THE BUILDINGBRIEF

Building a Better Kansas Since 1946 • www.agcks.org

March • April 2009

In this Issue

President’s Report. 2

Training Update. 3

Environmental News. 4

Safety Corner. 5

State Fair. 6

HR Corner. 7

Capitol Club Golf. 8

Industry News. 9

Young Constructors Forum. 10

Student Chapter Update. 11

Thirty Six Students from Across the State Compete in Skills USA Carpentry CompetitionThe 2009 Skills USA Kansas Carpentry Championship was held at UCI in Wichita on April 16. This was the second year that the AGC & Wichita Area Homebuilders Association co-hosted the statewide event, but the 1st time for the competition to be held at an industry facility. Skills USA staff were very pleased with the outcome of the carpentry competition. Chuck Grier, UCI has already offered to hold next year’s competition at their facility. The event could not have been a success without the help of many AGC member companies and their employees (see a complete list of sponsors on page 3).

Thirty-six students from 14 secondary and postsecondary schools competed in the carpentry competition. The performance component of the competition consisted of (1) laying out a rafter; (2) laying out the plates for two walls of a floor plan; (3) laying out a set of stairs; and (4) assembling a wall section using steel studs, then setting and trimming out a window in a rough opening.

This was the first year for steel studs to be a part of the competition. Preceding the competition, professionals from industry demonstrated to the students the correct way to work with steel studs. The competitors and instructors took a lot away from the demonstration. The top three individual finishers of the secondary division were from 1st- McPherson High School; 2nd- Coffeville High School; and 3rd- McPherson High School. Hutchinson Community College took the top 3 spots of the postsecondary division.

Students work on one of four components of the carpentry compe-tition during the 2009 Skills USA event.

New to the 2009 competition was the implementation of the use of steel studs to build a wall section.Continued on page 3

Page 2 Page 3

president’s report

Bev SauerweinPresident, AGC of KansasSauerwein Construction, Wichita

“A lone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”- Helen Keller

So far this year, the AGC along with our dedicated members are making great progress despite the tough economic climate. Together, we are doing a lot and making a difference for our industry.

AGC has been and continues to be well-represented in the Kansas legislature. I hope you took time to read the weekly Under the Dome updates and participate in the emails when requested to contact your legislator. Grassroots efforts by AGC members is what makes the difference in this process. Our unified voice in contacting our elected officials is just one example of how we can accomplish goals together. Thanks to all who participated in this important process and a special thanks to those who were able to travel to Topeka this session and testify on AGC’s behalf.

Although the 2009 legislative session is over, the fundraising efforts for our PAC continues through the summer. The AGC-PAC allows AGC to contribute to incumbent and hopeful legislators who support our industry, while also en-couraging new legislators to consider our industry on future issues. There are several ways to contribute this summer; first being the Capitol Club Golf Classic at Flint Hills National on July 16. This was a great event last year and we look forward to another successful (and enjoyable) fundraiser for the PAC. Our second PAC golf fundraiser is October 9 at Sand Creek Station in Newton, KS. As always, members can join the Capitol Club with four levels of support to choose from, convenient for budgets of any size. Please consider your level of sponsorship now. The AGC-PAC enjoyed record donations and candidate contributions in 2008, and we hope to continue that trend. Together, every donation, small or large, adds up to help create big results.

Our commitment to workforce development continues with our Construction Learning Center at the Kansas State Fair September 11-20. This exhibit attracted more than 3,000 kids and their families last year. Even though budgets and time is tight for many of us right now, we can’t give up the effort to develop our future workforce. Please consider contributing as a sponsor and/or taking the time to volunteer. This event is a massive undertaking (with more than 150 volunteers needed) and it could not be done without broad support of our members. Again, together, we can make this event a success once again.

Don’t forget to check out the new AGC/Verizon discount program. This is an easy way to save substantial expenses. A new discount program was just announced with the Kansas City Chiefs. Under new management and with new coaches, the Chiefs are sure to be back in 2009. Take advantage of the AGC discounts (see details on page 3) and enjoy a game!

I look forward to getting out and meeting with many of you this summer and fall. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to call if you have questions, comments or concerns regarding our industry or association matters.

