The Forum is Georgia Branch, AGC's weekly electronic newsletter developed in conjunction with the
Chapter's website to deliver timely industry, member and association news.
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Georgia Branch, AGC Safety and Health Committee members invite you to attend the AGC Safety Day 2008 conference on Friday, March 28 at the Gwinnett Civic Center in Duluth. Mark your calendar now!

The Chapter strongly believes a commitment to providing safe jobsites starts at the top of a construction company. All member employees, including senior management, are encouraged to attend this valuable day of instruction where you have an opportunity to learn best practices needed to insure a safe jobsite.

If you would like to plan now to sponsor this event or need more information, please contact Cherri Watson, Director of Safety, Education and Workforce Development at 678-298-4104.

Contacts for Contracts
including a Technology Marketplace
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Sheraton Buckhead Hotel
Atlanta
View Brochure or Register Online

Georgia Branch, AGC invites you to join other industry leaders for a valuable networking and relationship building opportunity. The industry's latest technology-related products and services are showcased and you can meet with their firm representatives.  

As you may know, the Chapter hosts several Contacts for Contracts events throughout the year. The August reception is in keeping with this format along with a Technology Marketplace as an added bonus. Regardless of your interest in technology, you’ll enjoy great food, door prizes and fellowship at this complimentary event. Plan to bring several of your co-workers and unwind after work on us!

For more information on this event, please contact Denise "DD" Latham, Meeting & Event Planner at 678-298-4118.

You can find detailed program information about the President's Tour dates by scrolling down to the Regional Events, Education and News for Members Around Georgia section in this newsletter.

President's Tour Dates

• West Central/Columbus - August 22 -- 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
• Southwest Georgia/Albany - August 22  --- 5:30 - 7:00 pm
• South Georgia/Valdosta - August 23 -- 7:00 - 8:30 am
• Central Georgia/Macon - August 23 -- Noon - 1:30 pm
• Northeast Georgia/Gainesville - August 28 -- 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

WASHINGTON -- Every summer, thousands of Americans are hospitalized for heat-related illnesses. Many of these cases are employees who work outdoors where heat stress is potentially dangerous. OSHA reminds all employers and employees nationwide about its safety and health resources, especially those offering best practices for working in hot weather.

The two most serious forms of heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion (primarily from dehydration) and the more severe heat stroke, which could be fatal. Symptoms include headaches, weakness, nausea and dizziness. Recognizing those warning signs and taking quick action can help prevent a fatality.

Working Outdoors in Warm Climates, an OSHA fact sheet offering advice on ways to protect employees against exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV), highlights precautions to take if working in extreme heat and explains how to protect against Lyme disease and the West Nile Virus.

OSHA's Heat Stress Quick Card lists tips on preventing many heat-related deaths and injuries. Available in English and Spanish, this laminated card is free to employers for distribution to their employees. It is a quick reference tool on heat-related illnesses, including warning signs, symptoms and early treatment.

Protecting Yourself in the Sun is a pocket card that explains how to perform self-examinations that may detect early stages of skin cancer. The card, available in English and Spanish.

These free publications and others related to outdoor job hazards can be downloaded from OSHA's Web site on the publications page or can be ordered by calling OSHA's publications office at (202) 693-1888. More information about sun and heat hazards can be found on OSHA's Web site, and from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

14th Annual Higher Education Fund Golf Tournament
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Frog at The Georgian
Villa Rica
Shotgun at 11:00 am
Awards Reception at 4:00 pm
View Brochure

You are invited to participate in the Chapter’s annual Higher Education Fund Golf Tournament that directly contributes to the quality of construction programs at Georgia Southern University, Georgia Tech, Southern Polytechnic State University, and Gwinnett Technical College. These programs are helping educate and develop the industry’s future workforce, making our member’s support and visibility with these colleges and universities a top priority.

Over the years, Georgia Branch, AGC members have donated more than $110,000 for student scholarships, faculty grants for continuing education, and new technology and other teaching resources. Each of these represents tangible ways we are demonstrating our commitment to improving the workforce shortage, attracting more people to the construction industry and supporting higher education construction programs.

