Returning to his high school roots in Livingston, NJ, Gov. Chris Christie officially became the 14th Republican presidential candidate when he declared his political intention at a rally-style announcement event. Saying that he’s “…not looking to be prom king of America," the Governor elaborated, telling the assembled supporters and media that, "I mean what I say and I say what I mean and that's what America needs right now."

We continue to hear from many of you that the labor market has become tighter since AGC of America last surveyed its members about the extent of workforce shortages. While it is clear that worker shortages are a growing concern, and in some cases a significant problem, for many contractors, we feel it is important to continue our efforts to better quantify where these shortages are taking place, how severe they are, and what steps firms are taking to both cope with tight labor markets and improve the supply of new, qualified workers. That is why we are asking you to take a few minutes to complete the following workforce survey that we prepared.

Register by July 15, 2015 and Save $75! AGC will be hosting its first ever Utility Infrastructure Conference, Sept. 29–Oct. 1 in Louisville, Kentucky. Join other contractors, owners and key industry constituents involved in every aspect of utility infrastructure construction for high-quality education sessions, the premier utility construction equipment expo, and networking opportunities.

The presidential field grew by one this week, bringing the total number of announced candidates to 17 – four Democrats and 13 Republicans. On Wednesday, two-term Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal announced his intent to become the GOP presidential nominee.

The presidential field grew by one this week, bringing the total number of announced candidates to 17 – four Democrats and 13 Republicans. On Wednesday, two-term Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal announced his intent to become the GOP presidential nominee.

We continue to hear from many of you that the labor market has become tighter since AGC of America last surveyed its members about the extent of workforce shortages. While it is clear that worker shortages are a growing concern, and in some cases a significant problem, for many contractors, we feel it is important to continue our efforts to better quantify where these shortages are taking place, how severe they are, and what steps firms are taking to both cope with tight labor markets and improve the supply of new, qualified workers. That is why we are asking you to take a few minutes to complete the following workforce survey that we prepared. Your responses will help us better define the problem to elected and appointed officials, the media, educators and your peers within the business community. The more people understand the scope, and consequences, of a tight construction labor market, the more likely they are to act on the measures we identify in our Workforce Development Plan that are designed to make it easier for school systems, local associations and private firms to establish career and technical education and training programs.

Two more individuals officially declared their intention to seek the presidency this week, bringing the total number of announced candidates to 16 – four Democrats and 12 Republicans. On Monday at Miami-Dade College, former Florida Governor and presidential son and brother, Jeb Bush, formally declared his national candidacy. Mr. Bush’s speech focused on what he believed to be failures of the current administration and the likelihood that similar policies would continue under a President Hillary Clinton.

This week, over 40 member company CFOs and other senior accounting professionals attended the AGC Financial Issues Committee (FIC) Summer Meeting in Colorado Springs, Colo. Committee members were brought up to speed on FASB initiatives and tax matters, as well as provided an economic outlook by AGC Chief Economist Ken Simonson. Additionally, AGC recognized John Armour with CBIZ MHM for his distinguished service and contribution to the construction industry.

Four individuals officially declared their intention to seek the presidency this week bringing the total number of announced candidates to 14 – four Democrats and ten Republicans. Over the weekend in Baltimore, Md., the state’s former governor, Martin O’Malley (D), officially kicked off his presidential campaign. Prior to his role as state chief executive, Mr. O’Malley served on the Baltimore City Council and later as the city’s mayor. Despite former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D) outpolling him by 57.6 percent in the latest RealClearPolitics average, Mr. O’Malley is heavily targeting Iowa as Ms. Clinton performed poorly there in 2008, finishing third. O’Malley could become a factor in the race if Ms. Clinton falters and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D) remains on the sidelines.

Register to join construction law and regulation experts for a complimentary webinar on Thursday, June 4 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. eastern time for a discussion on the new and pending federal regulations impacting your business. AGC’s Director of the Federal and Heavy Construction Division Jimmy Christianson and the construction law firm Smith, Currie and Hancock’s Doug Tabeling and Stephen Kelleher will provide an overview on: