Luis Spinola, the President and CEO of Azteca-Omega Group, was born and raised in Mexico City, Mexico, before immigrating to the United States in 1983. During that time, Dallas was undergoing a boom in construction projects, providing the foundation for the establishment of Azteca-Omega Group. Initially, the company's primary focus was on heavy civil and site work; however, in 1989, it diversified its services to include General Contracting. Read the full story here. | |
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The DFW Airport and the City of Dallas Development Services Department showcased their individual projects during the membership meeting
The RHCA Membership Meeting and Luncheon on June 14th was a huge success.
Notable guests included representatives from DFW Airport and the City of Dallas Development Services Department.
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DFW Airport's Leadership provided information about the $4.8 billion agreement to construct Terminal F and renovate Terminal C. Tammy Huddleston, Vice President of Design Code and Construction, and Mitch Gray, Assistant Vice President of Code & Construction, presented details of the important infrastructure that needs to be maintained, restored, and enhanced. All information was also provided regarding the Terminal C High Gates Demolition and Rebuild Project. | |
Andrew Espinoza, the Chief Building Official of the City of Dallas Department, presented the Minor Commercial 2nd Quarter team, Single Family Program, Lunch and Learn Training, Technology updates, and the new permitting system, as well as information regarding the location and facilities. Additionally, The formal announcement of two senior plan examiners and one project coordinator for the 500 upcoming projects through the Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Department. | |
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Unleashing Success: Empowering Contractors at the RHCA Contractor Small Business Summit
Sessions included workshops on new bond programs and banking products, managing collections and liens, cutting-edge construction management software, and building strong relationships with construction partners.
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On June 27, Tameka Sadler from SSP Consulting and J.C. Gonzalez, a board member of RHCA and a Senior Business Banking Relationship Manager at Wells Fargo, delivered a presentation on new bond programs and provided valuable insights on various banking products, equipping attendees with essential knowledge.
Additionally, Karalynn Cromeens from the Cromeens Law Firm presented the best ways to manage collections and liens for contractors.
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Karalynn Cromeens from the Cromeens Law Firm | |
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This session covered crucial information, including contractors' key considerations when filing a lien, the benefits of filing a lien in Texas, and effective strategies for establishing a reliable collections process.
During the Summit, Eric Fortenberry unveiled JobTread, a cutting-edge software designed to streamline construction project management, improve internal operations, save time, and enhance cash flow. Additionally, Charles DeVoe, Senior Vice President of McCownGordon, provided invaluable insights on how Minority and Small Business contractors can forge strong connections with General Contractors. For access to a wealth of business development resources, we highly recommend joining the RHCA.
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Dallas ISD Building B.I.G a Construction Mixer: breakout sessions, networking, and opportunities
The RHCA team participated in an intensive day of learning, focused on the Dallas ISD Construction Bond and enhancing their ability to access valuable Dallas ISD resources
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On June 23, the leadership of the Dallas Independent School District provided updates on completed and upcoming projects, engaging in discussions with vendors who have previously collaborated successfully with the district.
In the afternoon, we participated in workshops led by Dallas ISD leadership, aimed at helping attendees develop successful proposals, obtain certifications, manage bonding and insurance, navigate Dallas permit processes and procurement processes, and more. It was truly inspiring to witness numerous RHCA members and partners exchanging valuable information about their respective businesses and actively participating in community initiatives with great enthusiasm.
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Leslie Williams, Dallas ISD, Deputy Chief of Special Projects and M/WBE, and Brent Alfred, Chief Construction Officer, with John H. Martinez-D, RHCA President and CEO. | |
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City of Dallas Small Business Center Connect B2B Networking Event
The Small Business Center in the City of Dallas is hosting a Connect Networking Event
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The Small Business Center in the City of Dallas is hosting a Connect Networking Event aimed at assisting small business owners in familiarizing themselves with various City Management Organizations and Departments. This encompasses departments such as Park & Recreation, Transportation, as well as Environmental Quality & Sustainability. | |
Our aim is to assist in the growth of your small business through establishing connections with agencies such as the City of Dallas and the City of Dallas Small Business Center. For more information, please contact Jesse Saldana, Program Administrator for Small Business Center Business Inclusion: Jesse.Saldana@dallas.gov | |
Fort Worth ISD Bond Program Monthly Updates: 27 Upcoming projects | |
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On June 1, the Fort Worth ISD Bond Program hosted its monthly workshop, providing valuable progress updates on the Capital Improvement Program Budget. Attendees also received information regarding upcoming bids for construction services across all schools within the district.
This ambitious $1.2 billion program is dedicated to enhancing the interior of schools, with a focus on upgrades such as secure front-entry vestibules, renovated corridors, improved common areas, updated media centers, and more. These improvements will benefit every school within the district.
