Georgia AGC - News Releases

2012 Week 4 Legislative Report
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2012 Week 3 Legislative Report
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2012 Week 2 Legislative Report
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2012 Pre-Session Report
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Summary of Georgia's Immigration Law
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Georgia Branch, AGC Installs 2011-2012 Board President and Officers
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Georgia Branch, AGC Announces 2011-2012 Board of Directors
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Georgia's Annual Outdoor Burn Ban Begins May 1
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2011 Legislative Post Session Summary Report
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2011 Week 12 Legislative Report
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Immigration Reform Dominates Final Days of Legislative Session
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Passage of Ethics Reform Bill is Great News for Business Community
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Who's A Lobbyist? According to State of Georgia, Employees of Any Business Are!
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Week 6 Legislative Report - Immigration, Immigration, Immigration
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Immigration Debate Under The Gold Dome
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2011 Week 4 Report
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2011 Pre-Session Report
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Election Day is Around the Corner; Make Sure You Get Out and Vote
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2010 Final Legislative Session Report
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Fact Sheet: Lead Based Renovation, Repair and Paint (RRP) Program
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2010 Post Session Report
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 12
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 11
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 10
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 9
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 8
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 7
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 6
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AGC Chief Economist delivers sobering update at Legislative Event
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 5
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New EPA Certification Required by April 22, 2010 for Lead Paint Repair & Renovation
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 4
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 3
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 2
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Nominations Due January 29 for AGC Safety Awards
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2010 Legislative Report - Week 1
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2010 Georgia Construction outlook varies by sector
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YLP Completes Renovation of Injured Veteran's Home
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Ruling in Local Court Case is Win-Win for Contractors Across America
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Immigration Compliance Guidelines Affect Contracts with Owners and Subcontractors
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Highlights to Changes in LEED Credentialing
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Georgia Branch, AGC Site Safety Van Program Marks Half-Million Milestone
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Post Legislative Summary
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Week 7 Legislative Report
During the last few days there has been a tremendous amount of activity under the Gold Dome. Thursday, March 12, will be the 30th day of the 2009 legislative session, which is the final day for legislation to pass its body of origin (either the House or Senate) and be considered by the other chamber during the 2009 session. Bills that don't pass out of their chamber of origin are still eligible for consideration next year.. Learn More
22,000 workers participate in training program to save lives and prevent injury
Commercial construction sites across the state of Georgia today ceased all work to hold a safety stand down where crews received critical safety training on fall protection. The program was developed by the Georgia Branch of The Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. (AGC), with the full support of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).. Learn More
Legislative Session Reports
Link to current Georgia Branch, AGC Legislative Reports. Learn More
2009 Lien Law Changes
In the Summer of 2008, the Georgia Legislature passed Senate Bill 374 and thereby made the most sweeping changes yet to the Georgia lien laws. These changes, which go into effect on March 31, 2009, have wide-ranging impacts. The required forms for perfecting and releasing lien rights have been changed. Timeframes and notice requirements have been altered. A new claim of lien form is required. New procedures for various lien law measures have been introduced, and old procedures have been varied and, in most cases, improved. . Learn More
$1.2 Billion State Deficit Dominates Legislative Session
Governor Perdue reported Georgia?s top challenge is to balance a new state budget in today?s very tough economic climate. Governor Perdue responded to our state?s $2.2 billion revenue shortfall in the current fiscal year with a 10 percent reduction in state spending through June 30, and is now promoting a "slimmed-down" $20.2 billion annual budget for fiscal year 2010. . Learn More
2009 Pre-Session Legislative Report
Can Everyone Under the Gold Dome Get Along? The upcoming Legislative Session convening on January 12, 2009 is the first of a two-year cycle and is sure to be busy and unique for a host of reasons. . Learn More
Thousands Participate in Chapter's Inaugural Safety Stand Down
On Friday, August 8, 2008 at 7:00 am for one hour, 65 host commercial contractors from all corners of Georgia representing over 400 jobsites all at the same time shut down their jobsites to participate in the industry's first statewide and industry-wide Safety Stand Down.. Learn More
Employees Can Bring Guns to Work Under New Law
The new Georgia "Business Protection and Employee Privacy Act," effective July 1, 2008, expanded the places where licensed gun owners can carry concealed weapons in Georgia. Parts of this law expand the rights of licensed gun owners to carry their weapons in public places, such as on public transportation, in state parks and recreational areas, restaurants that serve food and alcohol, and other places. But, this law also includes provisions of particular interest to employers. This article focuses only on the employment aspects of this new law. . Learn More
New NPDES Permits Approved
60 Days to Comply from August 1, 2008 release date. Learn More
2008 Final Legislative Session Report
Wednesday, May 14, 2008 marked Governor Perdue's deadline for signing 2008 legislation into law, vetoing legislation or allowing legislation that passed both the House and Senate to become law without his signature. In the end, the Governor vetoed 17 pieces of legislation resulting from the 2008 Legislative Session, including two bills covered in this report, HB 978 and HB 1217.. Learn More
Burn Ban Begins May 1, 2008
May 1 marks the official start of Smog Season in Georgia. For 54 counties throughout the state, that means the annual ban on open burning will be in effect once again. In the interest of public health, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will be enforcing the ban through September 30, . Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC Wins Chapter of the Year!
