Inside AGC — May/June 2007

President's Message — Profit Through Participation

Making the most of your AGC membership

By AGC President Steve Massie

At AGC’s 88th Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, I announced my theme, “profit through participation,” aimed at encouraging more members to take part in the AGC experience and ultimately become better contractors. I was encouraged by the record number of members who participated in the annual convention.

It is by attending meetings, learning about industry trends and sharing ideas with our colleagues from around the country that we become better contractors and, ultimately, enhance our industry. 

Members are visiting Washington, D.C., for a variety of reasons this spring. From AGC’s 23rd Annual Construction Labor Law Symposium and the National and Chapter Leadership Conference to the Federal Contractors Conference, the Transportation Coalition Fly-In and the National Launch of 811, more than 500 AGC members are doing what they do best—getting involved in their association and carrying their business issues to the decision-makers in Washington. 
This spring started out with several milestones that not only signify the recent work of members but also capture years of dedication to and advocacy on behalf of essential causes.

On May 1, 2007, AGC participated in the national launch of 811, the new FCC-designated national N-11 number that eliminates the confusion of multiple “Call Before You Dig” numbers.

This event gave a public face to the accomplishment of the day and represents years of work to protect excavators and the public, and improve overall jobsite safety. 

AGC was one of the first national launch partners with the Common Ground Alliance on the 811 project and played a central role in securing provisions in the Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Bill.

The bill established the equitable enforcement of damage prevention laws for all stakeholders in the one-call process and secures funding for critical technology research as well as the national 811 awareness program.

AGC’s National and Chapter Leadership Conference, which took place at the end of April, provided a forum for the association’s leaders to engage in discussions about work-force development, immigration, economic and tax issues and the latest legislative updates.

This year’s meeting brought together chapter leaders from across the country and offered them a unique opportunity to share best practices.

In May, the Transportation Construction Coalition Fly-In provided AGC members a chance to meet with their congressional delegations and industry colleagues to discuss reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund. Members and AGC staff were hard at work educating congressional leadership on the value of transportation to national, state and local economies and the importance of passing an adequately funded federal-aid highway program. 

Also in May, AGC’s Federal Contractors Conference provided another opportunity for members to meet with the movers and shakers in Washington, D.C.

This annual meeting provided a neutral, insightful and productive forum to review construction issues occurring around the United States.

These exchanges over the years have solidified the need for both federal construction contractors and federal agencies to share information on a wide variety of issues.

These events not only help participants grow in their knowledge of the industry but also influence the regulations and legislation that impact the industry.

My own experience has taught me that the relationships our members develop and the skills they learn will reap rewards for their companies for years to come. 

I stand by my mantra that we will profit if we participate. I encourage each of you to get involved, attend AGC events and define what “profit” means to you.