SAN ANTONIO, TX RSM U.S. LLP (RSM), formerly Padgett Stratemann & Co., hosted its 14th annual Construction Industry Conference at The Eilan Hotel & Spa in San Antonio, Texas. This year's event gathered more than 100 people from around the state of Texas to learn more about important industry topics of today from several national-level industry speakers and local experts. 

The day kicked off with Dave Kautter, who leads RSM's Washington National Tax Office. Kautter discussed the individual and business tax reform proposals of the two major presidential candidates, as well as the tax reform program set forth by the House.

A Texas economic update was presented by Art Daniel, incoming President of the AGC of America. Daniel discussed how the Texas economy has fared since the recession, the soaring construction economy in 2009 and then the plummet in oil prices in 2015, and the economic uncertainties as we enter 2017.

Cyndi Mergele, RSM Senior HR Director, shared how a rule change with the Fair Labor Standards Act will have wide sweeping and potentially costly effects to the construction industry and how other critical human resources considerations will impact businesses.

During lunch, Texas State Representative Paul Workman, District 47,provided an update on the current happenings in the Texas legislature and, particularly, the water issues the State is facing.

After lunch, attendees were treated to an informative and entertaining presentation by James Benham, CEO of JBKnowledge. Benham showed how virtual reality, augmented reality, wearable devices, and drones are introducing builders to data mobility and efficiency on projects and how cutting-edge mobile apps, sensors, and web-based solutions are being integrated into the job site and office.

Bill Dawley, Vice President at SureTec, provided insights into contract surety bonds -  how bonds work and what a surety company really needs to help your company get bonded.