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CONSTRUCTION TODAY PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF GEORGIA, INC.

AWITHCONVERSATION GEORGIA’S LABOR COMMISSIONER

PLUS: • Construction Careers Awareness • 2023 Business Climate • On the National Front

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CONSTRUCTION TODAY PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF GEORGIA, INC.

CONSTRUCTION TODAY

table of contents Message from the President Index of Advertisers

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AWITHCONVERSATION GEORGIA’S LABOR COMMISSIONER

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8 A Conversation with

PLUS: • Construction Careers Awareness • 2023 Business Climate • On the National Front

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Read the digital edition of this issue online – and view all past issues! www.gaconstructiontoday-digital.com

15 On the National Front

Georgia’s Labor Commissioner

A look at federal regulatory updates from AGC of America who is on the front line in D.C. to help industry professionals stay informed.

Commissioner Bruce Thompson is committed to reshaping the operations of the Department to create workforce solutions through alliances and community relationships.

10 Increasing Awareness

17 Mark Your Calendar

of Construction Careers

There are many opportunities this year for members to get engaged, grow their professional expertise, learn and share best practices, and give back to the community.

The AGC Georgia Skills Challenges introduce thousands of students to construction career pathways. Also, read our spotlights on a competitor and construction teacher.

14 2023 Business Climate Helpful data for contractors to share with owners as they find a way to continue building despite the many challenges they face.

Georgia Construction Today is published for Associated General Contractors of Georgia, Inc. 1940 The Exchange Atlanta, GA 30339 Tel: 678.298.4100, 800.203.4629 Fax: 678.298.4101 www.agcga.org

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Chief Executive Officer: Michael T. Dunham Director of Communications & Marketing: Alyson B. Abercrombie, CAE

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The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

PUBLISHED MARCH 2023/GGC-B0123/4450 COVER IMAGE: GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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>> MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

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n recent weeks, I had the pleasure of traveling across Georgia to visit with hundreds of members during the association’s annual President’s Tour. While riding shotgun with Mike Dunham for these seven programs, I learned what I thought had to just be a rumor…was actually true. Mike does indeed know where every local ice cream establishment is on the backroads. I guess after nearly 30 years of accompanying the President on this tour, he should!

All kidding aside, crisscrossing the state from Macon to Columbus and then Valdosta to Albany and over to Gainesville then to Augusta and ending our tour in Savannah was truly a rewarding experience. It was great to reconnect with many members after getting to know them over the years. I also enjoyed meeting many fellow members for the first time. Mike and I appreciated when members shared what was going on in their local marketplace during the programs, and we were proud to share some of the association’s latest accomplishments including the pillars to the new business plan that will help guide AGC Georgia’s allocation of resources and delivery of member services for years to come.

As you may recall if you joined me for these meetings, I’m a true believer that even if you prefer to sit on the sidelines, just being a member of AGC Georgia offers so many benefits to you and your team. I was one of those members in the early days after JCI joined. I wanted to keep up with the industry news and stay in tune with state regulations. I was also interested in how the legislative process impacted our industry, but I did so from a distance. After a visit at my office by an AGC Georgia staff member, I decided that while I was benefiting from membership, there was SO much more I could learn, and my team could benefit from.

With a new level of commitment to making the membership work for me, so many more connections were made, and relationships were formed. New business partnerships were cultivated, and new clients were within reach as my company gained more traction. It was also nice to know that I was developing a peer group. Even as many of the people that I call my closest friends within AGC Georgia are competitors, we enjoy a level of camaraderie and a respect that is priceless. JCI was a thriving company without my engagement in the association, but it’s very

6

Lyndy Jones President JCI Contractors 2022-2023 President AGC Georgia

rewarding to see the difference in where we were compared to where we are today.

While I share my story knowing that I’m preaching to the choir, I too, read these types of messages many years ago as a less-than-engaged member. I would be honored to learn that my words inspired even just a few members to get more out of the association. I encourage anyone who wants help charting their course to a new level of engagement to call on our incredibly seasoned and knowledgeable staff and ask for an in-office visit. You never know where a casual conversation could lead for you and your team! And it may involve ice cream!

PS: I hope to see you at our 2023 Annual Convention at Omni Amelia Island from June 8-11!

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Legislative Road Show Later this summer, Mark Woodall will travel the state visiting with members to share The Good, The Bad & The Ugly from the 2023 legislative session.