Sincerely,Bev SauerweinAGC of Kansas President

Page 3

training update

AGC member companies who contributed to the event’s success were:Conco Construction Crossland ConstructionDondlinger and Sons ConstructionMartin K. Eby ConstructionKey Construction Salisbury SupplySimpson & AssociatesStar LumberUCI

Preston Mossman won the Gold medal in Carpentry to advance on to nationals. Mossman is the 8th straight state champion in Carpentry from McPherson High School. Courtney Huber also advanced on to

Skills USA, continued from page 1

Training at the AGC Training Center in Wichita is winding down. It has been a good year at the center and though the numbers haven’t been as many as desired, a lot of topics have been covered since Sep-tember of 2008. The craft & management classes have included Core (Introductory Craft Skills), Carpentry I, Carpentry II, Carpentry III, Concrete I, Blue Print/Construction Documents, Rigging, STP, and Crew Leader. Several seminars have been held at the center including Drug Incident Risk Management, Decorative Concrete, NCCER Craft Instructor Training, and LEED 2.2 Test Preparation. Also every month a safety class, available for continuing education units, was held. Those included Competent Person, Trenching and Excavation, First Aid/CPR, Hazard Communications, Ladders, Scissor Lifts and Aerial Platforms and Fall Protection.

As reported in the last newsletter, the training center will close July 31, thus ending a successful chapter of construction worker training. Training programs will continue as AGC will offer new programs on an as-needed basis. The major focus will be supporting technical programs at high schools and postsecondary institutions across the state. The AGC of Kansas will be the NCCER Training Sponsor for many of the schools and will be encouraging member companies to become involved by becoming training sponsors.

AGC will be looking to its member companies in determining training needs across the state. A survey is being developed to help gain an understanding of member needs. AGC will work with technical and community colleges throughout the state to have new worker and incumbent worker training available to meet the needs of AGC mem-bers. Thank you everyone for supporting the training center over the past seven years. The work beginning on statewide efforts will open new and exciting opportunities for our industry that we have never seen before.

As Spring Classes Come to an End, Statewide Efforts Ramped Up

nationals with a Silver medal in Architectural Drafting. The national competition will be held in Kansas City, June 22-26. AGC members are encouraged to attend this event.

Skills USA is a national student organization for high school and col-lege students that are enrolled in a Career and Technical Education program. There are currently over 300,000 members. Skills USA is dedicated to building champions for America’s workforce by teaching technical and employability skills.

AGC is proud to announce a member discount program for single game and season tickets for the 2009 Kansas City Chiefs season.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a limited number of $250 and $390 full season tickets (all ten games) available. Also available are discounted group tickets. These tickets are discounted by $10-$13 with a group of 20 or more. This discount will not apply for the Cowboys or Steelers game, although purchasing group tickets for these two game guarantees you tickets before the public single game on sale! To reserve your tickets or for more information contact Adam Ross-bach at 816.920.4818 or by email at arossbach@chiefs.nfl.com.

Preseason Schedule08/15/09 Houston Texans 7:00 PM 08/29/09 Seattle Seahawks 7:00 PM Regular Season Home Schedule09/20/09 Oakland Raiders 12:00 PM 10/04/09 New York Giants 12:00 PM10/11/09 Dallas Cowboys 12:00 PM 10/25/09 San Diego Chargers 12:00 PM11/22/09 Pittsburgh Steelers 12:00 PM12/06/09 Denver Broncos 12:00 PM12/13/09 Buffalo Bills 12:00 PM12/20/09 Cleveland Browns 12:00 PM

AGC, KC Chiefs Team Up for Member Discounts

Page 4 Page 5

to use any effective alternatives to meet the numerical pollutant limits. Effluent guidelines may also be based on Best Management Practices (BMPs).

The proposed rule for establishment of effluent guidelines for the C&D industry was published in the Federal Register on November 28, 2008 and public comments were received on or before February 26, 2009. The following is a summary of the scope of the proposed rule.

The proposed rule would establish a set of non-numeric effluent limita-tions requiring dischargers to provide and maintain effective erosion control measures, sediment control measures, and other pollution prevention measures to minimize and control the discharge of pol-lutants in stormwater and other wastewater from construction sites. This isn’t much different than the existing regulations. The rule would also specify particular minimum BMPs to meet the effluent limitations requiring effective erosion control and pollution prevention.

In addition, reflecting current re-quirements in the EPA Construc-tion General Permit (CGP), sites disturbing ten (10) or more acres at one time would be required to in-stall a sediment basin to contain and settle sediment from stormwater runoff. The proposed rule would require minimum standards of de-sign for sediment basins; however, alternatives that control sediment discharges in a manner equivalent to sediment basins would be au-thorized where approved by the permitting authority.

