SDSU Construction Engineering and Management GALA.....AGC and NECA Step Up.....Where are the Other Construction Associations?

By Jim Ryan, CEO

So.......during an AGC meeting last week, the CEO of one of San Diego's larger construction firms......a firm that has employed eight graduates of the J.R. Filanc Construction Engineering and Management Program at SDSU, noted that his firm recruits construction engineers from schools throughout the United States, and the CEM grads from SDSU's program are among the best....if not the best!!!

Over 100 construction engineers have graduated from the Program and a significant number are scheduled to graduate this year. 100% of the graduates are employed, and most are working in the San Diego/ Southern California market. The Program has accomplished exactly what was intended......it provides a local source of highly qualified construction engineers that will lead our local industry in years to come.

But...the program needs your help...and needs it NOW!!! On Saturday, April 12^th, the 3^rd Annual SDSU J.R. Filanc Construction Engineering and Management Program's GALA will take place in the new Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union on the SDSU campus. It is an outstanding facility that will provide a perfect venue for the GALA. The GALA is a great evening of socializing, entertainment, as well as silent and live auctions. In addition, the entire 2014 Senior Class will attend to assist with the event. This year, the attendance goal is 350-400, and the fundraising goal is $100,000.

The CEOs of 10 firms that have employed two or more graduates of the Program have agreed to serve as this year's GALA Steering Committee. They are:

Eric Stenman - Balfour Beatty Construction

Mike Ricker- Clark Construction Group

Nigel Cary - Cox Construction Co.

Stephen Friar - Hensel Phelps

Mike Lowe - Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.

Bob Betz - McCarthy Building Companies

Dale Kain - PCL Construction Services, Inc.

Mark Payne - Swinerton Builders

Rick Bach - Turner Construction Co.

Pat Paulson - University Mechanical & Engineering

Each of these firms have purchased a table, made a silent auction donation, and have agreed to have the firm's CEO attend, along with their firm's local leadership!!!

In addition, the following firms have also agreed to attend:

And....a word about the construction association GALA participation. There can be no argument that the Program benefits the members of each and every construction Association in the area. Even if an Association's members are not employing graduates, the professionalism and talent of these graduates involved in the industry does benefit all construction firms. AGC, San Diego, and the National Electrical Contractors Association, San Diego (NECA) have both committed to purchase a table, provide sponsorship funding, and to assist with the organization and planning of the event. In fact, NECA is the single largest sponsor.

So where are the other construction associations???? I will be contacting the President/Chair of each of your Associations this week, and will be happy to accept you registration for a table and your sponsorship donations. I will also be happy to report that your Association has stepped up to help, like AGCSD and NECA SD. I am sure you are not willing to "subcontract" your Association's responsibility to AGC and NECA!!!!

Now....why is all of this necessary??? Well.......our Governor and the "progressive" Legislators in Sacramento have evidently decided that the State of California has hundreds of priorities that are more important than higher education. SDSU's state appropriation decreased from $221 million per year in 2007, to a low of $103 million in 2011. While it is now up to $143 million, that is still 35% below the 2007 level!!!

The SDSU CEM Program has taken its share of the cuts just like all of the other SDSU academic programs. That is why the $100,000 that the GALA intends to raise is so important. It provides the extra funding to help the Program through these difficult times and it shows Jerry Brown and the band of "progressives" in our Legislature that the CEM Program is critical to our industry!!!

A good portion of the industry is trying to HELP. We need MMQB readers to also step up. A registration form and a sponsorship form are attached. Please respond this week. Questions....please call me anytime 858 731 8160 or email me at jryan@agcsd.org.

 JOIN US FOR THE....

THIRD ANNUAL

CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING & MANAGEMENT GALA

Benefitting SDSU's

"Building Future Leaders" Campaign

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Reception / Silent & Live Auction / Dinner

at the

  New Aztec Student Union on the SDSU campus.

