West Texas AGC News & Resources
Safety Tip: Suicide Prevention for Construction Workers
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Recognizing the high suicide rates and mental illness in the construction industry, AGC began in 2020 to provided resources and information to address these problems and assist the men and women within the construction industry. Find out more at the AGC Resource Page for Mental Health & Suicide Prevention - HERE.
AGC of America released the fourth video in its series of mental health videos today for member firms to share with all employees. The video features Shayne Dinkle, a Seattle-area safety manager for iron workers, who lost a son to suicide. The pain and anger from that incident brought him close to taking his own life. But the support and compassion he received from his co-workers helped him overcome. The message from the video is clear, it is okay to share your pain, ask for help and offer it to co-workers who are suffering. 
Join the 10th Annual #StandDown4Safety
Falls are the leading cause of construction fatalities. In 2021, falls from elevations accounted for about 38% of all construction fatalities. 
The fact is these deaths are preventable. Employers can prevent falls by following these five facts: 
  • If you’re working at 6 feet or more, use fall protection. 
  • Before starting a job, make a fall prevention plan. 
  • Provide workers with the right equipment for the job. 
  • Train everyone to use the equipment safely. 
  • Inspect your harness, lanyard and anchorage point before each use. 

Focusing on these steps to better protect workers from fall hazards is our goal for our 10th annual Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, May 1-5. We’re joining thousands of employers and millions of workers across the country to spread the word about the dangers of construction falls and how to prevent them. We’d love for you to join, too! 
This year’s theme for the industry is “Strong Voices, Safe Choices.” That is more than a theme or a slogan. We know that worker participation is essential for workers to be and feel safe on their jobs. 
Find planning resources or an event near you at osha.gov/PreventFallsNow, and join the conversation online using #StandDown4Safety.
Click the buttons below for information and make a commitment to participate in 2023 with a Safety Stand Down. Preventing Falls or any safety topic important to your company and the safety of your employees can be utilized for the Stand Down. While this first week of May is the official Stand Down week, you are welcome to do one on your jobsite any time this month or year!

For information or safety topic handouts, contact West Texas AGC - 325.676.7447.
Facebook, Linkedin & Twitter - Highlighting West Texas AGC Members
Follow the West Texas AGC Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIN posts. Our social media feed is on the right-hand side of the WTAGC home page at wtagc.org.

Find our newest members and see if your company and a project has been posted giving YOU exposure and recognition!
Guide to Social Security - Free Financial Webinar from Baird Finacial
Thursday | May 25th, 2023 | 10:00 AM
SOCIAL SECURITY MAY SEEM COMPLICATED — BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE
Making an informed decision on when and how to claim your Social Security benefits could mean a difference of thousands of dollars each year in retirement.
Learn how Social Security fits into your retirement income plan. We also provide important scenarios for you to consider to maximize the benefit, while answering questions including:
  • Will Social Security be there for me?
  • How are my benefits determined?
  • How do I decide when to collect?
  • How do I use spousal benefits?
  • How do survivor benefits work?
VOTE - May 6th
Be a part of the solution by electing leaders who will provide positive stable direction and growth for communities, counties and the state. With knowledge and awareness go to the polls to vote on the issues on your local ballot!
Construction Executive Pay Reported to Rise by 4.7% for 202
Vehicle Allowance and Practices Survey Results Unveiled
According to the latest Contractor Compensation Quarterly (CCQ) published by PAS, Inc., construction executive staff wage increases came in at 5.5% for 2022 and are also projected to rise by an average 4.7% by 2023 year-end. 
Historically, executive staff predictions are about 0.5% low. However, 2022 projections compared to 2022 actual numbers did not follow this pattern (see below), so it is possible that actual increases will exceed the 5.2% forecast.
Invitation to Event for West Texas AGC Women In Construction
Tuesday, May 9th | 5:00—7:00 PM
Winery at Willow Creek—Outdoor Venue
4353 S. Treadaway, Abilene, Texas 79602

A Women in Construction (WIC) Chapter with West Texas AGC can open doors and opportunities for women currently in the industry and those who may be interested in working in construction AND WIC can have a lot of fun events!

