Message from the President

Tyler Chicoine, Garcia-Chicoine Enterprises, Inc. 

When I began my second term as President at the 2022 AGC Nebraska Annual Convention, I discussed some of the challenges within our industry over the last few years. With about 3 months left in my term as President, I can say that 2022 has been more normal than recent years – free of Acts of God. It has been a pleasure to serve the membership again. Although it had been over 10 years since my first term, the only real changes have been the color of my hair and my goatee. Otherwise, business as usual, with a heavy emphasis on membership, our NDOT partnership, the Legislative agenda and workforce development.
 
The AGC Nebraska membership count is around 200, with 73 Contractors and 123 Associates.  As a nonprofit, our goal is to operate on a balanced budget. We are on track to see a small surplus in funds that we are eager to put back into our membership. We have a strong, diverse, and prideful membership as we market to potential members. Please continue to support Sheila if she asks for help communicating and meeting with potential members.
 
Our relationship with NDOT at the upper levels is significant. Katie meeting with Director Selmer and Deputy Director Jamshidi each on a quarterly basis, and with Jim Knott, Construction Engineer, monthly. Her pursuit of these relationships has kept our Chapter leaders up to date with current and potential issues, while giving us a clear path of communication. The NDOT’s FYE 2023 program is up from the current year’s program. We are still awaiting the FHWA release of an additional $100 million per year for the next five years as a part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2022. Our AGC/NDOT Joint Committees hold a purpose. If you do not sit on a committee, I encourage you to monitor committee notes and attend our Construction Industry Days to hear about the various field-related issues that are discovered and discussed.
 
We have recently elected our newest Governor, Jim Pillen, as well as numerous members to our Unicameral. The AGC Nebraska PAC made contributions to most of the races that totaled more than $200,000. We are excited to have a sitting Governor that understands how important the roads program is to our state’s economic development. After our contribution to Pillen, we expect a seat at his table during discussions on program size, staffing and the funding mechanisms that are at the NDOT’s disposal.
 
The importance of our Workforce Development Task Force is undisputable as we continue to face challenges in finding quality workers. The relationship we have with Central Community College – Hastings and their Heavy Equipment Operator Technician Program is running strong in its seventh year of producing young, educated workers for our industry. AGC Equipment Days is an event we hold at the Cornhusker State Trap Shoot in late April where over 1,000 students and parents come through our interactive booth to learn more about careers in construction. Make sure to clear your schedules to see the power of this event for yourself. We thank Enova for their continued work in distributing resumes to our members and offering a variety of trainings to help retain our best people. Also, if you have impressive young leaders within your company that could fill a Committee or Board seat one day, consider allowing them to get involved with the Future Leaders Council.
 
In closing, Katie, Sheila, and Carly do an excellent job of overseeing the daily operations of AGC Nebraska and for that, I am very thankful. Your Executive Committee is made up of respected leaders in the industry and are there to protect your interests. Get involved, at any level that you can. This industry needs your help and I promise your firms will find a return on investment for your time. Continued great successes as we wrap up the 2022 construction season.
 
TJC

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