Inland Northwest AGC News

Monitor and Protect Your Jobsite with EarthCam

Cheryl Stewart — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:44:16 GMT

Losing valuable supplies and assets is all too common at jobsites. In today’s economy, with shrinking margins, controlling such losses is critical to your profitability. Many construction companies are using EarthCam to remotely view their jobsites.

EarthCam’s webcam technology and software enables you to monitor your sites, manage projects in real-time, document construction progress, and promote your projects to the public. The high-definition cameras can be viewed live from any computer or mobile device.

Through our partnership with NPP our members will be able to access this popular business solution at discounted rates.

Among other EarthCam features that benefit construction companies are:

24/7 on-location security
Live streaming webcam technology
Time-lapse documentation
Project management tools
Qualified installation experts

Through NPP, Inland Northwest AGC members receive 25% discounts on Earthcam’s monthly service and cameras. Whether you need live-streaming video or security cameras, EarthCam offers a variety of affordable options. The Work Zone Cam, for example, is available for only $2,740, down from the normal cost of over $3,600.

You can learn more by viewing the EarthCam Solutions for Construction Companies flyer.

You can also attend a coming EarthCam webinar to review how construction companies are using this technology to support their business. The webcast is scheduled for Thursday, April 26 at 1 pm (EST). You can register for the webinar by following this link.

To take advantage of this new AGC benefit and access EarthCam discounts:

Login to www.mynpp.com with your username and password
Select “EarthCam” from the vendor list
Select link at top “Click Here to Begin the Enrollment Process”

If you have any membership inquiries, feel free to contact NPP any time at customerservice@mynpp.com or 800.810.3909.

Asbestos still Imported, Used in the U.S.; Product Labeling not Required

Cheryl Stewart — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:31:28 GMT

Asbestos is the general term given to six natural, fibrous, silicate minerals. It is derived from a Greek word that means “inextinguishable.” For commercial use, the minerals are milled and separated into very thin fibers used in a wide variety of products. It may be surprising to know that asbestos is still being imported and used in manufacturing in the United States.

Although asbestos was banned in certain products and applications by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the mid 1970s and early 1990s, and is no longer mined in the U.S., there are still numerous products containing asbestos. In addition, many products containing asbestos may not be labeled as such. Building materials containing asbestos could exist in your homeundefinedeven if built after the 1970s

Roof repair, room expansions, flooring and ceiling updates are just a few of the repairs or renovations that could result in exposure to asbestos. Once airborne, microscopic asbestos fibers can remain in the air for a long time. The result is the possibility of inhaling these fine particles, potentially causing serious illness such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and/or lung cancer. There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure.

If any type of repair, renovation, remodel or demolition is planned for your workplace or home, it is the law in most situations to have a survey conducted to check for suspected asbestos-containing materials. If the survey reveals asbestos, the asbestos-containing materials that will be disturbed during the renovation or demolition must be properly abated. Failure to survey and abate could result in a fine and potentially slow down the project, and more importantly create a health hazard.

During routine inspections, asbestos compliance issues have been observed during carpet replacement, wall removal, relocation of exhaust stacks, disposal of a boiler, dismantling of an oven, disposal of fallen cement asbestos board siding, and repair of a roof.

Asbestos fact sheets and a list of businesses that provide asbestos survey, testing and removal services are available at Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency’s website, www.spokanecleanair.org.

In terms of products, the primary products banned by the EPA were spray-on materials that contained asbestos, such as fireproofing, pre-molded insulation, and popcorn/decorative ceilings and use in commercial buildings. Many of us are probably familiar with the term “popcorn ceiling.” It is the most recognized form of asbestos-containing materials, but what we may not know are all the other products that may contain asbestos.

The list below includes some of the products that may contain asbestos. Some may contain 90% or more asbestos. It’s important to be aware of what to look for before making product purchases. When reviewing the product contents, you probably won’t see the term “asbestos” listed, instead you may see the asbestos minerals by name: actinolite, amosite, anthophylite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and/or tremolite.