All events begin at 4:00 pm with Happy Hour followed by Mark’s presentation. Join us and your fellow members to learn more about AGC Georgia’s work Under the Gold Dome.

Tues., Aug. 22 – Macon Piedmont Brewery & Kitchen

Tues., Sept. 12 – Gainesville Liquid Nation Brewing

Wed., Aug. 23 – Columbus The Cannon Brew Pub

Wed., Sept. 13 – Augusta TBonz Steakhouse

Tues., Aug. 29 – Valdosta Georgia Beer Co.

Thurs., Sept. 14 – Savannah Moon River Brewing Co.

Wed., Aug. 30 – Albany Austin’s Firegrill & Oyster Bar

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>> COVER STORY

A CONVERSATION WITH GEORGIA’S LABOR COMMISSIONER N

ewly elected Commissioner Bruce Thompson is committed to reshaping the operations of Georgia’s labor department to create valuable workforce solutions through strategic alliances and community relationships.

During an exclusive conversation with AGC Georgia, Commissioner Thompson shared his perspective on the construction industry’s role in the State’s employment growth and advice for mining talent from the area, among other key topics that impact Georgia’s progress.

The unemployment rate has hovered around 3% for nearly the past year.

What are the trends you see for the coming year?

Q

A: The national unemployment rate hovers around 3.5%, while Georgia’s unemployment is historically low at 3%. In the Atlanta region, the rate is

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even lower at 2.6%, which suggests our state’s economic investments and business-friendly tax environment are paying dividends.

In December 2022, Georgia’s construction industry accounted for 208,000 jobs, nearly 60% of which were in the specialty trades. Industry projections for the short-term estimate the construction industry’s growth rate to be 2.6%, outpacing the 2.2% rate of all other industries combined. With Georgia’s red-hot economy, demand for workers in the trades will only get stronger over the next decade.

What role does Georgia’s construction industry play in helping keep this steady rate or even improve employment trends?

Q

A: While many jobs in the economy may diminish with the rapid expansion of AI and automation, construction-related positions are less likely

to be displaced in the near future.

Recruiting candidates into the construction vertical and successfully filling the pipeline with construction-minded talent is crucial to maintaining a low unemployment rate. With over 100,000 people moving to our state each year, Georgia’s population is likely to top 12 million in 2030 – further supporting the premise that Georgians who are trained in construction-related careers will always be ESSENTIAL and an integral part of the state’s economic success.

Q

What construction trade careers do you see as growth opportunities and why?

A: The “Great Resignation” created roughly 500,000 construction-related positions in the United States. Now, recent statistics indicate the “Great Retirement” is underway with nearly 40% of the current construction

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shadowing and internships are excellent tools to reach these students.

Is your office pursuing any initiatives of which AGC Georgia members should be aware?

Q

PHOTO CREDIT: GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

A: The Department of Labor is currently collaborating with the Technical College System of Georgia to ensure state workforce initiatives are executed as Georgia seeks to develop the workforce necessary to maintain its position as the number one place to do business.

Is there anything in your upbringing/professional career(s) that you feel helps you understand the construction industry business owner?

Q

workforce set to retire over the next ten years. According to most reports, the demand for construction managers will continue to top the list followed closely by laborers, electricians, frontline supervisors, equipment operators, plumbers, carpenters, steamfitters, sheet metal workers, and steel workers.

What advice do you have for the AGC Georgia members to reach young people and engage them to view the construction industry as a solid career path?

Q

A: In 2022, I co-sponsored Senate Bill 379, which establishes a program to promote apprenticeships in the state of Georgia. This legislation provides an incredible pathway to the trades, financially rewarding employers and students that choose to engage in one of the approved verticals. The earlier students are exposed to these career opportunities, the more likely they are to entertain a construction career, so career

A: I was raised on a farm in rural Montana where the closest town and supply house was over 40 miles away.

Every high school student participated in Shop classes for four years where mechanics, welding, electrical, carpentry, and plumbing were offered as a part of the curriculum. For those of us in the farming community, these skills were instrumental – especially when a piece of equipment would break, and the closest NAPA or hardware store was at least an hour away.

I launched a commercial and home repair business when I was 23 years old, which served 30+ shopping centers in South Florida. The demand for these services was overwhelming, but our growth was stymied by the limited talent available to meet our construction obligations. I sold that operation, and the following year launched a motorized safety pool cover company. Most of our projects were integrated into the overall pool construction site and required concrete, plumbing, and electrical work to be performed by the contractor.

