JUNE 2021

When I think about the past year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
I am thankful to our members – general contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers and service providers. You have done an incredible job this year, and I hope our team has helped make your work easier.
I am thankful for our relationships with lawmakers and regulators. We were able to make a difference because we were already working with key legislators on issues vital to our industry. We took our knowledge of your workplace to those who could help us survive this crisis, and we prevailed.
I am thankful to our staff members who pivoted on a dime to address the issues the pandemic raised. Without a committed professional staff, we simply could not have accomplished so much.
Michael T. Dunham CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AGC GEORGIAI am thankful to our national organization – Associated General Contractors of America. They provided invaluable guidance and information that we passed along to you. Through our strong partnership with AGC of America’s team, we tapped into their expertise to offer the precise information you needed.
Finally, I am thankful we are all seeing better days ahead. I think this report will give you information about how we’ve used the pandemic year to plan for an outstanding 2021. Rest assured, however, that whatever comes our way, we’ll be working to keep you working!
I am thankful we are all seeing better days ahead. I think this report will give you information about how we’ve used the pandemic year to plan for an outstanding 2021.”
In a normal year, this would be my farewell letter to the AGC Georgia membership. I would talk about the successes we had realized and provide my support to our next president. Because of the pandemic, however, this is just halfway through my term; I will serve as the AGC Georgia president for another year.
I’m excited about the possibilities for our association as we look forward. I have watched our industry and our professional staff meet the challenges of the past year with intelligence, dedication and heart. It hasn’t been easy, but everyone has engaged with the issues and each other. We’ve taken care of our own families and our work families during difficult times for both.
I’m excited about the possibilities for our association as we look forward. I have watched our industry and our professional staff meet the challenges of the past year with intelligence, dedication and heart”
I think our association has regularly proven its value to its members and has set us all up for success in the coming year. AGC Georgia’s leadership in state and federal advocacy has kept our member companies working with as few restrictions as possible. Our Young Leadership Program and Executive Alliance are breaking participation records, and the Skills Challenges will be back bigger and stronger in 2021. We’ve been able to offer training to members all over the state in ways we haven’t before.
So, as I begin this coming year, I am grateful to have an opportunity to serve during more traditional times. I am looking forward to getting more engaged with my fellow members. Now that we’ve overcome so many challenges, and learned from new opportunities, I think we can work together to take AGC Georgia to new heights. It’s going to be an incredible opportunity, and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve as your president.
C. David Moody, Jr. C. D. MOODY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. LITHONIA, GAAny way you look at it, the past year has been a whirlwind. Yet, as difficult as it was, we experienced positive outcomes because we worked together. Our engagement – with each other, with our members, and with the rapidly changing environment – allowed us to overcome many unexpected challenges.
In a normal year, AGC Georgia manages a number of initiatives that help us build a better industry. We host charity events, educate students, train current workers, support member companies, advocate for fair laws and regulations, encourage leaders to grow, and provide safe spaces to discuss tough issues. We listen to our members and provide the tools they need but can’t access alone. We are strong because we’re engaged with each other.
This year, we prevailed because our normal operations were running smoothly when the pandemic hit. We had motivated, talented people in leadership positions, and they had developed solid plans for their programs. When the virus put us in jeopardy, we called on our leaders to adapt our strategies, and they responded.
This report will show you how AGC Georgia has succeeded in the past year, through the ups and downs of the lingering pandemic. No one did it alone – we did it together!
We listen to our members and provide the tools they need but can’t access alone. We are strong because we’re engaged with each other.
As if responding to a pandemic wasn’t enough, the 19,640 sq. ft. AGC Georgia headquarters underwent a two-phase renovation this past year. This is the first major renovation of the two-story office space and training center since we bought the facility in 2000. Thank you to the Board of Directors for their leadership and support during this project. A special thank you to AGC Georgia member Cork-Howard Construction Company for their willingness to take on the project!
Renovation highlights include:
• Complete interior renovation on both floors of the two-story office space
• All new mechanical systems in the office space
• Reconfiguration of the lobby
• Transitioning the board room to a hybrid learning room to accommodate members from all corners of the state for meetings and courses
• Face lift on the training center’s three learning rooms to make for a more comfortable setting
Our team is extremely proud of the renovated AGC Georgia headquarters. Next time you’re nearby, stop in to see us!
