VTCA Annual Meeting Charts Bold Path Forward at The Greenbrier

With nearly 220 attendees, the 2025 VTCA Annual Meeting brought together contractors, engineers, aggregate producers, and industry leaders for four days of engagement, learning, and strategy setting at the Greenbrier Resort.  Nearly 2/3 of the attendees had not been to the Greenbrier, giving members an opportunity to explore another part of American History, complete with the previously secret “US Congressional Bunker” Tour on the side of the mountain. 

This year’s event reflected not only strong attendance but also strong momentum as VTCA shared significant legislative and advocacy wins, and laid out its vision for addressing market capacity, sustainable funding, and emerging challenges like preserving Virginia’s Right to Work Law, workforce challenges, and mandated Project Labor Agreements from localities. 

A Full Agenda of Impact 

The meeting began with high-level planning sessions, followed by Thursday’s Board of Directors meeting and a dynamic networking kickoff. A session with VDOT leadership focused on transportation funding needs in the future, improving work zone safety, recent changes to the Claims Manual and emphasized partnership on project delivery.  

VDOT set aside a specific portion of the day to address change management, the updated Claims Manual, and the new process.  VDOT and VTCA’s members and consultants spent nearly a year and a half looking at both processes and identifying ways to improve the efforts.  

On Friday, attendees gathered for the President’s Breakfast, featuring a virtual appearance from Republican gubernatorial candidate Winsome Sears. Delegate Terry Austin’s call to action on transportation funding anchored the General Session, followed by the presentation of Contractor Safety Awards.  Delegate Austin agreed to partner with VTCA in working the next few years to ensure we have the necessary funding to provide Virginia citizens with the level of transportation service they expect. Finally, VTCA’s Lobbyist, Myles Loria joined Gordon Dixon on stage for an informative fire side chat on what to expect from this fall’s elections, what we can anticipate during the 2026 Session and how sustainable transportation funding will play against other big issues in 2026.  As a result, members were inspired to support VTCA’s state PAC.

Golf in the afternoon and family-friendly meals rounded out the day, reinforcing the blend of business and camaraderie that VTCA members value. 

Strategic Wins and Forward Vision 

During Saturday's Business Meeting, VTCA Executive Vice President Gordon Dixon presented a comprehensive report on the state of the Alliance: 

• Legislative Progress: VTCA’s advocacy during the 2025 General Assembly session helped expand VDOT bonding capacity for special structures, advance design work on I-81, and eliminate burdensome requirements on Design-Build Engineers. 
• Procurement & Policy: VTCA played a leading role in advancing cost-effective procurement strategies, streamlining VDOT’s special provisions review process, and developing a new change management and claims manual. 
• Safety & Workforce: From pilot speed enforcement zones to enhanced flagger certification and safety training, VTCA continues to prioritize member and public safety while also addressing workforce development through initiatives like the MilesAhead campaign and partnerships with higher education.  VTCA is co-funding, along with VDOT and the Beavers Foundation, a professorship in Civil Heavy Highway at Virginia Tech 
• Environmental & Regulatory Advocacy: VTCA has stayed ahead of shifting regulatory challenges, addressing issues like Buy America compliance, dewatering standards, endangered species protections, and inconsistencies in materials testing and submittals.  VTCA is partnering with the VAA in offering Quarry & Asphalt Plant tours to DEQ officials who have little experience in these arenas. 
• Consultant & Associate Engagement: Renewed partnerships with VDOT on turnkey design pilots, alternative compensation methods, and a growing role for associates in workforce development and leadership further illustrate VTCA’s inclusive approach. 

The Strategic Plan in Action 

The Business Meeting also reinforced VTCA’s three-year strategic plan, focusing on five core objectives: 

• Championing Sustainable Transportation Funding through strong legislative relationships. 
• Engaging Localities by building relationships with the top five regions and local owners. 
• Supporting Workforce Capacity via higher education partnerships and member-to-member training. 
• Growing Advocacy on labor and environmental regulations like PLAs and permitting. 
• Deepening Member Engagement with recruitment campaigns, better data, and Associate involvement. 

Closing Celebrations and a Look Ahead 

Saturday night’s celebration featured the installation of new officers, followed by an evening of dining, music, and dancing.  Young and old all enjoyed the band, UBU playing into the night. 

With political transitions ahead in Virginia and new opportunities emerging in infrastructure investment, VTCA is well-positioned to lead. As Gordon Dixon concluded, “We follow the money, protect your interests, and prepare for the headwinds ahead – together.”