Join fellow construction industry technology leaders for AGC's inaugural IT Forum Conference: The Cornerstone for Construction Innovation, brought to you by the AGC Electronic Information System (EIS) Committee.The Conference will take place in Kansas City, Mo., on August 14, 2009, where the forum will provide participants an opportunity to discuss and share best practices on some of the most pressing IT challenges facing the construction industry.For more information, click here or contact Fara Francis at (703) 837-5302 or francisf@agc.org.

The Excavation & Trenching Training manual & CD-ROM work very nicely in combination with "In the Trench: Excavation Safety for Workers" DVD and "Construction Standards for Excavation." Whether you are training to become a Excavation Competent Person or providing jobsite excavation & trenching training, these products work together to provide a complete experience.  Item No. 3208P.To order go to www.agc.org/bookstore or call 1-800-242-1767.

Written by AGC contractor members and professional industry practitioners, the new Project Delivery Systems textbook provides detailed information on traditional and alternative project delivery systems. It includes chapters on Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Management At-Risk, Construction Agency and Program Management. The book breaks down each delivery system by "typical" and "defining" characteristics and comes complete with self-tests and case studies to emphasize points covered in the text. 180 pages. 2004. Item No. 2915 To order go to www.agc.org/bookstore or call 1-800-242-1767.

This "how-to" book enables you to meet the challenges of green building construction. It introduces how the "green" or "sustainable" elements of a project may impact construction management principles. It briefly covers the available green building rating systems and guidelines such as LEED® and Green Globesy.  2008. Item No. 5100.To order go to www.agc.org/bookstore or call 1-800-242-1767.

The Highway and Utilities Contractors Issues Meeting took place Feb 6 and 7. Over 120 contractors came to La Quinta, Calif., for discussion of the issues that affect their particular markets and to hear presentations from some of the leading experts in the field.Topics included materials prices and availability for asphalt and steel, the national implications of the California Air Resources Board's Off-Road Diesel Emissions limits and the political outlook for the economic stimulus package, SAFETEA-LU reauthorization and the Water Trust Fund. Scott Williams and Don Weaver, chair and vice-chair respectively of the Highway & Transportation Division, presided over the first day of activities, which included sessions on worker visibility standards and public works financing troubles. Brad Barringer and Art Daniels, Municipal & Utilities Division Chair and Vice Chair, presided over the second day, which included sessions on ethics and compliance programs, Florida's success with dispute resolutions boards, and OSHA's crane operator standard.For more information, contact Scott Berry at (703) 837-5368 or berrys@agc.org.

This DVD provides extensive coverage of an essential subject-the significance of which is often not well understood or appreciated by the project management team. The video notes that cost controls should begin with the budget estimate, and if done well, are applicable forecasting performances in considering new projects. Data collection, equipment, labor, materials, subcontractors, and change orders are also noted. 82 minutes. 2005. Item #2617DTo order go to www.agc.org/bookstore or call 1-800-242-1767.

AGC's meeting in conjunction with the NCPPP, Partnerships for Growth in Infrastructure, attracted attendees eager to learn the legislative, financial and risk management principles critical for contractors who are contemplating public-private partnerships. AGC's unique perspective as a contractor organization provides insights on how PPP opportunities should be evaluated by contractors (including the legislative environment and the contract with the owner and concessionaire).The one-day meeting included state and local legal perspectives, government owner's decision making processes, bonding companies perspectives and financiers perspectives.  In addition, contractors presented case studies based on their own experience.For more information, contact Jeff Shoaf at (202) 547-3350 or shoafj@agc.org.

According to recent insurance industry estimates, soft tissue injuries account for one-third of total claims and two-thirds of the total cost for workers compensation losses. This material focuses on why soft tissue injuries occur and highlights effective methods to reduce the number of soft tissue injuries, such as back injuries, sprains and strains and pinched nerves.Co-Developed by AGC of America and Zurich, the Package Includes:One Instructor Guide with Power Point10 Student BookletsOne DVDItem No. 203 and 203S (Spanish)To order go to www.agc.org/bookstore or call 800-242-1767.

Take advantage of this power-packed and informative January 27, 2009 one-day workshop, “Partnerships for Growth in Infrastructure: Contractors’ Risks and Opportunities with Public-Private Partnerships.”This program is designed to discuss the role contractors can play when forging public-private partnerships (PPPs), as well as explain how PPPs can work as a complement to the traditional public works development process. The conference will also provide an excellent opportunity to network with leaders in the PPP industry.  Featured expert speakers will elaborate on the role of PPPs as an addition, not a replacement, to the traditional public works funding and development process in federal, state and local markets.Register now at www.agc.org/pppconference, and get ready to explore the potential opportunities as well as the potential risks PPPs present for today’s contractor. Lock in the AGC/NCPPP special discounted hotel group rate of $229 + tax, per room, per night at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown conference site here.   (Discounted group rate not available after January 5, 2009).For more information, contact Jeff Shoaf at shoafj@agc.org.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) integrates 3D drawings and 4D animations to dramatically improve the communication, coordination and planning of construction projects, while reducing risks, errors and costs. Building Information Modeling is an in-depth resource that shows architects and building professionals how to capitalize on BIM concepts, tools and techniques for their own building projects. 416 pages. 2008. Item #5093To order go to www.agc.org/bookstore or call 800-242-1767.