AGCW Northern District Report: Maintaining COVID measures | District members receive BWA hardware | Small biz faces unemployment-insurance tax spike

AGC members need to maintain
COVID safety guidelines
As we head into the late fall and winter months, we all are seeing significant increases in COVID-19 infections being reported. It is more important than ever that we all do our part to keep our crews, families and communities safe. AGC and our industry have done an incredible job in developing and implementing the required guidelines to ensure safety on the worksite. With this spike in infections, we need to all re-emphasize to those in all aspects of our industry to follow the COVID safety guidelines as well as we urge all in construction to minimize outside gatherings. To keep our industry working, our economy moving towards recovery, and our families safe, we all need to be vigilant and effective in the prevention of spreading COVID.
The AGC Safety Team continues to keep members up to date with all the current protocols. Get the latest COVID-19 Phase 2 Re-Start resources and information for the construction industry via our Contractor Resources page.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been able to get out and distribute the well-earned hardware for the 2020 Build Washington Awards recipients.
1. TRICO Companies for Heavy Industrial Over $20M on their Skagit Valley Farm Cooling & Operations Facility.
2. Dawson Construction for Public Building $50M-$100M Sehome High School Replacement.
3. Exxel Pacific for Private Building $50M-$100M for their Sitka Building, Excellence in Innovation- Block 11- waste water heat recovery, and the Grand Safety Award.
4. Mills Electric for Safety-Specialty 250K-500K Hours.
Not pictured, but we certainly want to acknowledge Granite Construction earned the Safety- Highway Civil Over 500K Hours and IMCO Construction took home the Heavy Industrial Under $5M for their Keller Ferry Terminal project.

Industry hiring & outlook survey
AGC of America and partner Sage have begun the 2021 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook survey. A key component of that outlook is the information they hope to gather from members like you. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey here.
After compiling survey responses over the next few weeks, they will work with AGC chief economist Ken Simonson and the Sage team to prepare an analysis of the results which will be released in early January. Thank-you advance for your support and participation!.

AGCA ready to work with President-elect Biden on new Infrastructure, recovery
(AGC of America) The AGC of America’s chief executive officer, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the election of Joseph Biden to serve as the next president of the United States:
“Congratulations to President-elect Biden and all newly elected and re-elected members of Congress. We are ready to work with the incoming administration and Congress to help craft an agenda that is focused in rebuilding infrastructure and reviving the national economy. To that end, we are eager to work with the president-elect as he and his team fashion their promised infrastructure investment proposals. In addition, we look forward to working with federal officials to craft a new, long-term highway and transit law, enact liability reform that protects honest firms from frivolous coronavirus lawsuits and pass other tax and credit measures that will stimulate economic growth and demand for construction.

AGCA coronavirus survey, September construction employment results
(AGC of America-Chief Economist Ken Simonson) AGC of America's October 7-19 coronavirus survey drew 1077 responses, including 58 from firms that identified Washington as their principal state of operations. Our release, with links to the survey and September metro employment data, is here. Full survey results for Washington State are here.
Here are selected results (by % of respondents):
Are you currently experiencing any project delays or disruptions due to the following (mark all that apply): Yes (US 78% - WA 86%)
Leading reasons: Shortage of construction materials, equipment or parts: US 42%, WA 52%; shortage of craftworkers/subcontractors: US 35%, WA 40%. Read more.

In 2022, AGC of Washington will celebrate
our one-hundredth year of existence —
and yeah, it’s a big deal!

Of course, we want our members to be a part of it in a big way. So we’re starting with a members-only contest to design the official AGC of Washington Centennial Celebration logo. Of course, the winning design will be used and seen high and low, far and wide, all over our centennial-celebration materials and events.
We’re making it interesting, too, with some great prizes, including $500 in cash. Entries are now being accepted -- click here for more information and rules.