Just as WTAGC is for company owners, supervisors and workers, so is WIC. Please join us for this meet and greet whether you work for a General Contractor, Sub-contractor, Supplier, A & E firm or one of our support Professional Service companies.
Webinars are a Benefit to Membership - What will Benefit your employees and company this month?
Webinar: The Power of Community: Making Positive Impact While Winning Work?
Thursday 05/11/2023 - 2:00 pm
Join Tonya Byrd and Jolsna Thomas as they share insight on why it is valuable for a contractor to get engaged with the communities where you build and how to create an inclusive working environment for your teams while winning work. More owners are wanting to see how to engage with the local community; Tonya and Jolsna will walk you through examples of how to go beyond throwing dollars at sponsorships to creating positive impact. Register HERE

Webinar: The Basics of Construction Accounting
Thursday 05/18/2023 - 2:00 pm
When a contractor has decided it is time to make the transition from standard accounting methods and tools to construction-specific accounting methods and tools, it is best to start by reviewing the fundamentals of construction accounting and what role it will play in the contractor’s business. When a contractor conceptually understands the basics of construction accounting, it accelerates the contractor’s ability to build upon that knowledge effectively. Register HERE

Construction Accounting University Series
Sponsored Webinars by Deltek
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 • 11:00 AM ET
Thursday, June 8, 2023 • 2:00 PM ET
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 • 2:00 PM ET
Tuesday, August 1, 2023 • 2:00 PM ET
Tuesday, September 12, 2022 • 11:00 AM ET
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 • 11:00 AM ET
For more Information - Click HERE
REGISTER SOON for Scholarship Golf Tournament
West Texas Chapter AGC
Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament
Monday | May 22, 2023
1:00 PM Shotgun Start
LakeRidge Country Club - Lubbock
Deadline for Sponsorships and Tee Box Signs is May 15th!
Deadline for Golfer Registrations
is May 19th!

We are making plans for a great tournament with prizes and fun for all Register today.

Questions contact Cassie Hughes at [email protected] or Bryan Walters at [email protected].
Texas Legislative News for the Construction Industry
AGC-Texas Building Branch (TBB) is tracking and working bills in the 2023 Texas Legislative Session that could impact the commercial construction industry. While efforts are made to pass some bills, others have a focus to ensure they don’t become laws that hurt our industry.

May 8th is the last day House bill committee reports must be filed for House bills that passed out of House committees.
May 11th is the last day the House can vote on the floor for non-local House bills on 2nd reading.

Bill statistics as of 5/1/2023 from AGC-TBB:
The House has passed 584 House bills
Of these, the Senate has held committee hearings on 17 House bills
Of these, the Senate has passed 3 House bills
The Senate has passed 607 Senate bills
Of these, the House has held committee hearings on 195 Senate bills
Of these, the House has passed 34 Senate bills

To follow more bills and the action to date. Register for the Capital Roundup with AGC-TBB at News | AGC-Texas Building Branch (agctbb.org).
Virtual AGC EDGE Training Opportunities - NEW Courses Posted
Virtual training for personal development for individuals or for your team.
 
From BIM and Lean Construction to Project Management and Supervision Fundamentals, AGC's live, instructor-led virtual education courses are the perfect way to invest in your employees. SAVE with code $EDGE2023, 10% at checkout!
 Benefits & Programs SAVING West Texas AGC members money & time!
AGC Members Saved Over 14.5 Million Dollars Last Year Using
AGC Member Discount Programs 
How much did you save using your membership?
Our value-added discounts provide a competitive advantage that can set your business apart from others in the industry. AGC Member Discount Programs are just one of the many benefits of being an AGC member, that aims to help our members succeed and grow.
West Texas AGC • your Chapter | AGC • your Association
Working together on your behalf,
to be the most professional and profitable company,
       in your specialized field and area of expertise
AGC of America • The Construction Association
2023 OFFICERS
PRESIDENT - JAMES BISHOP | Associated Contractors
VICE-PRESIDENT - LIZ LONNGREN | Henthorn Commercial Construction, LLC
SECRETARY/TREASURER - SAM WALDROP | Waldrop Construction
STATE AGC-TBB REPRESENTATIVE - CHAD HENTHORN | Teinert Construction, Inc.
AREA REPRESENTATIVES - SHANE DARNELL | M & F Litteken Co. & GREG DURBIN | Sandia Construction