Future Builders Vol. 7
FUTURE BUILDERS: Careers in Commercial Construction - Insight & News The seventh edition of the Constructing MA newsletter is here! This publication offers real-world insight to educators on ways to inspire students to break into the commercial construction industry and provide resources on how to engage with the industry through project site tours, informational programs, internships, and more.READ NEWSLETTERWHO WE ARE: AGC MA is an affiliate of the national trade association the Associated
Gov Affairs Update
Government Affairs Update: AGC MA Advocating for investment in construction and to limit costly regulatory burdensAGC MA remains at the forefront of legislative advocacy on behalf of the state’s commercial construction industry, actively tracking more than 150 bills before the Massachusetts Legislature. In the half of the year, we have provided formal testimony on 10 impactful pieces of legislation including:Opposition to H.460: We opposed H.460, which proposes additional safety training requirements that
2025 Annual Business Meeting
Member Distinction Award Winners Annouced at Annual Business Meeting Thank you to everyone who joined us inperson and virtualy for the AGC MA Annual Membership Business Meeting last week! This year, we introduced a new format — separating our Anuual Meeting into two events: The Annual Business Meeting and our AGC Summer Social. Along with electing new board member and hearing from AGC MA committees, AGC MA was proud to annouce the winners of our 2025 Member Distinction Awards. Congratulations to this
Spring 2025 Government Affairs Bulletin
Spring 2025Government Affairs Bulletin AGC MA is your advocate on Beacon Hill. Last session we were the voice of the industry on legislation and regulations Highlights include: Tracking over 150 billsBuilding consensus on key issues like Project Labor Agreements, MBTA Communities Act, Responsible Contractor Language, and Wage TheftTestifying on 11 bills including the expansion of PLAs, expediting payment of change orders in public construction, facilitating diverse participation in the industry, wage
Build To Rent Projects Answer Housing Shortage, But Factor in the Risks
Build To Rent Projects Answer Housing Shortage, But Factor in the Risks By Michele L. Norton, AAI, CRIS Hub International There’s a national shortage in housing availability in the U.S. as soaring prices during a time of inflation and limited inventory keep the squeeze on renters and buyers alike. It’s particularly significant for single family homes. The cost/supply disparity has made Greater Boston one of the nation’s most expensive metropolitan areas, as the median single-family home price
White Paper: Enhancing Equity and Safety in Construction Workplaces
White Paper: Enhancing Equity and Safety in Construction Workplaces Executive Summary Using two years of data from the SAFE-T Survey, we have a clearer picture of the following: Over 90% of tradespeople clearly understand management’s commitment to safety from the office to field leadershipLess than 40% of tradespeople are getting daily instructions with a clear focus on safety1/3 of workers are taking risks to do their jobsAbout 75% of workers almost always feel a sense of belonging and usually
Evolving with the DEI Landscape: What Contractors Need to Know
Federal enforcement priorities are shifting—and construction companies, especially those working on public or institutional projects, are feeling the pressure. Whether you’re reviewing your hiring practices or responding to an owner’s request for diverse subcontractors, the rules around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are changing quickly. This guidance offers practical takeaways for contractors navigating today’s evolving legal and political environment. 1. Don’t Abandon DEI—but Do Proceed
AGC of America Convention in Columbus, Ohio: A Week of Education, Recognition, and Connection
AGC of America Convention in Columbus, Ohio: A Week of Education, Recognition, and Connection The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Convention held in Columbus, Ohio delivered an exceptional week filled with insightful Chapter Education sessions, informative Chapter member programming, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Members from across the country gathered to learn, connect, and celebrate the people and companies pushing the construction industry forward—and AGC Massachusetts (AGC
AGC America Tariff Resources
On April 2, President Trump announced he is using his authority under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose broad tariffs on nearly all imports entering the United States. The new policy means that at a minimum there will be an additional 10% tax on ALL imports coming into the U.S. These tariffs will stack on top of any already in place. AGC has developed a Resource Center for contractors to help track all tariff developments and assist contractors trying to navigate tariffs.
