The Bedrock for Communities

New Mexico Business Journal, June, 2001 by Clayton L. Gooden

NEW MEXICO HAS MANY ENVIronmental assets to which it can point with pride. Beautiful landscapes, impressive mountain and valleys and a mild y are a few. This state has also been blessed in recent years with a good economy, which is spurred by the fact that many high-tech businesses have recognized it as a desirable place in which to locate plants and offices. Private development has seen a marked increase in the last decade, as many local manufacturing plants have not only moved into the state but have expanded their facilities in short periods of time. A prime example is Intel Corporation's Rio Rancho plant, which is engaging in its second major expansion since 1993 at a cost that hovers around $2 billion.

The partnership of private market development with the national laboratories makes New Mexico a unique place for private sector and public sector growth. This "chemistry" of business and scientific capabilities has provided many opportunities and challenges for the construction industry, which is typically the first industry to be called upon to meet the needs associated with growth and development.

Construction provides the bedrock for our communities. It represents the layer that must be put into place before anything else can be accomplished. It also provides the pillars and other supports that uphold those communities in good and bad times.

For people looking for satisfying and well-paying careers, construction provides many opportunities. There are over 50 job classifications ranging from craftsperson to financial and human resources managers to design professionals and contractors. The work opportunities in construction always exist since there is always a need for construction, even in periods of low economic growth. Those who work in construction can attest to the fact that it is very fulfilling work. In how many other occupations is it possible to see the tangible results of your work every day and point to them again as years pass by?

Construction is a major industry, contributing $6.3 billion in gross receipts taxes. This total ranked fourth in the state behind retail at $19 billion, services at $14 billion, and wholesale at $11 billion.

The Best Buildings contest is a celebration of the accomplishments of those who create New Mexico's "built environment." This contest recognizes owners, architects, and contractors who have put in place outstanding structures that not only grace our landscape but contribute positively to our economic and social well-being.

The New Mexico Building Branch, Associated General Contractors (AGC), is honored to be a joint sponsor with New Mexico Business Journal. This program, which was started by the Business Journal, over 20 years ago, gives the public an opportunity to provide its input into what it perceives as the top building projects in the categories of exterior, interiors, renovations, energy conscious design, and lighting.

Entries were accepted through January 31, 2001, after which a jury reviewed the entries and selected 13 projects for recognition at an awards banquet in May. This issue of the Business Journal features those winning projects. It also includes a list of the current membership of the New Mexico Building Branch, Associated General Contractors.

Included in the chapter membership are contractors-general, sub, and specialty who construct the majority of the commercial, public and institutional buildings in New Mexico and suppliers of materials and services.

Just as AGC members build the pillars which uphold their communities, the New Mexico Building Branch, AGC, puts in place the footings and supports for those pillars through its several programs and services. These programs and services include construction education, workfore development, apprenticeship training, jobsite safety, government relations, employee relations for both union and open stop employers, and coalition building with other groups with like interests in the construction industry. One of the most recent additions to the AGC service package is a workers' compensation pro gram for chapter members.

We invite you to peruse the AGC membership section in this issue and contact the office of the New Mexico Building Branch, AGC, 1615 University Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, N.M., 87102, telephone 505-842-1462, www.agc-nm.org, with any questions on the commercial building industry.

THE AUTHOR IS AGC PRESIDENT FOR 2001 AND PRESIDENT OF STAR CONSTRUCTION, INC., AN AGC GENERAL CONTRACTOR MEMBER SINCE 1988.