Finally, for certain large sites (30 acres or greater) located in areas of high rainfall energy with a rainfall erosivity (R) factor of 50 or more

and with soils with significant clay content of 10% or greater, discharges of stormwater from the site would be required to meet a numeric efflu-ent limit on the allowable level of turbidity. The entire state of Kansas has an R factor greater than 50. The proposed numeric turbidity limit is 13 nephelometric turbidity units (NTUs). The technology basis for the turbidity limit is active treatment systems (ATS), which consists of polymer-assisted clarification followed by filtration. There are no requirements in the proposed rule for sampling of the stormwater discharge from a construction site.

environmental news

Most construction activities create land disturbance which is regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA). If the construction activity will disturb more than one acre, permit coverage must be obtained under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Pollutant Dis-charge Elimination System (NPDES) Program which is administered by the Department of Health & Environment in Kansas.

The EPA has developed new draft effluent limitations guidelines for the Construction and Development (C&D) point source category to go with the other industrial discharges including manufacturing, agricul-ture, and service industries. As required by the CWA, EPA publishes an Effluent Guideline Program Plan every other year to announce the Agency’s plans to develop new effluent guidelines and revise existing ones. Effluent guidelines are technology-based national regulations that control the discharge of pollutants to surface waters and to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs).

EPA initially began work on developing effluent guidelines for the C&D industry and listed C&D in the 2000 and 2002 effluent guidelines plans. EPA even pro-posed several options for C&D back in 2002 but withdrew the proposal two years later. EPA was then sued by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Waterkeeper Alliance and the States of New York and Connecticut over the Agency’s failure to promulgate effluent guideline regulations for the C&D industry.

The court found EPA has a mandatory duty to promulgate effluent guidelines for an in-dustrial category listed in the biennial effluent guidelines plan. The court ordered EPA to publish proposed regulations in the Federal Register by December 1, 2008 and to publish final regulations for the C&D Category by December 1, 2009.

National effluent guideline regulations typically specify the maximum allowable levels of pollutants that may be discharged by facilities within an industrial category or subcategory. Even though the limits are based on the performance of specific technologies, they do not usually require the industry to use these technologies, but rather allow the industry

Changes to the Construction Industry Due to New Regulations

By Shirley MorrowABC’s of BMP(816) 803-8763 sdmorrow@abcbmp.comwww.abcbmp.com

Continued on next page

500gpm Active Treatment System using polymers to reduce pollutants from stormwater discharge.

Page 5

safety cornerBy Dan PabstAGC Safety Committee ChairmanSafety Consulting, Inc.(316) 250-7070dpabst@safetyconsultinginc.com

Construction Site Housekeeping

Active treatment systems are typically used in conjunction with other sediment controls to improve pollutant removals, especially to improve pollutant removals of fine grained and slowly settling or non-settleable particles and turbidity contained in stormwater. EPA has identified several demonstrated technologies capable of achieving significant reductions of these particles. Electro-coagulation, polymer clarifica-tion, and Chitosan-enhanced filtration treatment technologies are demonstrated as being capable of achieving low levels of turbidity in stormwater discharges.

These active treatment systems (ATS) add polyacrylamides or Chito-san which is a natural polymer to the stormwater on site. Due to the polymers being the opposite charge of a soil particle, when the polymer mixes with sediment laden water, the polymer and soil particles attach to each other forming larger particles which should settle out faster. Caution should be taken however when using polymers. If the polymers

do not attach to the soil particles before the polymers leave the site, they can attach to the gills of fish and cause suffocation.

There are three options that the EPA is considering. It would be very difficult to maintain 13 NTU in discharges from construction sites dur-ing storm events in this state and the use of active treatment systems on all construction sites of 30 acres or greater in Kansas will greatly increase the cost of construction and has the potential to add harmful toxic materials to the waterways within the state. It will be very inter-esting to see if this option is chosen. The final rule will be published at the end of the year.

If you have any questions, please contact Shirley Morrow at sdmor-row@abcbmp.com.

Did you know there was an OSHA standard pertaining to Housekeep-ing on Construction Sites (29CFR Part 1926 25)? This three paragraph standard doesn’t say a lot, but what it does say is important to worker safety and health.

Construction sites can present many hazards to employees when they are performing construction-related activities. Keeping a construc-tion site relatively clean of debris can further reduce hazards. The benefits of good housekeeping far exceeds the small additional effort required to establish good housekeeping practices at a construction site.

When construction hazards exist that cannot be eliminated, then engineering practices, administrative controls, safe work practices, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and/or proper training must be implemented.

For purposes of this OSHA standard, the following definitions apply:

Debris:• Unusable or unwanted construction waste material.