For more information, contact Rae Krushensky

SPONSORSHIP 

REGISTRATION

AGC Endorses Chris Cate for San Diego City Council...Round II Underway to Rebuild San Diego

By Brad Barnum, Vice President Government Relations

Now that the San Diego's Mayor's race is over, all eyes are turned to two City Council races that will play a large role in shaping San Diego's future...Districts 2 and 6. With the city's infrastructure in dire need of repair, the time is now to elect candidates who understand the importance of investing in that infrastructure and making sure San Diego gets the most out of every construction dollar.

Last Thursday, AGC's Board of Directors voted unanimously to endorse Chris Cate for San Diego City Council District 6. Chris is the Vice President of the San Diego County Taxpayers Association, and he once served as the Policy Director for then-City Council Member Kevin Faulconer.

During his interview with AGC's Political Action Committee in February, Chris stressed his "kitchen cabinet" issues, which are potholes, roads, sewer, water, etc.. He has shown he can work with most of the City Council members on various issues, and he knows how to build the necessary coalitions in order to fix the city's infrastructure.

AGC's endorsement of Chris Cate follows an endorsement last June of San Diego City Council Member Lorie Zapf. She currently represents District 6, but due to redistricting, she now lives and is campaigning in District 2.

Over the last three years, Lorie has helped bring financial stability and accountability to City Hall. She supported a number of streamlining measures to get projects off the ground, is a strong proponent of fixing the city's infrastructure, and is committed to a long-term infrastructure funding strategy.

With the current partisan make-up at 5-4 Democrats to Republicans, and with six votes needed to override a mayoral veto, we can expect to see battles in these two races. Democrats have the voter registration advantage in both districts. However, with the recent success of Kevin Faulconer at the polls, and the fact that nearly 30% of voters "decline to state" their party affiliation, Republicans Cate and Zapf can make their case for victory. AGC couldn't agree more!

It should be noted that there is a vacancy in District 2, since Kevin Faulconer is now Mayor. A temporary appointment by the City Council will be made in the coming weeks, and the individual who is appointed cannot run for re-election. That means for the next eight months, we in fact may see a 6-3 Democrat to Republican supermajority on the City Council!

Rebuilding San Diego will continue in 2016, as Round III takes place in Districts 1 and 7!

Airport Authority to Hold Small Business Networking Event for Quieter Home Program - April 2, 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM 

The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is having a "Small Business Opportunity Awareness" for the Quieter Home Program on Wednesday, April 2, 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM. It will be held at the Quieter Home Program Facility at 2722 Truxtun Road in San Diego.   To register for this free event, please click here.

What is the Quieter Home Program and How Does it Work?

The Federal Aviation Administration has determined that certain homes around the airport may be eligible for sound insulation improvements to minimize aircraft noise inside the home. The Airport Authority developed the Quieter Home Program in 2003 to administer these improvements. Throughout the contractor-bidding phase, there is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program to encourage participation.

The program offers eligible participants complimentary, sound-insulation improvements to reduce aircraft-generated noise within the home. The improvements may include new acoustical windows, prime doors, attic and wall insulation and, in certain cases, a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC).

The April 2 workshop topics include construction needs, DBE certification process and requirements, and bonding and contract financing assistance. If you are a small business specializing in any of the following please consider attending:

• Single or Multi Family Housing Construction

• Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC

• Metal Windows /Door

• Residential Remodeling  

If you have any questions, please contact Christine Pham at 619-400-2568. Again, to register for this free event, please click here.

AGC/EGCC Golf Classic- June 13 (10 foursomes left!)

Join AGC members, prominent contractors, and industry professionals for the AGC/EGCC Golf Classic at Maderas Golf Club on June 13, 2014, presented by the EGCC Golf Classic Committee.

This was 1^st advertised last Monday, and now only 10 foursomes remain!

Sign-up now before they are gone.

CLICK HERE for the registration form and tournament details.