Members are the reason AGC Georgia exists. We are proud of the relationships we have built, and it’s been a pleasure to meet so many of you over the years. Without in-person opportunities to connect through the late spring of last year, our team worked to stay in touch with each of our nearly 600 member firms. We wanted to learn from your first-hand experiences as you were adjusting to the new normal the pandemic brought. We wanted to make sure our constantly evolving communications were reaching you so you could make informed business decisions, and we wanted to determine how we could help.
Our team members were successful in reaching a professional at nearly 90% of our member firms by phone. It was inspiring to hear story after story spotlighting the resiliency of our workforce. This ambitious call-a-thon was a very gratifying project and reaffirmed what we all know about the strength and can-do mentality of professionals in the construction industry.
As our team asked a lot of questions, we also fielded questions during the calls. We were honored to be a go-to resource as members worked to navigate the trying times.
Also important to us during our direct connections with members was to update our member rosters to help us better share our news and offer guidance. Nearly half of our members shared updated employee
information, what markets they work in, and many more details that help us better promote their services for future work opportunities within our membership directory. We continue to welcome these updates from all members.
By asking a lot of questions about what the membership needed from us, we were able to tailor information that we shared and develop education opportunities to meet specific needs. We responded to our members in many different ways.
In just the last year, we’ve sent over 513,000 emails carrying best practices, evolving federal and state guidelines for businesses, news on pandemic-specific CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program information, benefits of the national Culture of C.A.R.E. inclusion program and so much more.
We also revamped our education opportunities and worked closely with our instructors to host 36 virtual classes with more than 500 attendees. We also continued meeting with members serving on taskforces, committees, shared interest groups and other work groups during another 132 virtual meetings.
During this past year where engagement was so important, our social platforms, especially the AGC Georgia LinkedIn page, had a 100% increase in followers as our members and other industry professionals sought timely news in the ever-changing business environment.
Without in-person opportunities to connect through the late spring of last year, our team worked to stay in touch with each of our nearly 600 member firms.
AGC Georgia increased its advocacy efforts from the first moment of the pandemic in Georgia. We are advocates for our industry and our members and have established a trusted voice in governmental affairs. In ordinary years, we work to build and nurture ongoing relationships with both lawmakers and regulators.
This past year, we saw how important those relationships are. When we needed access to decision makers, we had it, and we were able to demonstrate the positive or negative impacts of pending legislation. We were able to protect member companies from well-intentioned but potentially harmful legislation, rules and executive orders and also pass much needed changes to help companies operate profitably.
AGC Georgia passed one of the most pro-construction legislative agendas in our history. The 2020 session was interrupted by response to the pandemic, and lawmakers reconvened on June 16 after suspending the session on March 13.
Passed GEORGIA LIEN LAW AMENDMENT
This legislation passed unanimously in both the Georgia Senate and House of Representatives, an incredible accomplishment because of the complexity of this legislation. The new law maintains the integrity of the lien law while also allowing contracting parties to bring action for breach of contract. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2PUHJrR.
Passed PRIVATE PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION
The base bill allowed the State Fire Marshal’s office to conduct one annual elevator inspection instead of two per year. AGC Georgia partnered with construction owner groups and ACEC to add language that codified the Governor’s Executive Order allowing private plan review and inspections for all projects.
Passed COVID-19 BUSINESS PROTECTIONS
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this bill provides certain liability protections for healthcare providers and businesses. The original legislation passed on the last day of the 2020 session. Governor Kemp also signed legislation into law after the 2021 session, extending the Act’s protections until July 14, 2022.
Passed CONNECT ACT FUNDING
The General Assembly approved the final version of the state fiscal 2022 spending plan by large margins. AGC Georgia sought and secured $500,000 in CONNECT Act funding that directly helps pay for equipment in high school construction programs.
Passed ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE ON SURETY
This legislation allows Electronic Signatures for surety. AGC Georgia worked with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce on this legislation to codify an Executive Order issued by Governor Kemp during the height of COVID-19.
