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Subcontractors USA Spotlight on Roosevelt Petry, Jr. & GP Industrial Contractors, Inc.

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PAGES 12-13

Partnering to Build Alliances for a Better Future

PAGE 14 PAGE 16

New Refrigerated Cargo Storage Facility to Be Constructed at Port of Houston Authorityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bayport Container Terminal

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry.

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Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

Houston is booming with opportunities for subcontractors. This city is filled with endless opportunities, but you have to know where to look. This is where Subcontractors USA comes in. Don’t know where to look? Looking for tips to take you to the next level as a subcontractor? Well, this latest issue of Subcontractors USA has great tools and tips to help you start on your path to success as a subcontractor.

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

This month’s cover story is on Roosevelt Petry, Jr. As President and CEO of GP Industrial Contractors, Inc., this company has received a stellar reputation in this industry for true commitment to serving the industry with pride and skill. The company motto is “Partnering to Build Alliances for a Better Future.” Though Petry is the President and CEO of GP, he does not work alone to take GP to higher levels. GP has an experienced and qualified Board of Directors and Board of Advisors that share Petry’s mindset of striving to enhance the opportunities at GP. Thank you for supporting Subcontractors USA. When you support this journal, you are supporting more than just this publication, you are supporting the growth of Houston in the areas of engineering, architecture, construction, transportation, and IT. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

Contents Subcontractors USA Spotlight on Victoria Lara........................................................................................................................................ 4 Subcontractors USA Spotlight on Annie Lidge.......................................................................................................................................... 6 City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity.......................................................................................................................................7 Five Top Tips for Building a Career in Property and Construction...................................................................................................... 8 5 Tax Tips for Subcontractors.......................................................................................................................................................................10 GP Industrial Contractors, Inc.................................................................................................................................................................. 12-13 The Associated General Contractors of America..................................................................................................................................... 14 Port of Houston Authority..............................................................................................................................................................................16 5 Ways to Tackle Tech Trouble Today as a Subcontractor...................................................................................................................18

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4 March 2016

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Subcontractors USA Spotlight on Victoria Lara March Celebrates Women in Construction

By Subcontractors USA News Provider n March, Women in Construction Week is celebrated. Subcontractors USA shines the construction spotlight on Victoria Lara. Lara is the Director of Business Development at Impact Stone Design, Inc., a womenowned and family operated business. In addition, Impact Stone is one of Houston’s top fabricators and installers of marble, granite, and quartz countertops, wall panels, and tile. Some of Impact Stone’s recent projects include Southwest Airlines International Expansion at Houston Hobby Airport, Memorial Hermann in Pearland, Katy, Texas Medical Center Methodist Hospital, and the University of Houston (multiple facilities). Lara was a stay at home mom before she decided to integrate into her family’s business. Though it was no easy task, juggling family responsibilities, work and school, her focus and determination earned her an AA degree from Houston Community College. Not one to settle and always wanting to achieve success, she is now on track to earning her Bachelor’s degree. Lara is graduate of the J. E. Dunn Minority Contractor Development Program (Session 1 and 2), and the City of Houston Bonding Education Program.

She is also a proud graduate of Class X of the National Hispanic Professionals Organization Leadership Institute. With compassion for her community, she has served on numerous boards, such as the City of Houston Mayor’s Hispanic Advisory Board and the National Association of Minority Contractors, just to name a few. She

is currently a member of the Women Contractors Association, where she strongly advocates for the advancement of women in construction. Lara has led Impact Stone Design to be recognized as a family business success story, and her firm has received recognitions like the Emerging Minority Firm of the Year, Subcontractors

USA Top 25 Award, and they have been the featured cover on Small Business Today Magazine. She attributes all of Impact Stone’s success to her family, who works hard to help ensure the continuous growth of the company. To find out more about Impact Stone Design, Inc., please visit www.impactstonedesign.com.

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MEP Engineering

Commissioning

Program Management

When you need experience, we have it covered. Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm that focuses on MEP Engineering, Commissioning, and Program Management. We act as an extension to our clients, providing total engineering services from project inception to completion. With our deep bench of high skilled and experienced staff and innovative technology Rice & Gardner can plan, lead, and complete projects on time and within budget.

