summer 2012 bulletin - sdagc. · pdf filemission statement: “the agc of south dakota and...

Mission Statement: “The AGC of South Dakota and its members promote skill, responsibility and integrity through construction and services which enhance the quality of life for all who live, work or travel in South Dakota.”

BulletinSummer 2012

WHAT’S INSIDE:

• 2012ScholarshipWinners

• SummerSocialsInformation

• AGCMemberBenefits

• NewAGCWebsite-ComingSoon!

• CLCHuntDetails

• HighwayFundingTaskForce

• SummerMeetingRecap

• ConstructionAwarenessDays

• STIPSummary

• HR&LaborCommitteeDetails

ENCLOSED:

• SummerSocialForms

• AwardsForms

• JulyInformer

• CADSponsorForm

• AGCFactSheet

• AWorldWiththeAGC?

• ConPACBrochure

ConstructionAwarenessDays2012Over the years Construction Awareness Days (CAD) has taken different forms in different locations around South Dakota, but the goal remains the same. Across the country the construction workforce is dwindling as skilled trades people retire, not to be replaced. The AGC and member companies put on CAD as one way to promote careers in construction to the next generation.

Based on initial planning meetings CAD 2012 will have some exciting new approaches. Multimedia and hands-on activity are two points of emphasis as we communicate the many exciting and rewarding careers available in the construction industry.

The success of this event is based heavily on the generosity and effort of volunteers. Local companies, associations and government agencies do-nate equipment, money and time to make CAD what it is.

Construction Awareness Days in Rapid City will be held September 18th and in Aberdeen September 25th, so there is still plenty of time to get involved. To get involved or learn more about CAD, contact Ben Holst at [email protected] or Lindsay Willits at [email protected].

Participating in the 2012 CAD events will give you the opportunity to ad-vertise your business to tomor-row’s construction workforce. High School students in both areas who attend and participate in CAD will receive a T-shirt promoting con-struction and sponsor companies. You too can have your business’s logo visible to the hundreds of at-tendees by sponsoring the event.

If you would like to help promote the Construction Awareness Days and the construction industry, please fill out the sponsorship form enclosed and mail it to AGC of SD HHU Chapter at the address on the bottom of the form, or fax the infor-mation to 605-224-9915 by August 25, 2012.

ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORSOF SOUTH DAKOTA, INC.

Highway-Heavy-Utilities Chapter

300 E. Capitol Ave., Ste. 1 Phone 605-224-8689 Pierre, SD 57501 Toll Free 1-800-242-6373 www.sdagc.org Fax 605-224-9915

[email protected]

Purpose Statement:“To be the voice that promotes

and represents the construction industry.”

Toby L. Crow, Executive Vice Presidente-mail: [email protected]

cell: 605-366-1278

Ben HolstSafety & Training Coordinator

email: [email protected]: 605-920-1169

Lindsay WillitsCommunications & Marketing Coordinator

email: [email protected]: 605-415-2641

Deb Mortenson, AGC of SD Lobbyiste-mail: [email protected]

cell: 605-280-9372

Becky Hedman, Office Administratore-mail: [email protected]

2012 CHAPTER OFFICERS

President - Nathan Reede….............................……....……....…AberdeenSenior Vice President - Mark Knight….……..………..…..…....…WebsterVice President - Floyd Schafer…...……….....................……...…Rapid CitySecretary/Treasurer - Gregory Brown…....….........…….............Rapid CityPast President - Jim Soukup…...……….....................…….........Sioux Falls

2012 DIRECTORSJared Gusso..........................….............................……....……....…Sioux FallsDavid Gustafson.....................................….…..………..…..…....…Rapid CityDean Herll...........................................................................……...…Dell RapidBill Keller................................................…....….........…….............Rapid CityWayne Lloyd............................. …...……….....................…….........FlandreauCynthia Monnin..............................................................................Sioux FallsJohn Morris.............................................................................................PierrePatty Nohr.......................................................................................Sioux FallsMike Runge......................................................................................Sioux Falls

2012 NATIONAL DIRECTORSGary Johnson……………………..……….………………...…..........Ft. PierreKari Karst………………………………….……………..…........….Dell RapidsDave Fleck……………………………….……………...............…..Sioux Falls

LIFE NATIONAL DIRECTORSMerle Davis……………………….…........………….…..……........Dell RapidsOwen Emme…………………….….….….....…......……............….Rapid CityTom Graves……………………....…………….…....…..…........….Sioux FallsLynn Kading……………………….………………..………........…..Rapid CityMark Knight…………………………….……………..……................AberdeenGeorge Spencer……………………….……………...…….............Sioux Falls

2012 ASSOCIATE DIVISION OFFICERSPresident – Noel Schulz...............................................................Sioux CityVice President – Keld Ditlev ........................................................Rapid CitySecretary / Treasurer – Ryan Cadwallader..................................Rapid CityPast President – Peggy Wolf........................................................Rapid City

CALENDAR August 15, 2012 SDDOT EBS Letting

August 16, 2012 Summer Social with SFCA, Sioux Falls

August 23, 2012 SD Transportation Commission Mtg. Pierre

August 23, 2012 Summer Social, Rapid City

August 30, 2012 Finance Committee Conference Call

September 3, 2012 Labor Day Holiday

September 5, 2012 SDDOT EBS Letting

September 18, 2012 Construction Awareness Days, Rapid City

September 19, 2012 SDDOT EBS Letting

September 21, 2012 AGC Building Chapter Sporting Clays

Humboldt

September 25, 2012 Construction Awareness Days, Aberdeen

September 27, 2012 SD Transportation Commission Mtg., Pierre

Sept.30 - Oct. 3, 2012 AGC National & Chapter Leadership Conf.

