Overseas News on Civil Engineering IT
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AGC of America: Quality People. Quality Projects.
This section focuses on a unique overseas website related to civil engineering IT. This issue features "The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America", the leading national construction trade association in the United States.
The Largest National Construction Trade Association in the United States Boasting a History of 90 Years
AGC is a membership organization dedicated to furthering the ever-changing agenda of commercial construction contractors, improving job site safety, expanding the use of cutting edge technologies and techniques, and strengthening the dialogue between contractors and owners. AGC's vision is to promote a better industry for the professionals who build America's future.
AGC covers all facets of commercial construction for both public and private entities including building and heavy projects etc. that the construction industry in the U.S. is concerned with. AGC and its nationwide network of chapters have established their status as the leaders in defining and advocating for the construction industry for almost a century.
As its mission, AGC serves the nation's construction professionals by promoting the skill, integrity and responsibility of those who build America. Accordingly, AGC works hard to advance the industry and improve contractors' daily operability. As specific approaches, it represents contractor's policy agenda on Capitol Hill and within the federal agencies, provides dynamic education offerings, and works collaboratively with its chapters nationwide.
AGC was founded in 1918 after a request by President Woodrow Wilson, who recognized the construction industry's national importance and desired a partner with which the government could discuss and plan for the advancement of the nation, according to the website.
The largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States, AGC currently locates its base of operation in Metropolitan area (Arlington, VA). Through providing a full range of services meeting the needs and concerns of its members, it aims at improving the quality of construction and protecting the public interest.
AGC represents more than 33,000 firms in total, including 7,500 of America's leading general contractors, nearly 12,500 specialty contractors, and more than 13,000 service providers and suppliers. These members play significant parts in sustaining economic growth, not to mention producing structures that add to productivity and the nation's quality of life (QOL). In this sense also, AGC can truly be positioned as an advocate of the construction industry, and is expected to fulfill its role.
To Make AGC Members' Voices Heard at Governments by Tireless Advocacy
AGC website consists of 7 main items: "ABOUT AGC", "ADVOCACY", "INDUSTRY TOPICS", "CONSTRUCTION MARKETS", "PROGRAMS & EVENTS", "CAREER DEVELOPMENT", and "NEWS & MEDIA".
"ABOUT AGC" describes its vision and mission, benefits of the membership and how to become a member, strategic plan, the organization etc. The website says that the construction industry employs more than seven million people nationwide, and that the activation of its members can and do impact elections and public policy. This is explained in more detail in another item "ADVOCACY", which reads, "AGC is the most credible and tireless advocate for the construction industry in Congress, before the federal agencies, the administration, and in the courts," offering AGC members "an opportunity to make their voices heard at all levels of government." Also AGC's legal advocacy staff monitors important legal cases all over the country that either promise to improve or threaten to damage the business environment in the construction industry. More concrete information is provided in subtitles of "Legislative Activity", "Regulatory Action", "Legal Advocacy", and "AGC PAC".
"INDUSTRY TOPICS" provides an extensive library of information related with the construction industry. Its contents cover everything from construction contract to safety standards, human resources, and information technology. Its subtitles include Contracts & Construction Law, Safety & Health, Constructing Economics, Labor & HR, Environment, Construction Risk Management, Project Delivery, Technology, and Additional Industry Topics. In "CONSTRUCTION MARKETS", forums are provided in 4 major market divisions (Building, Federal & Heavy, Highway & Transportation, and Municipal & Utilities).
"PROGRAMS & EVENTS" shows information on meetings, events, and seminars for construction professionals offered by AGC. Some of the events qualify for CEU credits that help the career development of the attendee. Online registering is available. Furthermore, AGC is committed to providing the resources and information to enhance performance and career development opportunities for individuals, member firms, and construction industry. "CAREER DEVELOPMENT" introduces particular courses of training or other educational opportunities. Its areas vary from Executive Management to Project Management, Supervisory Training, Specialized Training, Craft Training, Safety Training, College education including scholarship, K-12 for young children, and Distance Learning. It seems to reflect the vision with not only the present workers in the construction industry but also young generations who haven't started working.
"NEWS & MEDIA" offers industry breaking news, videos, press releases, magazine articles, reports, etc. It also gives insights and analysis on a wide range of issues including economic trends, legislation affecting the construction industry, safety training, or contract documents. Besides these major items, the website provides search function, Bookstores, and so on.
Received 2008 Honor Award from National Building Museum
AGC and its nationwide network of Chapters received the National Building Museum's 22nd annual Honor Award to recognize their leadership in shaping, defining and advancing the construction industry for 90 years. This reputable award appreciates outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in the fields of construction, planning, or architecture. The video presentation about AGC from the June 4th ceremony can be viewed on the website.
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 Home page: The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) |
(Career development for youth) http://www.agc.org/cs/career_development/k12 |
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| (Images provided by AGC) | ||
This article is written based on the above website with permission from AGC.
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