While the golf tournament represents a fun day, at the same time, it fits into a larger workforce development initiative the Chapter is launching across the state. Please plan to arrive early and practice before the 11:00 am shotgun start. The day’s Awards Reception begins immediately after play.

For more information on this event, please contact Denise "DD" Latham, Meeting & Event Planner, at 678-298-4118.

U.S. Department of Labor's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace announces the National Drug-Free Work Week 2007 on October 14-20. Now is the time to start planning your firm's participation! The purpose of Drug-Free Work Week is to highlight how being drug free is key to protecting workplace safety and health and to encourage workers with alcohol and drug problems to seek help.

The true spirit of Drug-Free Work Week lies in activities conducted by individual employers and their employees. For specific suggestions on how businesses of all sizes can participate, see the Working Partners Web site’s list of Drug-Free Work Week ideas.

August 27-28, 2007
Georgia Branch, AGC's Training Center in Atlanta

Ever since initial discussions began, Georgia Branch, AGC has been the leader working with the Georgia General Assembly on a bill requiring contractors to be licensed in our state. To continue working in Georgia as of July 1, 2008, all residential, light-commercial and general contractors are required to hold a contractor license.

The Secretary of State's office began accepting examination applications in the spring. As a service to the Chapter's membership and industry, Georgia Branch, AGC is taking the extra step to offer a valuable 2-day contractor exam prep class. Along with the Atlanta classes, the instructor is offering classes in Macon at the Goodwill Conference Center and in Savannah at the Hilton Savannah DeSoto.

The Chapter staff is not handling registration for any of these licensing prep classes. Please contact Mr. Jud Johnson at the website below for details pertaining to this class. To learn more and to register, please visit www.contractorsseminars.com.

“If my people fail, I cannot succeed. If my people succeed, I cannot fail.” - Wolf Van Goth

The Leaders Course®
Join us in a city near you as we take this popular course on the road!
One 3.5 hour course, one-day a week for five weeks
View Brochure

• Atlanta session at AGC begins; Monday, October 1 (register online)
• Valdosta session at Austins Cattle Co.; begins Tuesday, October 2 (register online)
• Macon session at MaconPower Offices; begins Wednesday, October 3 (register online)
• LaGrange session at Hoofers; begins Thursday, October 4 (register online)

This is not a typical class where you check your brain at the door when you sit down to take notes. The Leaders Course is a hands-on training program in human relations and effective speaking. It teaches you to become an effective, charismatic leader in any situation. It's about learning-to-do-by-doing, participating, taking risks, and applying what you learn in and outside the classroom. Discover how to mine the gold you already own - your experience, background and personality - to become your "best self" during any leadership role. Use proven techniques to channel the nervous energy of old fears into exceptional presentation skills.

In five entertaining, interactive sessions, you'll take home and back to the office the real-world, practical tools you need to effectively speak, listen, conduct a meeting, manage a team, lead and motivate.

For more information on this course, please contact Shana Freeman, Administrative-Services Assistant
at 678-298-4112.

STP Unit 1: Leadership and Motivation
September 18-19, 2007
Georgia Branch, AGC Training Center
7:30 am - 5:30 pm each day
View Brochure

Supervisory skill—or the lack of it—directly affects every company’s bottom line. Everyday decisions made by every foreman and superintendent are crucial to the success or failure of every construction project. You make your money in the field. Or you lose it.

The Supervisory Training Program (STP) developed by AGC of America, is designed specifically to meet the needs of the construction industry. Developed, updated, and field-tested by and for contractors, the entire program consists of 12 units focusing on the knowledge and skills every supervisor must have to be an effective manager of people, time, equipment and materials. This is your opportunity to participate in one of the program units, prior to the complete STP being offered by the Chapter in 2008.

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Strategic Planning for Small-Medium Sized Firms
September 21, 2007
Georgia Branch, AGC Training Center
7:30 am - 4:30 pm
View Brochure

This program covers the essential skills and information needed to develop a successful strategic plan for small to medium sized firms. It covers the what, why, and how-to of strategic planning. Also, it focuses on the critical need for adequate financial information and controls – the essential part in any successful planning process.