Washington, DC

October 3, 2012 SDDOT EBS Letting

October 17, 2012 SDDOT EBS Letting

October 18, 2012 Public Relations Committee Meeting

October 23, 2012 AGC Board, Member Mtg. & Mixer, Sioux Falls

October 25, 2012 SD Transportation Commission Meeting, Pierre

October 25, 2012 AGC Member Meeting & Mixer, Rapid City

November 1-3, 2012 AGC’s Highway & Utilities Issues Meeting

Indian Wells, CA

November 2, 2012 Construction Leadership Pheasant Hunt

Pierre

November 7, 2012 SDDOT EBS Letting

November 7, 2012 CONPAC Annual Meeting

November 21, 2012 SDDOT EBS Letting

November 22-23, 2012 Thanksgiving Holiday - AGC Office Closed

SAVE THE DATE

December 13, 2012 AGC Board Meeting Chamberlain

January 7-9, 2013 AGC/LICA Convention Deadwood

January 28, 2013 Legislative Dinner Pierre

2 - SDAGC Bulletin - www.sdagc.org

Call the AGC Office Today!!605-224-8680

From the President Nathan Reede, Upper Plains Contracting

To AGC members: As the scorching heat of summer has been upon us and our projects schedules demand most of our time and energy, it is important to take time to ask “what is going on with the SD AGC?” I am proud to report our Board of Director lead committees have been meeting, planning, preparing and executing on our Mission, Vision, Purpose and 2012 objectives. Here is a brief look at where we are with our Objectives. Lets start with our first objective: Membership. Outside of focusing on recruiting contractors to our association, we have been putting a lot of energy towards making your experience a great one! I believe what makes AGC so special is the people and the relationships and memories created at our social events. Our summer socials are August 16th in Sioux Falls and August 23rd in Rapid City. In October we will have our membership meetings and in November we will have our Construction Leadership Hunt. These are all great opportunities to socialize with fellow AGC members. Our second objective is: Safety & Education services. Ben Holst has been conducting member visits to identify companies safety focuses and improvement opportunities. Ben is developing a new concept of the AGC Safety Academy. He plans to roll out the concept at our state convention in Deadwood on January 7-9, 2013. I believe Ben has the passion and determination to make the AGC Safety Academy a great success. From an Education standpoint, we have our Construction Awareness days on September 18 in Rapid City and September 25 in Aberdeen. Our Education Committee is working on the creation of training and development opportunities, both, with industry partners and/or members and SDDOT. We have revitalized our former Labor committee by renaming it “HR and Labor committee”. Along with our Education committee & Membership committee, there are dynamic and exciting things to come on the horizon. Our third Objective: Develop AGC H-H-U & BC chapter relationship. The good news is our relationship is advancing in a collaborative and cooperative manner. Most of our attention has been focused on our shared Safety and Education services; however, the joint convention for 2013 is well under way and we recently renewed shared legislative representation by Deb Mortenson. The latest advancement is a quarterly Executive’s meeting to monitor progress of shared services, build relationships and communicate expectations. As we all know, it takes time to build cohesiveness, trust and alignment. I am pleased with the progress we have made at this time. Our last objective: Industry Relationships. Our Board of Directors recently meet with Sec. of Transportation, Darin Bergquist, Director of Planning and Engineering, Joel Jundt, Chief of Materials, Joe Feller & Director of Operations, Greg Fuller to discuss follow-up from our joint meeting on March 8, 2012. We were enlightened as to the progress and the work SDDOT has put into making positive changes to make our industry in South Dakota a better place to work. SDDOT is working on changes to the pre-construction meeting process, improvements to our contract time provisions, revamping our pre qualifications process and advancements to dispute resolution. As these specific topics become close to finalization, we will be asked to participate in the final product. I strongly believe we have made significant strides to improve our working relationship with SDDOT and am very encouraged as to the progress and commitment the SDDOT has shown to work with our association. To be quite honest, this is such an exciting time to be apart of the SD AGC and a ripe moment to get involved. There is positive momentum with relationships being built, committees, task forces, new committees and social events. As I have stated in previous letters, you are the AGC of SD and we will go as far as we want to take us. Come and be apart of the excitement.

www.sdagc.org - SDAGC Bulletin - 3

Enterprise Fleet Mgmt.Josh Leegaard2775 Blue Water RoadEagan, MN 55121701-200-9955

Warren Transport, Inc.Jason Vollmer11612 Quaal Road, Suite ABlack Hawk, SD 57718605-786-0288

Worldwide Rental ServicesLarry Stolp2410 Revenue BlvdCasper, WY 85601307-234-7777

Tensar CorporationNick Nuttbrock4416 S. Galway Ave.Sioux Falls, SD 57106605-951-7591

Welcome New AGC Members! Please Join us for our Summer Socials - See Page 6

As a Member of the AGC of SD, you can participate in these highly valued benefits:

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLAN

Fringe Benefits Design Inc. is the administrator for the AGC of South Dakota- sponsored 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan. They provide all contractors and associate members the education, investments, documents and other administrative needs to implement a qualified retirement plan. Contact Fringe Benefits Design, Inc. for more information at 605-331-5082.

