What are your hopes for our industry?

• Michelle: For construction trucking to get more specific recognition, aside from just trucking.

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

• Michelle: Be as flexible and accommodating as possible within your means

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

• Both: Father

 
Background:
 
What did you want to be when growing up?

• Michelle: This. I am a wife, mother, business owner and can homeschool our two kids.

What was the first job you ever had?

• Michelle: Shopko 
  
• James: Lee’s Chicken

Before working at your current company, what was the most unusual or interesting job you have ever had?

• Michelle: Phlebotomy, blood draws, healthcare

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

• Michelle: Be a better judge of character
  
• James: Be less trusting

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

• James: Relax and go fishing

Do you have any hidden talents? If so, what are they?

• Michelle is a published writer, specializing in devotional books

If you could be anyone (past or present) for just a day, who would you be?

• James would want to be president for a day

What is your biggest pet peeve?

• Michelle: Saying you’re going to do something and not doing it

Favorite restaurant?

• James enjoys smoking meat; they don’t eat out too often but enjoy Ruby Tuesday or Texas Roadhouse

The AGC Nebraska Staff spent the last week of March in Grapevine, TX, at the AGC of America National Convention. We attended sessions related to memberships, workforce development, Culture of CARE, professional development, and NCCER partnership. ​

One of our focuses for 2022 is to bring back our chapter's FLC, and we were able to gain great insight into best practices in Texas. Katie and Carly met with the Austin Chapter's CLC Chair, who shared their successes and challenges. In addition, Carly attended a breakout session that three college seniors in construction management led. They spoke to the importance of culture at a company, even above pay and benefits. We are confident that having a successful FLC at our chapter will serve as a vital member benefit to attract and maintain the next generation of workers.

The fun side of this Convention included great networking opportunities, live armadillos, and plenty of beer. Seems about right. Sheila and Carly met many of the other Chapter Executives that Katie has had long-standing relationships with. Our Keynote Speaker from the Nebraska Convention, Shannon McKain, was able to meet us for dinner one night since she lives in the Dallas area. It was great to see so many familiar and new faces.

Congratulations to the first cohort of graduates from the From Builder to Leader Program! 

We loved hearing what each participant learned over this 8-week Leadership Training Program. From the DiSC Assessment, to the SBI model, it is without doubt that strategies will continue to be implemented into the working habits of each participant.  

Cohort #2 is coming soon, stay tuned!

The Project Managers' Conference was back in Kearney this year and we were pleased to attend. Topics discussed at the joint sessions included leadership, e-Ticketing, Doc Exchange, Civil Rights, Ogallala Rest Area Construction, an FHWA update, bridge deck membrane, seeding, the Great Resignation and more.

At our evening reception, sponsored by Garcia-Chicoine Enterprises, Inc., we announced two award winners. 
Lyle Leader PM Award - Joe Kuehn, District #1, Project Manager
​David Coolidge Award - Tim Weander, District #2, District Engineer

We had over 300 members and NDOT staff attend our 2022 Annual Convention at the Embassy Suites in Lincoln. Attendees enjoyed food, beverages, breakout sessions, a great keynote speaker, casino games and a PAC Auction. 

Congressman Don Bacon met with AGC Nebraska Chapter Executive Director, Katie Wilson, AGC Nebraska Building Chapter Executive Director, Sheila O'Connor, and AGC Nebraska Government Affairs Chair, Tyler Chicoine for lunch on Tuesday.
They discussed workforce issues in the industry, immigration, and support for making it easier for workers to come to the country to work. We also thanked him for his support of the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Bill.

Meet Nathan, Saddam, Tren and Wyatt!

Our HEOT Student Spotlight Series continues with Kolby, Kyle, Lane, and Maquire. ​

Next up in our HEOT Student Spotlight Series we have Andrew, Austin, Ben, and Dakota. ​