Form Lumber:• Lumber that is used to contain liquid con-crete into defined shaped until the concrete hardens.

Hazardous Wastes:• Waste that is either toxic to humans or to the environment.

Scrap material and debris generated dur-ing construction usually consist of Non-

combustible scrap material and debris and Combustible scrap materials and debris.

Noncombustible scrap material and debris that

consist of form and scrap lumber with protruding nails, and all other debris, must be kept cleared from

work areas, passageways, and stairs, and from around buildings or other structures.

Combustible scrap materials and debris must be removed at regular intervals during the course of construction without increas-ing the hazard exposure to employees who remove such debris. Nails should be removed from used lumber before stacking.

Additional separate containers must be provided with lids for hazardous wastes to prevent sparks or other ignition sources from coming into contact with hazardous wastes. Hazardous Wastes can include used oil, used oil filters, oily rags and flammable wastes as well as caustics, acids, harmful dusts, etc.

Here is a simple checklist for Housekeeping on Construction Sites:

Construction Site: Location: Division/Unit: Date:

Yes No Are protruding nails, form, scrap lumber, and other debris kept clear from work areas, passageways, and stairs, in and around buildings or other structures? Are combustible scrap and debris being removed at regular intervals during the course of construction? Are containers being provided for the collection and separation of waste and trash?

Do the containers for the hazardous wastes (oily rags and flammables) have lids?

As always, if you have a safety related questions, I can be reached at 316.250.7070 or via email at DPabst@SafetyConsulting.com.

environmental news, continued from previous page

Page 6 Page 7

2009 state fair

This just in: Last year’s state fair was wet! It rained eight out of the 10 days. Shoes were ruined. But the adversity of inclement weather couldn’t keep over 3,000 kids and family members from hearing the message of career opportunity and advancement in the construction industry at the 2008 KC3 Construction Learn-ing Center.

Looking forward to fall 2009, KC3 members have begun plan-ning details with the Kansas State Fair only four months away.

The planning committee is look-ing at adding several new activi-ties for 2009. First, KC3 has con-tacted several technical colleges to see if they would be interested in conducting a masonry exhibit where kids could help assemble a brick wall. The planning com-mittee is also researching plans to build two to three playhouses which can be raffled off and/or donated.

Several kids enjoy the remote controlled excavators at the 2008 Construction Learning Center. The objective is to steer the excavators around a course, picking up candy along the way. A toy dump truck sits at the end of the course where the candy is dumped into.

A young boy plays with building blocks inside the exhibit tent. Kids are challenged to build a tower 24 inches tall on this activity.

State Fair Facts319,104 visitors attended the 2009 Kansas State • Fair.

5,104 school children visited the Kansas State Fair • with their educators as part of the Kansas’ Largest Classroom program.

134 AGC and KCA members volunteered in 2008.•

The Construction Learning Cen-ter is the largest workforce de-velopment initiative taken on by AGC/KC3 throughout the year and would not be possible without the support from industry members. KC3 needs your financial support, along with 150 vol-

unteers to make the Construction Learning Center possible. Last year, an incredible 42 AGC and KCA members contributed over $21,000 toward the success of the Center and committed over 1,100 volunteer hours throughout the 10 days of the fair.

Sponsorship and volunteer forms have been mailed to AGC companies. If your company is interested in supporting the Construction Learning Center, contact Eric Stafford at (785) 266-4015.

Children build one of the 100 toolboxes donated by Star Lumber.

KC3 is seeking volunteers for the 2009 Construction Learning Center. If you would like to sign up, contact AGC at (785) 266-4015.

Page 7

A few weeks ago my husband and I played cards with another couple. It was a new game for us. I wanted to play the game, but I didn’t like some of the rules. One in particular was the ranking of cards with the Jack higher than the King and Queen. Then, in the middle of the game, a play clarified a rule we had not previously discussed. As might be expected, my success in the game was heavily dependent on my ability to remember the ‘stupid’ rules and play my cards accordingly.

Playing the game of human resource legislation is no different. As busi-ness leaders, we are often handed legislation that we often don’t like, but those are the rules. We get clarification of the rules as court cases work their way through the system. Our success lies in our ability to know the rules, keep up to date on the court clarifications and then play our cards.

The past six months have taken a toll on our economy. We are spending our time, energy, and financial resources on restructuring our companies’ production to better weather the storm. Don’t let HR issues get lost in the bustle of activity.

