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.

President, Kea Constructors, LLC

​What does a typical day at work look like for you?

• ½ office and ½ traveling between jobsites. In the office, it’s a lot of estimating, submittals and planning for future work. We have jobs in South Dakota to and Nebraska, so lots of miles to cover.

 
What do you like most about your job?

• The variety, I am not a desk jockey.

 
What aspect of your job do you find the most challenging?

• Finding personnel, training our people, and growing the business

 
How did you get into the industry?

• I did one semester of Architecture at UNL and realized that wasn’t for me. I got a job at Kiewit right out of high school as l laborer on a paving crew. I continued employment there through college and went full time following my graduation in Construction Management.

 
What is your favorite moment of your career so far? Favorite project?

• 1998. Foreman/Field Engineer in charge of the structural steel on 11 bridges from Fayetteville Arkansas to Fort Smith. The project ran through the Boston Mountain Range. Because of the rock, girder delivery had to be coordinated with the blast and shoot operations through the mountains to obtain access for the trucks. This project was extremely challenging and stressful but in the end was very rewarding.

 
What are your hopes for the industry?

• That we can show the younger generation that there is a huge value in having a career in construction.

 
If you could provide one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

• Be patient. Lose the ego. Do your best always, no matter how small the task. It won’t go unnoticed.

  
What did you want to be when growing up?

• I’m still growing up. I’ll let you know when I know.

 
What was the first job you ever had?

• Butcher in my uncle’s shop in Elkhorn, NE.

 
If you could go back and tell your 18-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

• Lose the ego, live in the moment, and take chances when you’re young.

  
What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

• The ability to speak Spanish and play the guitar.

 
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

• Live music and fish with my son.

 
If you could have lunch with anyone (past or present), who would you choose?

• Theodore Roosevelt. In addition to his Presidency, he was a conservationist, soldier, avid hunter, just a hard-charging individual.

 
What is your biggest pet peeve?

• Laziness.

 
Favorite restaurant?

• Drover, or anywhere with a good steak and a stiff drink.