Many times, these projects were delayed as the contractor attempted

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to secure the necessary craftsman to perform the work, so we began doing the work ourselves to maintain the integrity of the timelines.

Q

Do you have any words of wisdom for AGC Georgia?

A: Workforce shortages were occurring before the pandemic but grew exponentially as people left the workplace during and after the economic shutdown. Every industry has been dramatically impacted by our economy, forcing many to turn to automation and AI as a source of relief. While machine learning and modernization are quickly replacing the need for humans as computer programmers, graphic artists, and engineers are feeling vulnerable, the construction industry is relatively immune. The survival and success of the industry lies in the ability to educate and motivate young people to choose the trades as a career.

Are there any partnerships with your office that you’d like for contractors to better understand that will help with workforce development needs within the construction industry?

Q

A: Several programs in our state are actively engaging youth and sparking interest in the skilled trades, including nationally recognized programs like SkillsUSA. We look forward to increasing our support and collaboration with these organizations to make Georgia the foremost leader in skilled trades development and training.

With Wagner-Peyser (GDOL’s workforce development arm) currently in transition, we are working towards creating new pathways that do not duplicate efforts but tackle statewide issues – all while building a strong spirit of cooperation and innovation.

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>> WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

INCREASING AWARENESS OF

CONSTRUCTION CAREERS 2022 SKILLS CHALLENGE FAST FACTS • 90 competing schools • 1,065 student competitors • 1,208 student observers • $375,000 + in cash contributions

T

he AGC Georgia Skills Challenge series continued to build upon the success of previous years in 2022 with growth in every significant metric. The seven annual events were held in Augusta (East Georgia), Gainesville (Northeast Georgia), Macon (Central Georgia), Marietta (Metro Atlanta), Moultrie (South + Southwest Georgia), Rome (Northwest Georgia) and Statesboro (Southeast Georgia).

“The 2022 AGC Georgia Skills Challenge series continued to produce

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year-over-year growth with more than 2,200 student competitors and student observers attending from 90 schools,” AGC Georgia CEO Mike Dunham said. ‘’The member and industry firms that provide seasoned professionals to serve as competition judges, develop hands-on exhibitor experiences and donate sponsorship dollars throughout the 501c3 foundation are at the core of how our industry will prosper and expand our talent pipeline.”

AGC Georgia and its members believe that a strong workforce is representative of the communities in which it serves. As a way to grow participation from all segments of society, AGC Georgia has begun collecting voluntary data from the participants to follow trends in its Skills Challenge series attendance.

This year, 41 percent of all Skills Challenge series participants (competitors and observers) identified as American Indian, Asian, Black

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AGC Georgia and its members believe that a strong workforce is representative of the communities in which it serves. or African American or other.

Additionally, 13 percent of Skills Challenge series participants identified as female with 31 percent of them identifying as American Indian, Asian, Black or African American or other.

As a significant component of our statewide workforce development program, this year’s competitions were heavily covered by television, radio and print media and were well attended by hundreds of industry advocates including U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, state legislators, school superintendents, high school counselors, mayors, school board members, and leaders from the Department of Education and Technical College System of Georgia.

The critical workforce shortage challenging our industry is a primary focus area for our association at both the state and national level.

We continue to combat this shortage head on by supporting work-based learning with employment opportunities and increasing the number of

students directly transitioning from high school to technical college.

The core competitions for the series were Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry, Plumbing, and Welding.

Blueprint Reading, Fine Furniture/ Woodworking, Heavy Machinery Operation, HVAC/R, Roofing, Sheet Metal and other disciplines were offered at select Challenges. These competitions are among many of AGC Georgia’s initiatives utilized to directly align skills training with the job opportunities available from our member firms and other construction industry employers.

The annual events also helped prepare students for their regional SkillsUSA events that were held this past January. Winners of those events moved on to the state SkillsUSA competitions held in March at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

For more information about the AGC Georgia Skills Challenge series, including how your firm can sponsor, exhibit, judge competitions, donate materials and much more, please connect with Jenny Williams, AGC Georgia’s Director of Workforce Development at 678-298-4122 or jwilliams@agcga.org.