6161 Savoy Drive, Suite 1212 Houston, TX 77036 | 713-482-2300 | www.ricegardner.com Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 March 2016

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March Celebrates Women in Construction Subcontractors USA Spotlight on Annie Lidge

By Subcontractors USA News Provider arch is Women's History Month, and March also celebrates Women in Construction Week. The focus of Women in Construction Week is to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry. Subcontractors USA shines the spotlight on Annie Lidge. Annie Lidge has more than 40 years of experience in procurement and contracting within the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) industry in both government and commercial applications. Annie attended Alcorn A&M University in Lorman, Mississippi, and the University of California in Orange County, California, where she majored in Business Administration. She is a graduate of the Fluor Management Institute. She began her career with Fluor Corporation in 1974 in the City of Industry, California, where she worked in expediting as an administrative clerk and was quickly promoted to Shop Expediting Technician. Even then, she was breaking barriers as the 1 of only 3 females in a male dominated area field. Since then, she has become valued for her expertise in supply chain execu-

tion. She advanced her career by taking on challenging roles, including Project Procurement Manager (PPM) for the FEMA Katrina Project in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina; and PPM for the LDK Polysilicon China project, Siberian Polycrystalline (Fluor’s first international polysilicon project), and Sibur Tobolsk Polymer projects executed out of Greenville, South Carolina. As PPM, Annie managed all project buyers and traveled to Moscow, Russia, to train the

Setting Us Apart

performing beyond expectations

projects on 1 Delivers time and on budget

About Us

Certified MWBE/SBE/HUB Contractor

meaningful service

Horizon is a certified MBE, WBE, SBE and State of Texas certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). As such, Horizon is always striving to expand business opportunities, provide added value to our clients, and is actively engaged in procuring goods and services from other talented SBE/MBE/WBE/HUB subcontracting firms. We believe that diversity strengthens the community and the overall small business environment.

3 Financial stability bonding 4 Strong capacity

5 6

Experienced project teams

Azteca Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1989 and provides services ranging from general contracting, construction management, program management, design-build services, and self-perform across a broad spectrum of projects for both public and private sector clients. Industries served include, aviation, transportation, local, state and federal government agencies, hospitality, multi-family housing, entertainment and real estate developers.

Horizon International Group, LLC is a certified SBE/MBE/WBE/HUB construction manager with a proven history of providing clients impeccable contracting services since 1994.

to 2 Committed delivering quality &

Excellent safety record

in country Procurement team on Fluor practices and procedures. In 2009, Annie took on a new role as Senior Manager of Corporate Procurement and Contracts in Fluor’s Sugar Land, Texas, office. There, she was responsible for the strategic sourcing of goods and services purchased on behalf of Fluor. It was there Annie became familiar with Fluor’s Supplier Diversity Program. Due to her passion for client service excellence and commitment to sustain-

able practices, Annie was appointed Fluor’s Corporate Supplier Diversity Program Manager in 2013. In this role, she transformed the longstanding Supplier Diversity Program into a proactive initiative supported by an executive board. She has developed groundbreaking processes and procedures, established program committees made up of Fluor volunteers, recruited and trained program champions, and defined and monitored the program’s goals and initiatives. Through her work, Annie has developed a thriving supplier diversity program with all domestic Fluor offices engaged, participating, and supporting business development councils in their respective regions. Today, Fluor’s Supplier Diversity Program serves as a model for other EPC firms seeking to bolster their commitment to sustainable communities. Active in a number of professional and personal organizations, Annie is a member of the NAACP, FluorCares, and GROW (Growing Representation and Opportunity for Women). In 2013, Annie was awarded Supplier Diversity Advocate of the Year by the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, and she is a 2016 recipient of the d-mars. com Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs Supplier Diversity Award.

We are a certified Minority Business Enterprise through the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Hire Houston First, South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA), the North Central Texas Regional Agency (NCTRCA), the DFW/MSDC, and the Texas Minority Historically Underutilized Business (HUB). We are a mentor to other minority and small business companies in several mentor-Protégé programs.