Passed VIRTUAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETINGS
This bill allows for virtual shareholders meetings. Unless the articles of incorporation or the bylaws provide otherwise, the board of directors may determine that a special shareholders meeting be held solely or partially by means of remote communication. This legislation codifies an earlier Executive Order on the same topic by Governor Kemp.
Held
This legislation relates to contracting and bidding requirements for local government public works contracts. It passed the House before AGC Georgia and the construction industry fully understood its ramifications. With the help of friends in the Senate, the bill was held from further consideration during the 2021 session due to our concerns. The goal of the bill was to give local government the same tools for awarding projects that the state government enjoys. We will work with the bill’s sponsor during the 2022 session to craft legislation that accomplishes its goals while protecting the Georgia Public Works law and affording the greatest competition for Georgia firms.
On Wednesday, August 5, 2020, Governor Kemp signed SB 315, Georgia Lien Law Amendment, into law. It became effective January 1, 2021.
Pictured l-r: Chairman Rep. Alan Powell; Mrs. Washburn; Lee Lemke, Georgia Specialty Contractors; Rep. Dale Washburn, House Sponsor; Governor Kemp; Sen. Lindsey Tippins, Senate Sponsor; Mark Woodall, AGC Georgia; Jim Cooper, Cooper & Company GC, 2019-2021 Chair of AGC Georgia’s Legislative Committee; Mark Cobb, Cobb Law Group, Member of AGC Georgia’s Lien Law Taskforce.
AGC Georgia is committed to construction education at all levels, and this year put our commitment to the test. During the past 12 months, our challenge was to provide as much education as possible for our members’ teams while we continued our work to engage partners and to secure funding to support our workforce development efforts. We were highly effective in these areas:
Even with the pandemic keeping us from meeting for much of the past year, we offered the following courses:
2021 Construction Economic Outlook
Adapting Jobsite Drones & 360 Degree Cameras
Advanced Safety Management Training Course
Advanced Management Program
Basic Blueprint Reading
BIM Education Program
Building a Culture of Mental Health
Business Development, Marketing & Proposal Basics for GCs
Cash Management & Forecasting in Difficult Times
Competent Person Training: Fall Protection / Trenching and Excavations
Compliance Complexities with COVID19
Connecting Personally when Physically Remote
Construction Project Manager Course
Construction Supervisor Fundamentals
CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid
One of our most popular events is the Skills Challenge – a competition for high school students normally held at multiple locations throughout the state during the fall. As schools closed and reopened in 2020, we worked closely with our regional champion contractors and the Construction Education Foundation of Georgia to determine if school administrations would allow students to travel to competitions.
We were able to hold a successful competition in Griffin in October, thanks to our partners at Sheridan Construction and Swofford Construction, but had to cancel four others. Organizers are already planning a robust series of Challenges in the fall of 2021 that will offer seven regional events. Interest is high due to many not being allowed to travel and compete last year. Our contractor champions are planning for record participation from competitors and student observers.
AGC Georgia and CEFGA worked together to secure $3.3 million from the Governors Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund as part of the CARES Act. CEFGA is using the funding to provide construction training.
The funds will expand CEFGA’s Construction Ready CR program to new locations. The program takes Georgians through a 20-day construction education program that ends with training, credentialing, and job placement. Since 2014, Construction Ready has trained more than 1,000 workers of all ages for a successful career in construction. They have a 96 percent job placement rate at the end of the training period. Each newly placed employee receives a starting salary of $12 to $15 per hour. At their first anniversary of completing the programs, 70 percent are still employed with their first employer.
AGC Georgia is proud to have the Construction Ready program host their Cobb Works sessions in our training center.
Crisis Communications Today and Beyond
Election 2020: A Political and Policy Reboot for Construction
Federal Construction 101
Financing Construction Claims & Litigation
Georgia Lien Law
Harmonious Project Management
Laying the Right Foundation for Profitability
Lean Education Program
NPDES Level 1A Course and Exam
NPDES Recertification - All Levels
OSHA 10-Hour
OSHA 30-Hour
OSHA Employer Responsibility
Project Manager Development Program
Safety Management Training Course
Silica CPT for Construction
Smart Decisions: Personal Financial Priorities
Subcontract Negotiations
Understanding the new A92 Changes
Utilizing Incentive Compensation as an Alignment and Retention Tool
What General Counsels are Thinking?