2023 SKILLS CHALLENGES October 25 – Gainesville October 26 – Macon October 31 – Marietta November 1 – Columbus – NEW! November 2 – Statesboro November 7 – Moultrie November 9 – Rome November 16 – Augusta GEORGIA CONSTRUCTION TODAY

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BRIGHT FUTURE FOR 4-TIME SKILLS CHALLENGE WINNER

A

GC Georgia recently spoke with Thomson High School senior Roydarius Hobbs about his experience competing in the 2022 AGC Georgia Skills Challenge series.

As an experienced competitor, Hobbs has competed in f ive of the association’s Skills Challenge events, including four in the 2022 series where he earned first place in masonry at each. Hobbs also won his regional SkillsUSA competition and advanced to the state competition.

What spiked your interest in learning about trades?

What excites you the most about the Skills Challenge events?

Hobbs: My family is very proud of me because I’m doing well at the challenges and trying to be successful. They know it’s an honorable career path that can provide a good life and lots of opportunities for me in the future.

Hobbs: I am good at working with my mind and my hands, so I get excited at the Skills Challenge events when I look around and see other students trying to learn the same skills as me while we are competing against each other. Even though I’m working alone, there is a sense of accomplishment and togetherness that we all share.

Hobbs: My father, James Hobbs, is involved in the trade industry. He’s a mason and can do anything you can do with a brick. I also like that when you go out to work on a project, you can learn a lot about different skills used in trade. One of the best things about the trades, and masonry, in particular, is that I can build something out of nothing to help somebody else.

What does your family think about you exploring this career path?

to win, the best part is just knowing that I can build a quality product within the timeframe. There’s pride in good, hard work.

What is the most important lesson your construction teacher has taught you?

Hobbs: My teacher’s name is Coach Steven Whatley. The most important lesson he taught us is to do something that others won’t do. In other words, don’t be afraid of hard work because hard work will allow us to achieve things that others won’t.

What do you plan to do after high school?

Hobbs: I won the masonry competition at the Macon, Statesboro, Moultrie and Augusta Skills Challenges. While I like

Hobbs: My plans after high school are to get involved in the masonry field because it’s a difficult trade and not many people are trying to do it.

There’s something special about building something out of nothing. Can you just imagine seeing an empty field and then being part of building a church where everyone can go worship? That’s what I want to do in life.

Hobbs took home four first-place masonry banners to display in his school’s construction shop during the 2022 series.

Roydarius Hobbs of Thomson High School competes in his fourth Skills Challenge masonry competition during the fall of 2022 in Augusta.

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Which of the association events did you win this year?

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TEACHER’S PASSION FOR INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

Brinkman joins her Advanced Welding team after the East Georgia Skills Challenge to show off a first-place banner they earned.

T

homson High School Welding Instructor Courtney Brinkman is a shining example of what it means to be dedicated to teaching, the construction industry and her passion of passing knowledge to the next generation.

After graduating from welding school and working in the construction industry for two years, Brinkman’s high school welding teacher, longtime Maxwell High School Welding Instructor Charles Kachmar, contacted her about Thomson High School starting a construction education program.

“Mr. Kachmar was my introduction to trades, and I ended up in his class because it counted as a senior math credit,” Brinkman said. “I didn’t think I would do it as a career, but as time progressed, I fell in love with it.”

As Brinkman’s passion for the trades continued to evolve, so did her ability. She competed in the 2016 welding sculptures competition at SkillsUSA and took home first place in the state.

Now, in her fourth year as a teacher at Thomson High School, Brinkman thinks it’s important for her students to put their skills to the test just like she did when she was in their shoes.

“I love the AGC Georgia Skills Challenges because they allow you to see the fruits of your labor. I push my students to be the best they can and it proves that we’re doing something right when students place,” she said. “It makes us feel good when we go up against schools that have been going to these challenges for a decade. In my first year of teaching, we got second place in beginner welding, several top overall and individual placings with six overall first place wins and we had five out of 10 students that we took to Moultrie last year place in the top 10.”

Brinkman added that the AGC Georgia Skills Challenges are beneficial for her students because the competitions force her students to adapt and work within time constraints, which in turn makes them more well-rounded welders.

“Anyone can weld with blueprints they know in a welding booth that they are comfortable with,” she said.

“But, taking them out of their comfort zone without them knowing what to expect allows them to prepare for a career because it’s reflective of what happens on a real job site.”

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Mrs. Brinkman helps one of her welding students fine tune their craft.