Project of the Month: Holyoke Veterans’ Home
Holyoke Veterans’ Home Commodore Walsh Holyoke, a Joint Venture comprised of Commodore Builders LLC and Walsh Brothers, Incorporated A beacon for veterans in Western Massachusetts, the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke is committed to providing “care with honor, dignity, and respect” for veterans needing long-term health care. For more than seven decades, the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke has been a home for veterans who have served our nation so honorably during their active duty and beyond. The new state of the art
Goulston & Storrs - Commodore Builders
Goulston & StorrsCommodore BuildersGoulston & Storrs, an Am Law 200 firm, has established its new Boston headquarters at One Post Office Square. Occupying 100,000 square feet across four floors (25 through 28) of the recently remodeled 41-story, Class A office tower, the space is designed to support flexibility and innovation. With panoramic views of Boston Harbor and Back Bay, the office reflects the firm’s forward-thinking approach to workplace design. With interior architecture and workplace strategy by
STEM Solutions LLC Rebrands to LabFitOut LLC
STEM Solutions LLC Rebrands to LabFitOut LLC In a significant move aimed at better aligning its brand with its core mission, services, and domain name, STEM Solutions LLC has officially announced its rebranding to LabFitOut LLC. The change reflects the company's evolution and its ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier laboratory fit-out services to the broader east coast life sciences and education construction market.Why the Change? Since its inception, STEM Solutions LLC has been a leader in
More to the story here: Diversity in construction no laughing matter
More to the story here: Diversity in construction no laughing matterGuest opinion by John Ferrante Published by Contrarian BostonI was interviewed for an article in the Boston Globe on the Boston Residents Job Policy.However, the piece, provocatively headlined - “‘They think it’s a joke’: Boston has rules for big construction projects that no one follows” - did not tell the full story of what is a complex issue.For those unfamiliar, the BRJP sets workforce participation goals for Boston residency and
Year End Review 2024
2024 marked the 100th year since the founding of AGC MA and one of our most successful years ever.Emerging from the pandemic, we have grown membership each year, increased attendance at our programs and events, and expanded our industry advancement initiatives. Alone, any one of these achievements would be worth celebrating, but together it shows that our members are leaders in our industry and in our communities.2025 willpresent many challenges, but led by the AGC MA Board of Directors, membership, and
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AGC MA Construction Leadership Fee
The AGC MA Board of Directors recently approved an annual non-dues fee designed to stimulate engagement in AGC MA Programs and Events as well as participation in the Construction Leadership Council. This fee will be assessed based on annual revenue in January as follows: Annual Revenue Construction Leadership Fee <$10 million $250 (optional) $10M - $25M $500 $25M - $150M $1,250 $150M+ $2,500 This modest investment unlocks more than $3,000 in potential value for your firm and
Project of the Month - Sea-Dar - Kendall Square Life Science Center.
Sea-Dar Construction built this 4+ story lab building located near Kendall Square in Cambridge in 19 months. This tight urban project delivered 3 separate shared office/lab spaces that are each approximately 5,300 sf. The basement contains 12 parking spaces that are accessible by a car elevator on 1st floor. Floors 2-4 of the building are each designed to provide 40% office space and 60% lab space. The lab spaces are open, with room for 36 workstations, 2 tissue culture rooms, 2 fume hoods, and 4 lab
The National AGC Safety Awards
The National AGC Safety Awards (NASA) program has been an ongoing effort since 1991 to offer AGC members an opportunity to evaluate their safety record. The NASA compares an AGC member’s safety record with other AGC members according to the member size and construction type. Additionally, the NASA provides a great opportunity for members who have excellent safety records to compete for nationally recognized awards. Eligibility - The NASA is open to AGC member companies only. How to Enter - An AGC
Keeping Educators Engaged With the Industry During the School Year
The Building Advancement Externships program brings together educators, administrators, and guidance counselors for an intensive, week-long construction industry crash course. This unique experience equips them with insights and resources to share the diverse opportunities available in the construction industry with their students. Since this program is offered only during the summer, AGC MA sought additional ways to engage Massachusetts educators throughout the school year. Recently, AGC MA held an event
Project of the Month - Lynnfield Public Safety Complex