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For comprehensive information on the 27 projects, including key details and the scope of work, we encourage you to visit the FWISD Bond website. Stay informed and be a part of the positive transformation taking place in our schools! Click here. | |
Outstanding Business and Community Leaders awarded by the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber | | |
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On June 2, the RHCA team had the privilege of attending the GDHCC Quality and Excellence Luncheon.
The RHCA takes immense pride in collaborating with the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber to recognize the remarkable business and community leaders within our region. It is truly inspiring to be in the presence of such exceptional individuals who are instrumental in propelling the growth of our Greater Dallas Business Community. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving award winners!
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Embrace the Potential: Discover Exciting Opportunities in the Evans and Rosedale Redevelopment Project
Cadence McShane is seeking out contractors, subcontractors, and local businesses that can offer services for the Evans and Rosedale Redevelopment Project
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On June 14, our RHCA Team took part in a Contractor Meet & Greet event for the Evans and Rosedale project at the Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center. This project will start in October and needs different services.
The Redevelopment Project will have more than 295 homes, workspaces, and stores. Hoque Global and the City of Fort Worth are investing $70 million in the neighborhood for this development.
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For a complete list and project details, click here. | | |
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The Jackson Street Parking Garage has undeniably achieved remarkable heights
Topping Off Ceremony
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On June 16, the RHCA participated in the Topping Off Ceremony for the construction of the 12-story Parking Garage in Downtown Dallas. This impressive structure can accommodate 1,200 cars, which is much needed for the area. The RHCA has played a pivotal role in its construction and would like to give a shout-out to Azteca-Omega Group and H.J Russell! | |
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The DFW Business Opportunity Forum discusses Exploring Expansion and Renovations at the DFW Business Opportunity Forum
This Forum brought all details of the $4.8 billion agreement for constructing Terminal F and Terminal C's renovation and many more exciting opportunities for contractors.
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June 21- This yearly forum also brings a great opportunity for contractors to gain information on new opportunities, gain capacity and network with DFW leaders. Our RHCA team connected with Sean Donohue, DFW Airport's CEO.
(Left) Robert Rodriguez, RHCA Board Member and DFW Airport's VP of Energy, Transportation and Asset Management.
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DFW Airport, with 171 gates and seven runways, holds the impressive global rank of second place for passenger traffic. It has a significant annual economic impact of approximately $37 billion in North Texas. Currently, the airport is undergoing an extensive expansion and renovation project. This includes the search for PM/CM Services, the reconfiguration of Terminal C, enhancements to the Terminal D Bus Station, relocation of the DFW Southwest Hardstand, and improvements to the Southwest employee parking lot. For access to solicitation details and schedules, kindly refer to the information below. click here.
Congratulations to our RHCA Past Chairs, Luis Spinola and Chris Escobedo, RHCA Chair Luis Delgado, and member Arcilia Acosta recognized by the DFW Airport.
Diversity Excellence Award – Luis Spinola
Innovation Excellence Award- STV Inc.
Safety Excellence Award – Phillips May Corporation
Community Excellence Award - Arcilia Acosta
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Balfour Beatty and ACARI Management seek proposals from qualified contractors for Project Meadow | |
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We participated in a pre-bid meeting for Project Meadow on June 22, where we obtained comprehensive information about the project's current status.
The previous apartment complex on Project Meadow Site has been demolished, and Balfour Beatty is seeking bids for an 800,000-square-foot, 14-story office building with six levels of underground parking. They aim for a 32% MWBE participation goal.
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Qualified subcontractors are invited to submit proposals for various scopes of work, including drilled piers, masonry, exterior stone, structural steel, ornamental metals, waterproofing/sealants, doors, frames, and hardware, drywall, interior stone, parking control equipment, and fire sprinklers.
Specialty contractors must undergo pre-qualification before participating. To initiate the online pre-qualification process, kindly visit prequal.balfourbeattyus.com. If you have any further inquiries, please feel free to reach out to Magdalene at magdalene@acarimg.com.
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Recap of RHCA’s Engagement with the Texas 88th Legislative Session
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Upcoming Events & Announcements | |
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Free Fall Protection Training - (Provided by the Susan Harwood Training Grant)
- OSHA 10 Hour
- OSHA 30 Hour
- CPR/First Aid
- and more...
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Training Programs are available in English and Spanish
for more detailed information contact:
Julio Florez, julio@regionalhca.org
Jonathon Garcia, jonathon@regionalhca.org
972-786-0909
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Other Texas Architecture, Engineering and Construction Industries News | |
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Via Construction Dive - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approved a wide-ranging law last week that will eliminate mandated water breaks for some state construction workers, beginning September 1. There is not yet a federal standard to protect workers from dangerous heat conditions, and those in construction are especially vulnerable to heat-related risk. The Texas Regulatory Consistency Act rolls back locally enacted protections that go further than state law, including ordinances in Austin, Texas, and Dallas which require 10-minute breaks every four hours for construction workers to hydrate and get a break from the sun, the Texas Tribune reported. Supporters of the law claim it will eliminate cumbersome, varied ordinances across the state. Learn more.
