Inside AGC CEO’s Message

November/December 2008

AGC’s Tools for Tough Times

Affinity programs offer savings from many quality vendors nationwide

By AGC CEO Steve Sandherr

Times of economic uncertainty are never easy. Especially as a business owner, it requires more belt tightening than usual. AGC is committed to helping its member companies stay afloat, keep employment rates high and continue working to improve all aspects of American life. As part of that commitment, we are proud to offer savings with many companies and organizations vital to the construction business.

AGC has long provided discounts to recognized vendors as part of its members-only affinity program. Discounts to Hertz and Avis have been an AGC benefit for decades, and others have recently joined the growing list of money-saving opportunities for AGC-member companies.

AGC is approached almost daily by organizations wishing to partner with AGC and offer our members a discount on their products or services. However, AGC carefully evaluates each offer and organization, choosing only credible, national organizations that bring real value to AGC members. AGC has developed 12 business relationships to offer discounts to members, ranging from vehicle rentals, package delivery, mobile office products, fuel, and fleet management.

The newest affinity relationships are BP and the Family Business Institute. Chris Monek, senior executive director of business development at AGC of America, manages the affinity programs and assesses all programs and organizations to ensure they meet AGC’s criteria for value, integrity, trustworthiness and good business practices.

The BP Business Solutions program offers up to 6¢ of savings on every gallon of fuel purchased by AGC member companies. Tiered rebates begin at just 1½¢ per gallon for up to 499 gallons, and 6¢ per gallon for 10,000-plus gallons at BP locations nationwide. In addition, members may save 1½¢ per gallon on fuel at any gas station by simply using the BP Business Solutions MasterCard.

Contractors can take advantage of a variety of conveniences, including the ability to set spending and usage limits for each card, require input of a driver number before the transaction for security purposes and receive online invoices.

The Family Business Institute program was launched in mid-October and will provide AGC member company executives with the opportunity to participate in professionally facilitated Performance Roundtables. A Performance Roundtable consists of seven to 10 non-competing AGC members whose firms are similar in sales volume and type of work. Members of the roundtable form an informal board of advisers and meet regularly to discuss industry issues, growth opportunities and business building strategies in an open and supportive environment.

In addition to the General Motors Fleet and Commercial Management program, AGC has added the Ford Fleet Management program to offer members discounts on a variety of fleet management systems. The Enterprise Fleet Management program also offers members discounts on fleet operations, plus discounts on vehicle pricing, funding and maintenance programs.

Agreements exist with Dell, which offers discounts on desktops, notebooks, servers and storage devices, plus software and peripheral products. In addition, members can access the chapter-sponsored Internet plan rooms from iSqFt, featuring downloadable blueprints, e-mail bidding notification and on-screen estimating tools. Finally, DHL gives members savings on package delivery services, and Williams Scotsman Inc. provides discounts on mobile office products.

Each program is judged by AGC to ensure value and competitive advantage to members. In a time of economic uncertainty, AGC is proud to deliver these programs to members to help them save wherever they can and continue building the nation’s most valued projects—from buildings and water infrastructure to roads and military housing.