Brinkman believes that it is imperative for schools to have support from the industry, which allows for students and programs to be introduced to companies that could be their future employers and supporters.

“These connections are important because it allows students and our industry supports to have an established relationship before the student graduates from high school,” she said.

“The AGC Georgia Skills Challenges not only allow students to connect with industry companies, but it allows people like me to connect with them, too.”

Brinkman noted that different companies want to see students learn different skill sets, and in order to do that, programs need funding that empower the schools to teach the skills.

“You can’t just rely on standard funding from your annual budget,” she said. “Having industry support allows you to develop your program. For instance, I met an industry supporter at the Statesboro Skills Challenge that wanted our students to be able to TIG weld aluminum. They decided to help us obtain three TIG welding machines and now we are going to be able to teach this skill.”

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>> HIRING AND BUSINESS OUTLOOK

2023 BUSINESS

CLIMATE

BLUE PLANET STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Helpful Data for Contractors to Share with Owners

A

ccording to the 2023 Construction Hiring and Business Outlook released earlier this year by AGC of America and Sage, contractors are optimistic about the construction outlook for this year, yet they are expecting very different market conditions than 2022. Contractors are less optimistic about many private-sector segments than they were a year ago, while their expectations for the public sector market have remained relatively bullish. The bottom line is that contractors have high hopes for public funding in 2023 even as they expect to cope with continued supply chain challenges and workforce shortages.

The changing outlook reflects the fact that higher interest rates and evolving work and shopping patterns are impacting office, retail, hospitality, and multifamily residential demand. The prospect of an economy that is slowing and perhaps heading into recession has dimmed the short-term outlook for warehouses, data centers, and manufacturing plants. At the same time, many contractors hope to finally see the benefits of a flurry of new federal investments in infrastructure and construction. This includes funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS Act and the so-called 14

Inflation Reduction Act. In addition, many state and local governments have boosted their construction budgets as they have benefitted from a strong economy and a COVID-related influx of federal funds.

Even as market demand evolves, contractors will continue to be confronted by many of the challenges they faced in 2022. This includes the impacts of supply chain problems that have inflated the cost of many construction materials and delayed deliveries of those products. Complicating things, these supply chain challenges have been erratic and unpredictable.

One week one material is in short supply, while the next week it is a different product. This makes it hard for contractors to make reliable cost estimates and anticipate production schedules.

Contractors also expect to continue to struggle to find enough workers to keep pace with demand in 2023.

Washington’s failure to pass immigration reform, combined with a significant funding gap between collegiate education and career and technical education tracks, means there are very few new workers entering the construction labor pool domestically or from other countries. At the same time, demographics continue to work

against the industry, as the size of the U.S. workforce continues to shrink relative to the overall population.

Contractors are taking steps to address these challenges. Firms are boosting pay and benefits to entice more workers and retain current staff.

They are also investing in technology and techniques to make their operations more efficient and less vulnerable to supply chain challenges and labor shortages. In other words, they are finding a way to continue building despite the many challenges they are facing in 2023.

■

GEORGIA SPECIFIC SUMMARY DATA

SUMMARY DATA FROM THE SOUTHERN REGION OF THE UNITED STATES

SUMMARY DATA FROM NATIONWIDE RESPONDENTS

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>> REGULATORY UPDATE

ON THE NATIONAL FRONT

A

GC of America is a great resource for all members! Just as we encourage you to reach out to our team at AGC Georgia for guidance on state laws impacting construction, business regulations, safety best practices and so much more, you are also encouraged to consider our colleagues at the AGC of America office as your front-line resources. The following notes of interest are provided by AGC of America’s governmental team.

While some of these issues are specific to federal contractors, and many AGC Georgia members do not perform federal work, national regulations impact us as taxpayers and can sometimes morph into new ideas (good or bad) for the private sector. It’s important

to keep watch on all types of guidelines that originate at the federal level to be as informed as possible in today’s evolving marketplace.

— Mike Dunham, CEO, AGC Georgia

Safety & Health OSHA Advances Proposal on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): OSHA plans to publish a proposed rule in near future to “clarify the requirements for the fit” of PPE. An earlier 2016 PPE proposal was part of OSHA’s Standard Improvement Project (SIP-IV). AGC commented and encouraged OSHA to conduct rulemaking. OSHA subsequently withdrew the language from the SIP-IV.

