Historically, companies will do two things when times get tough: They will curtail their training departments and sales departments. The world was not prepared for the coronavirus, and there is no denying companies are facing hard decisions. Some companies have been required to do reduction in workforce because projects have been delayed. Although halting training…
The HEALS Act Includes Essential Liability, Workforce, Financial & Unemployment Reforms, But Association Will Work to Get Needed Infrastructure Investments Included in Final Relief Measure The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the release today of Senate Republican’s latest coronavirus relief…
Since affirming AIA’s commitment to contributing to solutions that foster equity and justice in the built environment, the Board of Directors has met regularly to identify next steps for translating our ideals into meaningful action and progress.
TLC Engineering, Inc. has provided exponential aid in every presidentially declared disaster to hit the City of Houston since Hurricane Ike in 2008. As a City of Houston-certified Minority, Small, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and state of Texas registered Historically Underutilized Business, they specialize in customized services in the areas of engineering, environmental services, construction management…
Applications for the 8th Annual Liftoff Houston, the City of Houston’s yearly business plan competition sponsored by Capital One Bank and administered by the Houston Public Library and the Office of Business Opportunity, are now live. This competition, launched on July 8th and active through November 7th, grants participants access to tools, resources and support…
July 2020
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
August 3 – 5, 2020
On May 29, 2020, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Texas High-Speed Train project, a regulatory milestone that ensures the state-of-the-art system will be built in a way that minimizes impacts to landowners and the environment along the 240-mile alignment. The release of this more than 10,000-page…
Standing for Social Justice, Economic Equality, Community Partnerships The Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority met in virtual session Tuesday for its regular monthly meeting. Port Chairman Ric Campo opened his remarks by declaring that events surrounding the pandemic and social injustice were a “wake up call,” and committed Port Houston to “double…
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced the availability of $11.5 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants for nonprofit organizations, including community and faith-based organizations, employer associations, labor unions, joint labor/management associations, Indian tribes, and colleges and universities. The Harwood Training Grant program supports in-person, hands-on training for workers and employers…
While any face covering will help contain the usual droplets that come from coughing, sneezing and even speaking, there are things to look for in a face covering to maximize jobsite safety from the coronavirus. Researchers at Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science, using flow visualization testing in a laboratory equipped with…
The past few months have thrown many Contractors into a frenzy figuring out how to submit plan electronically. While some contractors plowed on through and wasted time figuring out how to submit, others attempted to go the jurisdiction only to be told to submit online, and then, there were those contractors so frustrated, they proceeded…
At a recent meeting of the Texas Railroad Commission, the Texas Methane Flaring Coalition laid out a series of best-practice recommendations for industry and regulators to consider as we all move toward a goal of zero routine flaring in the Permian Basin. We’re proud to add our voice to this diverse group calling for action – everyone from…
The Texas Methane & Flaring Coalition (the Coalition), an alliance of Texas oil and natural gas trade associations and nearly 40 Texas energy companies, today announced they have launched new educational tools and resources for stakeholders, legislators and regulators, and the general public who are seeking to gain a better understanding of issues related to…
The Railroad Commission of Texas has released its latest strategic priorities in regulating the state’s oil and gas industry. The RRC’s Fiscal Year 2021 priorities are outlined in the Oil and Gas Monitoring and Enforcement Plan which can be found on the RRC website at https://www.rrc.texas.gov/media/58340/og-s-plan-fy-2021.pdf Texas’ oil and gas industry is vital to the state’s budget and…
Ensuring that minorities, women, and other disadvantaged groups have fair access to economic opportunity is a top priority for the Harris County Commissioners Court. Minority and women-owned businesses play a vital role in the local economy and are driving the growth of new business and jobs in Harris County. Advancing fair and inclusive economic policies to bolster their long-term success will…
Construction has been one of the slowest industries to adopt technology. That’s partly cultural—folks in the industry like to solve problems with their own ingenuity. Many firms are still family owned, and there’s still a lot reverence for tradition. Plus, this is an industry with thin margins, where the first funding priorities are equipment and personnel….
With Needed Improvements to the Vital Survival Program Complete, Construction Official Urges Congress and the President to Act Quickly on Measures to Rebuild the Economy and Restore Jobs The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in reaction to the passage of the Paycheck Protection…
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that David J. Byrd will be the new National Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Mr. Byrd will be the 18th National Director of the agency. Established by an Executive Order in 1969, MBDA is the only Federal agency solely dedicated to the…