LEGAL COUNSEL

The AGC of South Dakota, H-H-U Chapter has an attorney, Ron Schmidt, on retainer to assist members and staff with construction-related legal questions. Member firms may contact Ron Schmidt directly at 605-341-0112 or by email [email protected].

DENTAL PROGRAM

The AGC of South Dakota has a dental insurance program available to in-state member firms. For more information or to discuss eligibility requirements, please contact the Delta Dental office at 605-224-7345 or by email [email protected].

CIGNAThe AGC of South Dakota has a global health services and financial company program available to member firms. For more information or to discuss eligibility requirements, please contact:

Ibis Financial108 East 38th StreetSioux Falls, South Dakota 57105Phone 605-357-3476 FAX 605-334-7375Mark Ibisemail: [email protected]

Wollman Insurance Group 2900 South Phillips Avenue, Suite 100Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57105Perry BlyPhone 650-334-0004 FAX 605-334-1700email: [email protected]

AGCA Highlighted Benefit

Lands’ End Business Outfitter is proud to partner with The Associated General Contractors of America as your preferred apparel and promotional products provider. We’ve built a reputation as a premier choice for logo’d apparel and promotional items that help deliver a company’s marketing message.

We encourage you and your members to visit the Lands’ End AGC Store at: http://ocs.landsend.com/cd/frontdoor?store_name=agc&store_type=3. All AGC members will receive a 10% discount off of products and a 20% discount off of logo application fees.

AGC Electronic Communication, Stay Informed!

Have you been receiving “Weekly News” or the “Safety Informer”? Both are full of valuable information. The “Weekly News” is an informational email sent every Monday & “The Informer” is our safety and training e-newsletter sent out monthly. If you are not receiving this information, or any information about the AGC’s upcoming events please contact Lindsay Willits by email at [email protected] or call the AGC office. We don’t want you miss out - get on our mailing list!!


July 10, 2012 Argus Leader (cover): AGC Member HDR Engineering mentioned in article titled “Looking for a Better Turn at 26th Street and I-229”.

July 16, 2012 Construction Bulletin Magazine (page 4): AGC Member, Butler Machinery pictured and mentioned in the “Industry News” section.

July 18, 2012 Argus Leader (page 3A): AGC Member Jason Kjenstad of HDR Engineering pictured and mentioned in article titled “Officials Want Input to Improve 26th Street at I-229”.

July 18, 2012 Mitchell Republic (page 4B): Local AGC of SD Scholarship winner mentioned in “Community” section.

July 19, 2012 Argus Leader (page 2A): AGC Members Soukup Construction, Concrete Materials and Gage Brothers mentioned in article titled “Events Center Lines Up More S.F. Firms”.

July 23, 2012 Construction Bulletin Magazine (cover & page 3): AGC Member, Upper Plains Contracting pictured and mentioned in “On the Cover” section.

July 23, 2012 Construction Bulletin Magazine (page 4): AGC of SD Construction Awareness Days mentioned in the “Industry News” section.

July 31, 2012 Argus Leader (cover): AGC Member, Joe Munson of Banner Associates pictured and mentioned in article titled “Lewis & Clark Water Begins to Flow at Last.”

July/August 2012 Sioux Falls Business Magazine (page 34): AGC Member David Burwitz of Clark Engineering pictured and featured in the “Technology” section.

This section of the bulletin highlights AGC of SD Members and/or Staff who have been quoted, interviewed, published, etc. by the media recently. If you are aware of AGC of SD “In the News” items, please forward them to the AGC Office.

June 11, 2012 Argus Leader (page 7B): AGC Member, Brett Runge of HR Green mentioned in the “On the Move” section.

June 11, 2012 Construction Bulletin Magazine (page 6): AGC Member, Morris, Inc. pictured and mentioned in the “Industry News” section.

June 22, 2012 Argus Leader (page 3A): AGC Member, Muth Electric featured in article titled “Muth Electric Tabbed for Events Center Work”.

June 27, 2012 Brandon Valley Challenger (page 4B): Local AGC of SD Scholarship winner mentioned in “Community” section.

June 27 – July 3, 2012 Sioux Falls Business Journal (page 7): AGC of SD Scholarships mentioned in the “Corporate Good Deeds” section.

Summer 2012 The LICA Contractor (cover & pages 1-10): AGC Member, Jerke & Sons, featured and pictured in article titled “LICA Contractor Meets Today’s Challenges with Innovation and Versatility” written by former AGC of SD Executive Vice President, Jim Keyes.

June/July 2012 SDDOT Connecting the DOTs (page 2): AGC Member, Foothills Contracting pictured and featured in article titled “Project: U.S. Highway 65”.

July 7, 2012 Argus Leader (page 4A): AGC Member Mark Wiederrich of Goldsmith Heck Engineers pictured and mentioned in article titled “Not Cleared for Takeoff”.