In addition to golf, there are many exciting sponsorship opportunities available, including the opportunity to setup as an on-course exhibitor. (Exhibitors can bring their own beverages, alcohol, prizes and giveaways all for one low price.)

Special thanks to our "Title Sponsors" RDO Equipment Company and Vulcan Materials Company!!

Sign up now to become a sponsor while there are still openings available!

Players will also enjoy a fabulous lunch prepared onsite by Hodads, featuring their award winning hamburger & fries!!

In addition, a raffle ticket drawing and heavy appetizers will be provided at the awards reception!!

If you have any questions regarding the tournament, please contact

Chair: Frank Gerberding (Apex Advertising) at frankg@apexadv.com or

Rae Krushensky at the AGC: raek@agcsd.org

Ryan Panchadsaram on Team that Saved Healthcare.gov

By Jim Ryan    

Many of our readers have taken courses at the AGC from Kugan Panchadsaram, or 'Kugan."  Kugan has taught our Construction Quality Management (CQM) courses at the AGC for several years.  Hundreds of employees of AGC member firms and others have spent two intense days learning NAVFAC CQM system from Kugan. Kugan also teaches scheduling and a few other courses.

Kugan's son Ryan, however, is the "celebrity" of the Panchadsaram family. Ryan is 28 years old,  a White House Senior Advisor, Presidential Innovation Fellow, and former Microsoft Designer who combines his diverse background to address health literacy and doctor-patient collaboration, and recently appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, along with several others that were on the team that saved the Obamacare website last fall.     

Here's the link to the Time article... 

TIME ARTICLE 

Congrats Kugan and Ryan!

Announcing a "Meet Your General Contractor Luncheon" with Gilbane Building Company on April 1, 11:30 A.M.   - 1:30 P.M.

The AGC Specialty Contractor's Council presents 2-4 "Meet Your General Contractor" and "Meet Your Owner" events every year. On Tuesday, April 1, they are excited to host a "Meet Your GC event" featuring Gilbane Building Company at the AGC training facility.

Gilbane Building Company will present a panel of key staff to offer insight on their bidding procedures, prequalification process, delivery methods, minority & small business participation, safety expectations and the company's goals & future plans.

Thank you to the following sponsors who will be hosting the luncheon:

J.P. Witherow Roofing Company

T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc.

There is no cost for AGC members to attend.

This is a members' only event and pre-registration is required, so please click here for the form. Fax to 858-558-8444.

Any questions, please contact Rae Krushensky at raek@agcsd.org.

Finally a Lean Training Class that is Complete and CERTIFIED!!!

By Glen Schaffer, Director Marketing/Education

AGC San Diego has partnered with AGC Washington Chapter, which developed a Lean class that makes sense, and is certified by the AGC Construction Foundation.

Over the past year or so, numerous owners have come to us asking when we are going to develop a Lean Training that addresses all aspects of Lean Construction. That time has come... and on April 7, 2014 AGC San Diego will be presenting "Lean Construction Certification Program (LCCP)", which will train your field people in a new way of thinking about how a construction project is managed and executed.

They will learn new lean techniques and approaches that reduce costs, reduce schedules, improve quality, and remove variability and risk in your projects. Whether you learn by listening or by hands-on training, this certification program combines both teaching approaches, and is tailored to meet your needs. The curriculum and instruction are designed and provided by Professional Engineers (PE).

AGC San Diego Education Department is offering this introductory class  with a special offer of $1,195.00 for the 6 Modules over a four day span. Instruction will be presented by Kocer Consulting + Engineering and AGC Education Foundation will be certifying this course.

FYI:  Washington Chapter is charging $225.00 per Module and had 3 classes to date with all of the classes full at 30 participants per class.