AGC of America names Georgia Branch, AGC their Chapter of the Year!. Learn More
2008 Post Legislative Session Report
On Friday April 4, 2008 the Georgia General Assembly concluded a legislative session high on drama, but in the end, short on results. Of the "big" three issues -- water, transportation funding and tax reform -- only water made it to the finish line with the passage of the Statewide Water Plan. Partisan bickering wasn?t to blame. Learn More
Crane Safety Doesn't Happen by Accident
Georgia Branch, AGC holds forum to bring attention to safety practices for tower cranes.. Learn More
2008 Legislative Report - April 2
Wednesday, April 2, 2008 is the 39th legislative day of the 40 day session. The 2008 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly is scheduled to come to an end (Sine Die) on Friday, April 4, 2008 unless a new adjournment resolution is passed this afternoon. Much has occurred since our last report, and much more is pending as we finalize this report. . Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC 2008 Legislative Report - March 26, 2008
Thursday, March 27 marks the 35th day of this year's 40-day session of the Georgia General Assembly. . Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC 2008 Legislative Report - March 14, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 was cross-over day for the 2008 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly. More than a 1,000 bills and resolutions died because they did not pass out of their legislative body of origin (House bills out of the House and Senate bills out of the Senate) by the 30th legislative day. In the words of Georgia Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson, "be aware, even bills that 'die' in committee can be resurrected as an amendment to another bill. Like a vampire, no bill is dead until the gavel comes down on Sine Die.' Thus, this is the time of the year when the legislative process begins to get real interesting. . Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC 2008 Legislative Report - February 27, 2008
The 2008 legislative session has now passed the halfway mark with the House and Senate reconvening on Tuesday February 26, 2008 for the 23rd legislative day. This year?s session started with a flurry of bills introduced impacting Georgia?s water. The prime focus has now shifted to tax reform and transportation.. Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC 2008 Legislative Report - February 13, 2008
Water, tax reform and transportation continue to be major themes addressed during the 2008 Legislative Session. Legislation recognizing Georgia?s new Statewide Water Plan (HR 1022) was passed by both legislative chambers early in the session and signed into law by the Governor last week. . Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC 2008 Legislative Report - February 6, 2008
On Tuesday, February 5, 2008 the Senate debated and passed HR 1022, which officially recognizes and supports the new Statewide Water Plan. The Governor has indicated he plans to sign this much needed legislation as early as this afternoon. Water and water-related issues continue to be major themes addressed during this session. . Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC & GUCA File Suit Against Gwinnett County
Associations believe complying with Gwinnett County's new immigration ordinance places contractors in the position of violating federal law. Learn More
New release of ConsensusDOCS contracts is poised to change the industry
The release of ConsensusDOCS represents the first time broad industry representation has had an equal voice in collaboratively drafting construction contracts. The unprecedented buy-in for these contracts reflects a genuine effort to identify and employ best practices to better the industry. . Learn More
Department of Homeland Security Publishes Final No-Match Rule
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule on so-called "no-match letters" on August 15, 2007. A "no-match letter" is a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA) informing an employer that employee name and social security numbers (SSNs) submitted on W-2s do not match SSA records or a letter from DHS informing an employer that an immigration status or I?9 document presented by an employee was not assigned to that employee according to DHS records. The rule takes effect on September 14, 2007.. Learn More
Georgia's Immigration Reform goes into effect July 1, 2007
Georgia's SB 529, which was passed during the 2006 Georgia General Assembly, went into effect July 1, 2007. Large companies, contractors and subcontractors that employ more than 500 employees, and enter into contracts with state and local governmental entities are now required to participate in the Employment Eligibility Verification Program.. Learn More
Immigration Debate Continues on the Senate Floor - AGC Supports Forward Movement but Concerned with Some of the Bill's Content
The Senate continues the debate on a comprehensive immigration reform bill. The structure of a good bill is in place, though there are many details which remain a concern for AGC of America and Georgia Branch, AGC. Association staff at a national and state level continues to work to improve the bill and fight against content that negate the main principles of the legislation. . Learn More
AGC Members Support Local High School Construction Programs in Central Georgia
The group, known as the AGC Central Georgia Workforce Development Task Force, includes representatives of AGC member firms, as well as teachers and supervisors from seven local construction training programs. The idea is - If contractors take an interest in and support local high schools and technical colleges that teach construction, those schools will become stronger and more students will go to work with the companies that are involved with their schools.. Learn More
Immigration Turmoil and Contractors: What's a Contractor to Do?
