and consequences, of current labor market conditions, the more likely we will be able to convince public officials to enact measures to help meet the industry’s needs. In other words, the more members who take the survey, the better able we all will be to describe labor market conditions where you operate. 

Contact Brian Turmail at brian.turmail@agc.org for more information.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Midwest Regional Office invites federal construction contractors to attend

Compliance Assistance for Construction Contractors Webinar

Information will be provided to guide federal construction contractors through their Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action obligations when working on federal construction projects. Information addressing construction contractor obligations found under the regulations implementing EO 11246, VEVRAA, and Section 503 will also be provided. Finally, information will be provided to federal construction contractors on how to prepare for a compliance evaluation and the compliance review process.

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (CST)

Please register here

For questions, please reach out to Marcel Baldwin at Baldwin.Marcel.D@dol.gov. 

AGC of Minnesota Foundation Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to the twelve students pursuing degrees in the construction industry who became the recipients of 2023/24 scholarships from the AGC of Minnesota Foundation!

Ten students will be awarded AGC scholarships, and two students will be awarded the C.S. McCrossan Scholarship, given annually in honor of industry icon Charles McCrossan and funded by a preferred memorial designation and generous donations from the McCrossan family.

Many of the scholarship recipients will be on hand to receive their scholarships at our upcoming Golf Tournament. The annual Sporting Clays Fundraiser directly supports the AGC of Minnesota Foundation, providing funds for scholarships.

Receiving the C.S. McCrossan Scholarship:

• Garrett Johnson (U of Wisconsin Stout – Construction Management)
• Benjamin VanBinsbergen (U of M Minneapolis-Construction Management)

Receiving AGC Minnesota Scholarships:

• Riley Corrigan (U of M Minneapolis – Architecture)
• Logan Linkert (Saint Paul College-Electrical Technology)
• Quinn McCalla (Alexandria Technical & Community College-Carpentry)
• Jonna Seifert (Central Lakes College-Heavy Equipment Maintenance & Operations)
• Logan Shay (Minnesota State Mankato-Construction Management)
• Samuel Skillings (U of M Minneapolis-Construction Management)
• Hannah Stich (Minnesota State Mankato-Construction Management)
• Dillon Tucker (Minnesota State Mankato-Construction Management)
• Alex Vold (Rochester Community & Technical College-Facility & Service Technology)
• Cindy Wuddah (Minnesota State Mankato-Construction Management)

Leadership Blueprint Application Opens

AGC's Leadership Blueprint series is accepting applications for the 2023/24 series. Now in its tenth year, Leadership Blueprint has earned a reputation as a “must” for emerging leaders within member organizations. Participants learn principles of human relations and effective public speaking over the course of six monthly sessions.

The course is open to AGC members only and limited to 21 participants. Application deadline is July 28, 2023.

2024 Construction Summit:

REGISTRATION OPEN!

Registration is open both to attendees and sponsors/exhibitors for the 2024 Minnesota Construction Summit (January 17-18)!

• ATTENDEES: Take advantage of the Extra Early Bird discount by registering before September 30!
• EXHIBITORS: Register early to get your preferred location!
• SPONSORS: The earlier you register, the more exposure you'll receive!

Thanks to our latest sponsors!

RFP for speakers and contractor input!

AGC is still soliciting input from contractors and speakers for the Construction Summit!

If you have a presentation you would like to propose for an educational session, OR if you are a contractor with a suggestion for the kind of education you'd be interested in attending, please take this brief survey!

STP Classes: Coming this Fall!

Development and leadership training are key components of employee retention, and strengthen your team! Register your employees for these upcoming Supervisory Training Program classes. Students who complete all six units (in any order) receive a graduation certificate through AGC of America. Registration is now open for the first four sessions.

• Unit 2: Communication (September/October)
• Unit 3: Planning & Scheduling (September/October)
• Unit 1: Leadership & Motivation (October/November)
• Unit 5: Improving Productivity/Managing Project Costs (October/November)
• Unit 4: Contract Documents (November/December)
• Unit 6: Risk Management & Problem Solving (November/December)

Save the Date!

Mark your calendar for the following upcoming AGC events:

• Golf Tournament: August 4, 2023 (Keller Golf Course)
• AGC & MBEX Saints Game: August 9, 2023 (CHS Field)
• Sporting Clays Fundraiser: September 13, 2023 (Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club)
• Holiday Reception: December 6, 2023 (Quincy Hall)
• 2024 AGC Honors: January16, 2024 (St. Paul Event Center)
• 2024 Minnesota Construction Summit: January 17-18 (St. Paul RiverCentre)

.........Get the Extra Early Bird discount by registering to attend before September 30!