DIVISIONS:

Services

• • • •

Horizon provides a range of services including: • Construction Management

• Estimating

• General Contracting • Design/Build

• Owner Representation & Feasibility Studies

• Project Management

• Development Services

• Job Order Contracting

• Program Management

Building Division Heavy Civil Construction Steel Fabrication and Erection Multi-Family Housing

years of industry 7 30+ experience size to deliver 8 Right flexibility of services

and effective responses

Houston First 9 Hire Houston based

Dallas, Texas

company hiring Houston based subcontractors

SBE/MBE/WBE/ HUB firm

4204 Bellaire Boulevard Houston, TX 77025 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

215 W. San Antonio St. San Marcos, TX 78666 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

1999 Gulfmart Ste. 522 San Antonio, TX 78217 p: 713.660.8282 f: 713.660.0102

2518 Chalk Hill Road Dallas, Texas 75212 T: (214) 905-0612 F: (214) 905-0828

Houston, Texas

www.azteca-omega.com

11777 Katy Freeway, Suite 190 Houston, Texas 77093 T: (281) 391-7473 F: (281) 665-2115

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City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity

Upcoming Opportunities

New Public Work and Engineering (PWE) NE Quadrant Building Demolition of old and construction of a new PWE NE Quadrant Building. New facility shall be approximately 30,000 sq. ft. New location will include administrative offices, locker rooms, break rooms, bathrooms, conference rooms, an auditorium and support functions. Project will also include landscaping, parking, fencing and a backup generator. Project Location: 718 E. Burress St., Houston, TX 77022

Environmental Health Administrative Building Renovations - The renovation will include, but not limited to, HVAC system repair, foundation repair, asbestos abatement, weatherproofing/ roof repair, fire alarm system and egress lighting, update public restrooms, remove carpet, replace with VCT, replace water fountains, replace rubber cove base and other renovations. Project Location: 7411 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX 77087

Burnett Bayland Skatepark (F000803) Skatepark with concrete pad, ramps an other skating features designed for various skill levels. Additional site improvements include concrete sidewalks, benches, lighting, grading, drainage, detention and landscaping. Project Submittal Date: March 24, 2016

Galveston County will receive sealed bids in response to the solicitation at Galveston County Courthouse, 722 Moody (21st Street), Floor 5, Galveston, TX 77550 Sealed bids are for the general construction of Bayside Community Center. Solicitation Due Date: March 29, 2016 at 10:00am

Qualification Submittal Date: March 24, 2016

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8 March 2016

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Five Top Tips for Building a Career in Property and Construction By Subcontractors USA News Provider

1. Research what area of property and construction is right for you From skilled trades (such as carpenters, painters and engineers) to 3D software modellers and project managers – there are a variety of careers within the industry. "Have an open mind as there is a vast range of jobs available. Think about what you will enjoy doing first – there is a good chance you can pursue that with a career in construction," says built environment journalist and associate editor at Construction News, Damon Schünmann. The property market is also active at the moment, so job prospects are good. "My clients tell me skilled trades in particular are scarce so demand for jobs is high," says Nigel Millington, director of Phil Jones Associates.

2. Volunteering is a good way to gain experience A lot of property and construction practices welcome work experience students, so there is scope to build your

skills while studying. "We strongly encourage our students to work or volunteer in practice alongside their studies. It's amazing what you pick up in an office or studio environment if you are willing to push yourself," says Nicki Schiessel Harvey, senior lecturer in business and professional skills at Birmingham City University. Go to as many events as possible, join online forums on LinkedIn and talk to people in the industry to make potential contacts. "You stand a better chance of getting a foot in the door if you offer to buy someone a coffee and ask them about their job, rather than diving straight in with a request for experience," adds Schiessel Harvey.

3. Research what companies you want to apply to Whether you want to work for a small team or would rather be part of a large company, it's important to find out what you want, says founder and managing director of Property Personnel, Anthony Hesse. "And if you are invited to interview, make sure you do your research into the company and the person you are meeting." Kostas Papacharalampos, surveyor

to build up a reliable reputation. "Deliver when you say you will deliver – and if you know a deadline is not achievable raise the issue there and then. A professional who sticks by their word becomes a successful professional," advises Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors' internal accounts team manager, Richard Maclean.

and professional mentor for London's City University, agrees: "Research what you want, what your desired employers want, and ask for help from your university's career services, personal contacts and recruiters." Social media can be another a tool for finding work. "It is also worth considering targeting employers you would like to work for in your chosen field and then using social media to engage with them," says Hesse.

4. Being successful in construction relies on having a good reputation If you work in construction, you need

5. An ability to work with different professions is vital in this industry Careers in property and construction often require you to work in multidisciplinary teams. "For example, it's essential a development surveyor is an excellent communicator who can work with large teams," says Papacharalampos. "It's usually a long process to get planning to enable the construction of the development, so patience and an ability to work with or manage a team is critical." So for entry-level job hunters, it's important to show proven communication skills alongside your work experience to show you could work well in multi-disciplinary groups. Source Used: Guardian Professional (www.theguardian.com).