The most common are amosite and chrysotile. Unfortunately, in some cases there may be no mention of "asbestos" or any of the asbestos minerals by name. If you don’t want to use products containing asbestos, look for products labeled “asbestos free” or check the ingredients for the asbestos minerals listed previously. In addition, notify your local hardware stores that you want product choices that do not contain any asbestos.

If you have questions about asbestos, please check Spokane Clean Air’s website or call us, 477-4727.

Here are some of the products not banned that may contain asbestos. Some may contain 90% or more asbestos.

Asbestos-cement corrugated sheet
Asbestos-cement flat sheet
Asbestos clothing
Pipeline wrap
Roofing felt
Vinyl-asbestos floor tile
Auto transmission components
Asbestos-cement shingle
Millboard
Asbestos-cement pipe
Clutch facings
Friction materials
Disc brake pads
Drum brake linings
Brake blocks
Gaskets
Non-roofing and roof coatings

AGC Secures Supreme Court Victory in Fraud Case

Cheryl Stewart — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:53:19 GMT

The Washington State Supreme Court rules as requested by AGC that contractors are not precluded from suing project owners in court for fraud, even where a contract exists between the parties.

On March 29, 2012, the court issued its ruling in the Elcon Construction vs. Eastern Washington University case. While Elcon did not get the trial they sought, the court did endorse the request sought by AGC under an Amicus brief. In short, the Court overruled a decision by a lower court that stated contractors could not bring fraud claims in tort against construction project owners because the contractor’s only remedy should be those available under the contract.

Together with the AGC of Washington and the Oregon-Columbia Chapter, the Inland Northwest AGC submitted an Amicus brief on this issue. This is a substantial victory for the entire construction industry and provides much needed protection from unscrupulous project owners.

Your AGC will continue to work on your behalf in cases such as these to help ensure your success.

For more information, please see the report from Rob Crick about the Court’s decision. Read the Courts opinion here.

Advertising Available in the 2012-2013 AGC Membership Directory & Buyer's Guide

Cheryl Stewart — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 21:49:42 GMT

The AGC is once again preparing to publish its annual membership directory, which will be distributed to hundreds of companies throughout our region.

AGC advertising rates offer something in every company's price range.

The AGC's Directory is the best way to get your advertising message in front of hundreds of local construction industry professionals. The directory is used by many on a daily basis and is distributed to:

AGC Members
Owners
Developers
Industry Associations
Government Officials

Advertising in the directory has never been easier. There are opportunities that fit every budget.

NEW THIS YEAR - All advertisers will receive 6-months free online ad space. A $500 value!

Download the advertising form today. Contact Cheryl Stewart at (509) 535-0391 with any questions.

DOT Fraud Alert

Cheryl Stewart — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 19:33:06 GMT

It has come to our attention that the attached DOT communication is again circulating and we wanted to ensure our members are aware of this issue.

Many requests for "Financial Information" are being received by telephone, fax, email, etc. Do not respond to these requests. They are a hoax.

Please be aware that any business related information required by our office will have been sent with Western Federal Lands Highway Division (WFLHD) letterhead and have a contact name for questions. The only time we will request financial information is in relation to a specific contract you have with us. We do not request financial information to be a prospective contractor or to submit a bid proposal or quote.

If you have additional questions about the fraudulent DOT communication, please visit the following DOT page.

http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/contracting/other/fraud-alerts.htm

North Spokane Corridor Submitted For Nearly $19 Million in Federal Tiger Funds

Cheryl Stewart — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:32:11 GMT

Spokane Mayor David Condon today expressed his thanks to Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington State Department of Transportation for including the North Spokane Corridor in the state’s request for Federal TIGER funding.

The state is requesting $18.9 million in TIGER funds for the next phase of the Spokane project, which is the Spokane region’s top transportation priority.