To keep up with future course offerings, please visit www.agcga.org.
Through our network of statewide Workforce Development Alliances, we enjoy helping schools connect with industry to introduce more students to construction careers. Congratulations to 4C Academy in Albany for opening their new construction lab in the fall of 2020.
AGC Georgia staff members joined industry and community leaders on November 17, 2020 to mark the opening of a new construction lab at the Commodore Conyers College & Career Academy, also known as the 4C Academy. Aldridge-Jordan, Inc., LRA Constructors, Inc., MetroPower and Pellicano Construction are longtime AGC Georgia members and loyal workforce development supporters. They know that getting involved in high school construction programs is one of the best ways to grow the industry’s talent pipeline.
In less than 25 days from announcing the meeting to welcoming members to the coast, our team partnered with the Cloister at the Sea Island Resort to host the Fall Leadership Conference with safety protocols front and center. Mornings were devoted to leadership development seminars designed to provide valuable insights and practical tools to enhance leadership effectiveness. Afternoons were reserved for enjoying fellow members or time alone on the golf course, tennis courts or the beach. The event sold out.
from industry professionals looking for ways to connect, YLP modified it from shotgun starts on two courses to five shotgun starts on three courses. They raised more than $71,000 and had the largest participation ever … that is, until they set out to host the May 2021 event. After accommodating 306 golfers just eight months earlier, the May 2021 Golf Classic sold out with over 360 golfers and required 45 holes. The recent Golf Classic raised over $125,000. These proceeds will go directly to the build-out costs for the Community Assistance Center’s food pantry in Sandy Springs. This ambitious project, which is expected to cost over $400,000, will begin in the fall of 2021.
YLP organized virtual events and in-person training on topics like inherent biases and smart practices for personal finance, and hosted panel discussions with seasoned industry leaders who shared lessons learned. They continued networking events, including a friendly game of Whirly Ball and an after hours online trivia happy hour.
YLP continued another of its charitable events with Sporting Clays Fundraiser. The competition is another opportunity for YLP members to network with industry professionals as they provide a treat for clients and employees. This fundraiser, combined with the Golf Classic and other fundraising efforts, has netted almost $1 million for YLP’s charitable outreach over two decades.
The Young Leadership Program Council, led by Chair Brian Cunningham, Vice-Chair Adam Bateman, and Ex-Officio Member Jonathan Barden, decided not to lose a year to pandemic restrictions. The group easily pivoted from previously made plans to adhere to guidance from authorities as they reinvented learning opportunities and social gatherings. They also spent time planning fundraisers to help them support many charitable causes. Together with the social events, professional development program and planning the fundraisers, YLP members were given a chance to put their leadership skills to the test. Everyone was given ample opportunities to get to know each other in both formal and informal settings.
YLP began its 2020-21 year at Skyline Park in Atlanta instead of their traditional Braves game due to the MLB not allowing fans during the 2020 session.
During the height of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, the group reorganized the Golf Classic, their primary fundraiser, postponing it from May 2020 to September 2020. To accommodate the demand
This dynamic group of C-suite professionals and those on the fast track to hold executive positions enjoyed the benefits of having a peer group to navigate through an unprecedented year.
Just like YLP, this group worked hard to overcome obstacles and hosted all three of their coveted leadership retreats. Their overnight programs were at the Omni at the Battery, Chateau Elan and Sea Island. Participants dove into facilitated, open discussions on topics such as financial stewardship, business development and communication best practices.
Enrollment in this program increased nearly 25% from program year 2020 to 2021. While still in its infancy, EA is proving to be a dynamic tool for today’s construction executives with many presidents of member companies enrolled.
EA’s executive team was led this past year by Matt Lee, Sean Moxley, Gretchen Orrin, Calvin Pate, and Casey Pollard. These professionals shared their expertise and passion to help set the program’s course for the next five years through the development of a comprehensive strategic plan.