While Congress appears paralyzed to adopt a new comprehensive immigration policy that controls illegal immigration and meets workforce needs and political leaders seem content to allow the immigration issue to be used as a political punching bag, construction contractors and other U.S. industries unable to find enough employees willing to work are left in a quandary.. Learn More
Checklist on Lien Rights and Bond Rights in Georgia
Payment problems are inherent risk factors for general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in the construction industry. Georgia law provides protection for those furnishing labor and material on private construction projects and public construction projects. The following checklist is intended to assist attorneys in protecting their clients' legal rights.. Learn More
Central Georgia Workforce Development
Georgia Branch, AGC members in Macon and surrounding areas met recently at the Macon Chamber of Commerce to consider a unique solution to the problem, looking to local high schools and technical colleges to help address their worker shortages. . Learn More
Taking the Lead on LEED
Georgia Branch, AGC recently held a course called Take the Lead on LEED. This course helped the industry learn more about green building and specifically the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance,. Learn More
AGC Position on Immigration Debate in Congress - July 2006
U.S. Immigration System is Broken; Comprehensive Immigration Reform Needed Key Points (1) The construction industry has been growing quickly and will face a worker shortage; (2) AGC advocates for the creation of a new guestworker program; (3)We must create an opportunity for earned legalization for the estimated 10-12 million undocumented workers in the U.S. who are vital contributors to our economy with a system that will improve our nation�s security. (4) The verification process should be simplified with proven programs that are gradually implemented to ensure accuracy in the results; (5) Employers should not be the immigration police: any new sanctions on employers should include good faith provisions and fines should be capped.. Learn More
Employer Duty to Protect Employees Against Heat Hazards
While federal OSHA does not have a standard relating to the hazard of heat, it regulates heat in the workplace under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)). Heat is a "recognized" hazard to human safety and health. OSHA requires employers evaluate whether a heat hazard exists. If a heat hazard exists, employers must develop means and methods to protect employees from heat hazards. . Learn More
Immigration Reform Summary
New Regulation proposed by the Bush Administration through the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the hiring of Illegal Aliens ---- AGC of America has been pushing for comprehensive immigration reform in Congress. Unfortunately, the Senate and House have passed very different immigration reform measures. At this stage, it is unlikely Congress will reach an agreement on a legislative proposal that provides meaningful reform before the November elections. . Learn More
New tax deduction for contractors under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004
What was introduced as a tax break for manufacturers, the Domestic Production Activities Deduction a.k.a. the "Production Deduction" could also be called the "Construction Deduction." For qualifying construction activities, taxpayers may be able to reduce their effective tax rate by three percentage points when the new deduction is fully phased in.. Learn More
Contractors see results of strong GA growth
Area contractors don't exactly pore over U.S. census figures, but they know when times are flush for the industry. "We hear there is a lot of work on the books," said Niel Dawson, executive director of the Atlanta chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors Inc. (IEC). "Getting work isn't the problem -- finding people with good work ethic and skills has been the challenge." . Learn More
Contractor Licensing Application & Enforcement Deadline Extended
While new time frames have been established for the state's contractor licensing law, Georgia Branch, AGC strongly encourages all contractors who meet the examination exemption criteria of the new contractor licensing law to begin or continue preparing their applications and submit it to the Licensing Board at the Secretary of State's office. . Learn More
2006 Post Legislative Session Report
This Post Session Summary will give you a quick recap of some of the major pieces of legislation Georgia Branch, AGC was involved in during the 2006 General Assembly. We will be preparing a much more detailed report on these bills and many others after final action is taken by the Governor. He has 40 days after receiving legislation that passed both the House and Senate to act; meaning he can sign the legislation into law, veto the legislation, or allow the legislation to become law without his signature. Georgia Branch, AGC once again scored victories for the construction industry by passing pro-construction legislation and preventing legislation detrimental to our industry from being passed. AGC owes a debt of gratitude to our legislative sponsors and the many allies who assisted in the legislative process. Listed below is a summary of some of these issues:. Learn More
Week 9 of the Georgia General Assembly...
