Blog | AGC Nebraska | 7435 O Street, Suite 110 - Associated General Contractors Nebraska Chapter

Lunch with Congressman Don Bacon

12/23/2021

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.

HEOT Student Spotlight Series

12/13/2021

Meet Nathan, Saddam, Tren and Wyatt!

HEOT Student Spotlight

11/29/2021

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

HEOT Student Spotlight

11/29/2021

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

HEOT Student Spotlight

11/16/2021

2021-2022 Scholarship Recipients

We are starting off our HEOT Student Spotlight Series with our scholarship recipients for this program year. Learn more about Tyler, Turner, and Collin in the photos below.

Member Spotlight

10/1/2021

Brad & Shane Wegner

Check out this YouTube video to learn more about brothers, Brad and Shane Wegner, of Midlands Contracting, Inc.

Member Spotlight

9/21/2021

Tyler Chicoine, President - Elect

Job/Industry questions:

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

I get to the office at about 6:30 am each morning, with most of my time spent there in Milford. I also spend time on current job sites directing our staff or going out and visiting potential job sites that we are looking to bid. Like many others in this industry, I am available via phone at all hours.

What do you like most about your job?

The people. I have had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and I take a lot of pride in being able to contribute to the personal, mental, physical, and financial growth of our employees and their families. Additionally, I have met people from hundreds of firms across the Midwest and within the DOT systems.

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

Across the industry, the biggest challenge is finding and retaining quality employees. Our company is fortunate to have a low turnover rate, and with that, we also must balance our project work with the number of people we have available.

How did you get into the heavy highway construction industry?

Garcia-Chicoine is a family-owned business that was founded when I was eight years old. I had pursued a career in investment banking after college. I had been in the financial industry for ten years, when my father sat me down and said now was the time if I wanted to join the company, I said yes without hesitation.

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

My involvement with AGC Nebraska has been a consistent highlight of my career in the construction industry. I joined the board in 2007 and served as Chapter President in 2011. My father had previously served as President in 1996, so that was a very proud moment for myself, my father, and our firm.

What are your hopes for our industry?

My hope is that we continue to work on finding an increasing and sustainable funding source for the future projects that will be necessary. Across the country, the industry is hoping that the Legislatures will take our needs seriously and provide the right solution for us all.

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

Be committed to your employer, and the growth opportunities will be endless.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

My father

Background:

What did you want to be when growing up?

N/A – went to college to pursue a business and finance degree

What was the first job you ever had?

I worked at Union Bank and Trust during my freshman year of college in their student intern program. From there, I continued towards a career in investment banking for 10 years until I transitioned to Garcia-Chicoine in 2000.

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

Be on time, and don't take sick days, commit to your employer. Your employer is counting on you to be there.

Miscellaneous:

What is one skill/ability you wish you had?

I am able to multitask well but could benefit from knowing where to be most present when something is a top priority.

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

I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife Jessica and I have three children, and two of them recently have moved out of state for career and college. So, we are looking forward to spending quality time with our youngest over the next couple of years. Jessica and I love to travel, we were married in Charleston SC, and like to get back to the area often.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Tardiness

Favorite restaurant?

MoMo's Pizzeria, Lincoln

2021 CID / BBQ RECAP

9/8/2021

That's a wrap!

Our 2021 Construction Industry Day / BBQ was a huge success. Throughout the day, we saw about 130 members representing over 40 member companies, as well as over 40 government employees.

We started our day with a Member Meeting that included industry reports from AGC of America CEO, Steve Sandherr, and AGC Nebraska Members, Tom Crockett, Bill Mueller, and Steve Samuelson. Attendance was better than expected at the meeting and we appreciate those who took time out of their morning to hear our latest news.

The Member Meeting was followed by an Industry Lunch. The Nebraska Department of Transportation and other government employees joined us for a great meal provided by the Embassy Suites. During lunch, awards were distributed to deserving people within our industry.

Winners:
Perpetual Pavement Award - NDOT for work on Highway 6
NDOT Signature Award - Jarrod Scott
Lyle Leader - PM Award - Toby Thomsen
Social Media Award - Jarred Horsky

Our Joint Committee Meetings took up the afternoon leading up to the Cocktail Hour and BBQ portion of our event. Typically, we would have been outside on the Back Dock but the rain had other plans. Moving the live music and food inside was a simple task for the wonderful staff at the Embassy Suites. Lots of food, lots of beverages, lots of laughs, lots of fun. We are so glad that we were able to meet up in person for this event and hope to see you all again soon.

Thank you again to all of our sponsors!