City Council Opposes Toll Road in Orange County, But What was Accomplished?
By Brad Barnum, Vice President Government Relations 

Last Tuesday, the San Diego City Council voted 6-2 to endorse a Resolution that will help effectively kill a vital toll road project in Orange County.  The question we have for the council members is, “Why was it necessary to weigh in on something that is essentially an Orange County issue?”

Background

It’s been since 1981 that a toll road through south and east Orange County was placed on the county’s Master Plan of Arterial Highways to support expected growth.  That anticipated growth has occurred, and during the past six years there has been an extensive analysis of eight alternatives.  One alternative has emerged that is the least environmentally damaging and avoids impacts to military operations at Camp Pendleton.

 

The toll road will extend SR 241 at Oso Parkway in southern Orange County to I-5 at Basilone Road on the extreme northern end of Camp Pendleton.  The toll road will help with the congestion problem in Orange County and will provide an additional hospital access route, reduce local emergency response time, and would dramatically increase safety to the public in the event of a natural disaster or incident at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station.

 

City Council Action

 

Over the past several months, environmentalists and members of the surfing community worked hard to convince some of the city council members to tour the proposed project and its impacts.  Unfortunately, neither the Orange County Transportation Corridor Agency (spearheading the project), nor the construction industry, were contacted.  In fact, neither group heard about Tuesday’s consideration of the Resolution until it was much too late to make an impact.  You would think we would be contacted, since contractors are responsible for building this vital project.  Who would be more aware of the environment protections and storm water requirements that are built into every single project?  The construction industry!

 

What was Accomplished?

·                      A resolution from the City of San Diego, which is not directly impacted by the Toll Road

·                      A vote opposing an issue primarily in Orange County, which is supported by the Board of Supervisors and the  Mayors and City Councils of 18 cities in Orange   County

·                      A “congratulatory” hug between Council Members’ Frye and Maienshein

·                      A standing ovation from 50 surfers and environmentalists

What was not Accomplished?

·          A vote on an issue relative to San Diego City residents

·          Meaningful dialogue on pending infrastructure needs, such as the backlog of projects

·          A meeting with the construction industry, who are the builders of infrastructure

·          Goodwill between the City of San Diego and Orange County Officials

Need we say more?  San Diego City Council….fix our infrastructure here in San Diego!

The Toll Road is not even Safe in Congress!

As we reported to you a few months ago, Congresswoman Susan Davis has put in an amendment in the House Department of Defense Authorization bill that would change existing federal law and impose state law on the Department of Navy’s ability to approve easements on military property.  The passage of this amendment would effectively kill the proposed toll road.

The Senate is now considering its own version of the Defense Authorization bill.  There is a possibility that the Davis amendment could be put into the bill, and if that is the case it would most surely end up in a final bill that goes to President Bush.  However, we understand that there isn’t much support from Senators Boxer and Feinstein to introduce the amendment.  AGC of America will be meeting with Senator Feinstein’s staff on Tuesday and will reiterate our position.

Even without the amendment in the Senate bill, there still is a risk that it will be passed during Conference Committee, where differences between the House and Senate versions are considered.  With that being said, we will be prepared to “lobby” the Conference Committee members and activate a “Call to Action” to our members.  Stay tuned…

 

AGC Tech Briefing- November 14th

Trends, Standards and Best Practices in Construction Technology

The Technology Trends in Construction Committee of the San Diego Chapter AGC presents a moderated expert panel discussion created to educate our industry on the trends, industry standards, and best practices in construction technology from a General and Subcontractor perspective.  The expert panel will consist of industry experts from local and national construction companies and vendors who will share their knowledge as it relates to the following areas:

Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Digital Plan Distribution
On-Screen Takeoff
Estimating Systems
Scheduling & Project Management
Paperless Technology
Hardware Systems & Networking

The San Diego Chapter of the AGC has just recently formed a Technology Trends in Construction Committee chaired by Ed Wenz of Reno Contracting and the Committee has decided to put on this Tech Event on November 14^th from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM at AGC (breakfast and lunch are included). This will be the first event of its kind in the San Diego construction industry, and we are anticipating a great attendance.  This is sure to be great exposure for you and your respective companies. 