“Our community leaders have once again come together to advocate for this critically important transportation project, resulting in this new grant request,” says Mayor Condon. “My personal thanks go out to everyone who has worked on this project, but particularly to U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire.”

Consistent, unwavering support from leaders from business, labor organizations, community groups, and local government has allowed this project to move ahead, the Mayor noted.

The North Spokane Corridor will help grow and maintain Spokane’s economy and create jobs. The project preserves Spokane’s role as a hub for distribution and transportation and strengthening a significant U.S.-Canada freight route. The project will vastly improve safety while enhancing the movement of goods. The project also reduces air pollution and provides congestion relief.

The next phase of the project will cost a total of $31.5 million.

AGC Elects 2012 Board of Directors

Cheryl Stewart — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:28:19 GMT

The AGC is pleased to announce it has elected the following to your 2012 Board of Directors (only newly elected or renewing directors are listed):

President: Robert Askins, Graham Construction & Management
1st Vice President: Carl Stewart, Frank Gurney, Inc.
2nd Vice President: Vince Campanella, Lydig Construction
General Contractors: Mike Reilly, Cameron-Reilly, LLC and Steve Sunleaf, T.W. Clark Construction.
Construction Employers: Maurice Piersol, Piersol Construction
Associate: Jeff Guy, Ash Grove Cement Co.

AGC Presents 9th Annual Tom Mauer Safety Award

Cheryl Stewart — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:27:36 GMT

The Inland Northwest AGC presented its Tom Mauer Safety Award at its annual convention on Friday, February 3, 2012. This year's award was presented to Torben Begines, Cobra Building Envelope Contractors, for his commitment to safety and to the AGC.

The Tom Mauer Safety Award was established by the AGC Board of Director's to be given to an individual and/or company that has an accomplished safety program, a safety program of commitment from the top down. The recipient must be active in the AGC Safety Committee and must actively assist the Inland Northwest AGC Chapter, AGC members and Safety Directors in the development of their individual company safety programs. The recipient must be a leader in the field of jobsite safety, respectful of others and serve the needs of others with humility.

AGC Presents Judy Rapp with SIR Award

Cheryl Stewart — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:26:57 GMT

During the 2012 Annual Convention, the Inland Northwest AGC awarded Judy Rapp, Payne Financial Group, the S.I.R. Award. The highest honor bestowed by the association, the S.I.R. award is a lifetime achievement award standing for "Skill, Integrity and Responsibility."

“This is not an award we give out every year. In fact, the last time we awarded the S.I.R. Award was three years ago,” said Wayne Brokaw, executive director of the Inland Northwest AGC. “The award is given only when it is truly deserving undefined as in Judy’s case. She is an outstanding example of someone who understands the importance of service to her community.”

Judy has served both the association and the industry for many years. Currently serving as the associations Treasurer, she has also served as an associate Board member, education committee member and as an instructor for the AGC Education Center. One of the association’s biggest advocates, Judy never fails to promote the AGC to others in the industry and has always been willing to step-up and lend her time and energy to helping the AGC forward its mission.

AGC Presents 2011 Build Northwest Awards

Cheryl Stewart — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:08:39 GMT

The Inland Northwest AGC presented its 2011 Build Northwest Awards for project excellence on Friday, February 3, 2012 during its annual convention at the Davenport Hotel. These awards recognize excellence in construction throughout the Inland Northwest.

“The AGC Build Northwest Awards recognize the region’s premier projects, large and small," said AGC Executive Director Wayne Brokaw. "Today’s winners embody the industry at its best and we are proud to recognize their accomplishments."

Projects are judged by an independent panel on the following criteria: Meeting the challenge of a difficult job; excellence in project management; contractor’s innovation in construction techniques or materials; contractor’s state-of-the-art advancement; contractor’s sensitivity to the environment and surroundings; excellence in client service; contractor’s contribution to the community; and safety.

