AGC takes the lead to keep construction essential during pandemic Dennis Barlow and leadership at the AGC Oregon-Columbia chapter took action to prepare members for COVID-19 protocols as the first cases arrived in Oregon. “Our thoughts originally were that this thing is becoming more prevalent than we ever thought it would be, and it’s coming at us fast. We need to act so it doesn’t shut construction down,” Barlow said. AGC convened with Oregon OSHA and the governor’s office to implement a response. Due to their extensive effort, construction was deemed essential and work continued on jobsites across the state.