Small biz faces spike in unemployment insurance taxes in wake of pandemic
(Association of Washington Business) Washington employers face major unemployment-insurance taxes for the next few years, when many can least afford it. Some small businesses could face 500% increases, AWB government-affairs director Bob Battles explained Thursday on TVW’s Inside Olympia program.
At issue is the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund, which is expected to pay out about $5.3 billion this year as a result of major job losses associated with the pandemic, The Seattle Times reports. That compares to $1 billion in 2019. Read more…

US construction industry welcomes Biden with wish list, decries Trump’s “broken promises”
(Global Construction Review) Construction industry bodies in the US have hailed Joe Biden’s election victory and urged the coming administration to address the failures of the Trump administration and honor Biden’s campaign pledges to renew the country’s infrastructure.
The president-elect was congratulated by the AGC of America, the Associated Equipment Distributors and North America’s Building Trades Unions.
AGC issued a statement on 9 November saying it welcomed Biden and newly elected members of Congress, and looked forward to helping “craft an agenda that is focused in rebuilding infrastructure and reviving the national economy."
Other items on its agenda are a long-term highway and transit law, liability reform that “protects honest firms from frivolous coronavirus lawsuits,” and tax and credit measures to stimulate economic growth and demand for construction. Read more…

December 4; 11:45 AM; AGC Virtual Holiday Party-Professional Comedian
On Friday, December 4 at noon we will host a virtual Holiday Party for AGC members. This Zoom event will be highlighted by the entertainment of a professional comedian. Duane Goad has performed at some of North America's top comedy clubs including Yuk Yuks, The Improv and ComedyWorks. He's been featured at numerous comedy festivals including Funny or Die's Oddball Comedy Festival, The Las Vegas Comedy Festival, The Bumbershoot Arts Festival and The Vancouver Comedy Festival. Duane was a finalist in the Seattle International Comedy Competition and as an opening act, he has shared the stage with some of the best comics in the business such as Jim Gaffigan, Flight Of The Conchords, Bill Burr, Brad Garrett, Maria Bamford, The Impractical Jokers, Damon Wayans and music superstars The Jacksons. December 4th we will start the party with an opportunity to network with fellow AGC members at 11:45 am and then our comedian will perform at noon. Join the fun, register here.

Nov. 19, 8:30 a.m. Northern District virtual meeting: Choosing a Strategic Partner
When running a business, there are often many decisions to make around who to collaborative and partner up with. Narrowing-down the number of vendors involved in your supply chain to a few key strategic partners will save you money, time and headache. Corey Roberts from Fastenal will join us to discuss points to consider when selecting a strategic partner to help save you time and money in your supply chain. This event is free to AGC members.
Click here for more information and to register.

Nov. 19, 1:00 p.m. Culture of CARE: RISE Up Manager Orientation
Managers have a huge influence on their teams and on the cultures of their teams. They are dealing with day-to-day issues, like the conflicts that arise from diverse teams, and they need to set the tone and resolve problems. They are key to setting the standard for the culture on the work site.
Click here for more information and to register.

Dec. 4, 11:45 a.m. AGC of Washington Virtual Holiday Party
On Friday, December 4 at noon we will host a virtual Holiday Party for AGC members. This Zoom event will include entertainment from comedian. Duane Goad who has performed at some of North America's top comedy clubs including Yuk Yuks, The Improv and ComedyWorks. See additional information in article above. Join the fun, register here.

Dec. 9, 8:30 a.m. Guidelines and Guardrails of Construction Scheduling
CPM scheduling is a form of data science that provides empirical performance statistics on a project so the schedule can be measured and improved. In this webinar, you'll learn how to build an effective schedule, analyze performance of trades and relationships between activities, and update the schedule to ensure accurate information is communicated to all trades and project stakeholders.
Joining us are Olwyn Lintecum, Hainliner Construction Expert Consulting, and Jim Stoner, Richard Shiroyama and John Rewolinksi. This event is free to AGC members; click here for more information and to register for this Zoom meeting. The Zoom meeting link will be emailed, one day prior, to all registrants.

CLASS SPOTLIGHT
Remote Design/Build Workshop, December 17-18
This two-day workshop will provide attendees with a better understanding of the design/build process and options that are possible under the State Alternate Public-Works Law. In addition, the class will promote a knowledge of best practices that will make design/build most effective for public owners, designers, contractors and trade partners as well as offer a better understanding of the design/build in practice, featuring panel discussions of actual project experiences.
John Palewicz, instructor.
Register here.

Upcoming Class Calendar
P6 for Construction: Construction Scheduling
December 1 (8:30 am – 3:30 pm) Remote Class

Foreman Training Program
December 2 (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm) Remote Class

Visit the AGC Education Foundation website for the latest information on all upcoming classes.