2010 Fall Conference Program Descriptions

Sessions - November 10th

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND FEDERAL LEGISLATION
     Presented by Jeff Shoaf, Senior Executive Director, AGC of America.  The lunchtime session will kick off with AGCA’s national economic forecast for the construction industry.  In addition, Jeff, who heads up the Government & Legislative Affairs Division, will discuss the association’s legislative agenda moving forward. 

NEBRASKA’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK-THE BANKER’S PERSPECTIVE
     A panel of leading commercial bankers will provide their personal and institutional thoughts on the future in regards to:  changes in credit requirements; changes in underwriting policies; credit availability to private real estate developers; and prospects and future for growth and economic vitality in Nebraska. The panel will include:
Angie Muhleisen, President-Union Bank & Trust Co.; Mark Sutko, President-Platte Valley State Bank; and Mike Homa, Nebraska President-Mutual of Omaha Bank.

GOVERNOR’S UPDATE ON THE STATE
     Governor Heineman will provide a preview of his next term in office.  There will also be time for Q & A with the Governor.

NEBRASKA DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL SHOW & TELL
     The NDCIC is the joint committee between the Building Chapter, AIA-Nebraska and ACEC-Nebraska.  The mission of the joint committee is to act as an unbiased educational resource to both public and private owners on any and all types of design and construction issues.  This session will cover the resources available to you to use with your clients and in your business development efforts.
     * Committee members will present the panel presentation on “project delivery systems” they have available for client groups.
     * Review the updated website
     * Review of handouts and other educational materials available to AGC members.
PRESENTERS:  Mike Kalb, BD Construction Inc.; Larry Jacobsen, Schemmer Associates; and Matt Kronaizl, Farris Engineering

HOW TO PREPARE FOR AN AUDIT FROM NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OR NEBRASKA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
     A member of the audit staff from NDR and NDL will provide useful information and updating on what to expect if your firm is selected for an audit.  This presentation will also update you on any new requirements or changes in statue from the past that you need to be aware of.
PRESENTER:  Scott Spilinek, Audit Manager-NE Department of Revenue; and John Albin, Legal Counsel-NE Department of Labor

 

Sessions - November 11th

EFFECTIVE PROJECT MEETINGS-POLISHING YOUR SKILLS
     Planning project meetings and documenting the decisions made during those meetings are vital activities of the construction industry.  Effective, efficient meetings and proper meeting records are paramount to the success of the project.  The session will include:
     * Review the importance of planning and executing effective meetings
     * Cover the phases and important elements of effective meetings
     * Discusses the role of human dynamics in the meeting    
     * Understanding the importance and role of meeting minutes and meeting recorder
     * Review the future of meetings and the impact of new technologies.
PRESENTER:  Dan Sedor, Executive Vice-President, Leadership Resources Lincoln

SAFETY INSPECTION SOFTWARE-WHAT IS IT AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT?
     Electronic safety inspection software will be explained and demonstrated in this session.  Specifically, attendees will learn the benefits and administration of an electronic system, along with a discussion of report options, using the data as a training tool and accountability of stakeholders.  Best practices and cost of start up will also be discussed.   
PRESENTER:  Casey Lenners, Safety and Health-Sampson Construction Co., Inc.

CASE STUDY OF A WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIM
     The session will feature a “case study” of a worker’s comp claim trial that will provide tips on how to control WC costs.  Also, case study analysis will demonstrate how an employer’s action or inaction directly affects workers’ compensation costs.       
PRESENTER:  Dallas Jones, Attorney-Baylor, Evnen, Curtiss Grimit & Witt Law Firm

QUALITY CONTROL ON THE PROJECT
     This session is designed for field personnel and project managers and will cover strategies and tools to minimize re-work, quantifying lost labor productivity and how to improve recordkeeping and documentation.
     * Productive pre-installation meetings and post-evaluation of each project
     * Methods of quantifying lost labor productivity and ways to improve
     * Using the job control report as a productivity improvement tool
     *Change order dos and don’ts
     *Date collection for project productivity defects
     *Using cost control data to recover additional costs
     *Understanding ways to share applicable information with your crew to help their productivity.
PRESENTER:  Tim Wentz, Associate Professor-Construction Management-UNL

TRANSITIONING TO BUIDLING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)
     BIM technology promises to deliver more efficient and more profitable projects.  So what do you need to know and do to transition from your current system to BIM?  The condensed version of the information you need will be covered and will include:
     * Benefits of BIM
     *Compare examples of successful BIM usage
     * Define phases of BIM projects and classes of BIM technology
     * Creating a BIM action plan and selecting appropriate BIM applications
PRESENTER: TBA