With the Democrats leading the Federal Government, we should expect human resource legislation to continue to evolve with a more employee-friendly bias. The EEOC has shown a clear shift in their interpretations of claims. The announcement of the possible retirement of a Supreme Court Justice could change the makeup of the court.

Don’t get me wrong, fair treatment of employees is my mantra. Com-panies who make employment decisions based on factors that indi-viduals have no control over, such as gender and race, should be held accountable. What we don’t like are individuals who target companies for easy money by working the system. In good economic times, these individuals exist. In challenging times, they seem to abound. Combine that with juries eager to reward individuals they perceive wronged and we may be looking at the perfect storm. What can you do to protect your company?

Invest in your HR team. Get them access to resources that will keep them current in the changing legislative environment. It doesn’t have to be costly, but can save thousands of dollars by having someone alert to changes in the rules.

Invest in on-going HR training of all your supervisors. They are your first line of defense against HR claims. If supervisors don’t understand the rules, how can you hold them accountable to act appropriately? Ensure that company leaders embrace a culture of truly fair treatment of employees. Encourage your management to guarantee they always make good, fair employment decisions. This goes far beyond simply who they hire. Every individual who walks through your front door should see your company understands what it takes to best ensure success in employment management.

Here are a few regulations that have recently changed. You want to make sure your company is handling each properly:

hr corner

Family Medical Leave Act– Effective January 16, 2009, FMLA regulations • substantially changed some of the methods employers need to follow. (Applies to companies with 50 or more employees in a geographic area.)

New I-9 form (Employment Eligibility Verification Form) was issued • by the DOL effective April 3, 2009. (Applies to all companies.)

COBRA as modified by ARRA requires changes in notifica-• tion and processing of qualified subsidized COBRA pay-ments. (Applies to companies with 20 or more employees.)

E-Verify regulations are due to take effect June 30, 2009. It requires • action by companies with certain government contracts. (Check regulations for contract size).

By Mary Legge, SPHRGroup Benefit Specialists, Inc.(316) 491-2600 ext 115mlegge@group-benefit.comwww.group-benefit.com

Professor Thorson had a profound impact on the early vision of the Architectural Engineering and Construction Science and Manage-ment programs at K-State where he taught from 1948 - 1981. Thor-son also served as department head.

He built the foundation for the department, first in the College of Architecture and later in the College of Engineering. He was a dedi-cated and committed educator, engineer and constructor and he leaves a legacy that will long be remembered.

For those who had the honor of taking classes from Professor Thor-son, they will remember him as a great teacher and mentor. His teaching style mixed the theoretical with the practical, which made learning from him easy and relevant.

It was Professor Thorson’s passion for construction that he chan-neled into leading the development of the Construction Science program at Kansas State University

Services were held at First Lutheran Church in Manhattan.Online condolences may be left for the family through the funeral home website at www.ymlfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be given to the First Lutheran Church (I. E. Thorson memorial), the I. Eugene Thorson Construction Science Scholarship at KSU, or Homecare & Hospice, Inc., of Manhattan. Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave., Manhattan, KS 66502.

K-State And Construction Industry Lose Close Friend and Mentor, Professor I.E. “Stubby” Thorson

Page 8 Page 9

capitol club golf classic

Thanks to the generous support from AGC members, the AGC-PAC moved into the top 20 for total contributions to candidates in 2008, contributing over $33,000.

However, the hard work is far from over. As organized labor and other industry PAC’s grow at alarming rates, AGC will continue to face chal-lenges that could have an adverse effect on business.

After raising more than $14,000 the past two years, the Capitol Club Golf Classic heads back to Flint Hills National Golf Club in Andover, KS on July 16, 2009. Don’t miss out on experiencing a round of golf at the 10th ranked course in Golf Digest’s America’s 50 Greatest Golf Retreats.

Join AGC and treat yourself, a top client or a hard-working employ-ee to a day of golf and dinner, for this special PAC fundraising event. Don’t wait to register! This prestigious event is limited to the first 16 registrants.

Visit www.agcks.org/pdf/2009-flint-hills-pac-brochure.pdf to download the registration form.

Cost

NEW for 2009- Stay-n-Play Package

$1,150 Entry Fee Per Person Includes:

All of the above PLUS one night’s stay on July 16 in one of the luxurious cabins located on the property.

