Largest Projects in San Diego County…AGC’s  2007 Build San Diego Should be Outstanding!!!
By Jim Ryan
AGC Executive Vice President 

The San Diego Business Journal recently published a listing of the “Largest Construction Projects” in San Diego County completed or undertaken during the past 12 months.  The list is really a listing of the largest commercial/institutional general building projects completed or undertaken during the past 12 months….it ignores the huge general engineering projects that are underway in San Diego and certainly misses some of the larger commercial/institutional projects that were missed for one reason or another …but it is still an interesting list that highlights the county’s strong construction market.  See the April 30, 2007 issue of the SD Business Journal.

An AGC Build San Diego Awards Program form is attached…..we expect a record number of entries this year……Build San Diego is an opportunity for the industry to show the entire area the impact that our industry has on San Diego’s economy and the quality of life that our industry provides for the citizens in San Diego.  The deadline for entries is September 10, 2007 by 5 PM.  The Build San Diego Awards Luncheon will be held November 1, 2007 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.  Over 500 business leaders and public officials as well as industry professionals are expected to attend.  A four-color magazine featuring the finalists will be published and distributed to several thousand leaders in San Diego as part of Build San Diego.

Now let’s look at some interesting facts from the Top 40 list. 

Of the 40 projects listed, only 5 of the projects were constructed by non-AGC San Diego members.  Those projects were #7, #23, #25, #32, and #40. Two of these projects were built by the same firm, so only 4 contractors out of the top 40 were not AGC members.

The project sized ranged from $215,000,000 to $14,500,000.

Only 11 out of the 40 projects were completed by contractors signatory a union agreement.  The signatory contractors were typically signed with only one or two unions. (and we wonder why developers are reluctant to sign Project Labor Agreements!)

The total contract value of the 40 projects was $2,083,580,810  The average value was $54,089,520.25.  The median value was $36,356,704. AGC members completed 91% of the total value….non AGC members completed only 9% of the total value (Perhaps the 4 contractors could do better next year if they would join AGC!)

13 of the projects were owned by public owners or a public/private partnership (32%)….27 or 68% were owned by “private sector” owners.

Anyway…it appears to me that these “are the good ‘ol days”…..there are many areas of the country in which these statistics would represent a five year run not a one year run….

So….enjoy it, and we will see you and your project(s) at the Build San Diego Awards Luncheon November 1^st.

 

Labor Rates Published

The labor rates for the crafts that are negotiated by the AGC are now published on the AGC Web Site…
www.agcsd.org

….click on “Labor”  and then “Wage Rates.”  Negotiations are underway with the Laborer’s- Engineering Agreement, the Operating Engineers Agreement, and the Teamsters…so those rates are not available.  Questions? Contact Marcy Knopman at 858.731.8162 or at mknopman@agcsd.org.

 

One More Shot at the Big Box 5
By Jim Ryan
AGCSD Executive Vice President

Well….last week Council Members Peters, Hueso, Frye, Atkins, and Young, the Big Box 5, finally delivered the “bread” for the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and the AFL-CIO.  They did it at the expense of Wal-mart and to a certain extent, our industry.  These five voted to ban the construction of “Big Box” stores…especially if they sell groceries in a non “bulk” manner.  Councilmember Donna Frye said this was a simple “zoning” type issue.  We all know it was a simple ”union” issue.  AGC is opposed to this ordinance because we do not want to set the precedence for the City Council to extend their “social engineering” through the manipulation of construction projects.  What is next…..the AFL-CIO approval for any new development in San Diego based upon the labor relations policy of the firm that will occupy the new building?

At the end of the day, Wal-mart will probably sponsor a voter initiative that will override the Council….who is expected to override the Mayor’s veto of this issue.  The vote will cost thousands, and the Council will be placed in the interesting position of battling lower food prices with the voters who are likely to vote for the Big Box construction.

Councilmembers….many of us would characterize your situation as being “boxed in” politically….Next time an opportunity like this comes along, I suggest you tell the proponents that the 5 of you are busy trying to repair the water main breaks that are closing San Diego’s streets on a regular basis…like the one on Balboa Avenue which was closed last week because of a 50 year old water main break caving in the street while you were voting on the “Big Box!”      

 

2007 Legislative and Policy Positions Approved by AGC’s Board of Directors

At its May 31^st Board Meeting, AGC’s Board of Directors approved our Legislative and Policy Positions for 2007 (see attachment).  These positions are an effective advocacy tool, one that helps AGC remain the “voice of the construction industry”.

If you have any questions about the 2007 Legislative and Policy Positions or would like to make recommendations for next year, please contact Brad Barnum at bbarnum@agcsad.org.

 

Continuing Education for Human Resource Personnel

The AGC Human Resource Practices Committee is offering three, 3-Hour Seminars for all members dealing with HR and Employment Issues, including office and field supervisors, foreman, etc.

This Year’s Seminar Topics Include:

·         June 14, Key-Note Speaker:  Linda Aguilar, Deputy Labor Commissioner discussing O.T. Laws and Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Classifying Mistakes.

·         September 20, Employment Law Updates including Meal & Rest Period Rules.

·         December 6, Critical Work Shop for Field Supervisors in Dealing with Problem Employees and Developing Progressive Discipline Procedures

See the registration form attached and fax to Rae Krushensky at 858-731.8157.

 

Affiliate Day Golf Tournament is over 60% Sold Out! Don’t Delay…Register Today!

Attached to this Monday Morning Quarterback, please find forms for registration and sponsorship for the 2007 AGC Affiliate Day Golf Tournament scheduled for Monday, August 6, 2007. 

The event is already over 60% SOLD OUT! So we encourage those members that plan on this event each year to complete your registration form as soon as possible.
Registration Form

 

“AGC Education & Training….Building a Solid Foundation”

UPCOMING AGC CONSTRUCTION EDUCATION & SAFETY CLASSES

JUNE
Construction Education Classes
Microsoft Excel Formulas & Functions – June 12
HR Mini Series – Begins June 14th
Web CM - June 19
CPM Scheduling – June 20

Safety Training Classes
Trenching & Excavating- June 13
Crane Awareness – June 16
OSHA 10 Hour – June 18
CPR/First Aid- June 27   

Upcoming in July
Sure Trak – July 12
Blueprint 102- July 10
CQM- July 17-18 (Contractor Quality Management)
Fall Protection – July 18

 

JUNE
June 12 – Affiliate Council Meeting – 12 PM
June 20 – Public Building Liaison Meeting – 7 AM
June 21- Specialty Contractors’ Council Meeting – 11 AM
June 22- Electronic Age- 7 AM
June 25 – Airport Liaison Committee Meeting 11 AM at Airport
June 27 – County Liaison Meeting – 1:00 PM

 

 UPCOMING AGC EVENTS
June 19 – Baseball Bash and Padres Game – SOLD OUT!
July 20 – Day at the Races
August 6 – Affiliate Day Golf Tournament – Singing Hills- 60% SOLD OUT! Don’t delay, register today!
November 1 - Build San Diego Awards