2012 Summer Socials

The annual summer socials are planned - and your attendance is requested! On August 16 make plans to join us for a social, food and a Sioux Falls Pheasants game! In addition, the AGC will be honoring Richard Gregerson for his 16 years of service on the Transportation Committee, and dedication to the AGC. Gregerson will throw out the first pitch of the game and will be presented with a plaque. This event will be a FUN way to network!

Then on August 23, a social will be held in Rapid City in the Coors Tent in conjunction with the Central States Fair. Join us for food & drinks before heading out to the fair. Both of these event social will start at 5:30pm. See the enclosed insert for more details and call the AGC office at 605-224-8689 to register!

Construction Leaders Hunt Scheduled

This year’s CL Hunt is scheduled for November 2nd at Broken Arrow Farms. That evening, a social and dinner will be held at the Izaak Walton and is open to 60 participants. November 3rd the group will hunt on private land and will start at 10:00 am. Saturday’s hunt is open to 20 participants. SAVE THE DATE, more information & registration forms will be available in a few weeks.

AGC Fall Membership Meetings & Mixers

Mark your calendars now for the upcoming event. They will be held October 23rd in Sioux Falls at the Ramkota Hotel and October 25th in Rapid City at the Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn. Registration information hwill be available at a later date.

2013 AGC/LICA State Convention - SAVE THE DATE

The 2013 AGC/LICA State Convention is scheduled for January 7-9, 2013 in Deadwood at the Lodge at Deadwood. The committee has been active in planning the event which is shaping up to be very educational and fun! The theme has been chosen “Learning from the Past, Innovating for the Future” and will include diverse topics in the areas of Workforce Development, Human Resources, Safety Management, and Succession Planning. Make plans NOW to attend!

2012 Chapter Awards Program - Forms Enclosed!

Members are encouraged to submit nominations for the 2012 AGC of South Dakota Awards (Build South Dakota, Golden Hard Hat, Good Citizen.) These awards recognize both individual and company achievements.

Nominations are strongly encouraged and may be submitted by any member firm. Awards will be presented at the 2013 State Convention and at the Spring Membership Meetings. Nomination forms are included as bulletin inserts and on the AGC website www.sdagc.org. Nominations are due no later than December 7, 2012.

2012 “Hit Pay Dirt” Jobs Campaign A Success!

Earlier this spring, the AGC kicked-off our 6th Annual “Hit Pay Dirt” campaign. The www.sdwork.org site had over 2,600 people viewing it during a five month time frame! The 2012 campaign resulted in 594 registrants, and 69 job postings during the very condensed media campaign. The campaign consisted of statewide classified advertisements and outdoor advertising (electronic billboards in Sioux Falls). The media campaign ran from mid-April through early-June. The AGC of SD hopes you took advantage of this HUGE member benefit. AGC of SD knows you found quality people who have not considered the construction profession previously.

Building Chapter Sporting Clay Shoot

The Annual Building Chapter Sporting Clay Shoot will take place September 21st at Hunter’s Pointe. To register call Katie at Building Chapter Office 605-336-9338.

SDSU Pheasant Hunt

The Construction Management Club of SDSU will host their annual Pheasant Hunt October 6 & 7. Registration information will be available soon!

To Applysdwork.org


The 36th Annual Summer Meeting was held June 25-27, 2012 in Pierre. More than 130 registrants participated in sporting clays, the fishing derby, and the golf tournament. Each year, the AGC Associate Division hosts the Summer Meeting as a way to bring together our members to have fun and to raise money for the scholarships funded by the Education Foundation. The money raised at the 2012 Summer Meeting is donated to the Education Foundation. Thank you for attending this great event & thank you sponsors!

Golf Winners:• First Place - (score of 67) Jim Holzwarth, Jim Simunek, Jason Smith & Doug Donahue• Second Place - (score of 68) Ryan Cadwallader, Jim Witt, Greg Branaugh, Dean Herll• Third Place - (score of 68) Tim Visger, Steve Slowey, Orv Charlson, Rob Hengen

Fishing Derby Winners:• First Place - (18.9 lbs.) Bill Englehart & Mike Behm• Second Place - (17.2 lbs.) Ryan Johnson & Jason Humphrey• Third Place - (15.6 lbs.) Dave Madden & Steve Wagner• Fourth Place Tie - (15.4 lbs.) Jason Smith & Richard Waldera • Fourth Place Tie- (15.4 lbs.)Brad Remmich & John Fuglsang

Big Fish Winners:• Mike Behm - Biggest Walleye, 6 lbs.• Greg Branaugh - Biggest Bass, 3.6 lbs.• Dave Madden – Biggest Salmon/Trout, 2.5 lbs. • Joel Jundt - Biggest Northern, 8.5 lbs.

Sporting Clay Winners:• Dick Waldera • Erv Bultje

50/50 Raffle Winners: • 1st - Keith Haverland $361.00• 2nd - John Wudel $180• 3rd - Greg Branaugh $60• Tool Box Winner - Mike Durick* Thank you Lankota Custom Trucks for Donating the PickupTruck Tool Box!! *

Thank You Hole Sponsors!Bierschbach Equipment & Supply

Boyer Trucks Sioux Falls, Inc.Concrete Materials

Dakota Riggers Tool SupplyDiesel Machinery, Inc.

Fringe Benefits Design, Inc.GCC of America

Gusso Surety BondsHDR Engineering, Inc.