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OSHA Moves Forward with Permanent COVID-19 Healthcare Standard: At the end of 2022, OSHA submitted its final rule to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 for final review before publication in the Federal Register. AGC previously submitted comments opposing the expansion of the rule’s application to construction activities in healthcare settings. AGC is meeting with the White House on this issue.

AGC Meets with DOL Secretary Walsh: In the Fall, AGC and the Secretary discussed top industry priorities.

AGC Continues to Engage on Heat: AGC continues to seek input on the consistency of heat inspections.

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“It’s important to keep watch on all types of guidelines that originate at the federal level to be as informed as possible in today’s evolving marketplace.”

– Mike Dunham, CEO, AGC Georgia Labor/HR Apprenticeship & Prevailing Wage Guidance for New Tax Credits/179D: The Inflation Reduction Act included new tax credits requiring contractors have 15% of hours worked by registered apprentices and to pay prevailing wages. The Treasury Dept. issued guidance that failed to answer concerns AGC put forth.

New Independent Contractor Test: AGC commented against USDOL’s expanded FLSA definition of independent contractor.

NLRB’s Joint Employer Rule: At the end of 2022, AGC commented against the NLRB’s expanded standard for determining joint employer status.

OFCCP EEO-1 Report Lawsuit: Last year, a reporter again sued OFCCP under FOIA for EEO-1, Type 2 Consolidated Reports. OFCCP intends to release to the names of federal contractors that objected to public release under an applicable FOIA exemption.

AGC Awaits Davis Bacon Final Rule: Last year, the USDOL issued

a proposed rulemaking sweeping changes to the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts. AGC filed comments but it is unclear when a final rule will be issued and when it will take effect.

Environment AGC Readies for FHWA Greenhouse Gas Performance Measure: AGC commented last fall on FHWA’s proposed rule to establish a one-size-fits-all GHG performance measure that would limit a state’s ability to choose transportation projects that fit its unique needs.

AGC Highlights Concern with Climate Reporting Requirements for Federal Contractors: AGC is preparing to weigh in on proposed revisions to the FAR to require climate reporting for federal contractors, including from the supply chain for “major” contractors.

Responds to EPA Proposal to Regulate PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous: AGC responded to an EPA proposal that would trigger reporting

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requirements and ultimately the cleanup of contaminated sites. AGC asserts innocent contractors need protection from liability. AGC urged the agencies to use a more nuanced approach that would provide for necessary clean-ups without significantly increasing risk.

Files Suit to Block EPA and USACE New Regulation on Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ahead of Supreme Court Ruling: The EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers published a new “11th-hour” definition of WOTUS before the Supreme Court weighs in on one of the methods the agencies are using to determine whether water is under federal jurisdiction.

Procurement Prepares for Action on New PLA Executive Order: Last Fall, AGC submitted comments on the FAR Council proposed rule to implement the executive order requiring PLAs on direct federal construction projects of $35M or more.

Action on Buy America Expansion to Construction Materials: Federal agencies issued waivers to delay implementation of new Buy America requirements under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA).

Engages on New DBE Rule: Last Fall, AGC commented on the USDOT DBE Program proposed rule that would update the personal net worth and program size thresholds for inflation, update certification provisions across the states, and more.

Scores Change Order Transparency: As of late last year, federal owners on small business construction solicitations must: publish their policies and procedures for processing change orders; track the time it takes to definitize change orders; and publicly publish this data.

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GEORGIA CONSTRUCTION TODAY

WINTER/SPRING 2023

MARK YOUR

CALENDAR T

he AGC Georgia team is excited to offer a variety of opportunities for members to get engaged, grow their professional expertise, learn and share best practices, and give back to the community.

While final details are still being planned for some of the below opportunities, thus they aren’t open for

registration, a majority of these events and learning opportunities have more details available on our website under the Calendar at www.agcga.org.

If you need more details, please connect with a team member by calling 678-298-4100.

