A Word From AGCVA Chair, Anthony Smith: Members Make AGCVA Strong

Members Make AGCVA Strong
By Anthony Smith, AGCVA Chair


The holiday season is upon us; a time of celebration and reflection of everything we hold dear. We are all blessed by this industry, its opportunities, and even its challenges.

I would like to take the opportunity as AGCVA’s Chair to thank you for your membership. It’s you, our members, that make AGCVA strong. This is recognized in our mission – “Members advocating, growing, and connecting Virginia’s construction industry.” While our industry is facing many challenges, we see tremendous opportunity. Our nearly 100 years of history has proven time and again that we accomplish far more when we face both challenge and opportunity together, so don’t let your membership lapse. We are in the middle of renewals and many of you have already submitted your renewals; however, not everyone. Take the time to check on your status and be sure to confirm your membership for 2023 so you won’t miss out on all the great things AGCVA continues to do on your behalf.

This includes wonderful events like the 2023 Convention at The Greenbrier! The pandemic is behind us, and this event is stacking up to be an exciting and, I feel, a very well attended one. We have curated an agenda that addresses many of the tough challenges we are facing as an industry, and we are bringing some of the top industry thought leaders to you. By attending, you will expand your thinking, learn from experts, lean on the experience of others, and network with other professionals, bolstering your business and equipping you for a promising year ahead. All while enjoying all the fun of Convention at The Greenbrier! Spots are filling fast and prices increase Dec. 2, so register for Convention today. I look forward to seeing you, connecting with you, and learning with you Jan. 19-22 at The Greenbrier.

Even with the all the efforts going into renewals and Convention AGCVA’s tireless staff are still focused on our strategic pillars of Advocating, Growing, and Connecting to serve you directly.

ADVOCATE
The General Assembly session will be here before we know it, and AGCVA is advocating on your behalf before, during, and after session. With the passage of legislation earlier this year that prohibits pay-if-paid clauses from construction contracts, AGCVA continues to engage with stakeholders toward a solution that serves the greatest amount of people in the industry without creating unintended consequences. Our Legislative Committee will soon meet to discuss and ready ourselves for the upcoming session. To further support our efforts, please continue to donate to AGCVA's PAC. If you have not done so already, subscribe to our legislative updates to make sure you are hearing the latest in how we are advocating for you. Be on the lookout for requests to use your voice and contact your legislators.

Advocating is not just a political effort, it’s also a PR effort. Let AGCVA help you tell your construction story to the general public as we continue to spotlight the success and contributions of AGCVA members to our communities across the commonwealth. Don’t hesitate to contact our AGCVA team to help you tell your story.

GROW
The development of our individual employees is key to the success of any business. AGCVA recognizes this and is working hard to provide our members with opportunities to do just that; we are finishing up a year of training programs utilized by members and non-members alike.

Take part in one of our training and development programs; you still have time before the end of the year. On Dec. 6, we are offering the final Construction Quality Management (CQM) class of 2022. We are also still welcoming participants in our final Supervisory Training Program (STP), taking place Dec. 7-8. Also be sure to check out the new AGC Edge online training programs offered by AGC America.

As you’ve hopefully heard, we’re hosting a Construction Workforce Summit during Convention. As we did in July, we will assemble AGCVA’s workforce partners from across the commonwealth to help you find qualified, talented people and keep your company moving forward. Connect with leaders representing veterans, trained jobseekers, eager recent graduates, and more. The summit will feature brief, high-level introductions to the representatives of these talent pipelines and showcase how you can take advantage of what they have to offer. After hearing about these workforce resources that are available to you, take time to walk around to the presenters' booths and learn more details on the next steps in getting involved.

CONNECT
The holidays are a time of gathering and camaraderie. Sharing joy and laughter with friends and colleagues is one of our strengths and one of our core values. AGCVA knows the importance of connecting our members and something we give high priority to. District holiday parties are on the calendar so be sure to get registered. Additionally, event calendars for 2023 will be available soon so that you can start planning to connect with your fellow members in the upcoming year. These opportunities will include collaboration among districts to help grow your network in your local district and expand to surrounding areas.

As is the case with every holiday season, these next few weeks will go fast. However, don’t forget to take the time to enjoy them and the special moments you share with your friends and family, as well as your fellow colleagues within the AGCVA.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Anthony Smith, AGCVA Chair