Heavy Constructors, Inc.Holmes Murphy& Associates

Jebro, Inc.Pete Lien & Sons, Inc.

RDO EquipmentRobinson Grinding and Profiling, LLC

Tensar Corp.Titan Machinery

Worldwide Rental Services

1st Place

2nd Place

2012 Summer Meeting...Success!!

3rd Place

Joshua Leisinger, USF, $750

Drew Schutz, SDSU, $1,500

Kyle Peterson, Iowa Lakes, $250

Nick Rock, SDSU, $1,250

Tyler Hengen, SDSM&T, $1,250

Josh Keller, MTI, $250

Sean Smith, SDSM&T, $1,000

Dalton Nohr, MTI, $250

Christian Schweigert, SDSU, $750

Zachary Haugen, MTI, $500

James Dunn, ISU, $500

Joseph Zikmund, NDSU, $1,000

Josiah Scull, SDSU, $2,000

Mitchell Mazourek, SDSU, $1,500

Jacob Roemen, SDSU, $1,000

Lucas Sheppard, Southest Tech, $500

David Powers, Lake Area Tech, $1,000

Jeremy Johnson, SDSU, $750

Scholarship winners with no photo available are: Landon Lueders, USD $750Clarice Galbraith, Colorado Tech $500Blake Boysen, MTI $250

Kade Schievelbein, SDSU, $500

Thomas Fenske, Southeast Tech, $500

Featured Recipients:Jason Rave graduated from Dell Rapids High School in 2006 and after graduation enrolled in the SDSU Construction Management Program. Jason has continued to work in the construction field while going to school, in hopes of gain-ing more hands on knowledge, and hopefully placing him in front of oth-ers graduating with the same de-gree.

Five years from now Jason sees himself working at a large construc-

tion business handling high priority jobs; building his professional experience to become a large asset to not only the company that he works for but an asset to all of the constructionprofession. He says scholarships like the one he received from the AGC allow him to concentrate on his career and not worry about coming up with his tuition.

Jason is also involved with the AGC Student Chapter at SDSU which he says is very important. He says the connection between the AGC and students is crucial and important for students to understand how much the AGC truly betters the industry; promoting the dexterity and honesty for the industry. Rave says the AGC will be an organization he wants to continue to be involved in once he graduates.

Jason RaveSDSU $1,250

Jocilyn Hansen attended Dell Rapids High School and is currently a junior at the University of Kansas studying architectural engineering. Hansen is very active in KU Engineering Student Council, KU Architectural Engineers Institute, and KU Dance Marathon

At KU, Jocilyn’s favorite classes have been hands-on learning courses such as Statics and Dynamics and Strengths of Materials. Having explored options of Architectural Engineering, she is planning on specializing in Construction Manage-

ment. She recently spent this summer working with the KU Center for Research studying concrete mixtures for effective bridge coverage. After graduating from college, she hopes to take a little time to explore in the construction industry. As of now, she would like to do more with commercial construction such as athletic/event centers.

Jocilyn HansenUniversity of

Kansas $1,250

2012 Scholarship Winners Announced Over $21,000 given to 25 SD Students

Congratulations!



SDDOT UPDATE

SDDOT Tentative 2013-2017 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP)In July, the SDDOT held public meetings in Rapid City, Aberdeen, Sioux Falls, Mitchell and Pierre to present the Tentative 2013-2017 STIP and to receive public input. The meetings began with SDDOT presentations pertaining to funding, recent accomplishments and future anticipated projects. Key excerpts from the SDDOT presentation are shown below. Further details are available at www.sddot.com.

• Moving Ahead for Progress (MAP-21) is the new Federal Highway Bill. MAP 21 provides a total of $39.1B in 2012, $39.7B in 2013 and $40.3B in 2014. South Dakota will receive $238.6M annually or approximately $16M less than in the previous bill.

• South Dakota is a “donee” state, receiving back over $2 for every $1 paid in to the federal government.

• Federal funds comprise a large part (~75%) of SDDOT’s construction budget.

• The Tentative 2013-2017 STIP was developed based on the new federal funding levels and flat state funding (i.e., the same amounts as 2012) using a “preservation” strategy. The 2013 construction amount is $332.6M.

• Based on the Tentative 2013-2017 STIP, pavement and bridge condition will decrease over time.

AGC’s SDDOT Steering Committee ActivitiesThe AGC’s SDDOT Steering Committee has remained active in recent months addressing issues of importance to you, our members. A brief summary of recent activities is summarized below. A huge thank you is extended to all members involved in these activities. If you are not involved and want to be, contact the AGC Office. Your participation matters!

AGC / SDDOT Leadership Session Follow-up:On August 8th, SDDOT Secretary, Darin Bergquist and other SDDOT senior staff met with the AGC Board of Directors to build on the momentum established during the March 8th joint meeting. Much work has been done over the last few months. Some of the more relevant accomplishments are listed below.

