If you are testing in August, complete session classes started in May.  This is our 2nd session of classes for the year. The August Special Review in Tampa for all categories will be on August 9th and 10th. If you are testing in October or December, classes begin in Tampa on September 4th, 2003 and in Orlando and Ft. Myers on September 5th, 2003. You can print out a class schedule in our Schedule section, you can register for classes in the Register section, and you can purchase books in our online Bookstore!

"This is what I worked for, that is why I am here, there is no turning back now, there in NO fear!"
Author  - Marquis Allen

AGC Guide to Improving Contractor Payments in the Construction Industry
There are inherent risks in the construction industry and unfortunately one of the greatest risks is that of payment.  Each stake-holder assumes the risk.  The stakeholders are owners, contractors, subcontractors, specialty contractors, suppliers, surety and insurers.  The lifeblood of the construction industry is the flow of money from owner to contractor, then subcontractors, suppliers and so on.  Funds need to flow in a reasonable time frame throughout the project. Without a timely and equitable flow of funds, projects will suffer and so will its participants.
AGC formed a Prompt Payment Task Force for the purpose of examining payment practices in the construction industry and to make recommendations on how to improve contractor prospects for prompt payment.  For more information about their findings visit http://www.agc.org/promptpayment/index.asp.

Construction Industry Compliance Assistance
While still under active development, the CICA, funded by the United States EPA, focuses on detailed information related to state regulations and plain language explanations of environmental rules for the construction industry. Topics covered include, stormwater, solid waste, hazardous and toxic waste, air, wetlands and water bodies, endangered species and green building.  For more information visit http://www.cicacenter.org.

"Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind.  If encouraged, it cuts a channel in which all other thoughts are drained."
Author - Arthur Roche

Neuro-Architecture
In an effort to prove beyond scientific doubt a relationship between design and human health, well-being and worker productivity, the American Institute of Architects is embarking on an historic path that may result in a new discipline of science.  This is called neuro-architecture.
Supporters of this concept want to prove the hypothesis that "the environment, the structure we live in, affects our brain and our brain affects our behavior.  The studies are intended to show empirically that different physical environments affect brain activity and even change brain structure.  The projects, through their infancy, could have a major impact on how the workplace, buildings and even towns and cities are planned, designed and retrofitted.  For more information regarding this project visit http://enr.construction.com/news/buildings/archives/030519.asp.

Reconstruction Iraq
As the White House assembles a new administrative team to oversee the reconstruction of Iraq, there are mixed reports about the level of obstacles facing those charged with the actual rebuilding. The Bush administration, pressured by mounting criticism that inadequate planning by the Dept. of Defense officials was slowing the reconstruction effort named L. Paul Bremer to be the top civilian in charge of rebuilding both the country's infrastructure and its government. For more information on this visit www.enr.com.

"It isn't the load that weighs us down, it's the way we carry it."
Author Unknown

Tax cut to help construction
AGC's chief economist Kenneth D. Simonson says the $350 billion tax-cut package President Bush signed recently will provide a "short- to medium-term" boost for the construction industry. He says the legislation will help improve consumer spending, which will in turn lead to increased building demand from manufacturers and service providers. Visit www.enr.com for more information.

Youth In Construction
Our youth are vital to the construction industry. Today’s high school students represent the pool of workers from which the construction industry will recruit its future workforce. Construction Career Days will expose high school students and adults to rewarding and diverse careers in the industry. The events offer students a career option which they otherwise may not have been aware.
The Construction Industry is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers. If not addressed, the shortage will increase, affecting quality, safety, and our industry’s overall ability to compete in building the infrastructure needed by an ever-growing population. The construction industry does not enjoy a visible and positive image among youth. Construction Career Days are designed to educate our youth about a friendlier and more professional industry that cares about them and their future.
Partnerships between industry, government and education at the national, state and local levels are critical to improving the quality of life in our communities. Construction Career Days are strongly based on partnerships of volunteers working together for youth, industry and community. Career Day partnerships reach beyond planning and conducting career day events. These partnerships also work towards enhancing career technology education, developing curriculum that better prepares students for careers in the industry and increasing the diversity of the construction industry’s workforce. Visit www.nawic.com.