This first event is more of a tech briefing where each of you will be a member of the expert panel discussing trends, standards and best practices in construction technology as it relates to your area of expertise. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Mandy Parent, Data Net Solutions, Inc., 760-466-1200, mparent@4datanet.com, Jessica Kovack, AGC Staff, 858-874-8560 Ext. 11, Jessica@agcsd.org, or Ed Wenz, Reno Contracting, 619-220-0224, edwenz@renocon.com, should you have any questions or need additional information. Please see attached registration form.

 

AGC’s Mixer on the Midway- October 12th
By Jim Ryan, AGCSD Executive Vice President 

You know…..sometimes those of us living in San Diego do not really appreciate this City!!  There are nearly 100 AGC Chapters in the United States….and I am willing to bet none of them are holding a sponsored cocktail party/mixer on an aircraft carrier on a beautiful harbor in their downtown on Friday October 12^th.  My guess is that most AGC members throughout the country will get in their cars on the 12^th, go home, turn on the news, order a pizza(and it will be cold when it is delivered), watch a sitcom or two and fall asleep in the big chair in the family room by 9:00 pm!!!

AGC San Diego members…..on the other hand…….have the opportunity to attend the AGC Mixer on the Midway beginning at 5:30 pm on Friday October 12^th and enjoy sponsored appetizers from the French Gourmet, a sponsored full bar, and watch the sunset from the deck of the USS Midway.  You will also be able to view the exciting exhibits on the Midway decks (both upper and lower) while enjoying the evening with several hundred AGC members. 

Remember….the construction industry…especially in San Diego, is a relationship industry…..and there is no better place to meet the industry than at an AGC Mixer…especially on board an aircraft carrier.

The AGC Mixer on the Midway sponsors are:

• ABD Insurance Services

• The Carlin Law Group

• Cement Cutting, Inc.

• Echo Pacific Const., Inc.

• Johnson, Barnes & Finch, Inc.

• Rossin Steel Co, Inc.

This mixer also requires a $15 per person admittance fee….which will be donated by AGC to the Midway Foundation.

So…..this is a perfect opportunity for AGC firms to offer their employees a great evening in downtown San Diego on an aircraft carrier….for a $15.00 per person donation to one of San Diego’s main attractions….and your employees can make the relationships that are so key to success in our industry.  Remember…..we encourage members to allow their entire staff to attend….your estimators, PM’s, PE’s, office administrative staff, superintendents …anyone that you feel would enjoy the evening and benefit form meeting those that you do business with…..the Midway had over 5,000 sailors on it when it was at sea….so there is plenty of room!!!!

So…..you can join those AGC members in Iowa and Michigan and all the other states and have cold pizza in front of the TV on Friday October 12^th, or you can enjoy an evening on the Midway for $15 in downtown San Diego.!!!!

Click here for registration form and fax to (858) 558-8444 or e-mail to raek@agcsd.org.

 

Build San Diego- Awards Banquet Luncheon- November 1st

The AGC membership is invited to attend the Build San Diego Awards luncheon, which will be held Thursday, November 1, 2007 beginning at 11:00 AM at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, downtown. Over 400 members and guests are expected to attend this event, which features the “best of the best” of San Diego’s construction projects during the past two years. The membership competed in the following categories:

• Building Construction- Public

• Building Construction- Private

• Unique Small Project- Public

• Unique Small Project- Private

• Heavy/Highway

• Unique Special Project

In addition, AGC traditionally invites public and private sector owners and our political leaders to this event.  We encourage all members to attend this award banquet luncheon. Please see attached registration form.