Hagadone Event Center

T.W. Clark Construction

Award Category: Building (Under $10 million) - New Construction

Owner: Hagadone Hospitality Co.

Architect/Engineer: Guy Dreier Designs & Longwell+Trapp Arch. / DCI Engineers

Contract Amount: $4,000,000

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: A.M. Hardware, Advanced Fire Systems, Ark Commercial Roofing, Arrow Concrete & Asphalt, Cameron-Reilly, Coeur D’Alene Acoustics, Coeur D’Alene Paving, Dayspring Construction, Division 9 Finishes, Drywall Specialties, Dupree Building Specialties, Energized Electric, GB Tile, Gargoyle Granite & Marble, Intermountain West Insulation, Ironstone, MJ’s Painting, Modern Glass Company, Nelson Fabrication, Pauletto Trucking & Excavation, The Plaster Shop, Pristine Pools & Spas, RL Jacobs Plumbing, Segmental Systems, Tapley Cabinet Works, Tombari Structural Products, Tyko Mechanical and United Crown Pump & Drilling.

Project Description: A new wedding and event center at the Coeur d’ Alene Resort Golf Course located on Coeur d’ Alene Lake. The 11,700 s.f. event center was positioned to maximize the incredible views of Coeur d’ Alene Lake. It features 200 feet of sliding glass walls that retract to open the event floor to the outdoors and add 6000 s.f. of patio to the event floor area. It is highlighted by four fireplaces, tile floors, private bridal and groom suites with custom built furniture and finishes, state of the art sound and lighting systems, a swimming pool, beach and lawn areas, a floating wedding platform and reflection pond, and incredible landscaping complete with 20,000 petunias and 5,000 junipers.

Broadview Dairy Remodel

Garco Construction, Inc.

Award Category: Building (Under $10 million) - Renovation

Owner: Huckleberry Bay Company

Architect/Engineer: Patsy O’Conner / Structural Forte

Contract Amount: $2,232,500

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: MJM Grand, Inland Asphalt, Modern Drywall, ProHeating & Air Conditioning, Mackin & Little, Fire Control Sprinkler Systems, Arc Electric.

Project Description: The Broadview Dairy was one of several commercial dairy operations established in the Spokane area around the turn of the twentieth century. This renovation was done for the G.S.A. (U.S. General Services Administration) and its ICE (Immigration Division). The exterior of the building was cleaned and repainted and the building sign was repainted to its original glory. A high security parking lot was installed using an architectural pleasing masonry and steel fence. The north and east sides of the building were protected with steel bollards with decorative caps two of which were electrically operated to allow entrance to an overhead door. The electrical service was completely replaced using state of the art equipment and a generator was included that could power the entire building in case of power outage. The HVAC and plumbing fixtures and equipment were completely removed and replaced with the most modern and project specific products. The old roof was replaced with a new membrane roof including R-30 insulation.

I-90 – Eastern Region Bridge Deck Repair

West Company, Inc.

Award Category: Highway & Transportation

Owner: Washington State Department of Transportation

Architect/Engineer: Dan McKernan

Contract Amount: $989,708

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Trafficorp, Sharpline Industries, Shamrock Paving, Premium Hydro, Pavement Surface Control, PR Systems, Aero Power Vac, A-Core, Adams & Clark.

Project Description: This project required that West Co. construct concrete overlays of 4 bridge decks, including removal of asphalt, concrete milling and hydrdemolition, replacement of concrete decks, expansion joints, asphalt paving, pavement marking and traffic control.

Lower Monumental Navigation Lock Downstream Lift Gate Replacement

Dix Corporation

Award Category: Special Project

Owner: United States Corp of Engineers

Architect/Engineer: United States Corp of Engineers

Contract Amount: $13,800,000

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Thompson Metal Fab., Lampson International, S & S Coatings, Rhodes Crane, Oxarc.