$1,000 Entry Fee Per Person Includes:

Green Fees, Cart and Forecaddie $50 gift card to FHN pro shop Sleeve of FHN Titleist Pro-V1 balls Post-golf reception Dinner Beverages on course

-or-

2008 top 10 pac list(Top PAC Contributors to Candidates)

1. Kansas Contractors Assn.

2. KS National Education Assn.

3. Kansas Realtors PAC

4. Kansas Medical Society

5. Kansas Bankers Assn.

6. Kansas Chamber of Commerce

7. Kansans for Lifesaving Cures

8. Kansas Optometric

9. Life Sciences Fund of the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce

10. Kansas Insurance Agents

16. AGC-PAC

$165,479

$127,514

$122,450

$92,240

$89,425

$87,250

$79,500

$74,350

$71,000

$59,450

$33,400

Capitol Club Golf Classic Scheduled for July 16

What is the Capitol Club?Established in 2005, the Capitol Club was created to rec-ognize AGC companies and individuals who contribute to the PAC. Capitol Club donors are broken down into four categories:

Bronze Membership- Minimum donation of $165 Silver Membership- Minimum donation of $330Gold Membership- Minimum donation of $660Ad Astra Member- $1000 and above

Since its inception, the Capitol Club helped the AGC-PAC grow from $12,000 in contributions in 2005 to over $33,000 in 2008. The primary purpose of AGC-PAC is to lend financial support and recognition to state legislators and candidates who recognize the importance of the Con-struction Industry in Kansas and show a tendency to sup-port AGC policy positions. For more information, contact the AGC office at (785) 266-4015.

Page 9

industry news

On Friday, April 10, 2009, UCI accomplished a major safety milestone by completing 1,000,000 man hours worked without a Lost Time Injury. In real time that means UCI crews have worked almost three and a half years on hundreds of jobs over a six-state area with no lost time incidents. Another safety record was set by UCI during this time: UCI crews have worked 20 months without a single recordable incident.

In announcing the safety accomplishment President and CEO Charles (Chuck) Grier said, “Employee safety has become a guiding principle in the UCI corporate culture. It drives every decision on every project. Our safety program has been embraced by each of our employees, and this million-hour milestone could not have been reached without the effort of every UCI employee. Because of their commitment to safety, UCI is able to provide a workforce that meets the deadlines given by our clients without time off for workplace accidents.”

UCI has been recognized repeatedly in the last two years for its safety program. In 2007 and 2008 two UCI sites were awarded the prestigious OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) designation. The OSHA VPP is official recognition of the outstanding efforts of employers and em-ployees who have achieved exemplary occupational safety and healthful working conditions. There are more than eight million worksites each year in the United States. Less than .008% are recipients of the OSHA VPP award.

In March 2009, UCI competed for and won the National 1st Place “Con-struction Safety Excellence Award” for Heavy Construction (100,000 to 300,000 man hours/year) from the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America and Willis HRH. The CSEA award is the top safety award presented within the general contracting industry.

The UCI Safety Program is carried out daily at every job site and in the Wichita corporate office. It covers a broad spectrum of activities from personal safety measures to inspections of equipment and tools.

UCI Celebrates 1,000,000 Accident-Free Man Hours

How Decoupling Would Affect Business in Kansas By David Allison, CPA, CCIFPFormer AGC of Kansas Board Member Director of CBIZ MHM, LLC

Have you ever been kicked while you were down? Well, that is what SB 335 would do for Kansas contractors and other businesses.

Among its various provisions, SB 335 proposes that Kansan’s not follow the federal income tax laws for 2009 for two specific business incentives passed by the U.S. Congress:

No “bonus depreciation” on new equipment purchases (i.e., •expensing 50% of the cost of new equipment purchases with-out limitation);No enhanced expensing of new or used equipment purchases •(called the “Section 179 deduction”, which the IRS allows up to $250,000 until your total purchases exceed $800,000, when you lose $1 for $1 of the expensing).

The effect of this change on your business is that you don’t get the extra deduction in 2009, but you instead follow the old tax rules and spread the deduction over several years.

We have had a number of clients already purchase millions of dollars of new and used equipment for use in Kansas. And, they purchased this equipment from Kansas equipment dealers. And, they were planning to use the enhanced federal and KANSAS tax savings to help with the financing of the equipment.

Now, SB335 is talking about not allowing these deductions in 2009. As a result of this law, instead of the purchaser being able to use his tax sav-ings to make loan payments, he will be making higher Kansas estimated income tax payments. This sounds like a TAX INCREASE to me!

As those of you who know me from my work with AGC of Kansas over the years understand, I preach “CASH is KING” when it comes to running your business in tough times. This bill takes away your vital cash flow, which many of you planned on when executing equipment acquisitions once the U.S. Congress and President Obama passed the Stimulus Package.