Upcoming Education Offerings April 19 Human Performance for Executives and Safety Professionals – Hybrid April 19 Advanced Bluebeam Material Takeoffs & Estimates – Virtual April 20 OSHA 10-Hour for Construction April 25 Lean Bootcamp – High Level Pull Planning April 26 Bluebeam Revu for Administrative Professionals – Virtual May 2 OSHA 30-Hour for Construction May 17 Silica Training for Construction – Virtual May 18 Intermediate Blueprint Reading May 18 Mental Health Workshop for Construction Professionals May 19 CPR/Bloodborne Pathogens/First Aid May 25 OSHA 10-Hour for Construction – Virtual May 31 Intro to Safety Leadership

June 20 July 27 July 28

Georgia Lien Law Basic Blueprint Reading Construction Quality Management

Later this year, we’ll offer these courses: • Fall Protection Training • Construction Supervision Fundamentals • Project Manager Development Program • Supervisory Training Programs including: ❍ Leadership and Motivation ❍ Communication ❍ Planning and Scheduling ❍ Contract Documents ❍ Risk Management and Problem Solving • Lean Education Program – Virtual

Young Leadership Program The Young Leadership Program will host its 24th Annual Golf Classic in Peachtree City at Flat Creek Country Club and Braelinn Golf Club on Wednesday, May 3, 2023. This event is a 45-hole sell out each year! Reserve your foursome today and make plans to join a who’s who within the construction industry to help raise money for worthy charities supported by the YLP during the holiday season. If you aren’t a golfer but want a fun way to network with hundreds of golfers, consider hosting a Hospitality Tent on the course and the golfers come to you!

A percentage of the tournament’s sponsorship proceeds will be donated to ~90 construction programs at high schools around Georgia that participated in the 2022 AGC Georgia Skills Challenge series. To learn more about the Golf Classic, please visit the calendar at www.agcga.org.

GEORGIA CONSTRUCTION TODAY

WINTER/SPRING 2023

17

NATATRAVEL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

>> AGC GEORGIA CALENDAR

Join Us On The Coast In June

Networking Hosted Around Georgia

The 2023 AGC Georgia Annual Convention is around the corner. We take pride in making sure the entire family feels welcome and included in the weekend’s agenda.

We’ll be at the Omni Amelia Island Resort from Thursday, June 8 through Sunday, June 11. Our golf tournament’s shotgun start will be early on Thursday, June 8. That evening, we’ll host our Welcome Party which has something fun for the entire family.

On Friday morning, June 9, we’ll host our business meeting, which will include comments from association leadership and a special address from AGC of America CEO Steve Sandherr. We’ll also announce the annual dividend for our CompTrust AGC MCIC worker’s compensation program participants, recognize our 2023 sponsors, and offer our appreciation to our outgoing board members.

Early Saturday, June 10, we’ll have a guest speaker that will start our day off with an inspirational message and then we’ll recognize members for exceptional team performances. The AGC Corporate Safety Awards will be given to our safest contracting firms and then we’ll close the morning with our AGC Build Georgia Award program.

To close the convention, we’ll host a seated dinner featuring the presentation of our SIR Award to Dan Baker, CEO of Duffey Southeast, Inc., by 2022-2023 Board President, Lyndy Jones, President of JCI Contractors. He’ll then introduce Brian Newsome, CEO of Albion General Contractors, as the 2023-2024 AGC Georgia Board President. Brian will recognize fellow members who will serve with him on the Board for the upcoming term. The evening will be capped off with an after party featuring live music.

Registration is open! Learn more at www.agcga.org.

Throughout the calendar year, AGC Georgia hosts three statewide Members First series. Association staff visit seven regions outside of metro Atlanta to bring professional development, governmental and regulatory updates along with discussions on best practices.

Each January/February, our Board President and CEO travel the state to share information about the association’s goals for the year and to ask for feedback from the members on their team’s needs from the AGC Georgia staff.

Early each spring, we host regional Amerson Supervisor Safety Award ceremonies to honor the best of the best jobsite supervisors. This meeting includes a keynote presentation benefiting field leaders.

In the fall of each year, we provide an update on all things relating to governmental affairs. This visit recaps results of the year’s legislative session and forecasts what’s going to be hot topics of debate for the session planned the next January.

Dates for future Members First meeting are as follows.

