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AGC's 2006 Annual Convention
March meeting in Palm Springs draws nearly
2,500 attendees
For 87 years, the AGC Annual Convention
has provided members with relevant information and invaluable
connections to the construction industry. The 2006 convention
in Palm Springs, Calif. was no exception.
Attendees participated in sessions on topics ranging from
building information modeling to how to prevent injuries on
the job site. Guest speakers and performers entertained and
motivated the crowds. Companies from across the country were
honored for their exceptional projects, division and committee
meetings provided insights into all sectors of commercial
construction and educational meetings provided indispensable
information.
Here's a summary of the many convention activities:
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| AGC's 2006-2007 Officers: (L-R) Gerald
V. Anderson, Steve L. Massie, Harry L. Mashburn and Douglas
E. Barnhart. |
2006-2007 AGC Officers Installed
AGC announced its 2006-2007 officers, including four new executive
officers.
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| Gov. Schwarzenegger addresses a standing-room-only
crowd. |
Gov. Schwarzenegger Addresses
Convention
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke to a full house
at a special session on March 20, where he praised the construction
industry for the vital role it plays in the California economy.
Economic Event Draws National
Attention
AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson and Robert Murray, vice president
of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction, discussed
the national outlook for construction and materials prices
through 2006. Reporters joined the event via a media conference
call, resulting in stories in several media outlets, including
The Chicago Tribune, The Desert News and the Pasadena Star
News.
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| Colonel Gapinski discusses the Corps'
role in Hurricane clean-up efforts in the Gulf Coast. |
Federal & Heavy Division Receives
Gulf Coast Update
Col. Duane Gapinski, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commander-in-charge
of leading the task force responsible for relieving conditions
in New Orleans, outlined the challenges of the ongoing cleanup
and rebuilding in the Gulf Coast. Col. Gapinski's presentation
explained the scope of damage in affected areas of the Gulf
Coast and stressed the value of partnering with the private
sector in the cleanup and rebuilding process.
AGC members and first responders Dan Fordice, Fordice Construction,
and Tony Zelenka, Bertucci Construction, gave first-hand accounts
of their participation in the immediate response to shore
up the area's damaged infrastructure.
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| The Building Division hosted a panel
of virtual design and construction experts to discuss
how design technology is changing construction. |
Building Division Session Explores
BIM Issues
The Building Contractors Division session covered one of the
hottest topics in the industry-building information modeling
(virtual design and construction).
A panel of experts, including Chris Holm, Walt Disney Imagineering;
Tom Brady, Lucasfilm; Dave Sandlin, formerly with M.A. Mortenson;
and Neil Quenon, Barton Malow Co.; discussed how technology
is impacting the construction industry and stressed the benefits
of embracing the BIM process.
Attendees Stretch for Success
Attendees at the Stretch for Success session learned about
the causes of soft tissue injuries. This Zurich-sponsored
event offered tips for preventing injuries and first-hand
practice participating in a series of stretches designed specifically
for the job site.
AGC Launches DocuBuilder®
5.0
DocuBuilder® 5.0, AGC's latest version of the electronic
document software application, was launched in Palm Springs.
Users will save time and money with the new Web-enabled capability,
pay-as-you-go Meter Mode option available on a 24/7 basis,
and other powerful new features. For more information, visit
www.agcdocubuilder.org.
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| The AGC/Constructor Expo showcased
the industry's best in construction technology and services. |
AGC/Constructor EXPO
Convention attendees met exhibitors representing the best
in construction products and services. The show delivered
vital information on new and labor-saving equipment, innovative
building materials, safety programs and equipment, insurance
and surety solutions, specialized hardware, contractor-focused
software and more.
2006 Legislative Victories and
Goals
AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr outlined AGC's 2006 legislative
victories and goals in his remarks at the convention's opening
session. The victories and goals, outlined below, cover issues
that matter most to the vitality of the construction industry:
Commerce Department Lifts Cement
Tariff
AGC began 2006 with a landmark achievement when the U.S. Department
of Commerce announced an agreement-in-principle with Mexico
to lift the tariff on Mexican cement. For more than a year,
AGC worked with the DOC to lift the tariff so that cement
supplies could meet demand. It was apparent that Commerce
officials recognized AGC as a credible source while other
associations in the industry failed to become engaged in the
issue.
Tax and Benefit Policies
During the first quarter of 2006, AGC advocated on behalf
of its members for rational tax laws, affordable health care,
and long-term pension plans, which together will provide consistent
lower tax rates for contractors to continue growing and investing.
AGC is spearheading efforts to ensure that Taft-Hartley Multi-Employer
Pension Plans receive the flexibility to help sustain them
during good times and make certain that contribution levels
remain reliable enough for AGC-member companies to participate
on behalf of their employees. AGC's advocacy in these areas
helped the House pass a repeal of the "death tax."
The legislation is expected to see Senate debate before the
Memorial Day recess.
Immigration
AGC, its chapters and members continue to work aggressively
on work force needs with comprehensive immigration reform.
AGC advocates for reform that addresses a new guest-worker
program, a viable way to address undocumented immigrants and
strengthens national security. AGC led an unparalleled grassroots
push to offset the mobilization of anti-immigration groups.
Small Business Act
AGC member and the CFO of Purcell Construction Corp., Christina
Schneider, Watertown, N.Y., testified on behalf of AGC in
March at a hearing before the House Committee on Small Business,
recommending changes to improve the effectiveness of the HUB
Zone Program. Schneider also called on Congress to examine
the impact of contract bundling on the construction industry
and urged Congress to follow up on the forthcoming Government
Accountability Office report on Alaska Native Corporations
for this year's reauthorization of the Small Business Act.
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| PAC Co-Chairs Jim Waltze and Larry
Gaskins man the PAC Booth. |
50th Anniversary of the Interstate
Highway System
AGC is proud to participate in the celebration of the Golden
Anniversary of the Interstate Highway System. AGC is working
to pass a resolution already introduced in the House and Senate
commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Dwight D. Eisenhower
National System of Interstate and Defense Highways. The resolution
encourages the country to develop a vision for the nation's
entire transportation system for the next 50 years. AGC is
already at work preparing for the next highway reauthorization
bill and participated in a Transportation Construction Coalition
Fly-in in mid May.
AGC PAC Sets Another Record
Member support for AGC PAC was strong in Palm Springs. Contributions
and pledges topped $210,000, making the 2006 convention the
third most successful ever for AGC PAC.
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