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5 Tax Tips for Subcontractors

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

tarting a business can be intimidating, but with a solid business plan and guidance from the small business community of experts, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether you own a local restaurant or an online Etsy shop, one of the biggest things to get used to as a new small business owner is filing taxes for the first time. If you're filing a business return, hiring an experienced professional tax preparer can help you avoid making common mistakes that can impact the success of your small business. To get the most from your deductions, here are five tips for small business owners to keep in mind this tax season: 1. What tax deductions can I claim? Even if the expenses were incurred during the previous calendar year, the IRS allows businesses to deduct up to $5,000 worth of certain start-up expenses in the year the business began (subject to limitations). In addition to these costs, corporations and partnerships are allowed to deduct up to $5,000 of their organizational costs in their first year of operation. 2. Is my car mileage deductible? If you use your home as a place of business and consider it your principal place of business, car owners are typically allowed to deduct mileage costs from their home to business-related stops. 3. Can I deduct business travel expenses? When you are traveling away from your usual business location, you may be able to deduct ordinary and

necessary expenses related to your work. These expenses include transportation costs, lodging, dry cleaning or laundry, tips, baggage charges and business equipment usage expenses such as fax machines or phones. Meals can be deducted if the trip is overnight but there is a 50 percent limitation on these deductions. 4. Are personal care and clothing expenses deductible? No, the IRS has a very strict rule against personal clothing being deducted even if they are bought for business use and only worn at work. 5. How does the Affordable Care Act (ACA) affect my taxes and deductions? The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace allows for small business to purchase health insurance for their employees. If you pay

at least half of your employee's premiums and have less than 25 full-time and equivalent employees with an average annual wage of less than $50,000 ($51,600 for 2016), you may be eligible for the small business health care tax credit. See the calculator at healthcare.gov. Tax preparation is not one-size-fits all, and navigating credits and deductions makes them even trickier - especially for small business owners and individuals with more complicated tax situations. Filing a business return for the first time can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. A new offering is launching this year called Block Advisors that specializes in personalized tax preparation, tax planning, small business taxes and year-round support. For small business owners, Block Advisors also provides back-end needs like payroll and bookkeeping. Visit blockadvisors. com for more information or to find your nearest location. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; BPT

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MORE THAN BRICKS AND MORTAR

As one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest commercial builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for Minority- and Woman-Owned Businesses in Houston to achieve entrepreneurial success. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it is ingrained in our corporate culture. We are devoted to making sure the contributions that strengthen the local economy reflect the demographics of the community at large.

w w w. t u r n e rc o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m

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12 March 2016

GP Industrial Co SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Board of Directors

Roosevelt Petry, Jr. President and CEO

Celebrates Board of Directors and Board of Advisors By Subcontractors USA News Provider

nder the leadership of President and CEO Roosevelt Petry, Jr., GP Industrial Contractors, Inc. (GP) has a stellar reputation in this industry for a true commitment to serving the industry with pride and skill. This general contractor and labor service company goes by the motto, “Partnering to Build Alliances for a Better Future.” GP’s dedication to customers service includes 24 hours, 7 days a week service, immediate response, competitive pricing, qualified personnel, and upgraded equipment. GP stands out from its competitors, because it pledges quality service to each customer. In addition, GP always welcomes the challenges of growth that will benefit their customers, co-workers, families, and community. Though Petry is the President and CEO of GP, he does not work alone to take GP to higher levels. GP has an experienced and qualified Board of Directors and Board of Advisors that share Petry’s mindset of striving to enhance the opportunities at GP. GP recently held a reception honoring the leadership.

Marlene Petry, MSN, RN Executive Vice President

Marie Nguyen, CPA Comptroller/CFO

• Carl Parker, Attorney General Council • David Parsley Director • John Comeaux, PE Director

Board ofof Advisors Board Directors • Byron S. Bagby Senior Vice President for Governmental Programs Major General U.S. Army (Retired)** • Donnell Corner, CAWI, PMP Vice President GP is a diverse company providing pipe, steel fabrication, welding, fitting, engineering, computer-aided drafting, and miscellaneous steel components to commercial and industrial organizations. GP’s impressive operating facilities include over 60,000 sq. ft. pipe shop fabrication facilities. Their services and supplies meet the needs and certifications of refineries, petrochemical and power generation plants, commercial construction, state transportation, and governmental entities. With the current demand for quality welders, fitters, and other craftsmen, GP will fill a need for training and testing facilities and procedure qualifications with up-to-date documentation. GP’s training and testing facility is state-of-the-art, providing welding and fitter training for structural process pipe and pressure vessels. Welders will be well-qualified in codes, specifications, and processions.