Although the legislature adjourned without taking action on SB 335, the bill remains alive for next year and could come into play if state revenues continue to shrink.

Refer a Friend! AGC needs your help in growing the association. If you do business with companies that should be AGC members, please email Corey with their contact information at cpeterson@agcks.org.

KCEF Gives $25,000 to KSU, PSU Construction Programs Thanks to the generous support of AGC members, the Kansas Con-struction Education Foundation awarded an astonishing $25,000 for scholarships, professorships and general department funds to the Kansas State and Pittsburg State Construction programs.

Three students from KSU received $1,000 scholarships. Ten stu-dents from PSU received scholarships ranging from $250 to $750, totaling $5,000.

Those receiving scholarships from KSU were Willie Brooks, Nicholas Pederson and Daniel Weir. Pittsburg State scholarship recipients are Jeremy Kaufman, Eric Love, Jeff Shaw, Andrew Molgren, Kelly Tetrick, Lucas Lackey, David Darakhshanian, Kevin Lee, Alan Youngers, and Rebekah Dallman.

Page 10 Page 11

Ten Young Constructors Forum members traveled to Manhattan, KS for a networking function with the KSU AGC Student Chapter. Last year, the YCF advisory board realized that is was missing a great op-portunity to strengthen relationships with the future employees of the construction industry.

On April 23, AGC student chapter vice-president Willie Brooks orga-nized a barbecue and activities in the first of what AGC hopes to be a long tradition of activities with the KSU and PSU students. Over 40 KSU students attended the function. Activities included a putting contest, washers and a hammer/saw competition.

Pat Tolin, Ferrell Construc-tion of Topeka and Chair-man of the Young Construc-tors Forum, sees a long-term benefit of strengthening these relationships.

Tolin said “It was great to see the YCF members interact with the students. I’m con-fident that after several years of working closely with the student chapters, the YCF and AGC will see a majority of these students become involved with the AGC of Kansas and help steer our organization as they grow as professionals.”

The YCF is looking into working with the PSU student chapter to organize a similar event in the fall, possibly inviting students from both schools to the YCF clay shoot at Flint Oak on October 2.

The YCF would like to thank Willie for his hard work in organizing the networking function.

Community Challenge UpdateAs reported in January, the YCF accepted a recommendation from the board of directors to take the lead on the AGC of America Chapter Challenge volunteer initiative. However, the project selected (Topeka’s Children’s Discovery Center) has been delayed due to a slowdown in fundraising efforts.

The YCF has since contacted the City of Wichita and has agreed to build 13 new trash enclosures and paint two storefronts at the Cow-town Museum in downtown Wichita, donating time and labor to the project.

young constructors forum

Join the YCF at the Wichita Wingnuts home game on June 16. The YCF will reserve the Miller Lite Party Deck which holds up to 70 people for unlimited food and drinks.

Spouses and dates are welcome to attend.

Bring individuals interested in the YCF and they attend for free.

YCF member Ben Hutton, Hutton Construc-tion, competes against a KSU student chapter member in a hammer and saw competition at the KSU BBQ in April.

YCF, Student Chapters Look to Develop Fu-ture Leaders by Strengthening Partnership

Upcoming EventsDon’t miss out on what will surely be a great event as the YCF hosts AGC and YCF members at the June 16 Wichita Wingnuts baseball game. Bring your spouse or a date and enjoy this social networking event. To register, contact Eric Stafford at the AGC office at (785) 266-4015. The cost is $40 per person and includes your game ticket and unlimited food and drinks. Prospective YCF members can attend at no charge!

On July 24, the YCF will hold a Lunch and Learn roundtable where in-dustry leaders share their experience with the YCF members and offer advice on careers, their thoughts on industry trends, and answer ques-tions from attendees. Registration information will be sent in June.

Remaining 2009 YCF Calendar of EventsWingnuts Game Night- June 16

Volunteer Dates for Cowtown Project- July 10 & 18

Lunch and Learn- July 24

YCF Clay Shoot- October 2

YCF Roundtable Discussion/- November 20Poker Tournament

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Pittsburg State University

student chapter update

Kansas State University

It’s hard to believe this year is already coming to an end! With the countless opportunities that we have been given this year, our student chapter has truly grown and expanded. The diligence of our officers and the commitment from our members has clearly proven itself.

Our numerous Spring activities first included a trip to the AGC National Convention by Chapter President Tommy Lewis and Vice-President Willie Brooks.