• Claims Process – The newly revised claims process seems to be working better than past processes; however, there is still room for improvement. The group agreed to identify ways to resolve issues when they arise between “front line” supervisors. Creation of a panel of non-SDDOT and non-contractor

personnel to review claims is also being investigated.• Plan Clarifications Prior to Bid Addendums – Surrounding state best-practices are being investigated with Wyoming identified as a great model for contractors. Another idea being discussed is scheduling more pre-bid meetings.• Pre-construction Meetings – Work is underway to help

ensure pre-construction meetings are more worthwhile. The details of the project should be discussed, instead of boiler-plate items and submittals. Weekly project meetings should become an extension of the pre-construction meeting. Under this approach, contractors will need to assume a leadership role at these meetings.

• Contract Time Provisions – A group is currently revising contract time provisions. AGC is part of this group and our comments will be included in a special provision upon completion.

• Prequalification – The current prequalification process is being modified. Business rules are currently being established. An electronic submission system is also being developed.

• Joint Training – Steps are being taken to establish open and joint training opportunities for the SDDOT and contractors.

While many of the items listed above are those requested by AGC, the SDDOT has one very important request for AGC. This request is “Improving Overall Project Management”. After lengthy discussion, the AGC Board agreed with this statement and vowed to implement measures through our committees to help improve overall project management.

SDDOT Materials Lab Task Force:The SDDOT and the AGC are creating a task force to review aggregate and mix design testing and processes in the SDDOT’s Central Materials Lab. The AGC efforts are being led by John Morris, while the SDDOT efforts are being led by Joel Jundt. Asphalt related items will be the initial focus with concrete, structures and possibly other focus areas added at a later date.


The AGC Safety Management Training Course (SMTC) provides attendees three days of training on the basic skills needed to manage a company safety program in the construction industry.

Held just a few times per year at select locations around the country, the SMTC program builds on Focus Four training and prepares attendees to manage key safety is-sues on the job site and provides techniques for delivering basic safety training to field personnel.

Participants will receive intensive instruction and train-ing that will allow them to return to their firms with readily applicable new skills to positively impact their company’s safety and health program.

The next SMTC will be held September 18-20, 2012. Contact Ben Holst at [email protected] or 605-920-1169 for more information.

Online Training Discount

The Associated General Contractors of America, in collaboration with ClickSafety, is pleased to offer this ClickSafety training to member firms, further solidifying AGC’s commitment to Safety training. As a result of the collaboration, all AGC member firms will be eligible for a 10% percent discount on ClickSafety training programs. Visit http://www.clicksafety.com/agc/ for details.

Excellence Starts at the Top

Picture a construction company committed to safety. The company employs a safety director, trains their employees in safety and spends money on safety gear. The commitment seems evident, but appearances can be deceiving.

One day during a site audit, the safety director observes a superintendent and multiple employees in clear violation of company and OSHA standards. When asked the reason for the violation, the superintendent tells the safety director that they were instructed by the owner to “just get it done”. Those four words betrayed all other safety efforts and gave the superintendent an excuse.

Companies spend time and money to establish a culture of safety, while undermining it all when those at the top create loopholes. Safety excellence starts at the top of an organization when owners and managers treat safety the same as productivity or quality.

Upper Plains Contracting, Inc. saw the necessity of integrating safety into their mission, values and objectives. Nathan Reede, UPCI’s President talks openly about the on-going process of safety integration. UPCI has identified

five “silos” (safety, materials, labor, equipment and subcontractors) that lead to success. Reede regularly travels to all of UPCI’s jobsites to lead town hall meetings about the silos.

Integration has not been without its hiccups, but a true safety culture is emerging. In a recent conversation Reede recounted a sign of their safety culture success. A non-supervisory employee at UPCI noticed a piece of equipment that needed to be moved to a safer location.

The employee shared that his first thought was, ‘Someone else will get that.’ before turning around to move the equipment himself.The thoughts and actions of this employee stand in stark contrast to the superintendent who seized upon an excuse and compromised safety. More importantly the behavior exhibited in the two examples, are prefect examples leading indicators. For more on leading indicators and safety culture excellence see the June and July Informer.

Neither situation resulted in an incident, but only one company was safe. The company that creates loopholes and looks the other way while safety is compromised is lucky not safe.

UPCI is a living example that walking the walk, when it comes to safety, starts at the top.

The AGC Safety Management Training Course


Senator Thune and MSHA

During the AGC of America Safety and Health Confer-ence in Washington DC, Safety & Training Coordinator, Ben Holst met with Senator Thune to discuss the status of the MSHA inquiry. After limited correspondence from MSHA, Senator Thune’s office contacted the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) in Washington DC. The OIG is investigating MSHA and will be releasing a report late this summer. The contents of the report will not be known until it is released.

Senator Thune and his office have been extremely receptive and active in this endeavor. A note of thanks would be appropriate and can be submitted at: http://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

651-298-9884www.olsonwelle.com

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AGC Safety Partnership - The Safety Academy

The safety partnership between the two AGC chapters of South Dakota is gaining momentum. The Safety Academy, developed from member feedback, is a robust plan for delivering safety consultation and training to all members in both chapters in a manner that fits their company profile.

The AGC is comprised of member companies at various levels of safety management, so services are being categorized using a 100-400 numbering system similar to college courses. Delivering consultation and training relevant to all members means new services need to be developed. Traditional services will continue to be offered as they fit in the big picture of safety management.