Today, Friday, March 24, 2006 marks the 37th day of this year's 40-day session. The pace of work kicked into high gear about a month ago, but legislative action is moving at warp speed now. This legislative session has been as active as any in recent memory regarding issues that impact the construction industry. AGC has testified many times on issues impacting the construction industry over the past two weeks, and we are well positioned to close out the session on a positive note.. Learn More
Week 8 of the Georgia General Assembly brings out multiple hot issues for Georgia contractors
This past week of March 6-10, 2006 was, by far, the busiest time to date for AGC during the current Georgia General Assembly session. We testified multiple times during the week, moving our pro-active agenda closer to the finish line. On Wednesday, March 8, AGC had four bills, HB 1385, SB 529, SB 414 and SB 510, up for debate on either the House or Senate floors. Each of these bills has a direct impact the construction industry. . Learn More
2006 Weeks 6 & 7 Report
As the 2006 Georgia General Assembly recently passed the half way mark of the 40 day session, things have begun to move at a much quicker pace. Legislation must pass out of its body of origin (House or Senate) and cross-over to the other chamber by the 33rd day in order to remain eligible for consideration. Immigration, lien rights, private inspection and plan review are all industry issues that are up for debate.. Learn More
Ted Hudgins, Manhattan Construction Co. to receive the Golden Hammer Award
The Atlanta Chapter of the Professional Construction Estimators Association of America (PCEA) began awarding the Golden Hammer Award in 1982. Proceeds from the annual Golden Hammer Award banquets have established more than 60 scholarships to Georgia Tech, Southern Polytechnic University, Georgia Southern University and the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia (CEFGA). This year��s event will take place April 21, 2006 at the Galleria. To obtain additional information regarding this event, please send an e-mail alex@acmillwork.com. . Learn More
2006 Week 5 Legislative Report
AGC continues to primarily play defense on a number of bills that could be very detrimental to the construction industry. We are also coming off of a tremendously successful 6th Annual Building Georgia Joint Legislative Reception that we hosted with the leadership and members of AIA and ACEC at the Georgia Aquarium. The February 7 event was the talk of the Capitol last week. . Learn More
2006 Week 4 Legislative Report
As we closed out Week Four of the 2006 Legislative Session, AGC has primarily played defense, while continuing to respond to Senator and Representative requests concerning constituent questions on the new residential and general contractor licensing law. Learn More
Legislative Report for Weeks 2 & 3 of the Georgia General Assembly
Construction Plan Review: Georgia Branch, AGC has been scrambling the past two weeks to put together proposed legislation that will allow private architects and engineers to provide plan review services when a governmental entity either can not, or will not provide timely plan review.. Learn More
Legislative Report for Week 1 of the Georgia General Assembly
AGC is well positioned to represent the interests of the construction industry during what most insiders are calling a "get-in-and-get-out" legislative session. However, there are major issues that have surfaced in the legislative arena, and if not addressed appropriately, they could have a major negative impact on our industry.. Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC's 2006 Pre-Session Report
National Events and 2006 Elections Will Play a Major Role in Georgia's Upcoming Legislative Session. The Georgia Branch, AGC is coming off another successful legislative session. In 2005, we passed our pro-active legislative agenda including contractor licensure and sales and use tax reform. The new licensing board is hard at work developing the rules and regulations to implement the new licensing law, and the department of revenue is working on . Learn More
Georgia U.S. Representative leads fight to help contractors with immigration issues
Washington, DC - On the evening of Friday, December 16, 2005 the House of Representatives passed H.R.4437, The Border and Immigration Enforcement Act, by a vote of 239-182.. Learn More
AGC Prevails in court; ruling stops Reverse Auction Bidding for construction services
On November 10, Georgia Branch, AGC, was victorious in a court case that will set a precedent for governmental entities to consider before utilizing reverse auction bidding for construction services. The chapter led the charge to uphold the state��s public works law by initiating legal action against the City of Statesboro in Bulloch County Superior Court. Learn More
Comment by December 13, 2005 on changes to state's Construction Manual
As Georgia Branch, AGC has been reporting since this past summer, Governor Perdue issued an Executive Order and the General Assembly enacted legislation which supports the development of the State Construction Manual and requires its completion by January 1, 2006.. Learn More
Contractor License Summary, Implementation Timeline, Appointment of Board Members
