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Construction Employment Increases in 215 out of 339 Metro Areas between June 2013 and June 2014

Construction employment expanded in 215 metro areas, declined in 80 and was stagnant in 44 between June 2013 and June 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by AGC of America.  Association officials noted that uncertainty about a range of federal infrastructure and construction programs could weigh on future growth for the sector.

AGC Submits Comments on Proposed Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors

AGC of America has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) asking the agency to clarify its proposed rule implementing Executive Order 13658 (EO), which establishes a minimum wage  of $10.10 per hour for direct federal contractors and subcontractors.  The new minimum wage impacts covered contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2015.  Federally assisted contractors are not affected.  The order also mandates that the Secretary of Labor determine a new minimum wage for federal contractors in 2016, and each year thereafter, based on the annual percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for urban wage and clerical workers.

President Signs AGC-Supported Legislation Reforming Workforce Development System into Law

On Tuesday, the president signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act into law. The bill easily passed both the House and Senate in recent weeks. The legislation will reform the workforce development system, giving states greater flexibility and strengthening employer engagement. To read more about the law, click here.

Senate to Vote on Highway Trust Fund Extension Next Week

Resolution Must Come Before the August Recess On Wednesday, Senate leaders reached agreement on how to proceed with consideration of the short-term highway and transit extension bill, which passed the House last week.  The agreement reached by Senate Majority Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) would allow for the consideration of four amendments each requiring 60 votes to pass.  If the amendments do not receive the required 60 votes, the Senate would then vote on clearing the House-passed measure as-is, which would provide an $11 billion transfer to the Highway Trust Fund and an extension of the current transportation authorization (MAP-21) – through May 31, 2015.

New Executive Order Prohibits Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination by Federal and Federally Assisted Contractors

On July 21, President Obama signed an executive order (EO) prohibiting federal and federally assisted contractors and their subcontractors from engaging in employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Tuesday’s Run-off Elections in Georgia

GA-Senate Former Dollar General CEO David Perdue came from behind to defeat Rep. Jack Kingston in the U.S. Senate Republican run-off to score what most believe was an upset win for the GOP nomination.  He now faces Democratic nominee Michelle Nunn, who won her own primary back in May.  With just over 480,000 people voting in the run-off contest, Perdue captured 51 percent of the vote.

New Individuals Earn Their Certificate of Management-Building Information Modeling

AGC of America would like to recognize those individuals who have recently passed their exam that earns them the professional accreditation, the Certificate of Management-Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM). Since its inception in 2012, over 425 individuals have earned the Certificate of Management—Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM).

Application Deadline for 2014 AGC Outstanding Student Chapter has been Extended

The application deadline for the 2014 AGC Outstanding Student Chapter has been extended to Friday, Oct. 10, 2014. AGC Leadership recognizes what a busy time of year May is for students and in order to best accommodate our students the deadline has been extended. The award was designed to recognize and reward AGC Student Chapters for their dedication to community and public service projects.

How Can Your Business Benefit from AGC’s Advanced Management Program?

For construction leaders on the rise, no program provides a more comprehensive, uniquely focused program than AGC’s Advanced Management Program (AMP). Suited for chief executives and senior-level management in construction, this premier six-day program has been helping industry decision-makers amplify their business expertise and emerge as leaders in the industry. For 25 years, this program has produced an elite society of graduates that includes top leaders throughout the construction marketplace. AMP also provides an exceptional opportunity to sculpt future decision-makers tapped to take the reins.