Inside AGC President's Message
November/December 2007

A Preview of AGC’s March Convention in Las Vegas

Convention theme will be profit through participation

By AGC President Steve Massie

AGC’s 89th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, March 10-14, 2008, is an opportunity you won’t want to miss whether you are an AGC convention veteran or a first-year participant. You will have the opportunity to enhance your business skills, discuss the latest industry trends with fellow contractors, learn about new legislative and regulatory issues that affect your bottom line and discover the hottest industry issues in 2008.

As I’ve told many fellow AGC members and my own employees, participation is essential for growth, and AGC’s 2008 convention is full of enriching opportunities.

The wide range of professional development sessions include risk management and workforce development and provide avenues for every contractor building, highway, federal and heavy, and municipal and utilities to enhance current best practices and discover the latest cutting-edge technology.

AGC recognizes that environmental issues are a growing focus for many contractors. At the 2008 convention, we are offering a session on the contractor’s role in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) projects, aimed at identifying the contractor’s role on a project seeking certification under the LEED® green-building rating system. The workshop will feature a new standard curriculum for AGC chapters and other organizations to use when providing educational programs for local contractors.

We are also trying something new in Las Vegas, teaming up with McGraw-Hill Construction to jointly host the Engineering News-Record and Constructor magazine summit titled, “Equipment for the 21st Century.” What will your construction fleet look like in the coming decades? Don’t miss the engaging discussion featuring the industry’s premier heavy-iron contractors and manufacturers.

AGC’s chief economist, Ken Simonson, will provide his outlook for the coming year. Hear firsthand from construction’s best source on economics and find out about what’s in store for key segments in 2008 and for regions and materials relating to the industry’s future. Be on hand when Simonson releases his sixth Construction Inflation Alert, a popular tool for contractors, owners and budget planners in understanding construction trends.

The 2008 convention will feature prominent speakers and entertainers including retired Army Gen. Tommy Franks, political columnist George Will, former professional boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, motivational speaker Liz Murray and Broadway entertainer Michael Cavanaugh. AGC’s convention also will showcase the best projects in the industry all around, in safety and in partnering through our Aon Build America Awards, Willis Construction Safety Excellence Awards and Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering Awards.

AGC’s convention is held in conjunction with CONEXPO-CON/AGG, one of the largest construction-related trade shows in the country and the only place to see the industry’s latest equipment and technology trends. There is something for everyone at AGC’s 89th Annual Convention, so bring your family and colleagues and reap the benefits of this rewarding event.

Register today at www.agc.org

Increased PAC Participation Builds Momentum for Election Year Thanks to the generosity of AGC member contractors, donations to the AGC PAC totaled more than $470,000 as of Oct. 31, 2007. That represents an 8% increase in receipts when compared to the same period during the 2006 cycle. These funds allow AGC to advance the construction industry’s policy agenda, build relationships with key members of both parties and support the most construction-friendly candidates for the 2008 elections. AGC PAC looks to build on this momentum and continue to work to surpass the $1-million mark again this cycle. Make sure to visit the AGC PAC Booth at AGC’s 89th Annual Convention. For more information about AGC PAC, please contact Elisa Brewer at (202) 547-5013 or brewere@agc.org. Additionally, contractor participation in AGC’s political advocacy programs has positive results.By communicating with elected officials, AGC members can help to increase the volume of the construction industry’s voice on Capitol Hill. To register to vote, find a polling place or write a letter to your member of Congress, visit www.agc.org/LAC.