Project Description: The Lower Monumental Navigation Lock Downstream Lift Gate Replacement Project consisted of the fabrication, transportation, and installation of a new downstream lift gate. The project consisted of the fabrication to ASME D1.5 fracture critical welding criteria of a 1.4 Million pound lift gate measuring 85 feet wide by 89 feet tall. The gate was fabricated in 3 pieces, loaded onto a barge and shipped approximately 250 miles up river to the dam site. The old gate was removed and the new gate installed using a Lampson LTL-1200 Transi-lift Crane. Field crews welded the 3 gate pieces and installed new lift cables, seals and gear boxes. The project was installed during an unprecedented extended river system outage in the winter months.

University Of Idaho Dan O’Brien Track And Field Complex

Poe Asphalt Paving, Inc.

Award Category: Sub-Contractor Project

Owner: University of Idaho

Architect/Engineer: Bernardo Willis Architecture (Bob Willis) / DCI Engineering (Scott Rivas)

Contract Amount: $2,100,000

Project Description: This project required Poe Asphalt, as the sub-contractor, to lay a base course and a top course of asphalt pavement that would become the foundation for a new running surface, all while adhering to the tight tolerances required by the NCAA for track and field surface specifications.

Caterpillar Parts Distribution Center

Central Pre-Mix Concrete Company

Award Category: Supplier

Owner: Caterpillar International

General Contractor: Clay Corp.

Contract Amount: $3.2 Million

Project Description: Central Pre-Mix Concrete Co. was awarded the materials on a new 576,000 sq.ft. Caterpillar Parts Distribution Center near the West Plains of Spokane, WA. The project included over 1.2 million square feet of 8” concrete in both the building floors and concrete paving around the building.

The Dalles Lock and Dam Miter Gate Replacement

Dix Corporation

Award Category: Out-of-Area

Owner: United States Corp of Engineers

Architect/Engineer: United States Corp of Engineers

Contract Amount: $27,100,000

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Thompson Metal Fab., Northwest Structural Movers, Swaggart Brothers, Inc., Nuprecon, Intermountain Electric, Lampson International, Oregon Ironworkers.

Project Description: The Dalles Dam Miter Gate Replacement Project consisted of the fabrication, transportation, and installation of the new downstream miter gate. The project consisted of fabrication to ASME D1.5 fracture critical welding criteria of a 1.8 million mechanically complex miter gate measuring 110’ wide by 106’ tall. Fabrication operations took over 7 months to complete on a 3 shift, 24 hrs/day basis and consumed over 120,000 man hours of labor. Each massive leaf was fabricated as a whole unit and was loaded onto a barge and shipped approximately 90 miles up the Columbia river, through the locks at Bonneville Dam to the Dalles Dam site. The 1.5 million pound existing gate was removed and the new gate installed using a Lampson LTL‐1100 Transilift Crane. This crane was configured to lift over 1,000,000 lbs. and included a 2,400,000 lbs. counter weight. Field demolition, lock improvements and new gate installation took place 7 days a week, 24 hours a day over a 4 month period. The project was completed without a single day of delay despite field work taking place during the harsh Columbia River Basin winter.

Lower Monumental Navlock Monolith 14 Wall Repair

Max J. Kuney Company

Award Category: Small Project

Owner: Army Corps of Engineers

Architect/Engineer: Army Corps of Engineers

Contract Amount: $1,100,000

Major Subcontractors & Suppliers: Connell Sand & Gravel; Drill Tech; Staton Demolition

Project Description: The Lower Monumental Dam project was a challenging fast track project for the Army Corps of Engineers with unmovable deadlines. The project was awarded in November 2010, and had a mandatory completion date of February 13, 2011. The project consisted of removing and repairing a wall section at the inside/bottom of the navigation lock during an entire Snake River navigation lock outage. In order to complete the work, heavy equipment and materials had to be lowered 160’ down into the lock using a Lampson 1400 ton Transi-Lift Crane. This was a unique project with unusual working conditions that Max J. Kuney Company completed and exceeded the owner’s expectations.