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Via Construction Dive -General contractors automating subcontractor management processes are seeing positive results in productivity, costs, and profits, but roadblocks are still in some builders’ paths, according to a new study from Dodge Construction Network. The study, which Dodge performed in partnership with construction software firm GC Pay, reported 91% of contractors who used sub-management technology had improved productivity, 81% had lower costs, and 79% had higher profits. The study showed at least twice as many general contractors frequently experienced improved productivity and profitability at a high to very high level when compared to those who are less engaged with commercial solutions, according to the release. Learn more.
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How to Tackle Heat Hazards
Timothy Barber, a thirty-five-year-old, began a new job on Monday, July 6, 2020, at the Genesee River Bridge Project in New York. Tragically, the following day, he collapsed and tragically lost his life due to heat stress and heat exhaustion at the end of his shift. Our investigation uncovered distressing findings: Timothy had been working without any shade or access to water, and he had not been given sufficient time to acclimatize to the scorching temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. Furthermore, we discovered that his employer had neglected their duty to train and safeguard him and other workers from the perils of extreme heat hazards.
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As temperatures continue to rise, OSHA wants employers and workers to know that heat-related illnesses can be prevented by common-sense safety measures. | |
Heat is the primary cause of death among all weather-related workplace hazards. Each year, numerous workers, like Timothy, tragically lose their lives due to heat-related illnesses in both indoor and outdoor work environments. Additionally, thousands more suffer from illnesses caused by excessive heat exposure. As temperatures continue to soar, it is crucial for employers and workers to understand that heat-related illnesses can be prevented through the implementation of sensible safety measures. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration emphasizes the importance of taking proactive steps to ensure the well-being of workers in the face of rising temperatures. | |
Best Practices on Preventing Heat Illness at Work
With temperatures rising as we head into the summer months, so does the risk of heat hazards. In 2019, exposure to heat led to 43 work-related deaths and 2,410 injuries and illnesses, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has resources to help employers and workers beat the heat and stay healthy and safe.
Here are some practices to remember as you prepare for the summer heat:
1. Train all workers.
Employers should train supervisors and workers on how to control and recognize heat hazards. Workers should also know about first aid for heat illness. Training should always be conducted in a language workers understand.
2. Follow the 20% rule.
On a worker’s first day, no more than 20 percent of the duration of their shift should be at full intensity in the heat. The duration of time at full intensity should be increased by no more than 20 percent a day until workers are used to working in the heat.
3. Remember these three words: “Water. Rest. Shade.”
Workers should drink one cup of water every 20 minutes while working in the heat to stay hydrated. When the temperature is high, employers should make sure workers take frequent rest breaks in shaded, cool or air-conditioned areas to recover from the heat.
4. Workers new to the job are at higher risk.
Workers who are new or returning to working in warm or hot environments need more time to adapt. More than 75 percent of heat-related fatalities occur during a worker’s first week, which is why “acclimatization” – the process of building resistance to increased temperatures – is so important. Learn how to protect new workers from heat-related illness and monitor them until they are acclimatized.
5. Hazardous heat exposure can happen indoors or outdoors.
Though heat stress is typically related to outdoor work environments, and construction workers account for about one-third of heat-related deaths, workers in hot indoor environments like kitchens, laundries, warehouses and electrical utilities are also at risk.
6. Engineering controls and modified work practices can reduce the risk of heat illness.
Consider reducing physical activity as much as possible by planning for the work ahead and rotating job functions among workers to help minimize exertion. Find more work practices here.
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MONTHLY NEW RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION, MAY 2023
The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development jointly announced the following new residential construction statistics for May 2023:
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Privately‐owned housing units authorized by building permits in May were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,491,000. This is 5.2 percent above the revised April rate of 1,417,000, but is 12.7 percent below the May 2022 rate of 1,708,000. Single‐family authorizations in May were at a rate of 897,000; this is 4.8 percent above the revised April figure of 856,000. Authorizations of units in buildings with five units or more were at a rate of 542,000 in May. Learn more. |
Hispanics officially make up the biggest share of Texas’ population, new census numbers show
White people had been the state’s largest population group since at least 1850. Sometime in 2022, the Hispanic population surpassed them, new data shows
Via The Texas Tribune- The point at which Latinos would outnumber white residents to make up the biggest share of the Texas population has been on the state’s demographic horizon for years. It seemed that long-awaited milestone was reached in 2021 when a closely watched data release last year was the first to reflect the culmination of decades of transformative growth.
But confirmation did not come until this week, when the U.S. Census Bureau updated its official population estimates. In new figures released Thursday, the bureau confirmed Latinos have made up the largest share of the state’s population since at least July 2022. The new population figures show Hispanic Texans made up 40.2% of the state’s population last summer, barely edging out non-Hispanic white Texans, who made up 39.8%. Learn more.
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