Board BoardofofDirectors Advisors • Roosevelt Petry, Jr. President and CEO • Marlene Petry, MSN, RN Executive Vice President • Marie Nguyen, CPA Comptroller/CFO

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Carl Parker, General C

March 2016 13

ontractors, Inc.

Attorney Council

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

Board of Advisors

David Parsley Director

John Comeaux, PE Director

Byron S. Bagby Senior Vice President for Governmental Programs Major General U.S. Army (Retired) **

GP is a highly skilled AutoCAD Drafting Services provider. The company offers cost-effective and high-quality AutoCAD drafting services for all industries, ensuring fast turnaround time and accuracy for all types of AutoCAD drafting projects. GP’s trusted experience enables them to handle the most voluminous, complex, and sophisticated projects with accuracy and precision. Clients know that with GP, they are receiving the latest version of the licensed AutoCAD software to undertake AutoCAD drafting and the linking to other data management programs. GP’s Piping Design Group includes skilled and talented people with great experience in this industry. The designers are current on the latest trends in the industry and the newest technologies available in plant design. Trust that their designers are trained to work in a collaborative, multi-discipline 3D environment, both with partners and internally. The GP verification is well-respected. The company is capable of providing field personnel to verify existing piping and instrumentation. By creating new or taking existing process and instrument diagrams, GP can verify exactly what has been built because of their experienced professionals. These professionals have completed ISTC training, extensive background checks, and drug tests. In addition, GP’s safety record reflects how serious they take safety and apply this on a daily basis. GP’s services don’t stop there, and the company also prides itself in its placement services. GP is always looking for state-ofthe-art workforce solutions; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. GP

Donnell Corner, CAWI, PMP Vice President

offers employers a wide range of solutions and services for the entire employment and business cycle, including permanent, temporary, and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. The focus of GP’s work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. GP’s continuously growing portfolio includes completed and in-progress projects for some of the premier Industrial Companies in Southeast Texas. The list includes: Motiva Enterprises, Premcor Refining Group, Valero, ExxonMobil, Bechtel, Jacobs Engineering, DOW Chemical, Ergon, KBR, Enterprise Products, Turner Industries, TOTAL Refinery, URS Corporation, Fluor, ATOFINA Petrochemical Company, Huntsman Corporation, and more.

Awards and Recognitions include, Awards and Recognitions but are notbut limited to:limited to: include, are not • 2012 The State of Texas Resolution (Outstanding Accomplishment in Business and Community Service) • 2013 The State of Texas Resolution (Outstanding Texan of the Year) • 2012 S.T.E.M Award (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) • 2013 Lamar State College – Port Arthur, Commencement Speaker • Shriners (Doric Temple #76) • 2013 d-mars.com Top 50 Black Health, Medical and Wellness Professionals Award (Mrs. Marlene Petry) GP has three locations to serve you, with two locations in Port Arthur, Texas, and one location in Houston, TX. To read more about GP Industrial Contractors, Inc., please visit www.gpic2000.com.

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14 March 2016

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

The Economic Impact of Construction in the United States and Texas

 

Private nonresidential spending in Texas totaled $30.1 billion in 2014. (Public spending is not available by state.) Nonresidential starts in Texas totaled $27.4 billion in 2014 and $26.9 billion in 2013, according to CMD.

Construction Employment (Seasonally Adjusted):



Construction (residential + nonresidential) employed 6.4 million workers in August 2015, an increase of 219,000 (3.6%) from August 2014 and a decrease of 1.3 million (17%) from April 2006, when U.S. construction employment peaked. Construction employment in Texas in August 2015 totaled 666,600, an increase of 1.7% from August 2014 and a 2% decrease from the state’s peak in April 2008.

Construction Industry Pay:



In 2014, annual pay of all construction workers in the United States averaged $55,000, 7% more than the average for all private sector employees. Construction workers’ pay in Texas averaged $58,600, 8% more than all private sector employees in the state.