National AGC Safety Awards Entry Forms Now Available

Cheryl Stewart — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:26:55 GMT

Recognizing AGC Contractor Members for Safety Excellence Since 1926, the National AGC Safety Awards (NASA) program has been an ongoing effort to offer AGC members an opportunity to evaluate their safety record. NASA compares a member's safety record with other AGC members according to the member size and construction type. Additionally, NASA provides a great opportunity for contractor members to compete for nationally recognized awards that have excellent safety records.

The Inland Northwest AGC also presents local safety awards to honor those companies in our region that go above & beyond to maintain a safe workplace. This program compares companies in the same division on a local level.

Safety awards are given to members who have an incident rate 25% below each division's average and members who have a zero incident rate in the following divisions: Building, Highway, Heavy/Industrial, Municipal/Utilities and Associate/Specialty.

We strongly encourage all of our members to fill out and return the entry form. In order to be eligible to receive an award, you must have applied for the previous 3 years. You can see that in order to be eligible, if you have not been entering, now is the time to start. This application only takes 10 Minutes to fill out and return.

Imagine being able to use as a marketing tool “Recipient of the 2011 National AGC Safety Award.” You have worked hard to achieve your safety status, why not get the recognition you are due? The only way this can be done is to begin applying today and continue annually.

Download the form today - must be returned to the AGC no later than January 15, 2012.

President Makes 3 Percent Withholding Repeal Law

Cheryl Stewart — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:53:41 GMT

President Obama this morning signed into law the 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act. The law permanently repeals the requirement that federal, state, and large local governments begin withholding 3 percent of each payment of $10,000 or more to a contractor after January 1, 2013. Today’s bill signing is the culmination of a five-year effort by AGC, chapters, members, and industry stakeholders to repeal the 2006 provision.

On Nov. 16, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill, clearing the measure for the President. The bill passed by a vote of 422 to 0, and follows a 95 to 0 vote in the U.S. Senate on Nov. 10.

During the repeal campaign, AGC chapters and thousands of AGC members heeded the call and sent letters, made phone calls, and met with their representatives and senators in their Capitol Hill offices and at home to educate Congress on why this law needed to be repealed.

New Law Affecting Coal Tar Pavement Products

Cheryl Stewart — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:06:24 GMT

Washington State has passed a new law that will affect pavement contractors and those who manufacture, sell, and distribute pavement products.

RCW 70.295, passed in 2011, prohibits the sale and application of coal tar pavement sealants in Washington State. Studies have identified coal tar sealant as a potentially important source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Under the law, a retailer may not sell coal tar pavement products after January 1, 2012, and no person may apply a coal tar pavement product on a driveway or parking area after July 1, 2013.

For more information on the new law, contact the Washington State Department of Ecology - Reducing Toxic Threats Initiative at (360) 407-6786.

AGC Education Center - Take Our Survey Today!

Cheryl Stewart — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 12:35:26 GMT

The Inland Northwest AGC Education Center is your source for construction related education and training in Eastern Washington. Whether you are looking for safety training, continuing education or company specific topics, the AGC Education Center offers all of this and more.

We are currently in the process of reviewing our course offerings and would like your help in determining how and what we offer in the future.

Please take this brief survey today.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. Your time and input are appreciated.

Please contact Danette Larson at (509) 535-0391 with any questions.

First Aid/CPR with AED Training - Friday, November 4th - Register NOW!!

Danette Larson — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:14:55 GMT

1:00pm - 5:00pm

Goverment Affairs Committee Update - Max Kuney, GAC Chair

Cheryl Stewart — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:30:57 GMT

We are approaching deadlines for two important races that will have long lasting effects on construction in Eastern Washington. The first is Rob McKenna’s race for governor, and the second is Initiative 1125 (Anti-Tolling).

