When Your Project is Put on Trial: What to Expect for the Contractor
By: R. Thomas Dunn, Esq. and Matthew R. O’Connor, Esq. As contractors, you may never imagine you could end up someday testifying under oath about the tenth email you sent on a random Tuesday years ago talking about an RFI, soil compaction, or who said what in a meeting with the project owner. Yet, that’s the reality of what happens when a dispute exits the worksite and enters a courtroom. Recently, the authors tried a multi-day arbitration involving millions in claims. There were twenty witnesses ranging
From the Field to the Front Office: Mentorship That Builds Confidence
From the Field to the Front Office: Mentorship That Builds Confidence In an industry where representation and inclusion are still evolving, the BuildHer Mentorship Program, launched by Building Women in Construction (BWiC), is more than a professional development initiative-- it’s a movement. BuildHer is redefining leadership by empowering women in commercial construction through meaningful communication, shared learning, and connection across generations.Building Confidence and Culture At its core,
Building Belonging: Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Through Member Collaboration
By: Samilys Rodriguez, Director of Career Development & Industry Inclusion, AGC MA In the spring and summer of 2025, AGC MA partnered with Dr. Yaro Fong-Olivares, Ph.D., of Bentley University’s Gloria Cordes Center for Women in Business, to lead a dynamic series of dialogues exploring how recent political and social developments impact diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the construction industry. These sessions brought together a broad coalition of AGC MA members—contractors, owners, and
The new cyber threat landscape for construction firms
By Emily Selck - The Baldwin Group (Sr. Director, National Cyber Practice Leader) & Nick Coveney (Director, Baldwin Construction Practice) The rapid expansion of AI, the growth of megawatt-scale data centers, and the spread of connected technology across daily life have reshaped the cyber landscape. Cybercrime is now more prevalent, more sophisticated, and more disruptive, with attackers quickly adapting to bypass once-reliable safeguards. Combined with increasingly complex regulations, today’s
Safety Committee’s Implementation from the SAFE-T Survey
In the construction industry, safety is often measured in numbers such as incident rates, lost time, and reported near misses. However, a true safety culture runs much deeper than metrics. It should live in everyday conversations, behaviors, and decisions. This is how a true culture of safety is built. At Barr & Barr, our Safety Committee includes every level of the company—from C-suite members to field staff and everyone in between. This ensures our safety program is more than compliance-driven; it
Building Smarter: Construction & Demolition Waste Management in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, the construction industry has made steady progress in diverting materials from landfills, but there is still a long way to go. Every project — regardless of scope, size and program — generates waste that has both environmental and financial impacts. Effective construction & demolition (C&D) waste management is not only a regulatory requirement but also a way to reduce project costs, improve efficiency, and demonstrate environmental leadership in the industry. This article intends to
BAE Continues to Bridge the Gap Between Education & Construction
AGC MA Celebrates Recent Graduates of the 2025 Building Advancement Externship AGC MA is proud to recognize the recent graduates of the 2025 Building Advancement Externship (BAE). This year’s program brought together educators from across Massachusetts for a week-long immersion in the construction industry, providing valuable insight into career pathways, workforce development, and the future of building. The 2025 Building Advancement Externship recently concluded, giving educators a week of first-hand
AGC MA Welcomes Michelle Dardeno as Financial Controller
The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) is pleased to announce Michelle Dardeno as its new Financial Controller. Dardeno brings a strong background in finance and operations, most recently serving as Comptroller for the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. There, she led accounting and administrative efforts across six entities, playing a key role in legislative, climate, and workforce development initiatives. Her career began while attending Lasell College, where a bookkeeping job with an
AGC MA Announces 5th Emerging Leaders Development Series Cohort
Boston, MA – July 30, 2025 — The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) is proud to welcome the fifth cohort of the Emerging Leaders Development Series (ELDS), a flagship initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of construction industry leaders and to champion diversity and inclusion in leadership.Launched in 2021, the ELDS empowers rising professionals across the AEC industry with the tools, network, and vision needed to step confidently into executive leadership roles. A
Summer Social 2025
AGC MA Summer Social Brings Together 250+ Construction Professionals for a Night on the Harbor AGC MA launched a new summer tradition with our first-ever Summer Social, bringing together more than 250 construction professionals from across the industry for an evening of connection, celebration, and unforgettable waterfront views aboard Tall Ship Boston. With the rain holding off just in time, guests enjoyed a vibrant skyline backdrop, lively conversations, and a strong sense of community. A highlight of
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
AGC MA Annual Business Meeting
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
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
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
New AGC MA Logo
AGC MA Logo Files and Brand Guide AGC MA - PNG | AGC MA - JPG | AGC MA Brand Guide
