A Word From AGCVA Chair, Don Sproul

Spring is here and, as always, it is a busy time of the year.  AGCVA is also very busy working on your behalf.  On Monday, the Board of Directors held its spring meeting, and we learned that great progress is taking place on our 2023 business plan.  Great discussions took place, and I would like to provide some insight into one of those discussions specifically.

The board revisited member dues after asking the Dues Task Force to revisit the proposal made in the summer of 2022.  After an in-depth discussion, the decision was made to table the recommendation until the July Board of Directors meeting at AGCVA’s Summer Conference.  In the meantime, conversations will take place at district executive committee meetings, and board members will contact individual members.  The goal of these conversations is to gather additional data from members to better inform the decision around any dues increase.

We held this board meeting in conjunction with another event, the AEC Conference.  This is a joint conference of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Virginia, Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA), and American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) Virginia, to educate and promote best practices of the design and construction industry.  On April 25 – 26, over 70 members from across Virginia were in attendance for this event which featured a variety of sessions and industry experts, addressing current challenges and topics.  The discussions and sessions included Business Development in the Post Pandemic World, Growing and Sustaining Firm Leadership, Virginia’s Push to Develop Sites, Cultivating Industry Collaboration amongst others.  In addition to learning a great deal, we were able to collaborate across industries, share knowledge, and strengthen our individual networks both during and between sessions, as well as during the networking reception where we connected with panelists as well.

ADVOCATE

There have been multiple events with local legislators at the district level over the past month in Roanoke, Valley, and Richmond. Thes events are so important and provide an opportunity to connect with legislators, help them to better understand our industry and how policy can impact our businesses.

I hope you will join us on May 3 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. for a free webinar on what is changing for construction law this year.  AGCVA CEO Brandon Robinson, Jim Harvey (Woods Rogers Vandeventer Black) and Spencer Wiegard (Gentry Locke) will explain the upcoming changes to construction law taking effect July 1.  These changes are the result of new legislation recently passed by the General Assembly this year.  So, invite your colleagues, grab some lunch, and listen in.   

While this year’s legislative session has ended, AGCVA is still advocating for the construction industry and is going to be engaged with various important issues such as procurement and workforce development.  Because this is an election year and there are so many competitive districts due to the redistricting, it is important for AGCVA to be in a position to support candidates who support our industry and build relationships with legislators on key committees.  Our PAC committee set a goal to raise $200,000 this year. If we accomplish this goal, our ability to advocate for our industry is significantly enhanced. I challenge each of you to donate. Don’t wait, give now. It’s quick and easy: simply click here to donate.  While any amount helps, a donation of only $200 from each member company would give us $100,000 and more than double our current PAC balance. 

GROW

Workforce development continues to be a top priority.  The SkillsUSA Virginia State Leadership Conference took place last week in Virginia Beach, and it was so incredible to see more than 200 students participating in competitions across the various career clusters. In the near future, many of these students will find their way to being employed with member companies or joining the trades. Thank you for all the work that the following members from the Tidewater and Peninsula Districts put into volunteering at this event, including Hitt Electric, Davken Mechanical, and MEB.  AGCVA’s Educational Foundation provided a $15,000 grant to help fund this event, which directly helps bring new workers into our industry.

The Educational Foundation started a grant program this year providing $500 classroom grants to help local schools purchase construction supplies for students.  The $5,000 set aside for this year’s grants is going quickly, so if you know of any schools looking for construction supplies, encourage them to visit the AGCVA website and apply online.  It is a quick and easy process.

Our Grow Your Team page houses many opportunities to connect with students and individuals in your area. This page is only visible to members, so you will need to log in to view it. Check back frequently as we update with each new opportunity to connect with students and those choosing a construction related career path. These students are the future, and they can be the next rockstar employee for your company. This is a great members-only resource from AGCVA.

During this year’s Summer Conference, we will address how approaching the workforce differently, with new ideas and solutions, can transform the development of our industry’s talent pipeline. Registration is now open, and we encourage each of you to attend.  We also hope you will make sure your company’s HR personnel are aware of this event and that they make every effort to attend.  Our sessions will be solution-driven, and those who focus on growing your team will benefit greatly from taking part. We hope you will join us at The Homestead Resort July 28-29. There is a special discount for HR professionals to attend the workforce focused portion of the event.  

Training opportunities remain abundant.  In the month of April alone, Construction Quality Management (CQM) and four Bluebeam courses took place.  Additionally, Project Management Development Program (PMDP) series kicks off this week.  Don’t forget that AGC of America’s Edge program has a growing library of online classes for convenient further learning opportunities.

CONNECT

There have been many events where members have been connecting with other members across the state. These include golf tournaments, networking events, and young leader socials.  I recently attended the third annual Richmond District Construction Rodeo with lots of vendors showcasing equipment and products. Several local legislators were in attendance, and it was another opportunity to speak with them directly about issues that are important to us and the industry as a whole. There were great prizes given away, delicious BBQ and beverages, and even some mechanical bull riding along with entertainment by a local musical group.

May is shaping up to be just as busy and this means even more opportunities for you to advocate, grow, and connect with us.  I hope you will take advantage of these opportunities and leverage your membership in every possible way.  Be sure to check out the AGCVA calendar and find out what is happening locally as well as statewide, and then get yourself and your team plugged in.