On May 9, 2005 the Georgia Branch, AGC participated in our second contractor licensure signing ceremony with Governor Perdue, completing the two-year legislative effort to create residential and general contractor licensing in the state of Georgia. HB 1003 passed in 2004 and SB 124 passed in 2005, which has resulted in a new Chapter of Georgia Law O. C. G. A. § 43-41-1, et seq. for general & residential contractor licensing. . Learn More
GCs at risk more than they may know
Contractors, especially general contractors, are exposed to greater risk than ever. The insurance industrys quest for profitability has had a huge impact on many contractors and may even have a detrimental effect on the entire construction industry. . Learn More
Department of Homeland Security Issues Re-Branded Form I-9
On June 21, 2005, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a new, re-branded Form I-9. The changes in the new Form I-9 are largely cosmetic and not substantive, despite what some consultants may claim. Specifically, the new form replaces outdated references to the Department of Justice with references to the Department of Homeland Security and shows a new revised date of �05/31/05� rather than �11/21/91.�. Learn More
General Assembly provides clarity on changes for Contractors within Georgia's Sales & Use Tax Provisions
Under Georgia Law, a private contractor assumes the sales and use tax liability (actually the use tax) on the fair market value for equipment or material purchased by a tax-exempt government entity, if they install such equipment or materials on behalf of the governmental entity . . .. Learn More
State Construction Manual
Governor Perdue issued an Executive Order and the General Assembly enacted legislation which supports the development Georgia's State Construction Manual and requires its� completion by January 1, 2006.. Learn More
June Construction Spending Shows Mixed Patterns Says Economist
Enactment of Highway and Energy Bills Should Give Long�Term Boost to Construction. Learn More
Contractor Licensing Law, SB 124, Signed into Law
On May 9, 2005 AGC participated in a signing ceremony for SB 124 with Governor Sonny Perdue and Senator Mitch Seabaugh. The event represents a multi-year industry-wide effort led by AGC, to raise the bar for practice as general and residential contractors, and to stop the proliferation of local license requirements in Georgia. . Learn More
Georgia EPD Expands the Summer Burn Ban to 54 Georgia Counties
The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) ban on open burning resumes May 1, and this year nine new counties have been added to the list of 45 counties already subject to the annual ban. . Learn More
Will Construction in the U.S. and Georgia Thrive or Dive in the Rest of 2005?
Construction has been one of the driving forces for economic expansion in the last few years. Will construction lead the way in 2005? Or will a slower pace of home building drag down the overall industry? And how will materials costs behave in 2005?. Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC Co-Hosts an Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Seminar
Together with AGC of America and EPA, Georgia Branch, AGC hosted an Environmental Management Systems Seminar on April 12 & 13, 2005 at the Atlanta EPA Regional Offices.. Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC 2005 Post Session Summary
The Chapters Pre-Session Report was titled Change Can Be Good. The title was reflective of the 2002 and 2004 election results, which brought the state of Georgia its first Republican Governor in more than 100 years . . .. Learn More
Construction Springs Ahead in Activity, Jobs, Earnings and Orders
The value of construction put in place totaled $1.047 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate in February, the Census Bureau reported today. The total was the 13th straight monthly record and marked a gain of 0.4% from the downwardly revised total for January and 10% from February 2004. . Learn More
Construction Defect Crisis Produces Coverage-Restricting Endorsements
Georgia Branch, AGC contractors are currently discussing at length issues surrounding habitational exposure. This article highlights many issues that contractors should continue to be aware of in todays climate.. Learn More
OSHA: Hazard Seen In Quick-Coupling Excavator Attachments
OSHA is considering updating an information bulletin issued in August that warned about the hazards.... Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC's 2005 Legislative Week 10 Report
The 2005 Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly is winding down to a close, with the targeted date for sine die scheduled for Thursday, March 31, 2005. Learn More
Georgia Branch, AGC's 2005 Legislative Week 9 Report
AGC pushes its number one priority, SB 124 -Contractor Licensure, across the finish line. SB 124 passed the House of Representatives and now awaits the Governors signature.. Learn More
Contractor Licensing & Sales Tax Moving Strong through General Assembly
Great progress has been made with two of Georgia Branch, AGCs main proactive legislative issues, Sales & Use Tax Liability and Licensing, during these last days of the 2005 session. . Learn More
GEORGIA BRANCH, AGC'S 2005 LEGISLATIVE WEEKS 7 & 8 REPORT
AGC has had a very busy couple of weeks since our last report, including amending HB 312, which will.... Learn More
GEORGIA BRANCH, AGC'S 2005 LEGISLATIVE WEEK 5 REPORT
As the session continues, and we approach the halfway mark of the 40-day session,. Learn More