A crucial piece of the success of the Safety Academy is the addition of additional AGC safety staff. Previously chapter safety staff have had limited coordination. In the current partnership SD AGC safety staff will work in concert to deliver more safety services to more members. With approval from HHU and Building chapter boards, the recruitment of a safety trainer has started.Much could and will be said about the Safety Academy in the coming months. Stay tuned to the Informer for details on the Safety Academy.

The MSHA Alliance, AGC Safety Committee and Safety Alliance have long been a venue for SD’s safety leaders to exchange ideas and speak with one voice. Traditionally the three groups have met independently of one another. That’s about to change.

August 27th and 28th the three groups will coordinate their meetings for the first SD Safety Summit, making it easier for safety professionals from the AGC’s HHU and Building chapters to network, share ideas and contribute to the development of AGC safety services in South Dakota. The meetings are open to all owners, safety managers and operators. Meetings will be held at the new AGC office location in Sioux Falls, 2307 W 57th St, Suite 101. The schedule for the summit is as follows:

Monday, August 27 Tuesday, August 281:00-5:00pm - Safety Alliance 7:30-9:30am - Safety Cmte.5:30-7:30pm - Networking meal 10:00-noon - MSHA Alliance


Referred Law 14

Referred Law 14 was placed on the ballot by the state Democratic Party in 2011, and seeks to do away with a long-running state tax rebate program for large construction projects. LICA and AGC were part of a coalition during the 2012 Legislative Ses-sion that attempted to keep the rebate program in place and off the ballot this fall. Governor Daugaard vetoed the final form of this attempt, saying that since enough petition signatures were gathered, the voters should decide the fate of the rebate program.LICA and AGC have been invited to work on a coali-tion that is forming to keep a tax rebate program in law. CONPAC and AGC have pledged some fund-ing to help the group spread the message about the importance of the tax rebate programs.

AGC staff is attending Yes on 14 coalition meet-ings and participating in group discussions about interpretation of polling, formation of messaging in advertising and grassroots activation. Yes on 14 campaign messages will be shared with AGC and LICA members when available.

CONPAC Works for Construction Industry

The Contractors Political Action Committee board and membership met in July and considered the legislative candidates on the general election bal-lot for 2012. After discussing the candidates’ voting record on business issues in general and infra-structure investment issues in particular, campaign contributions totaling $13,500 were awarded to 57 legislative candidates.

CONPAC, using the generous donations of its members, gives campaign contributions to Re-publican and Democratic candi-dates for the house and senate, both east and west of the river. CONPAC campaign contributions are based on candidates’ voting records (when avail-able) and input from AGC members, so your money goes to candidates who are supportive of highway construction issues.

CONPAC members and staff are now busy making appointments with these candidates to hand-deliver their campaign contributions. These face-to-face meetings are excellent ways to continue to build on existing relationships with legislators, and form new relationships with first-time candidates.

Two Oil and Gas Exploration Study Groups Form

The Legislature’s Executive Board created a special committee that will focus on the potential for more development of oil and gas wells in South Dakota. The committee’s initial assignment is to review South Dakota’s laws regarding ownership configurations, abandoned mineral interests, taxation and tax deeds.

Legislators, as they see the rapid expansion of oil and gas development in North Dakota, are seeking ways to make conditions more attractive in South Dakota for the energy industry. Legislators on the committee began their work by traveling to the current oil fields in northwestern South Dakota, where their toured drilling oper-ations and held public listening sessions. For their next meet-ing, they will travel to Bismarck to learn about oil and gas impacts in North Dakota, and what they should do to prepare.

The Executive Board placed 15 legislators on the oil and gas study panel. From the Senate they are Republicans Craig Tieszen of Rapid City, Larry Rho-den of Union Center, Ryan Maher of Isabel, Bruce Rampelberg of Rapid City, Tim Rave of Baltic and Nelson, along with Democrat Billie Sutton of Burke.

House members will be Republicans Betty Olson of Prairie City, Charlie Hoffman of Eureka, Tona Rozum of Mitchell, Melissa Magstadt of Watertown and So-lum, plus Democrats Dean Schrempp of Lantry, Paul Dennert of Aberdeen and Spencer Hawley of Brook-ings.

In addition to the legislative study committee, Gover-nor Dennis Daugaard’s administration has formed two work groups to gauge how much oil and gas explora-tion development might happen in South Dakota and prepare accordingly. The governor’s work groups will be looking at roads, water and sewer systems, hous-ing, education, healthcare, law enforcement, courts and government services. The work group will be composed of representatives from local governments, the state of South Dakota, and several legislators.

AGC staff is attending both the legislative study com-mittee meetings and the administration’s work groups this summer to make sure that infrastructure is includ-ed in planning.


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If you are not a member of CONPAC, please contact [email protected] today and ask for a pledge sheet. All CONPAC members are encouraged to participate in the Annual Meeting to be held telephonically on Wednesday, November 7, 2012. A well-funded CONPAC allows us to support candi-dates who support transportation investment and a good business climate. CONPAC, in concert with AGC Government Affairs efforts, allows us to be the voice of the construction industry. The more members who participate in CONPAC, the stronger our voice. Highway Funding Task Force Appointed

The Highway Funding Task Force has been appointed and will be scheduling its first meeting very soon. The focus of this group is to determine the steps necessary to convince legislators and Governor Daugaard of the need for increased highway funding. AGC’s consultant, MediaOne, has developed an RFP to launch a public relations campaign to reach those goals. More information on this very important effort will be communicated in the future.

