AGC Central District Report: Women in Construction Social | Avoid Costly Wage & Hour Claims Before They Happen | Building the Future: The Data Center Construction Playbook

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Central Regional Contracting Forum on September 3 at the Yakima Convention Center!

Nearly 200 contractors, small businesses, public agencies, industry partners and resource organizations came together for a full day of learning, networking and building connections. From the presentations and exhibitor booths to our structured one-on-one meetings, the event created valuable opportunities for businesses to connect directly with general contractors, agencies and organizations that can help them grow.

This event would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, planning committee members, speakers, exhibitors, participating general contractors and everyone who attended. We are grateful for the collaboration that made this year’s forum such a success!

Follow our social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) for event photos, videos and highlights and stay tuned for news about next year’s Central Regional Contracting Forum.

Would you like to receive future forum announcements and registration information? Email Celina Sanchez to be added to our communications list.

September 22 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Bob’s Burgers & Brew, 121 N. Fair Avenue, Yakima
Join us for our next Women in Construction Social. These quarterly socials provide a casual and welcoming opportunity for women working in or connected to the construction industry to meet, build relationships and strengthen their professional networks. Whether you have attended before or are joining us for the first time, we would love to see you there!

A special thank-you to Tri-Ply Construction for sponsoring this event! Register Today!

Sep 23 | 11:00 AM | Zoom
New requirements under Washington’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act (HB 2105) take effect this fall, creating new responsibilities for employers when federal agencies conduct Form I-9 inspections and other immigration-related workplace enforcement activities.

Join AGC and representatives from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office on Sept. 23 at 11 a.m. for a contractor-focused virtual webinar explaining the new law and what employers should do to prepare. The discussion will focus particularly on new employee notification and posting requirements, required notices following I-9 inspections, restrictions involving access to worker records, and other employer compliance obligations.

Questions or need help? Contact AGC Lobbyist Michele Willms. Register Today!

October 14 | 8:00–9:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams
Washington’s wage and hour requirements can create costly risks for contractors, particularly around meal and rest periods, travel time, PPE, and timekeeping practices.
Join AGC as Carney Badley Spellman attorneys Joshua Brittingham, Chair of the Employment Group, and Mark Rosencrantz, Chair of the Construction Group, share recent developments and practical strategies contractors can use to reduce wage and hour risk.
Stay informed. Reduce your risk. Protect your business. Register Today!

Celebrate the season with AGC of Washington’s Central District! Members and industry partners are invited to join us for our annual Holiday Receptions in Wenatchee and Yakima—an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate another great year, and enjoy an evening with our Central Washington construction community.

WENATCHEE- December 7 | 5:00 PM | Jefes Tequilas & Taps, 22 N Wenatchee Ave.

YAKIMA- December 8 | 5:00 PM | Cowiche Canyon Kitchen, 202 E. Yakima Ave.

Both receptions are free for AGC of Washington members. We’ll once again be collecting new, unwrapped toys to help spread some holiday cheer to children and families throughout our Central Washington communities.

Mark your calendars and plan to celebrate with us!

Washington’s New Income Tax: Quick Tips for the Construction Industry (By Larson Gross)

Editor’s note: To read about AGC’s position on I-645, which will appear on the November ballot and would repeal Washington’s new income tax, please click here. If the tax remains in effect, AGC wants members to understand its implications. We thank AGC member Larson Gross for providing this important information.
Quick Tip 1: Know the Starting Line

Click here to read more.

Striking Workers Must Search for Work to Receive Unemployment Benefits

Washington’s new law allowing striking workers to receive unemployment benefits will operate differently than originally planned following guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The 2025 law allows striking workers to receive up to six weeks of unemployment benefits. Washington had planned to waive the normal job search requirement for workers while on strike.

However, the U.S. Department of Labor recently informed the state that waiving the requirement conflicts with federal unemployment insurance rules. As a result, striking workers must actively seek work and meet the same job search requirements as other unemployment benefit recipients to qualify for benefits.

AGC was part of a coalition that asked the U.S. Department of Labor for guidance on this issue. While the law remains in place, the federal guidance adds an important limitation on how benefits can be administered and could reduce its impact on construction employers affected by strikes.

AGC will continue to monitor implementation of the law and any additional guidance from the Employment Security Department.

For more information contact AGC’s Michele Willms.

Contracting event in Yakima supports small business growth
(KIMA News) More than 200 people registered for the Central Regional Contracting Forum in Yakima designed to connect contractors and small businesses with potential partners and new work.
The Central Regional Contracting Forum is in its second year in Central Washington. Organizers say the event is growing as more businesses take advantage of the networking opportunities.
"We have quadrupled the number of registrations from last year," said Yolanda Brooks, statewide outreach and engagement representative for WSDOT’s Office of Equity and Civil Rights. "Last year we had 28 exhibitors. This year we have 38 exhibitors." Read More

Building the Future: The Data Center Construction Playbook

(AGC SmartBrief) Data center construction is booming - but unprecedented growth brings new risks, challenges, and opportunities for contractors. AGC's new five-part webinar series, Building the Future: The Data Center Construction Playbook, will bring together contractors, owners, insurers, attorneys, economists, and other industry experts to explore what it takes to compete and succeed in this rapidly evolving market. From market trends and financial risk to environmental permitting, safety, workforce challenges, and community support, the series will provide practical insights and real-world strategies for successfully planning, pursuing and delivering data center projects.
·     October 6: The State of Data Center Construction: Market Trends, Growth Opportunities, and What’s Next
·     October 13: Winning Before You Build: Managing Financial, Contractual, and Project Risk
·     October 20: Getting Started: Navigating Permitting, Regulatory Challenges, and Contracting Strategies
·     October 27: Building at Hyper Speed: Safety, Workforce, and Operational Excellence
·     November 4: Building Community Support for Data Center Projects. Learn More.

Canadian Cement Tariff Relief Takes Effect Sept. 15

The 50% tariff on Canadian cement will be removed effective Sept. 15, providing welcome relief for contractors and suppliers that rely on Canadian imports. The tariff remains in effect through Sept. 14.
The administration’s latest action also removes the tariff on Canadian rock salt while adding or increasing restrictions on several other Canadian products. AGC will continue monitoring these rapidly changing trade policies and their potential effects on construction material costs and availability. Read more about the cement and rock salt exemption.

Advancing construction careers through

quality education and training.

Created by members in 1980, AGC Education Foundation offers professional-development courses, certification classes and workforce-development programs to engage the next generation. Learn more.

On-Line Classes Most classes are self-paced. A new module will be released each week, containing on-line written lectures, assignments and a quiz. You will have all week to complete the assigned tasks. All work is due the following Sunday.

Can't find the class you need? Click Here to let us know or Submit a Custom Class Request.