Small Business:  The United States had 658,500 construction firms in 2013, of which 92% employed fewer than 20 workers.  Texas had 39,400 construction firms in 2013, of which 87% were small (<20 employees). *The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment for construction, mining and logging combined for metro areas in which mining and logging have few employers. To allow comparisons between states and their metros, the table shows combined employment change for these metros. Not seasonally adjusted statewide data is shown for both construction-only and combined employment change.

(seasonally adjusted; shading = recessions) Peak: Apr. ‘06 -17% vs. peak

In thousands

8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Texas Construction Employment, 1/90-8/15 (seasonally adjusted; shading = recessions) Peak: Apr. ‘08

800 In thousands

Nonresidential Construction Spending:  Nonresidential spending in the U.S. in 2014 totaled $618 billion ($348 billion private, $271 billion public).

U.S. Construction Employment, 1/90-8/15

-2% vs. peak

600 400 200 0 1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

Construction Employment Change from Year Ago 12-month % change

Economic Impact of Construction:  In 2014, U.S. gross domestic product (GDP)—the value of all goods and services produced in the country—totaled $17.3 trillion; construction contributed $653 billion (3.8%).  In Texas, construction contributed $80 billion (4.9%) of the state’s GDP of $1.6 trillion. Thus, construction’s contribution to GDP in the state was more than the industry’s 3.8% share of U.S. GDP.  Construction wages and salaries in 2014 totaled $353 billion in the United States, including $39.7 billion in Texas.

1/08-8/15 (seasonally adjusted)

20% 10%

U.S. 3.6% Texas 1.7% (33 out of 51)

0% -10% -20% 2008

2010

2012

2014

Empl. Change by Metro (not seasonally adjusted) Metro area or division 8/14-8/15 Statewide (construction) Statewide (Const/mining/logging)* Abilene* Amarillo* Austin-Round Rock* Beaumont-Port Arthur* Brownsville-Harlingen* College Station-Bryan* Corpus Christi* Dallas-Plano-Irving Div.* El Paso* Fort Worth-Arlington Div.* Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Killeen-Temple* Laredo* Longview* Lubbock* McAllen-Edinburg-Mission* Midland* Odessa* San Angelo* San Antonio-New Braunfels Sherman-Denison* Texarkana, TX-AR* Tyler* Victoria* Waco* Wichita Falls*

2% -1% -2% -1% 0.2% 16% 0% -3% 3% 3% 1% -8% -2% 3% -2% 2% -5% -1% -1% 1% 3% 10% -4% -12% 3% 3% -2% -10%

Rank (out of 358) 222 211 163 4 164 245 108 108 144 318 222 108 222 128 287 211 211 144 108 26 268 349 108 108 222 338

Source: Ken Simonson, Chief Economist, AGC of America, simonsonk@agc.org, from Bureau of Economic Analysis (GDP); Census Bureau (spending, small business); CMD (formerly Reed Construction Data) (starts); Bureau of Labor Statistics (jobs, pay) September 23, 2015

About AGC The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is the leading association for the construction industry. AGC represents more than 26,000 firms, including over 6,500 of America’s leading general contractors, and over 9,000 specialty-contracting firms. More than 10,500 service providers and suppliers are also associated with AGC, all through a nationwide network of chapters. Source Used: The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) at www.agc.org

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SUBCONTRACTORS USA

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE Historically Underutilized Business Program TDCJ HUB MISSION STATEMENT THE MISSION OF THE HUB PROGRAM FOR THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IS TO PROMOTE AND INCREASE CONTRACTING OPPORTUNITIES WITH HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESSES. THE HUB PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE THOSE BUSINESSES AND AGENCY STAFF THE ASSISTANCE NECESSARY FOR THE SUCCESS OF THIS MISSION.

SHARON SCHULTZ HUB Director 936-437-7026 (P) 936-437-7088 (F) Sharon.Schultz@tdcj.texas.gov Two Financial Plaza, Suite 525 Huntsville, Texas 77340 RUBY COWAN HUB Coordinator 936-437-3128 (P) 936-437-7088 (F) Ruby.Cowan@tdcj.texas.gov Two Financial Plaza, Suite 525 Huntsville, Texas 77340

CINDY GUAJARDO HUB Coordinator 936-437-7061 (P) 936-437-7088 (F) Cynthia.Guajardo@tdcj.texas.gov Two Financial Plaza, Suite 525 Huntsville, Texas 77340