 
April 7, 2014: Module 1 Foundation Course Training 1:00 p.m. -5:00 p.m. 
April 8, 2014: Module 2 Process Optimization from 7:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. 
                       Module 3 Pull Planning from 1:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
April 9, 2014: Module 4 Continuous Improvement from 7:30 -11:30 a.m.  
                       Module 5 Jobsite Organization 5S and Standard Operations
                      1:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m. 
April 10, 2014:  Module 6 Problem Solving and Final Exam 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

FLYER

REGISTER TODAY  

Seating is limited so don't delay!!!

For information contact Becca Schaffer (858) 731-8155

AGC San Diego Spring Conference.....Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort

By Jim Ryan, Chief Executive Officer

Its time for a long weekend in Cabo San Lucas!!!!

The AGC San Diego's Annual Spring Conference will be held beginning Thursday May 1^st and concluding Sunday May 4^th, 2014 at the beautiful Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The Hilton Los Cabos Resort is outstanding!! It won the prestigious 2013 Trip Advisors Choice Award......and no wonder!! The resort is located on the Sea of Cortez, and has one of Cabo's few swim safe beaches. The hotel's grounds are beautifully manicured, and its infinity edge pool provides an incredible view of the Sea of Cortez. The Hilton's spa is one of the finest in Mexico. The Hilton's golf courses are second to none. The AGC Spring Conference Golf will be an experience.

On Friday, May 2^nd AGC golfers will be playing at the Jack Nicklaus designed Puerto Los Cabos Golf Club, a course which includes views of the Sea of Cortez, as well as the nearby mountains. On Saturday, AGC golfers will play at the Cabo Real Golf Club featuring the signature 15^th hole which is directly on the beach and plays near the surf!!

Other activities include a shopping tour of Todos Santos, which includes a luncheon at the Tequila Sunrise Bar and Grill, and a visit to the actual Hotel California which was made famous by the Eagles! Or attendees can choose an all-day Sport Fishing excursion from Marina Fundadores on a 33-foot Crystaliner boat reserved especially for AGC. The fishing package includes fishing tackle, licenses, and lunch. Another option is to choose the private snorkeling tour to Santa Maria Bay near the famous Cabo San Lucas Arch.

A business meeting will be held Friday morning, May 2^nd. The conference includes two AGC dinners, a breakfast, and a cocktail reception each day....plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

The AGC San Diego Spring Conference is an outstanding opportunity for AGC General Contractors, Specialty Contractors, and Affiliate members to spend some time together and to make the lasting relationships that are so important to success in our industry.

An AGC Spring Conference registration form and brochure are available by clicking here. To visit the Hilton Los Cabos Beach and Golf Resort's website simply go to www.Hiltonloscabos.com

Questions......contact Rae Krushensky at (858) 731-8157

The Build & Serve Committee, along with the Safety Committee, "team up" for the 2014 MCRD BOOTCAMP CHALLENGE

By Marcy Knopman, AGC's "Bootcamp Recruiter"

Are you ready for this year's Bootcamp Challenge?   A subcommittee, consisting of volunteers from the Build & Serve Committee and the Safety Committee, has been assembled, and they are ready, eager, and gearing up to start planning for this year's exciting MCRD BOOTCAMP CHALLENGE!

What is the BOOTCAMP CHALLENGE?  It is a fun and furious 3-mile course featuring obstacles used only by Marine Recruits at the Marine Recruit Depot.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS....SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014

This is the 3rd year that AGC has been a Participating Sponsor for  MCRD's BOOTCAMP CHALLENGE. Proceeds from this event go to support the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS), which provides essential programs for the Marines and their families, and the Wounded Warrior Project, which help thousands of injured warriors returning home from the current conflicts, and to provide assistance to their families. 

The subcommittee consists of the following committee members:

Build & Serve Committee:

Julia Hope, Erickson-Hall Construction Co.