• April 11 – Augusta • April 12 – Savannah • April 13 – Gainesville • August 22 – Macon • August 23 – Columbus • August 29 – Valdosta • August 30 – Albany • September 12 – Gainesville • September 13 – Augusta • September 14 – Savannah Mark your calendar for these additional opportunities: • Executive Alliance Leadership Treats for program members ❍ April 20-21 – Chateau Elan ❍ August 24-25 – Barnsley Gardens • Young Leadership Program Professional Development ❍ April 26 – Atlanta • Metro Atlanta Members First Networking Event at Truist Park – September 27 • PAC Sporting Clays Fundraiser in Waleska – October 13 • Fall Leadership Conference in Sea Island – October 19-22 • Young Leadership Program Sporting Clays Fundraiser in Forsyth – November 10 • Marketplace Networking Event in Metro Atlanta – November 15 ■

>> INDEX OF ADVERTISERS *Represents AGC Georgia member firms ACCOUNTING/MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS Mauldin & Jenkins �������������������������������������3 www.mjcpa.com CONCRETE CONTRACTORS Martin Concrete Construction ��������������Inside Back Cover www.martinconcrete.com CONCRETE CUTTING & REMOVAL ABC Cutting Contractors ���������������������������7 www.abccuttinginc.com CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Dobbs Equipment ��������������������������������������4 www.dobbsequipment.com

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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Ace Electric, Inc. �������������Inside Back Cover www.aceelectric.net Wayne J. Griffin Electric ����������������������������7 www.waynejgriffinelectric.com FENCING – TEMPORARY National Construction Rentals �������������������3 www.rentnational.com GENERAL CONTRACTORS Meja Construction, Inc. �����������������������������7 www.mejaconstruction.com New South Construction Co., Inc. ��������������������� Inside Front Cover www.newsouthconstruction.com HARDWOOD Southern Door & Plywood �����������������������16 www.southerndoorply.com

HVAC CONTRACTORS Conditioned Air Systems, Inc. �������������Inside Back Cover www.conditionedairsystems.com

SCAFFOLDING Stone Mountain Access System ���������������������� Inside Front Cover www.stonemountainaccess.com

HYDRAULIC EQUIPMENT REPAIR Conditioned Air Systems, Inc. �������������Inside Back Cover www.conditionedairsystems.com

SITE UTILITIES Brent Scarbrough & Co. ����������������������������3 www.brent.us

MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS Greene and Associates, Inc. ����������������������7 www.greeneandassociatesinc.com METAL DOORS & FRAMES Southern Door & Plywood �����������������������16 www.southerndoorply.com PORTABLE RESTROOMS National Construction Rentals �������������������3 www.rentnational.com

STORAGE CONTAINERS National Construction Rentals �������������������3 www.rentnational.com WOOD & PLASTIC DOORS Southern Door & Plywood �����������������������16 www.southerndoorply.com WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE CompTrust AGC MCIC ����� Outside Back Cover www.comptrustagcmcic.com

GEORGIA CONSTRUCTION TODAY

WINTER/SPRING 2023

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770-534-5121 | 2410 Hilton Way, SW | Gainesville, GA 30501

conditionedairsystems.com

1091806_Conditioned.indd 1

2/15/2023 8:49:58 AM

Our Mission is to

Identify, Hire, Train & Retain the Very Best People

The Southeast Leading Concrete Contractor Services: Structural Concrete, Tilt-up, Post Tension Systems, Foundations, Concrete Paving, Floor Slabs, Concrete Finishing, Industrial Pits & Trenches and Ductilecrete.

Valdosta, GA Statesboro, GA Macon, GA Atlanta, GA Siler City, NC Jackson, TN

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229.244.9288 AceElectric.net

With offices in Atlanta and Nashville, Martin Concrete has been building up the southeast since 1991. Let us handle your construction needs.

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www.martinconcrete.com

4081 Inner Perimeter Road Valdosta, GA 31602 Commercial Cold Storage Correctional Distribution Service & Maintenance Food & Beverage Government DOD Healthcare Hospitality Industrial Education Manufacturing Mission Control

11/08/21 8:38 1092775_Ace.indd PM 1

12/7/22 10:21 PM

Much More than a Policy

It’s a Promise and a Partnership … That Just Got Better

No Insurer Delivers More Value for Contractors than CompTrust AGC MCIC Get more than just workers’ compensation: • A.M. Best A (XI) • S&P A+ Rating • Licensed in All States • Job Site Safety Training • Annual Site Safety Inspections

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Developed by contractors for contractors, CompTrust AGC Mutual Captive Insurance Company policyholders enjoy the benefits of insurance that follows them in 50 states and has the backing of an A.M. Best A+ (XI) rating and an S&P A+ rating. Our staff works as an extension of your team to make safety a reality. Don’t just buy insurance. Invest in safety and growth with CompTrust AGC MCIC.

Call (678) 298-1880 or 1-800-233-2436; or email: submissions@comptrustagcga.com www.comptrustagcmcic.com