Contact the TDCJ HUB Program for a current list of commodity/ service codes and phone numbers for Purchasers For more information on doing business with the TDCJ, you may visit the TDCJ web-site at www.tdcj.texas.gov Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 March 2016

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

New Refrigerated Cargo Storage Facility to Be Constructed at Port of Houston Authority’s Bayport Container Terminal

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

he first phase of a 300,000-square-foot temperature-controlled cargo facility will be built at the Port of Houston Authority’s Bayport Container Terminal by AGRO Merchants Group, which provides cold supply chain operations globally. Upon completion, the new facility will add significantly to the state-of-the-art infrastructure that’s already in place at Bayport, which opened in 2007 and is one of the newest container facilities on the Gulf Coast. Negotiations between the Port Authority and AGRO Merchants Group regarding construction and operation of the refrigerated cargo center had been under way for some time and were successfully concluded recently. Plans call for the new cold storage facility at Bayport to be a multi-use building that will include state-of-the-art warehouse space to handle storage and the import and export of chilled and frozen meat, fish, poultry, fruits and vegetables. The first phase of the building will take up more than 12 acres of land, with ample room for expansion. The facility will offer customers innovative and value-added services for chilled goods moving across the docks at the Port Authority.

This expansion will allow the port growth opportunities in the refrigerated cargo sector, which has been restricted until now. “Developing the refrigerated cargo business has been one of my key initiatives. Our central location on the Gulf Coast, our consumer reach of 144 million consumers within 1,000 miles, and our ready access to South American sources of produce drive this opportunity,” Port Commission Chairman Janiece Longoria said. “I am pleased that Roger Guenther and staff have brought this to fruition,” she added. Inspection and handling facilities for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, blastfreezing cells and deep truck docks with ample doors for shipping and receiving will be included. The facility will have segregated frozen and chilled warehouse space to support a diverse array of products and include value-added capabilities geared toward protein and produce commodities. The site is expected to be operational by summer 2017. Port Authority Executive Director Roger Guenther said the addition of the temperature-controlled facility at Bayport enhances the other state-of-the-art infrastructure already being offered by the Port of Houston Authority. “We welcome AGRO Merchants Group and the additional cold storage capacity the company will bring to regional and global customers to help support trade growth and

create economic activity through our port,” Guenther said. “This is a win-win for the Port Authority, AGRO and the Houston region overall.” Don Schoenl, President of AGRO Merchants North America said, “We are extremely excited to build a new facility that will provide our customers with industryleading solutions and cost-effective alternatives to move product into and out of the U.S., especially in the Gulf Region. In Houston, we plan to leverage our property’s proximity to the Bayport Terminal to take advantage of legal transportation limits on overweight cargo and provide important rail and intermodal service capabilities.” AGRO Merchants Group has made strategic investments in 8 countries, including 12 greenfield and expansion projects. The expansion of the Port Authority’s capacity for handling refrigerated cargo makes sense given the population growth in Houston and Texas, with numerous people being attracted to the city and area because of jobs. Houston’s central location in the Gulf of Mexico allows for fast transit times to the major produce markets in Central and South America. AGRO Merchants Group owns and operates 53 facilities in 8 countries across the US, Europe, and Latin America, with over 700,000 square meters of cold storage space. The company is focused on providing innovative cold chain solutions on a global

basis by partnering with the highest quality family businesses and creating new, reliable, and integrated trade networks to help its customers grow. AGRO invests in modern assets, industry-leading technologies, and value-added service offerings to ensure the highest quality supply chain management standards in the industry. For additional information, please visit AGRO’s website at www.agromerchants. com. The Port of Houston is the number one container port in the Gulf of Mexico and number six in the United States in terms of containers handled.

About the Port of Houston Authority For more than 100 years, the Port of Houston Authority has owned and operated the public wharves and terminals of the Port of Houston – the nation’s largest port for foreign waterborne tonnage and an essential economic engine for the Houston region, the state of Texas, and the nation. It supports the creation of nearly 1.175 million jobs in Texas and 2.7 million jobs nationwide, and economic activity totaling almost $265 billion in Texas – 16 percent of Texas’ total gross domestic product – and more than $617 billion in economic impact across the nation. For more information, visit the Port Authority website at: www. portofhouston.com.