Shea Kirkpatrick, Kirkpatrick & Associates

Pam Scholefield, Scholefield Construction Law

Bootcamp Wellness Committee

Vince Hundley, SMART Safety Group

David McNiff, Richard & Richard Construction

Bryan Weaver, Scholefield Construction Law

Safety Committee

Vince Hundley, SMART Safety Group

Alex Galicia, BPI Plumbing

Eric Le, 2 Brothers Construction

Chris Malicki, SMART Safety Group

Ruben Rodriguez, NAVFAC SW Safety Core

AGC Staff

RaeMarie Blaha-Jonas

Jessica Kovack

Marcy Knopman

All the detailed information regarding this event will be announced in April. Look for information on sponsorship opportunities, Saturday morning training sessions organized by SMART Safety Group, wellness program for your company, early bird registration, and volunteer info to assist on the day of the event.

AGC WANTS YOU TO BE A PART OF "TEAM AGC"; THE  LARGEST TEAM REPRESENTED AT BOOTCAMP!!

Details coming soon!

___________________________________________________________  

AGC's Technology Trends in Construction Committee invites you to a special free presentation of Trimble

Friday, March 28, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at the AGC San Diego

Trimble Technology Showcase - Exploiting a Leaner more Integrated Project Workflow

Presenter:  Clive Jordan, Trimble Regional Manager

Trimble has the most integrated construction technology solution in the world. Trimble technology embraces the design, build, and operate construction phases. Come see how Trimble technology integrates BIM, estimating, scheduling, project management and, in a world of big-data, the management of construction IP (Intellectual Property). You'll see a mix of hardware and software with industry recognized brands such as SketchUp, Tekla, Prolog, Vico, WinEst, and Modelogix. Understand how General Contractors are exploiting the Trimble workflow to differentiate themselves from competition, win more projects, provide a better owner experience, and deliver more efficiently.

SPACE IS LIMITED (only open to active AGC committee members)

RSVP: Jessica Kovack (858) 750-4268

MARCH CLASSES

Mar. 18        Microsoft Excel 2010 - Intermediate

Mar. 20-21   CQM Training

Mar. 21        Construction Health & Safety Technician

Mar. 24        EM 385-1-1 40 Hour Training

Mar. 25        Microsoft Excel 2010 - Advanced

Mar. 26        CPR/First Aid      

Mar. 26-28   Leadership in Construction

Mar. 27        Wage & Hour Administration

Mar. 27        Construction BMP Training

Mar. 31        AutoCAD

APRIL CLASSES

Apr. 2&3, 9&10  OSHA 10 & 30-Hour Construction Outreach Training

Apr. 3          Estimating Basics

Apr. 7-10     Lean Construction Certification Program

Apr. 8-10     QSD Training

Apr. 8 & 9    QSP Training

Apr. 14        Activity Hazard Analysis Workshop

Apr. 15        Microsoft PowerPoint

Apr. 17        Latest Trends for Recovery of Lost Productivity & Delay Claims

Apr. 17        CQM Training

Apr. 23        Human Resources Best Practices & Latest Trends

Apr. 24        Construction BMP Training Part 2

Apr. 25        Microsoft Project 2010

Apr. 28        EM 385-1-1 Military Safety Requirements

Apr. 29        Fall Protection

Apr. 30        CPR/First Aid Training

 

MARCH MEETINGS 

Mar. 24    Water Authority Liaison Committee - 1:00 p.m.

Mar. 26    Public Building Liaison Committee - 7:00 a.m.

Mar. 27    Government Relations - 10:00 a.m.

Mar. 28    Technology Trends in Construction Committee - 12:00 p.m.

APRIL MEETINGS

Apr. 2      Safety Committee - 7:00 a.m.

Apr. 15    Affiliate Council - 11:30 a.m.

Apr. 17    City Liaison Committee @ MOC office - 9192 Topaz Way

Apr. 22    Specialty Contractors' Council - 11:30 a.m.

GET INVOLVED... JOIN A COMMITTEE!

Get involved in the AGC by serving on a committee...the more you put into AGC, the more you'll get out!  A great way to network with other AGC members.