Lynnfield Public Safety Complex Commodore BuildersPublic safety, community, and service – that’s what defines the Town of Lynnfield’s Public Safety Complex project. This important construction project will modernize and upgrade the town’s police and fire headquarters and Town Hall to better serve residents and first responders. Spanning two sites on Summer Street, the 73,000-sf Public Safety Complex project is designed by Tappé Architects, and managed and constructed by Commodore Builders. The owner’s
Building Advancement Externship 2024
MA EDUCATORS PARTICIPATE IN ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS OF MASSACHUSETTS EXTERNSHIP 15 educators and administrators selected to join annual summer program that spotlights commercial construction career opportunities for high school graduates Wellesley, MA (August 12, 2024) — For the fourth consecutive year, The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) hosted a weeklong Building Advancement Externship (BAE) for high school educators and administrators. This comprehensive and vigorous
STEM Solutions LLC Names Cori DiDonato Chief Operating Officer
STEM Solutions LLC. announced that Cori DiDonato was named Chief Operating Officer this past month. STEM Solutions LLC, based in Wakefield, MA, is a leading provider and installer of lab casework, fume hoods, lab equipment and lab fixtures for commercial and educational laboratories. “We’ve rapidly grown since our in founding in 2014 and recently expanded product lines and geographic capabilities, so we are very happy to have Cori join the STEM team in the COO role,” said Ed St. Peter, Co-Founder and
New AGC MA Logo
AGC MA Logo Files and Brand Guide AGC MA - PNG | AGC MA - JPG | AGC MA Brand Guide
Reflecting Reality: 4 Major Modifications in the AIA A133-2019 Update Lexie Rae Pereira, J.D./M.B.A
"It is no secret that the construction industry is sometimes slow to adopting technological advances; however, some contractors are quick to embrace change. By swiftly adapting to updates to the American Institute of Architects ("AIA"), some contractors have the ability to reap the benefits of embracing change. One of the most recent AIA updates involves the AIA A133-2019, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Construction Manager as Constructor where the basis of payment is the Cost of the Work Plus
BEST PRACTICES FOR REDUCING RISK IN DESIGN-BUILD DELIVERY | Jason Theberge, Commodore Builders
As design-build becomes a more common method for delivering construction projects, it is critical to understand the best way to ensure project success and reduce risk. In choosing the design-build project delivery method, an Owner benefits by having a single point of contact and responsibility for a project. Design-build is also attractive to an Owner because it allows early input and collaboration between the construction team and design team, which leads to improvements on costs and schedule.
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR V5 |Tom Dunn, Partner, Pierce Atwood LLP
Professional associations like the AGC are invaluable during challenging times like we have been experiencing with COVID-19. They provide community and a forum for discussion and sharing of resources. AGC MA has “hit it out of the ballpark” during the past few months with its programs and initiatives, including: The AGC MA Risk Forum highlighted by Molly Manson and Lexie Pereira. Through these bi-weekly calls, members engaged with attorneys and other professionals regarding the ever changing COVID-19
Safety Best Practices During COVID-19 | Shaun Carvalho, Vice President, Safety Shawmut Design and Construction
At Shawmut Design and Construction, the safety of our people and jobsites is our top priority. Following the first known confirmed case of COVID-19 in the U.S., Shawmut put protocols in place and closely followed the CDC for guidance. We created a cross-functional COVID-19 Crisis Team with a virtual command center that is constantly monitoring developments by the minute—helping to guide actions as necessary. By proactively tracking conditions, we provide constant guidance and communications to our on-site
CPPI Coverage: An Innovative Response to the Design-Build Dilemma Andy O’Brien, Construction Risk Partners
As Design-Build delivery continues to gain momentum in the construction industry, contractors are forced to reevaluate the measures they take to manage risk. Many contractors are simply unaccustomed to assuming ultimate responsibility for design-related risk on a project. Many more are surprised at how challenging it can be to adequately transfer the entirety of this risk down to the appropriate design professionals. It’s not uncommon that on even the largest projects, the prime design firms are only
Business NOT as Usual: Navigating Business Development during COVID-19 | Lisa Frisbie, AGC MA
It has been challenging for business development professionals to find ways to stay relevant and connected to clients and project management teams. In a Google search for best business development quotes, I was amazed at how many apply perfectly now. For example: “Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.” Sigmund Freud “Every problem is a gift — without problems we would not grow.” Anthony Robbins "All progress takes place outside the comfort zone." Michael John Bobak We are certainly