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March 2016 17

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

CITY OF HOUSTON HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Building a Better Houston

The City of Houston’s Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) provides the leadership and financing to make affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization happen in Houston. The Department administers over $100 million annually in various federal, state and local programs. From investing in neighborhood parks, multifamily communities and economic development, to providing first-time homebuyer assistance and funds to serve the homeless, elderly and disabled — HCDD works to improve the quality of life for Houston’s neighborhoods and families.

www.houstontx.gov/housing

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18 March 2016

SUBCONTRACTORS USA

5 Ways to Tackle Tech Trouble Today as a Subcontractor

fic by clicking on links in emails or on social media sites. Hire a technology expert to train your staff on responsible technology use and make sure you sit in on the class as well.

By Subcontractors USA News Provider

our next tech-tastrophy could take many forms. Maybe it's the quick flash out of your monitor screen, the smoke coming from your printer or that mysterious clunking sound your favorite device keeps making - just because you accidently dropped it one or five times. If you're a small business professional or subcontractor trying to manage the budget, the last thing you have lying around is extra money to replace what you already have. But breathe easily, because these terrible tech tragedies can be prevented. To help you keep your tech safe, Staples Tech Services has teamed up with tech and small business expert Ramon Ray for five tips you'll want to upload into your daily lifestyle immediately.

Keep it clean Don't discount the importance of keeping your PCs and servers clean. Over the course of multiple months, dust can build up inside desktop units and servers, and over time, that dust can cause components to work inefficiently. With a can of compressed air, cotton swabs and a cleaning cloth, you can keep the internal workings of your computer clean for as long as it's in use.

Pay extra for quality

Keep software updated Software problems can render your devices unusable more quickly than hardware damage. To protect against malware and security breaches, your software should be updated regularly. This includes the definition updates for your antivirus software as well as your operating system, which has built-in protections against malware. Businesses with multiple pieces of equipment should make sure they update automatically rather than requiring administrators to manually update each device.

Line up emergency tech support You rely on your equipment to be functional. So when it's not, you need an affordable tech support service. For small businesses in particular, tech issues can impact productivity and the bottom line. Staples' new Next Day Guarantee means that PCs brought in before noon are serviced by 5 p.m. the next day. Staples' tech team will also handle problems like malware removal and PC tune-ups and select Staples stores will handle mo-

bile repairs, including broken screens, poor batteries, and home buttons.

Educate your staff Some of the biggest dangers faced by your organization relate to the behaviors of your employees. Poor passwordmanagement policies can lead to outsiders guessing your system passwords and finding a way into your databases. Employees can also let in malicious traf-

If you're operating on a budget, as every business is, it can be tempting to opt for less expensive equipment, especially if you're buying multiple items at once. However, less expensive devices can fail more quickly than some of the more expensive options. You'll be better off for the long-term when you invest in high-quality equipment that will remain reliable for many years. Your business depends on its technology every single day, so support your bottom line by employing the tips above to keep your tech running as long as possible. Because once you see the smoke, it's already too late. For more technology help, see the experts at Staples Tech Services today. – BPT

We’ll wait on YOU, before YOU wait on US Traffic Control in Cypress, Texas American Traffic Control, based in Cypress, Texas, specializes in traffic control and planning services for detours, lane closings, road and freeway closures, and traffic calculation. We provide professional service to the entire United States, while maintaining the highest safety standards for workers and the public.

Quality Service since 2001 American Traffic Control is a small, minority-owned company specializing in a large capacity of traffic control operations, and has been in business since 2001. We are a member of The Associated General Contractors of Texas. Our staff consists of Certified Traffic Control Specialists and Flaggers, some with over 30 years of experience. We aim to always provide costeffective assistance and effective communication with our clients to cement a long-lasting client relationship. We are able to travel any distance to provide outstanding service to our clients. We have provided traffic control services for the following government agencies: Texas Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Transportation. We also provide outstanding services to some of the most prestigious companies, as follows: Kansas City Southern Railroad, Traffic Control Devices, The Levy Company, and numerous others. Our focus on safety awareness is most important to us. Our goal is to provide a safe work zone for the traveling public and the construction workers. Thank you for allowing us to introduce ourselves; we look forward to building a long-lasting work relationship with your company.

American Traffic Control 17240 Huffmeister Road Suite 104 Cypress, TX 77429

Phone: .......281.213.9063 Fax: ...........281.256.9458 Toll Free: ....855.931.9063

24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week | Insured, Bonded, & Licensed | Emergency Services Available Based in Cypress, Texas & Proudly Serving All 50 United States & Municipalities

www.americantrafficcontrolusa.com

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