AGC Launches HR & Labor Issues Committee

Recently, the AGC Executive Committee created the Human Resources & Labor Issues Committee to identify issues that may affect labor in the construction industry, assist members with labor oriented issues and create a relationship with SDDOL and SDDOT on labor compliance. Members of this committee are:

• Executive Committee Member – Mark Knight – Foothills Contracting

• AGC Staff – Toby Crow & Ben Holst

Members:• Amy Tlam – Muth Electric• Cheryl Deichert – Hills Materials• Gary Johnson – A-G-E Corporation• Greg Rutherford – Lien Transportation• Joan Millage – Soukup Construction• Kathleen Haan-Strong – Gage Brothers• Mike Runge – Runge Enterprises


Highway and Utilities Contractors Issues Meeting Registration Open The 2012 Highway and Utilities Contractors issues Meeting is scheduled for November 1-3, 2012 at the Miramonte Resort and Spa in Indian Wells, California.

The meeting will focus on new technologies, the elections and impact on the construction industry, MAP-21 implementation, environmental and other regulatory developments. Log on to: http://www.agc.org/cs/events/2012_highway_and_utilities_contractors and get registered!!

Supreme Court Rules on Healthcare Law On June 29, 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, President Obama’s healthcare reform law that went into effect in 2010. As a result, the law will remain in effect unless future legislation revokes any of the law’s provisions. Among other things the law requires employers with 50 or more workers to offer a qualified health insurance plan to employees by 2014 or possibly face a penalty. AGC did not support the law because of its inability to decrease the overall costs of healthcare.

Last year, AGC was successful in getting repealed from the Act a mandate that would have required all businesses to issue 1099 tax forms not only to independent contractors, but to any individual or corporation from which they buy more than $600 in goods or services in a tax year. For More information log on: http://www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform

Safety & Hill Professionals Advocate for a Safe and Healthy Work Environment In July, over 130 contractors traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the 2012 AGC Safety and Health Committee Meeting. In addition to the networking opportunities and forums with federal agencies, attendees received updates on legislative issues that directly affect the safety and health professionals in the construction industry. Attendees were also able to schedule visits with their congressional delegations.

During the congressional visits, the safety and health professionals addressed the industry and AGC’s strong and lasting commitment to safety, while also stressing the importance of taking a cooperative approach to safety. Cooperative relationships between the construction industry and OSHA help promote safe and healthy work environments. Attendees advocated that many proposed regulations could have a negative impact on the industry and should be reconsidered before being implemented.

Passage of Transportation Bill a Victory for Construction Workers President Signs MAP-21 Legislation

In June, Congress passed the transportation reauthorization legislation just in time to beat the June 30, 2012, expiration date. A one week extension (the tenth of its kind) was also approved to allow time for the legislation to be filed in the proper format. At a White House Rose Garden ceremony on Friday, July 6, President Obama signed the Moving Ahead for the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). MAP-21 extends highway and transit program authorization for 27-months – through the end of FY 2014 – and keeps funding at current levels with a modest inflation boost (1.4 percent) in FY 2013 and 2014. Authority to collect the federal motors fuels tax is also extended through the end of FY 2016. The reform provisions in the legislation, including environmental streamlining, transportation enhancement program changes, and program consolidation will not be implemented until Oct. 1, 2012. In a conference call with the major stakeholders following the vote, Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair


AGC of AmericaSAVE THE DATES

• Sept.30-Oct.3,2012AGCNational&ChapterLeadershipConf. Washington,DC• November1-3,2012AGC’sHighway&UtilitiesIssuesMeetingIndianWells,CA

• March5-9,2013AGC’sAnnualConventionPalmSprings,CA

Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) said she would like to take a few month hiatus from the bill, but added that Congress now needs to identify a new revenue source, which is needed to keep the Highway Trust Fund operating into the future.

AGC has contacted those senators and representatives who supported passage of the bill and thanked them for their vote. AGC also contacted the 53 representatives and 19 senators who voted in opposition to express our disappointment and reiterate the value these programs have to the long term viability of the US economy, global competitiveness and job creation

A World Without the AGC?

With demand for construction still relatively weak, materials prices on the rise, regulatory burdens growing and a future filled with too much uncertainty, it is tempting to focus on how things could be better. Ever since we introduced our first construction industry recovery plan in 2009, and then updated it in 2011, we have been spending a lot of time and energy at the AGC of America pushing for measures to help the construction industry thrive again. See the enclosed insert for the full story.

AGC Fact Sheet

There are several facts about the AGC of America that not every member knows about. Do you know when the AGC was founded or how many firms are represented? The answers are 1918 and represents 27,500 firms. Learn many more facts in the enclosed insert.

AGC of America PAC Supports Rep. Noem

During the Transportation Construction Coalition in Washington, DC in May, AGC members Nathan Reede, Mark Knight, Patty Nohr and Lynn Kading and Executive Vice President Toby Crow presented a $2,500 AGC of America PAC check to Rep. Kristie Noem (R-SD). AGC of America PAC has identified Rep. Noem as a “congresswomen who supports AGC and business friendly issues”.

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summer 2012 bulletin - sdagc. · pdf filemission statement: “the agc of south dakota and...

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