 

AGC San Diego Young Constructor’s Forum (YCF)…..an Opportunity to Develop the Future Leaders of the Industry
By Jim Ryan, AGCSD Executive Vice President

AGCSD Education and Training Committee Chair Byron Klemaske, TB Penick & Sons, Inc., recently announced the formation of a Young Constructors Forum (YCF) within the AGCSD.  YCF has been a part of several AGC Chapters throughout the country in recent years.  The YCF Program allows employees of AGC member firms that to have an opportunity to play a significant role in the industry and to learn leadership, networking, and other essential career building skills. 

The AGC of America formed YCF a number of years ago when it became apparent that most individual members who were actively participating in Chapter activities and programs were mid-career and beyond. A program that focused on individual members early in their careers was obviously needed. 

AGC San Diego’s Education and Training Committee was tasked by the AGC Board to consider the formation of a YCF Program.  The Committee studied other YCF Programs and concluded that the successful programs provided a combination of seminars and training sessions, combined with opportunities to socialize and network with their industry peers/leaders.  However, the Programs that were “top of the class” also carved out significant responsibilities that allowed the YCF participants to become engaged in industry programs that truly helped to improve the industry.  The Education and Training Committee understood that designing a YCF Program that was relevant was a key to a successful effort.

The Committee has planned a strong program for YCF.  As YCF grows and matures, this program will no doubt be enhanced.  The YCF participants will be encouraged to set the direction of the Program, but to get the Program started, it was felt that defining some areas of responsibility was important.  The AGC San Diego YCF Program participants will be responsible for the following AGC Activities:

1. Liaison with AGC Student Chapter at SDSU.

SDSU’s JR Filanc Construction Engineering and Management (CEM) Program is now in its second year.  The strong CEM Programs around the country also have strong AGC Student Chapters.  The Student Chapter provides a connection to the industry that is difficult to provide without an organized program that has heavy industry support and participation.  YCF will be tasked with presenting to the Education and Training Committee a plan each year to insure AGC San Diego members are engaged in the SDSU Student Chapter and that a strong student chapter exists each year at the University. 

2. Reno Competition

Each year, construction engineering and management programs from throughout the country compete in what has become known as the Reno Competition.  This event is held annually in Reno, Nevada and is sponsored by a number of construction firms.  Each University team that competes is involved in putting together an estimate for a project and presenting their plan to build the project to a panel of contractors.  Winning this competition is very prestigious.  In order to compete successfully, the student teams are required to spend several months preparing, usually under the supervision and “coaching” of experienced mentors from the industry.  The AGC San Diego YCF Program participants will be responsible for providing the coaching for the SDSU team.

3. Junior Achievement’s Biztown

The AGC San Diego Board of Directors and the AGCSD Education and Training Committee have made a long term commitment to the Junior Achievement’s “Biztown,” which is a “village” in which up to 12,000 5^th graders each year will visit and learn how business works. The AGC’s “Construction Company,” one of the storefronts in Biztown, along with several other high profile San Diego businesses and associations. All YCF participants will be asked to volunteer for at least one day per year at the AGC “Construction Company” in Biztown.  They will work with the “CEO” and other “employees” of the “Construction Company” to build and sell the constructed product that is part of the program.

4. AGC Scholarship Program

The AGC San Diego has greatly enhanced its scholarship program in the past year.  The YCF participants will be responsible for interviewing and selecting a portion of the recipients of the AGCSD Scholarships.

5. Local Seminars

AGC’s YCF participants will also work with the AGC Education and Training Committee to bring speakers that will focus on politics, technology, design and engineering innovations, etc., to the YCF meetings.  The goal will be to enhance the YCF participants understanding of key industry issues.

6. Networking

YCF will also provide opportunities for participants to network on a local, statewide, and national basis with other YCF participants.  AGC of California has an ongoing program, and we anticipate joint meetings taking place.  There will also be opportunities to participate in national YCF activities.

