AGC's 97th Annual Convention swung into action on Wednesday and delivered an impressive program, complete with interesting speakers, great educational sessions, a robust Expo hall, and plenty of networking opportunities for contractors.

 

Outgoing President Chuck Greco addressed the crowd at the Opening Convention Session and highlighted the year's many accomplishments - achievements in advocacy, membership, workforce development, relevance and non-dues revenue. Greco introduced incoming President Mark Knight, assuring the membership they will be in good hands for the coming year under his leadership. Knight talked about his presidential theme: AGC, ready, willing and able to meet the industry's needs. "I love being a contractor," Knight says. "[I] love being in the industry. We know how to give back to our industry and community." With this passion, Knight is eager to get the ball rolling and keep AGC moving forward.

 

CEO Stephen Sandherr took the stage next and wrapped up AGC's year in 10 words: 1) effective, 2) responsive, 3) supportive, 4) creative, 5) innovative, 6) intuitive, 7) adaptive, 8) collaborative, 9) comprehensive, and 10) definitive. The diverse membership of the association requires AGC to engage in every issue and look after everyone's interests, challenges the association is more than willing to tackle.

 

Stephanie Cutter and Ed Gillespie, strategists in the Democratic and Republican parties respectively, joined Sandherr on stage and provided their insight on the current election climate.

 

After the Opening Convention Session, registrants had a variety of educational sessions to attend, with topics ranging from recruiting the next generation of workers to solving working capital problems. In the afternoon, AGC staffers Ken Simonson, Mike Kennedy and Jeff Shoaf provided insight on what's in store for members on the economic, regulatory and legislative fronts. Networking breaks, lunch and happy hour, all held in the Technology and Construction Solutions Expo, allowed contractors to visit with more than 90 exhibitors and network with other contractors.