Rob McKenna for Governor – We have a real chance to see change in State Government next November, when we elect Rob McKenna as governor. Would you like to see the “I” put back in L&I? Think Department of Ecology could use a new direction? Change like that has to come from the top, so we need to make sure Rob is elected. This race is winnable! Three recent polls (one Republican, one independent, one Democrat) all showed Rob with a lead in the race over his opponent. However, since Rob is currently the Attorney General, he is prohibited from raising funds when the Legislature is in session. The legislature will go into a special session on November 28^th, so Rob will be prohibited from raising funds from November 28^th until the legislature adjourns next spring. His opponent is not restricted at all.

Rob’s last fundraiser in Spokane before the fundraising freeze is Friday, November 18, 2011. Details are available here. AGC needs to be well represented at this event. We were the first organization in the state to endorse Rob, and we have excellent access to our future governor. In fact, we have arranged a private meeting with Rob after the event for Wayne and the Executive Committee to explain the North Spokane Corridor funding needs and where we should be on the priority list.

If you wish to attend, contact Cheryl Stewart at AGC cstewart@nwagc.org and she will organize putting together as many tables as we can fill. If you cannot make the event, but wish to contribute before the fundraising deadline, go to http://www.robmckenna.org/ where you can contribute online. IMPORTANT: If you contribute online, there is a “Referral Information” box. Chose “Finance Committee Solicitation” and put Max Kuney in the box. This will ensure AGC gets full credit for all the funds we are contributing to his campaign.

Let’s fill some tables and make sure Rob knows he has solid support from the Inland NW AGC.

Initiative 1125 – This initiative, opposed by Inland NW AGC, is the latest Tim Eyman initiative. You can read more for yourself at their website (link below), however the key thing to know is this: if this initiative passes, WSDOT will get less revenue from tolling and have to use more gas taxes to make up the difference on their west side mega-projects (SR 520, Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement). This means less funds available to finish the North Spokane Corridor. The fact is, they cannot leave the SR 520 floating bridge only half built. Likewise, they cannot build part of a tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct. They can, however, leave the NSC partially complete. We need to let everyone know to vote NO on this initiative.

The good news is we are gaining momentum. The latest poll results show Voters still support Initiative 1125 by a 43%-36% margin, but that's a 24-point negative swing from the last Elway poll conducted in September. While there are still quite a few voters (21%) that are undecided, the momentum is certainly in favor of the "No" campaign.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politicsnorthwest/2016596951__a_new_elway_poll.html

Contributions to help fund the ad campaign (which is working!) can be made here: http://voteno1125.com/

Thank you for your support of Rob and the No on I-1125 campaign. These are two critical races that AGC needs to help make sure go our way.

Don't Forget to Vote - AGC Election Endorsements

Cheryl Stewart — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:16:18 GMT

If you haven't already, you should be receiving your ballot in the mail sometime soon. While many people might be tempted to sit this year out at the polls, we want to remind you of the effect this year's election could have on your business.

The City of Spokane will be electing a new mayor, city council president and 2 council members, while the City of the Valley also will be electing new council members. Most of our members do work in and with these two entities and we need to ensure that we elect business and development friendly candidates that will help keep Spokane moving forward.

The Inland Northwest AGC Board of Directors has made the following endorsements for the upcoming election. The candidates listed below have all shown strong support for business development and economic growth for our region:

City of Spokane:

Mayor: The AGC has endorsed both David Condon and Mary Verner.
City Council President: Dennis Hession
City Council, District 1, Position 1: Mike Fagan
City Council, District 2, Position 1: Mike Allen
City Council, District 3, Position 1: Steve Salvatori

City of Spokane Valley:

City Council, Position 2: Dean Graffos
City Council, Position 3: Arne Woodard
City Council, Position 6: Marilyn Cline

Washington State Senate, District 4: Jeff Baxter

Also on this year's ballot are several local and statewide initiatives that could have a major effect on how you do business. To learn more about these proposed ballot measures, visit the Online Voters Guide:

Ballot Measures:

Proposition 1 - City of Spokane: Proposition to amend the city charter and create a community Bill of Rights. This is a scaled-down version of the same initiative voters rejected by 76% in 2009. The AGC feels this measure will destroy jobs, stifle job growth and promote hundreds of frivolous lawsuits. We strongly recommend you vote NO on Prop 1. OPPOSE
Initiative 1125 - Statewide: This Tim Eyeman backed initiative will limit the use of toll and gas tax revenues in Washington State and have an adverse effect on how we fund transportation projects. OPPOSE

Governor's Race: Although not on the ballot until next year, the Inland Northwest AGC was one of the first to endorse Attorney General Rob McKenna. Rob will be addressing our membership during the Annual Convention Breakfast on February 3, 2012 - mark your calendar today!

3% Withholding Update - Contact Your Senators Today!

Cheryl Stewart — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:05:50 GMT

Last night the U.S. Senate failed to approve the permanent repeal of the 3% withholding law. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) attempted to end debate and vote on the bill last night. It was supported by some Democrats and all of the Senate Republicans and opposed by only Democrats. All cosponsors except Senator Begich (D-AK) and Senator Pryor (D-AR) supported the measure. The bill also picked up support from Democratic Senators Bennett of Colorado, Franken of Minnesota, Hagen of North Carolina, Klobuchar of Minnesota, Manchin of West Virgnia, McCaskill of Missouri, Menendez of New Jersey, Nelson of Florida, Nelson of Nebraska and Tester of Montana. The Obama Administration has talked about its opposition to the withholding law and even included a delay in their budget proposal and in their latest jobs proposal, but in the end the Administration opposed the repeal last night. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa voted for repeal despite being the author of the original provision in 2006 and Senator Max Baucus of Montana came out strongly opposed to repeal, despite positive comments about repeal in recent years.

The House plans to bring up permanent repeal of the 3% withholding on Thursday of next week (October 27). Please urge all House members to support passage of H.R. 674 when it comes to the floor next week by using AGC's Legislative Action Center. As we can see from the vote in the Senate, even the logic of repeal becomes twisted when it hits the bitterly divided House and Senate chambers.

Both Washington State Senators voted AGAINST the repeal. We need your help in contacting them today!

Register now for STP 7 Accident Prevention & Loss Control

Danette Larson — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 19:49:00 GMT

“The Supervisory Training Program (STP) that the AGC Education Center has available is a great way to develop key talent in any construction company. Any company looking for longevity and improved earnings should be investing in the people that help them succeed.” Mark Murphy, Inland Asphalt Company

NLRB Delays Effective Date of Posting Requirement While AGC-Supported Coalition Joins Lawsuit to Block Rule

Cheryl Stewart — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:29:22 GMT

The National Labor Relations Board announced on Oct. 5 that it has postponed the implementation date of its recently issued regulation requiring nearly all private-sector employers to post notices of employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The Board has delayed the deadline for compliance from Nov. 14, 2011, to Jan. 31, 2012. The agency stated that it plans to make no further changes to the rule or to the form or content of the required notice.

In explaining the reason for the postponement, the Board said that its decision “followed queries from businesses and trade organizations indicating uncertainty about which businesses fall under the Board’s jurisdiction, and was made in the interest of ensuring broad voluntary compliance.” However, the delay also allows time for progress in legal challenges to the rule. The first of several lawsuits filed to overturn the rule was brought by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). NAM argues that the rule exceeds the Board's statutory jurisdiction and authority. The Coalition for a Democratic Workplace – of which AGC is a member – joined NAM’s lawsuit on Sept. 26. A hearing on motions for summary judgment is scheduled for Dec. 19 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The court could issue a decision on the motions before the new implementation date of the rule.

To learn more about on the rule and the poster, read the AGC articles published here and here.

For more information contact Denise Gold at goldd@agc.org or 703.837.5326.