The following courses are available through Georgia Branch, AGC's Education and Safety Program. To view a course description, click on its name. All courses are held in Atlanta at the AGC Training Center at I-75 and Windy Hill Road, unless otherwise noted. 

To view a listing of all currently scheduled courses for 2007, please click here.

August 15	Scaffold Safety	AGC
August 17	NPDES Stormwater Seminar and Exam	AGC
August 22	LEED 2.2: Preparing for LEED AP Exam (Full) Next available course - October 24	AGC
August 24	CPT: Trenching and Excavation	AGC
August 27-28	Georgia Contractor Licensing Prep Class	AGC
September 14	Fall Protection	AGC
September 18-19	Supervisory Training Program: Unit 1/Leadership and Motivation	AGC
September 18	Basic Blueprint Reading begins	AGC
September 20	CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens	Macon
September 21	Strategic Planning for Small-Medium Size Firms	AGC
October 1 - 4	Begin dates for The Leaders Course Roadshow	AGC Valdosta Macon LaGrange
October 3	Steel Erection	AGC
October 4, 11, 18	OSHA 30-Hour	AGC
October 5	CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens	AGC
October 12 or October 19	OSHA 10-Hour	AGC (8/12) Statesboro (8/19)
**Mark your calendars for Business of Successful Contracting . . . Secrets from the Experts. This informative 2-day seminar will be offered on November 6 & 7 at the Georgia Branch, AGC Training Center. Full management conference details will be available the first of September.

Georgia Branch, AGC proudly offers its members the following technology-related courses through a partnership with Evans Technology. Courses listed below are held at the Evans Technology Offices in Atlanta off Roswell Road.

• Planning and Scheduling with P3 - September 10-12
• Resource and Cost Analysis - September 13
• Managing Project Data - September 14
• Project Management - Basic Course - September 17-19
• Project Management - Advanced Course - September 20-21
• Managing Project Controls with Expedition - September 24-26

To view a listing of all currently scheduled courses for 2007, please click here.

For more information on any of the courses listed above or if you want to discuss adding a new course to meet your needs, please contact Shana Freeman, Administrative Services Assistant, at 678-298-4112.

The latest figures for July 2007 show the following project leads published for Georgia Branch, AGC members to review.

Building	114 or 74%
Civil	30 or 19%
Highway/Roads	11 or 7%
Utility	3 or 2%
Total Project Leads	155

For those of you who are familiar with the Daily Project Update service, you also know there is an ability to view plans and specs for the projects that are listed by subscribing to the AGC iSqFt Internet Plan Room. That's right - no driving to the plan room, looking for the right roll of plans or calling around town to locate the plans. All you have to do is subscribe to a very reasonable and valuable Internet Plan Room system and see everything pertaining to a project (including word search capabilities to determine if a certain trade is needed on a project) right there on your monitor. All aspects of what is online can be printed in many formats should you desire to do so in the comfort of your office.

If you are new to learning about Daily Project Updates, you can click here to see a sample of the information that is delivered each morning to a member's in-box. If you would like to begin receiving this daily update, please email Machell Harper with your name and company. She can set up an account for your email delivery and then email you back with your password and directions to use the service.

If you want to learn more about the Internet Plan Room geared toward Specialty Contractors and Suppliers in the industry or the Construction Office, which is specific to General Contractors, visit iSqFt or call 800-364-2059.

Audio Conference
Thursday, August 23
2:00 - 3:30 pm
View More Information

Registrants to the August 23 audio conference are eligible for a 50% discount on participation fees to AGC of America's September 20 Immigration Compliance Audio Conference. Consider enrolling in the latter to learn more about the No-Match letter rules highlighted in the lead story of this newsletter.

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) establishes minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards affecting nearly all employers. Construction employers have long struggled with applying exemptions to the Act’s overtime pay and minimum wage requirements, and sweeping changes to the regulations issued in 2004 have created new uncertainties. With collective actions on the rise and the potential for debilitating penalties for misclassification, employers are well advised to examine their practices to ensure compliance.

Join us for an interactive audio conference to review the rules and help employers apply them in a construction-employment context.

