Make your voice heard! Each year, AGC members walk from AGC offices across the street to the Minnesota Capitol to meet with key decision makers and advocate for the construction industry. It’s important to communicate with legislators this time of year as they make key budget and policy decisions. Furthermore, there are possibilities of additional federal funding for our state’s building and transportation infrastructure. Join us as we hear from MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher on what’s in store in a post-pandemic recovery.

This year is a completely virtual, multi-day event to fit your schedule. This week is also a great opportunity to focus on checking in with your legislators by making your own personal legislative appointments. See below and mark your calendar!

AGC encourages members to make virtual appointments with legislators during AGC’s Construction Advocacy Week. To find out who represents you, click here or contact your AGC Director of Government Affairs, Laura Ziegler.

We welcome all employees of AGC member companies to join in these virtual discussions and activities as your schedule allows.

Join us on August 6 at Keller Golf Course in Maplewood!

Get all the details and register here.

Please join AGC of America, and its partners on the Construction Industry Safety Coalition, in planning to participate in the COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness Week in Construction, April 19-23. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of the safety, effectiveness, and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination among construction workers.

Click HERE to access resources to help you get started on planning your activities. In addition, please let us know if you are planning to participate by completing a brief survey HERE.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact AGC of America's Senior Director of Safety & Health Services, Kevin Cannon.

AGC Minnesota is pleased to announce that the 2021/22 Leadership Blueprint schedule is complete and nominations are now being accepted. Class size is limited to 21 people and applicants must be nominated by their supervisor. The Leadership Blueprint is available to AGC Minnesota members only and will begin November 4-5, 2021.

Please submit a completed nominating form and supporting documentation to Merry Beckmann by June 30, 2021. Successful candidates will be notified no later than August 2, 2021.

OSHA announced that it has scheduled the eighth annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction for May 3-7, 2021. OSHA encourages construction employers and other stakeholders to join the event to promote awareness and training to address one of the industry’s most serious dangers.

OSHA’s Fall Prevention Stand-Down webpage offers a wide range of compliance resources in many languages.

A joint meeting with the Omaha District Corps of Engineers has been scheduled in Omaha, Nebraska on May 5 - 6, 2021.

Registration and information can be found here.

In Minnesota, racial health equity is not a new topic to those most affected. What is new, however, is having a large health care system in Minnesota address the health inequities head on. BlueCross BlueShield MN (BCBS MN) is taking the lead to bring racial health equity to the forefront and provide tangible resources for businesses across all industries. In this powerful and extensive series of resources, BCBS MN does not hold back in addressing racism, disparities, and their effects on the health of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities head-on. BCBS MN posted the following statement on their website:

BCBS Racial Health Equity Antiracist video resources

BCBS Racial and Health Equity Reading List

AGC’s Culture of CARE program helps construction firms build more inclusive workplace cultures. Join the hundreds of other companies that have already taken the Culture of CARE pledge and commit yourself and your company today.

Learn more about creating a Culture of CARE by visiting buildculture.org.

AGC’s Contracts Committee updates its contracts for changes in law, practice, policy, and clarity. The new contracts now available:

These agreements are included in your AGC membership. Non-members can purchase licenses to some or all of the contracts. More information is available on AGC’s contracts webpage.

Labor negotiations are continuing with Cement Masons (North Dakota and NW Minnesota Building) and Carpenters (North Dakota).  Contact Mike for more information.

The construction industry suffers from some of the highest incident rates of mental health & well-being challenges in the country, including suicide rates. The events of the past year haven’t helped. Last year, AGC partner CSDZ hired Cal Beyer, one of the leading experts on construction mental health & worker well-being, to help clients & the industry overcome this crisis.

Based on Cal’s work, CSDZ is co-sponsoring a pulse survey from The Center for Workplace Mental Health, a program of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the needs and experiences of the construction industry when it comes to mental health issues.

If you are a leader, manager, or supervisor within a construction company, your participation in this brief survey would be greatly appreciated. Multiple responses from different positions within the same construction firm are OK.

If there is one thing to be said about 2020, it is that uncertainty ruled the day. The equipment rental industry shared the ups and downs of the construction industry at large, but the rental option proved to be a valuable one and is continuing to play a vital role in 2021. Learn more

The Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) is announcing the release of a High Resolution Digital Elevation Data Acquisition Request for Proposals (RFP). The RRWMB will accept responses to the RFP until 5:00 pm, April 30, 2021. Inquires can be directed to Robert L. Sip, RRWMB Executive Director at rob.sip@rrwmb.org or 218-474-1084. The RFP can be downloaded here.

MnDOT announced over 200 projects for the 2021 state construction program. “Safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable transportation is vital to the quality of life and economic success of our state,” said MnDOT Commissioner Margaret Anderson Kelliher. “Although Minnesota’s transportation needs greatly outnumber available resources, this year’s construction program demonstrates MnDOT’s commitment to making smart investments in our system to better serve all people.”

For a video overview, interactive map, and full 2021 project list, click here.

GSOC has determined it is important to make necessary one call locate changes. These change are targeted to begin April 21, 2021. Please review the information here so you have the necessary tools to start your next project.

Students enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in a construction field are encouraged to apply for the AGC of Minnesota Foundation 2021-2022 scholarships. Application and instructions can be found here.

Students pursuing an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) career are invited to apply for the Dan Hannan Sr. Memorial EHS Scholarship. Administered by former AGC employee Dan Hannan Jr., this $1000 scholarship memorializes his father's service to his trade, and highlights the importance of health and safety in the industry.

Applications must be received by May 1, 2021.