A Word From AGCVA Chair, Anthony Smith

The deadline to register for AGCVA’s Summer Conference and Workforce Development Forum is fast approaching (July 7). This conference is AGCVA’s signature summer event, combining leadership meetings, networking opportunities, and camaraderie. I urge you to register – this year’s event will also provide you answers to workforce challenges at the Construction Workforce Development Forum, an event focused on connecting you with solutions to workforce development challenges. Additionally, we will hold a conversation on membership engagement to help each of our members make the most of this association community.

Speaking of that, how have you engaged with AGCVA lately? Summer is a busy time. There are vacations, sports tournaments, visiting family, cookouts – and then there’s still work to get done. It is easy to disengage with your construction association and all it has to offer during this busy season. However, the work to advocate on your behalf, to grow your business, and connect you with each other goes on.

If a busy schedule keeps you from attending an AGCVA event, there are still plenty of ways to plug in:

Have you donated to the PAC? The AGCVA PAC helps support our advocacy efforts. Next year is an election year in Virginia for all 140 state senators and delegates. We will need resources to help protect your interests. I have challenged every member company on our Board of Directors to donate, and they have answered the call. Will you join them?

Have you signed up for advocacy alerts? When issues arise with the legislature or regulatory bodies, we use advocacy alerts to tap into the grassroots of our industry. It’s a way you can let your individual voice join the chorus of voices in the construction industry advocating for our member businesses.

Have you connected your safety professional with AGCVA and the Safety Roundtable? AGCVA's Safety Roundtable meetings are hosted quarterly on a virtual platform and open to all AGCVA members at no cost. Join a meeting to hear the latest on regulations and policies, gain access to shared resources and templates, and assist in enhancing your in-house safety programs. 

Is your HR/recruiting manager aware of all our efforts in workforce development? AGCVA powers workforce development efforts by vetting and connecting you to talent pipelines, providing the resources you need to attract the next generation of craft professionals through Build Your Future Virginia, and hosting quarterly Workforce Roundtables that allow members from across the Commonwealth to take a deep dive into community workforce connections.

Does anyone in your company need training? AGCVA's curriculum includes nationally developed programs addressing core topics focused on professional development, construction-related credentialing, safety and health, and young leader development. AGCVA provides you with access to in-seat and virtual educational content designed to keep your business moving forward. 

Are your younger workers plugged into AGCVA’s young leader programs? Many of AGCVA’s local districts have active young leader programs for the next generation of leaders in our industry. These groups are a great place to get your company’s young leaders engaged with AGCVA.

And finally, have you attended a local event? AGCVA’s strength lies in its districts. From Roanoke to Tidewater and from the Valley to Peninsula, AGCVA districts hold local events so you can connect with who you need to see to do business. I invite you to browse our calendar and register to attend at least one of our next events.

These are just the ways to plug into AGCVA here in our state. You are also a member of AGC of America and all it has to offer at a national level. You can learn more here.

AGCVA is tirelessly working for you, our members, advocating, growing, and connecting your business for success. Make sure you engage to reap all that membership in THE construction association has to offer.