Employment lawyer John E. Thompson is explaining the requirements of the so-called “white collar” exemptions – including the executive, administrative, professional, outside sales, computer employee, and highly-compensated employee exemptions – and is specifically address how they apply to the particular job classifications most troublesome for construction employers.

South Georgia/Valdosta Region

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Thursday, August 23, 2007
7:00 am - 8:30 am
Holiday Inn Valdosta Conference Center
Valdosta
View Brochure

Georgia Branch, AGC 2007-2008 Chapter President Rick Allen of R. W. Allen & Associates, Inc. is preparing to travel the state on his President's Tour. Board members in this region are joining Rick on the Tour to discuss important issues facing members and the industry. They are interested to learn what is on your mind about the Chapter and how we can do a better job of meeting your needs. Consider bringing several of your co-workers with you so they can learn first hand about the Chapter's services and activities and get acquainted with Chapter staff and board members.

For more information on all President's Tour Meetings, please contact Denise "DD" Latham, Meeting and Event Planner at 678-298-4118.

Southwest Georgia/Albany Region

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Wynfield Plantation
Albany
View Brochure or Register Online

Georgia Branch, AGC 2007-2008 Chapter President Rick Allen of R. W. Allen & Associates, Inc. is preparing to travel the state on his President's Tour. Board members in this region are joining Rick on the Tour to discuss important issues facing members and the industry. They are interested to learn what is on your mind about the Chapter and how we can do a better job of meeting your needs. Consider bringing several of your co-workers with you so they can learn first hand about the Chapter's services and activities and get acquainted with Chapter staff and board members.

Spouses/guests and all company associates are invited to attend.

For more information on all President's Tour Meetings, please contact Denise "DD" Latham, Meeting and Event Planner at 678-298-4118.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007
4:30 - 6:00 pm
Albany Technical College
Albany
View Brochure

You are invited to attend a Special Joint Meeting and Planning Session for the 2007-08 school year. This is a follow up to the brainstorming session Southwest Georgia Alliance members held in June. The goal for the meeting is to put together the goals, strategies and specific tactics the group wants to accomplish in addressing the industry’s workforce shortage needs. 

Who attends:
* Georgia Branch, AGC general contractor and specialty contractor members
* Georgia Branch, AGC senior staff members
* CEFGA representatives (Construction Education Foundation of Georgia)
* SGCMC Members (South Georgia Construction Maintenance Council)
* Local high school and technical college instructors and school officials

You are welcome to attend even if you have not participated in previous workforce development alliance meetings. There is no charge for attending.

To RSVP your attendance and/or receive more information, please contact Cherri Watson, Director of Safety, Education & Workforce Development at 678.298.4104.

An OSHA 10-Hour Course starts in Macon on August 10 from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm at the Goodwill Conference Center. (Online Registration or Printable Registration Form)

A CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens Course is schedule for Central Georgia area members on September 20 at the Goodwill Conference Center. (Online Registration or Printable Registration Form)

The Leaders Course® starts in Macon on October 3 from 1:00 - 4:30 pm at MaconPower's Office. See above article Graduates commend The Leaders Course for invaluable leadership training for more information. (Online Registration or Printable Registration Form)

For more information on these courses, please contact Shana Freeman, Administrative Services Assistant
at 678-298-4112.

Thursday, August 30, 2007
4:30 - 6:30 pm
Baldwin County High School
Milledgeville
View Brochure

You are invited to attend a Special Joint Meeting and Planning Session for the 2007-08 school year. This is a follow up to the last meeting Central Georgia Alliance members held in May. The goal for the meeting is to put together the goals, strategies and specific tactics we want to accomplish in addressing the industry’s workforce shortage needs in our area. 

To view a summary of the May meeting, please click here.

Who attends:
* Georgia Branch, AGC general contractor and specialty contractor members
* Georgia Branch, AGC senior staff members
* CEFGA representatives (Construction Education Foundation of Georgia)
* Local high school and technical college instructors and school officials

You are welcome to attend even if you have not participated in previous workforce development alliance meetings. There is no charge for attending.

To RSVP your attendance and/or receive more information, please contact Cherri Watson, Director of Safety, Education & Workforce Development at 678.298.4104.

West Central Georgia/Columbus Region

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Northeast Georgia/Gainesville Region

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