Inside AGC President’s Message

May/June 2009

From Small Deeds to Widespread Support

The construction industry lends a hand in tough times

By J. Doug Pruitt

J. Doug Pruitt

The stimulus is giving all of us an opportunity to help rebuild our nation’s aging infrastructure and ailing economy. As important as this opportunity is, however, it is just another example of the way contractors help communities and people most in need. Time and again, the construction industry has played a vital role in helping rebuild hope and restore spirit when nature or the economy has dealt a difficult blow.

During the Great Depression, with millions out of work and many more without hope, the construction industry helped rebuild spirits. The Empire State Building, Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge didn’t just materialize. Contractors put thousands to work building them, just as they gave hope to so many others by overseeing countless other smaller-scale public works projects across the country.

More recently, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and much of the Gulf Coast, AGC-member companies devoted their time, skills and often their own resources to rebuilding entire communities. Within weeks our members had reopened vital roads and bridges, and within months, they had begun turning reconstruction hopes into the reality of new homes, stores and schools. They are still at it today. The sound of hammers and saws are now almost as common as that of jazz in the Crescent City.

Volunteers from GH Phipps Construction Cos. of Denver an AGC of Colorado member, hung doors for locker rooms, restrooms and concession stands during Community Day at Chimney Commu­nity Park in Windsor, Colo., and serve as another example of AGC members helping when times are tough. GH Phipps worked to restore the park for eight months after it was devastated by a tornado in May 2008. Phipps’ volunteers from left: Mike Murphy, Todd Ruff and Grace Abbott.

This year, our members are again doing their part, as communities around the Red River worked to prevent devastating flooding this spring. While it may have been easier to simply allow Mother Nature to run her course, contractors worked alongside residents and officials to help protect homes and businesses.

Even as they helped prevent flooding for many homeowners and businesses, member companies have been hard at work rebuilding towns and cities damaged by the floods. In North Dakota, crews have worked round the clock to repair flooded homes and renovate washed-out businesses. They are helping government officials build newer, stronger levies to protect communities the next time the waters rise.

As is the case time and again with our member companies, they aren’t just responding; they are learning and improving as they help communities in need. In Iowa, thanks to the support of AGC of Iowa, contractors are teaming up with government officials on a series of workshops on ways to build more flood-resistant structures.

As the chapter’s technical director, Ron Otto said, “AGC of Iowa members, including Streb Construction Co., and Peterson Contractors, were eager to help during the disastrous flooding last year.”

Contractors are optimists at heart. How else can you survive the challenges of running a construction company and all that comes with it? That’s why it is no surprise that when times are at their toughest, it’s people like you, our members, who give hope and provide inspiration. And that’s why it is no surprise that as difficult as these days may be, it is our industry that is going to lead the way to a brighter, better and more prosperous future, even if we have to do it one nail and one brick at a time.

Extended web content: AGC of Colorado Members Partner to Rebuild Windsor’s Chimney Park