Benjy Walters of Burns and McDonnell gave a presentation to a mem-bers meeting on project controls and good habits for a successful new graduate.

During spring break, student chapter assistant advisor Ray Buyle and his wife Karen took a group of 15 student members to New Orleans for an Alternative Spring Break project. They worked on reconstructing 2 homes destroyed by hurricane Katrina. It was truly a humbling and rewarding experience to serve in a community that has come together amid such destruction.

M. A. Mortenson sponsored a job site tour of some of the expansion work being conducted at Fort Riley. The visit included a new hanger and wellness clinic.

Sixteen AGC members volunteered for Junior Achievement, and every elementary class was eager and excited for the next lesson to be taught in the curriculum, “Building a City.”

Tommy Lewis noted, “I had to make sure I really knew what I was talking about because there were a few kids that put me on the spot a couple of times!”

The goal was to spark interest in the minds of the children, piquing their interest and convincing them that the construction industry would be a great career. Judging by the program outcome, it is clearly evident that they are thinking about it!

We continued our relationship with Habitat for Humanity. A new home is being built in Ogden, and AGC members have helped frame the roof and interior walls, and assisted in the management of volunteers.

A new event added this year was a member barbecue in conjunction with AGC’s Young Constructor Forum. Ten YCF members, 50 student chapter members, and faculty attended enjoying the good eats and fun. New AGC student officers were announced and awards were given to outstanding member/volunteers for the year.

It has been a very eventful and successful year. All the new officers are all looking forward to another very productive year!

Pitt State’s AGC Student Chapter has had another eventful year. The second half of this semester has been full of community service events. AGC student chapter members volunteered their services to work on houses for elderly residents in the community for Hearts and Ham-mers. This event occurred on April 25. Members also participated in the university’s Big Event on April 18.

Four students and a faculty advisor attended the AGC National Conven-tion in San Diego, California. By going out two days early, they were able to visit jobsites with Hensel Phelps (Hotel Indigo) and Lusardi (Vista Sports Park, a FedEx facility, and a Marriott hotel). These trips gave students an opportunity to observe site conditions that differ from those in the Midwest. For example, students learned of the requirement of having an archeologist on site during all excavation and a biologist on site because of a pair of nesting migratory birds. At the convention, students attended sessions on several topics including Stormwater Pol-lution Prevention & Erosion Control on the Construction Site; Let’s Build Green: Risk Management for Contractors; Green-N-Site: Green Building for Developers, Design Professionals and Contractors; and How to Market Green. The students learned about numerous current issues that affect the construction industry. Between the field trips and start of the convention, students went on a harbor cruise and toured the USS Midway.

Attendees shared their experiences and information with peers at a roundtable discussion. All of the AGC officers gave and presented an update at the Pittsburg State Construction Advisory Board meeting on April 17. The alumni and advisors provided many ideas to help the student chapter excel.

Pitt State hardhats with the university logo and chapter t-shirts are still being sold. Plans have been made to start the production of cast concrete gorillas. Fall semester, PSU students are looking forward to a new school year and new membership and activities. Officers are planning a fall kickoff event to get both new and old members excited about involvement in the AGC. Homecoming, field trips, community service projects, and intramurals are all on the docket for next year.

None of our activities would be possible without the generosity of the AGC of Kansas!

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welcome new members

ASSOCIATES ABC’s of BMP’s, LLC21755 S. Main StreetSpring Hill, KS 66083Phone: (816) 803-8763 www.abcbmp.com

Group Benefit SpecialistsMary Legge7331 W 33 NorthWichita, KS 67205316-491-2600www.group-benefit.com

Lamunyon Cleaning and Restoration329 W 5th AveHutchinson, KS 67501(620) 669-0055Fax: (620) 669-0066www.lamunyon.com

calendar of eventsSalina Golf Outing 5.29.09 Salina, KS

AGC Board Retreat 6.4.09 Louisville, KY

YCF Wingnuts Game Night/ 6.16.09 Wichita, KS Membership Drive

Capitol Club Golf Classic 7.16.09 Andover, KS

YCF Lunch and Learn 7.24.09 AGC Training Center

PSU Scholarship Golf Tournament 8.3.09 Wichita, KS

NE Kansas Steak Fry 10.1.09 Topeka, KS

YCF Clay Shoot 10.2.09 Fall River, KS

AGC PAC Fundraiser- 10.9.09 Newton, KS Sand Creek Station Golf Course

Do you Have News?If you have a timely article you would like to con-tribute to the AGC newsletter, email Eric Stafford at estafford@agcks.org for consideration.