Spring is a busy time of year, especially in the construction business. So much is happening that it can feel like we’ve lost all control. Yes...March Madness has arrived. Routine yields to chaos, and there never seems to be enough time for giving time.

At AGC, we are grateful for our engaged and committed members. It is your selfless gift of time that helps us carry out our mission of being a member-driven, connected, and engaged organization. Here are a few highlights showing how members are making a difference for the betterment of the Minnesota construction industry:

Industry Advocacy in Action: The legislature is alive this time of year, and March is deadline month for initiatives to survive or perish. Big things like bonding bills, infrastructure investment, and balancing a state budget carrying a $17.5B surplus remain undecided. Small issues morph into large challenges, and the trivial becomes important. No worries, the AGC Legislative Committee has you covered. This group regularly meets this time of year and newcomers are encouraged to attend, learn, and engage. It's said that “we get the government we deserve.” Come help lift the big issues that deliver value for your industry. Contact Laura for in-person or online participation options.

Collective Bargaining: Contract negotiations are about to take center stage for signatory contractors in the highway sector and for some expiring building agreements. Markets are tight, the post-COVID economy is struggling for its footing, and inflation and materials prices remain volatile. What better time to lend your talent and give voice to your experience? Contact Mike if you would like to participate in one or more of the industry collective bargaining committees, and thank you to all our members that are already lending their time and energy!

Professional Learning and Development: The AGC series of professional development curriculum is drawing to conclusion with this year’s classes in the Leadership Blueprint (BP) and Executive Circle (EC) set to conclude. We are currently building a new intermediate leadership program called Blueprint Masters. Designed for the mid-career, middle manager, Blueprint Masters (BPM) will be unveiled this summer, and is targeted to launch an inaugural cohort class in the fall of 2023. Thanks to the BP and EC grads working to design and plan the new BPM course offering. Join us at the Leadership Blueprint Graduation Reception next month to learn more about how these programs can develop your firm's leaders!

Taking Member Meetings to the Membership: The spring AGC Board Meeting and General Membership Networking Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 13 at the Coyote Moon Restaurant at Territory Golf Club in St. Cloud. Come join colleagues and friends for networking, and learning of the latest developments in the industry from our expert staff.

Thank you for your continued support of AGC. Because we appreciate that your time has value, we strive to use it wisely and to earn your respect and continued engagement in AGC.

We remain Your Trusted Resource,

Tim Worke

CEO

This week the House and Senate majorities, along with the Governor, released their agreement on joint budget targets for this session. A joint agreement does not typically occur until May- so this was big news under the dome!

Minnesota’s state budget for fiscal years 2024-25 is projected to be $71.9B, an increase from the current budget of approx. $54.1B. The joint budget targets distribute the state’s $17.8 billion budget surplus across different areas: Education ($2.2 billion), tax relief ($3 billion), transportation ($1.075 billion), health care (2.298 billion), and housing ($1 billion). The surplus budget number breakdown also includes $2.3 billion for infrastructure in cash, which can be used if there isn’t agreement on a bonding bill that requires supermajority support.

After today, policy-only committees will no longer meet and legislative work funnels to finance committees. Finance committees will mark up their budget bills and pass them our of committees in the next two weeks. The omnibus bills will then be heard by the entire Senate and House, followed by conference committees in April to negotiate differences between House and Senate budget bills.

AGC is in many active conversations and negotiations with bills of interest to AGC. A more detailed report will be available as the Legislature approaches Easter/Passover break and an overview will be provided at our Day at the Capitol on April 12^th. 

Click here for more information and to apply.

Applications must be received by May 19.

The AGC Education and Research Foundation offers Workforce Development Scholarships to students enrolled in accredited technical schools or craft training programs in any discipline of commercial construction. Students in technical or approved craft training programs will have until June 1^st to apply for $1,000 scholarships (renewal for up to two years) from the AGC Education and Research Foundation.

To review the complete list of criteria click here. Students can click here to apply.

Owners and contractors need to pay close attention to how their contract will handle construction delays caused by inclement weather. This article highlights how force majeure provisions should be carefully drafted to provide schedule relief only for the weather events intended by the parties. Learn more

Miles is a member of Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson’s Construction Law Department. He can be reached at 612.359.7641 or mkelson@fwhtlaw.com.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will end winter load increases - and start spring load restrictions - in the NORTH CENTRAL and NORTH zones Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. Spring load restrictions are already in effect in all other zones. Seasonal load limit zones and restricted routes can be found on the MnDOT load limits map. Start and end dates and other load limit information are shown here.

Expand The Toolbox (ETT) recently featured its first series of conversations for construction contractors to amplify best practices for hiring BIPOC and/or women in the construction industry.

Hosted by McGough, panelists included:

Camacho Contractors, Inc. – Catie Camacho; President

LS Black Constructors - Monica Robinson; HR Director/EEO Officer

Midwest Select Contracting – Edna McKenzie; Owner

MNSOARR - Mike Taylor; Founder

Moderator:

Yolanda McIntosh – AGC Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

AGC members automatically qualify for discounts on wireless phone plans, office supplies, uniforms, paint, and so much more through National Purchasing Partners.

AGC of America offers another set of discounts to members! Be sure to take advantage of both discount opportunities for your firm!

Make your voice heard! Each year, AGC members 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.

Join us as we discuss the best ways to advocate for the industry, and hear from legislators, MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger, and Dept. of Admin leadership on what's in store.

Join the 2022-2023 Leadership Blueprint cohort on April 12 (immediately following AGC Day at the Capitol) as they celebrate their graduation! Hear from graduates on how the program helped equip them as leaders, and then hear from nationally recognized speaker Jake Thompson.

AGC members and prospective members are encouraged to join the AGC Board of Directors and staff for a member networking event at Coyote Moon Grill (on the Territory Golf Course property) in St. Cloud on April 13th!

Join AGC staff and members along with MBEX Young Professionals for a St. Paul Saints game against the Louisville Bats on Wednesday, August 9 at 1:07 pm! Food and comfortable accommodations included!

Interested in how advertising through AGC could benefit your firm?

Take a look at AGC's Media Kit, and contact Katie to learn more.