The Associated General Contractors of America recently expressed its concern that soaring prices of steel, along with a variety of other escalating costs, "threaten the solvency of key contractors."

The statements were made at a "listening session" in Arlington, Va., organized by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
"Steel price increases have been sudden, steep and devastating," said Ken Simonson, AGC's chief economist. Citing a specific example provided by an AGC member, Simonson reported that "the cost of steel for one bridge project ha[d] risen by $15 million since the contract was signed.

"Few construction companies can afford to absorb cost jumps of that size."
Simonson added that prices have spiked recently for copper, wood products (particularly plywood and oriented strand board), natural gas and petroleum products such as asphalt and diesel fuel.

AEM Commends U.S. House for Focus on Steel Concerns

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers recently commended the U.S. House of Representatives Small Business Committee for drawing attention to the challenges manufacturers face due to rising steel prices. The committee held a special hearing on steel price increases and limited supplies.

"The sudden rise in steel prices and reports of short supply are worrisome to both small and large manufacturers," said Dennis J. Slater, president of AEM. "A complicated set of international and domestic factors has contributed to the surge in steel prices."

AIA Names Nine Texas Members to College of Fellows

A jury of fellows from the American Institute of Architects has elevated 81 AIA members-including nine who are based in Texas-to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession and society.

The jury also chose seven individuals to receive the designation of honorary fellow. Lawrence W. Speck, FAIA, of Austin-based PageSoutherlandPage, was one of the seven jury fellows.

ABC Recognizes McCarthy for Outstanding Work

Dallas-based McCarthy Building Co. Inc. recently received a national Excellence in Construction Merit Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors. The award comes on the heels of recognition from the North Texas chapter of the ABC at the association's Excellence in Construction Awards Banquet last year.

McCarthy received the national and local excellence in construction designations for outstanding performance during the company's recent work at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, where the company completed a 24,000-sq.-ft. renovation of laboratory and office space for the university's biochemistry department.

McCarthy was also recently named an accredited quality contractor for the second year in a row by the ABC. The award recognizes demonstrated commitment in four key areas: worker safety, employee benefits, training and community involvement.

Texas A&M Named Student Chapter of the Year by ABC

The Association of Builders and Contractors has presented awards to the top three university student chapters of ABC for the 2003-2004 academic year. Texas A&M University was named student chapter of the year.

The schools were chosen from 44 chapters nationwide for excellence in innovation, creativity, community service, interaction with local ABC chapters and communications/public relations. The award of merit went to the University of Southern Mississippi, and the award of honor went to the University of Cincinnati

ASA Members Elect New 2004-2005 President

The American Subcontractors Association announced the election of Mat Glover, president of Arvada, Colo.-based Glover Masonry Associates Inc., as its 2004-2005 ASA president. Glover will take office July 1.

"Most of us started by being good at a trade," Glover said. "But we found we needed to learn the business of construction. ASA addresses our business needs through advocacy and education."

The members also elected a national vice president, treasurer and secretary as well as five national directors. Among the five director positions is one Texan, Mike Chambers, project manager with Triangle Plastering Systems Inc. of Mesquite.

A Hot Hit for Hot Mix

The National Asphalt Pavement Association has made information on the asphalt industry, its operations, products and issues, available via a new Web site in partnership with the Asphalt Education Partnership.

The site offers general information on hot-mix asphalt plants as well as educational information for the general public, students, teachers, journalists and researchers. Log on to www.beyondRoads.com.