While this sounds like a great deal of activity, the leaders of the YCF understand that time is a valuable commodity.  Participation in YCF Programs is designed to give participants some outstanding opportunities without interfering in their work or family life. 

Remember…..construction is a “people” business, and YCF will assist in helping build important skills for all participants.

A YCF participation form is attached.  Omar Rodeo from JR Filanc Construction Co., Inc., who has been an active participant in the AGC California YCF Program will Chair this effort.  YCF will be staffed by Ryan Famularo, AGCSD’s Professional Development Coordinator. For more information, contact Ryan at (858) 731-8155.

If you are interested in participating in this new and exciting committee, please see the attached form.

 

IMPORTANT –AGC- San Diego Chapter 2008 Membership Directory Updates
We are in the process of compiling your company’s information for the 2008 AGC San Diego Chapter Membership Directory.

If your address, phone/fax or contacts have changed since last year’s directory, simply click here to make any necessary changes.

Please Note: Membership Updates are due November 1st

Thank you!

Any questions, please contact Marcy Knopman, Director of Communications at mknopman@agcsd.org, or phone: (858) 731-8162

Advertising in the Directory:

A Naylor representative will be contacting you regarding advertising opportunities in the 2008 Membership Directory. We encourage you to allocate a part of your advertising dollars to support AGC-San Diego Chapter’s 2008 Membership Directory. For more information on advertising, please contact Jason White, Naylor, LLC, 800-369-6220 x 6970 or JaWhite@naylor.com
 

 

“AGC Education & Training….Building a Solid Foundation”
The latest AGC Education Catalog (July – December 2007) is now posted on our website.
CLICK HERE FOR CATALOG 

Safety Training Classes
OCTOBER
Fall Protection – October 10  Click here for flyer / Click here to register
OSHA 10-Hour – October 15 Click here for flyer / Click here to register
CPR/First Aid – October 31 Click here for flyer / Click here to register

Construction Education Training Classes
OCTOBER
Estimating Mini Camp Oct 3, and 4, 5 Click here for flyer / Click here to register
Estimating Boot Camp (one day) – October 5 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register
Communication Skills- October 11 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register
SureTrak – October 11 and 12 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register
Advanced SWPPP Training – October 16 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register
CPM Scheduling – October 17 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register
CQM – October 18-19
Real Estate Workshop – October 18 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register
Blue Print Reading 102 – 4 sessions starting October 23 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register
Green Building Workshop- LEED – October 24 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register
Microsoft Outlook – Level Two – October 30 – Click here for flyer / Click here to register

 

All committee meetings are held at AGC unless indicated otherwise

OCTOBER
Oct 1- San Diego Port District @ Port 11:30 AM
Oct 3 – Safety Meeting – 7 AM
Oct. 4- Builders’ Exchange- 12 PM
Oct. 9  - Affiliate Council – 12 PM
Oct 18 – Specialty Contractors’ Council – 11 AM
Oct 19 – Caltrans Liaison – 8 AM
Oct 25- Meetings & Events- 12PM
Oct 29- Airport Authority @ Airport- 11 AM

AGC Toastmasters- Every other Wednesday- 7 AM at the Roel Training Center. Click here

For more information, please contact the President of Toastmasters for AGC, Mandy Parent at mparent@4datanet.com

 

UPCOMING AGC EVENTS

October 11- Meeting with Public Agencies and AGC Economist Ken Simonson- at AGC- registration form
October 12- Midway Mixer- click here for registration form
November 1 - Build San Diego Awards  invitation (takes a few minutes to download)
November 14 – AGC Tech Briefing – 8 AM-1PM
December 1- Holiday Dinner Dance- Hotel del Coronado
December 13- Annual Meeting- Hilton Mission Bay

SAVE THE DATE – 2008  
Spring Conference in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – April 17-20, 2008 –click here for brochure