2023 Annual Convention

February 21-23 in Lincoln, NE

The 2023 AGC Nebraska Annual Convention was our biggest one yet! Over 400 members and industry partners joined together at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln for an eventful couple of days.

On Tuesday, the Central Community College - Heavy Equipment Operator Technician Program Students had the opportunity to participate in speed interviews with 12 of our Contractor member firms. Both our members and the students were able to form meaningful connections.

Next was our Annual Board of Directors Meeting, where we welcomed three new board members, Brian Engel (Paulsen, Inc.), Mike Newman (Van Kirk Brothers Contracting), and Rocky Torres (Contractor Services, Inc.). Tuesday night ended with our Past Presidents Dinner.

All current Board members and all past Presidents are invited to attend this dinner. Past Presidents in attendance included Mike Collins, Dick Ludwig, Gregg Perrett, Doug Williams, Katie Wilson, Tyler Chicoine, Steve Peck, Justin Grusing, Steve Samuelson, Dave Neill and Tom Crockett.

Wednesday began with the Member Meeting. These have become a key part of our Construction Industry Days and Convention. It is the best time for all members to learn what the Chapter is doing for the industry at the committee and task force levels. The Past Presidents Panel, hosted by the Future Leaders Council, immediately followed the Member Meeting. This gave FLC members a chance to ask a variety of questions related to careers and AGC involvement to a group of 6 past Presidents.

Lunch was filled with awards and recognition. 2022 President, Tyler Chicoine, 'passed the gavel' to 2023 President, Sean Vontz. We recognized the UNL Construction Management scholarship recipient and the three CCC-Hastings scholarship recipients. Koss Construction Company was also awarded the 'Most Likes' award for the video filmed at their wet batch plant that received nearly 1,000,000 views on Tik Tok and Instagram. Tom Crockett was awarded the VCS Award for his vision, commitment, and service to our industry and the AGC Nebraska Chapter. To wrap up our lunch, Governor Jim Pillen spoke to the membership regarding his plan for the next four years to get roads built. 

Off-site activities were added this year to give members options other than the traditional Casino Afternoon. Members could choose from a distillery tour at Sideshow Spirits, axe throwing at Craft Axe Throwing, or staying at the hotel for a Texas Hold 'Em Tournament. All three options were loaded with fun!

Upon returning from the off-site activities it was time for the Associate's Expo and PAC Auction. We are so grateful to our Associate members who took the time to share about their companies with our Contractor members. This year's PAC Auction raised $68,000 for our efforts in the legislature. Thank you to everyone who donated items and bid!

The Nebraska Department of Transportation joined us on Thursday for our industry day and joint committee meetings. The recently appointed Director, Vicki Kramer, spoke to our membership at lunch. Our Keynote Speaker, Gordon Fowler, delivered a fun presentation on the five different generations in the workforce today. The Annual Convention concluded in the afternoon with our Closing Reception where members and NDOT personnel are able to get to know each other.

We hope you all had as much fun as we did! 

If you have any feedback on the Annual Convention, please reach out to Carly.

Make sure to check out our calendar for upcoming events.