A Word From AGCVA Chair, Don Sproul

AGCVA is the leading voice advocating for Virginia’s construction industry. While this may bring to mind the work taking place in January and February while the General Assembly is in session, there is far more to it. AGCVA and AGC of America are working all year long to build and strengthen relationships, serving as a trusted resource and authority for federal and state lawmakers and regulators.

AGCVA is a big tent; our community is comprised of 500 members across the state, nearly 300 of which are contractor members. When you look even more closely, you’ll find a diverse mixture of companies. AGCVA members include large contractors (many of the ENR Top 400 are based in Virginia) to small contractors who generate a few million in annual revenue. AGCVA member contractors work in all building markets; higher education, commercial, industrial, multifamily, data centers, infrastructure, localities … And the list goes on. In addition, many contractor members pursue alternative delivery methods (CM, DB, etc.) while others prefer traditional competitive sealed bidding. These contractors work closely with companies who are service providers and suppliers, and therefore, we have a strong number of lawyers, accountants, material suppliers and equipment dealers who are also members of our community. Schools and educational institutions developing and training the next generation of talent for Virginia’s construction industry, as well as owners and developers, are also an integral part of the AGCVA community. The opportunity to represent each of these diverse groups who are comprised of unique organizations and individuals gives AGCVA an unmatched perspective and understanding of the industry.

AGC is a leading voice in both Richmond and Washington. In Richmond, legislators and regulators reach out to AGCVA first on many issues, and they want to know where AGCVA stands before making important decisions. This was built over time using a variety of tools such as the AGCVA PAC, the team of lobbyists in Richmond, local district events with legislators and through individual outreach by members to those lawmakers and regulators who represent them. Given AGCVA’s role as a leading voice, we cannot afford to be neutral on important issues. We must bring the right people to the table and forge compromise.

In Washington, the industry is facing an onslaught of regulations. AGC of America is often the only voice pushing back. In fact, AGC of America was the only voice working on the Ciminelli case at the U.S. Supreme Court. AGC’s victory ensures contractors can communicate with owners during project negotiation without facing a criminal charge for fraud. In the EPA’s attempt to make PVC a hazardous material, AGC of America was the only construction association speaking out against this effort and, ultimately, was victorious. There are currently around 40 other regulatory actions that AGC of America is pushing back against in order to protect construction companies and our industry.

AGCVA and AGC of America have been and will continue to work tirelessly on your behalf, serving as your voice with legislators and regulators. To ensure that our leading voice, on your behalf, is as strong as possible, we need you to engage. Rest assured, getting engaged is easy to do, and there are a variety of ways that you can have an impact. First, attend local events, introduce yourself to the legislators who attend, and tell them about your business. As a constituent, your insight matters; and as an industry expert, you have the power to help educate legislators about your company and the construction industry itself. Second, as you get to know legislators, invite them to tour your jobsites. This builds further connections, and it helps lawmakers learn more and more about the industry, from a firsthand perspective. Third, donate to AGCVA’s PAC. This fund supports AGCVA’s efforts to advocate on your behalf, and the building of this fund is critical. It is especially important this year, as all 140 General Assembly seats are up for election in November. Our members determine the success of the PAC, and your support will make a difference. Fourth, sign up for legislative alerts. It’s quick and easy to do so, and when there’s an important issue and legislators need to hear from industry experts, we’ll send a note to your inbox that allows you to send a message directly in a few short clicks. It may seem that these messages are too simple to have a true impact, but they are significant and go a long way in helping lawmakers take a position. And finally, stay up to date by watching our video updates, which we share weekly while the General Assembly is in session. We send these updates in our weekly Five on Friday newsletter, and you can find them archived on our website as well.

You may already be doing some of these things, and others may be new to you. Whatever the case may be, I would encourage you to challenge yourself to do one or even two things that you have not yet done and urge those you know to do the same. AGCVA and AGC of America will continue to work hard to represent you, and we are not only grateful for your help in strengthening the voice of the industry, but we are honored to serve each of you. Thank you for your membership and for your dedication to the construction industry.