When the pandemic began, few industries were more prepared to wear protective gear than we were. Long before COVID-19, our crews wore safety harnesses, hard hats and breathing equipment, just to name a few of the requirements that help keep us safe. Although we haven’t been able to train our workers in large classrooms, we have worked in other arenas to promote safety whenever possible.
In a pivot from in-person training, AGC Georgia offered many online training courses that reached members from around the state. We had a great turnout from all over Georgia, and while we will resume our in-person courses in the latter half of 2021, we are also working to begin hosting more programs in a hybrid environment. Here are a few of the safety topics we bring to our members through our own training courses, as well as from recognized industry leaders online:
COVID-19 Safety Standards
COVID-19 Vaccine Awareness
Crane Operator Certification Training
Culture of CARE – Ensuring welcoming, safe and inclusive workplaces
Ergonomic Safety
Fall Hazard Awareness
Highway Work Zone Safety
Ladder Safety Training
Mental Health & Suicide
Prevention in Construction
Proper Use of PPE
Silica Safety
Tool Safety Training
Tool Tethering
Total Worker Health
AGC GEORGIA MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS, CONSTRUCTION SAFETY WEEK, FALL PROTECTION STAND DOWN
Programs like these help keep safety top of mind every day.
The Hey, Tough Guy . . . Empowering Healthy Connections at Work presentation and the Building a Culture of Mental Health programs were developed with input from AGC Georgia’s Safety Committee. These programs are outreach tools to increase awareness of suicide and opioid use prevention among construction workers.
Contractors develop safety plans to help reduce the likelihood of accidents. It’s just as important to understand the need to take care of a person’s mental well-being. We are proud to be a voice for our members and bring mental health curriculum to the forefront.
Members also were strong supporters of more traditional training opportunities such as an OSHA Safety Stand Down on Fall Protection which attracted participation from contractors across the nation.
Our local members were also active in Construction Safety Week in September 2020 and May 2021. The earlier program’s theme was “Built on Safety” which reinforced how safety is at the center of the construction industry. The latter program’s theme was “Holistic Safety: Be Present. Be Focused. Be Safe.” This reintroduced the aspects of prioritizing physical and psychological safety in the workplace.
We also enjoy recognizing those who make safety a priority. Our three safety award programs continue to be popular among members. The corporate safety awards help promote company-wide safety results at both a national and statewide level. Our supervisor safety award certificate program that recognizes field leaders who manage jobsites in a calendar year without a lost time accident had over 600 nominees in 2021. We also recognized Clint Womack with Choate Construction Company as our 2021 Safety Leadership Award winner for going above and beyond to make safety a part of his project teams’ culture.
Member companies nominated more than 600 supervisors in 2021. Clint Womack Choate Construction Company
Over 30 general and specialty contractors participated in the AGC of America and AGC Georgia Corporate Safety Award program for the 2020 calendar year.
Building a Culture of
Health programs were developed with input from AGC Georgia’s Safety Committee. We are proud to be a voice for our members and bring mental health curriculum to the forefront.
Contractors,
Service Providers $531,333 Membership dues are 59% of AGC Georgia’s annual budget.
More than $240,000 contributed to help meet the mission of 1) improving local communities and 2) supporting quality construction education.
Over $181,000,000 invested by 4,400+ covered employees from 80 member firms
Professional and timely investment review assures that participants’ retirement planning is of the utmost importance.
Advocacy & Representation
Safety Education & Training
Professional/Leadership Development
Young Leadership Program
Governmental Affairs & Agency Relationships
Workforce Development
• $25,263,695 in annual revenue in 2020 from 276 AGC Georgia firms covering over 12,500 employees and annual payroll of $710,000,000.
• 12% annual increase to $48,802,724 in total assets with liabilities of $25,243,068 and policyholder equity increasing 20% to $23,559,656.
• $1,000,000 dividend declared in 2020, bringing total since inception to $35,650,000.
• Participants enjoy complimentary safety training and the benefits of a workers’ compensation policy that can follow them in 50 states and has the backing of A.M. Best A+ and S&P A+ ratings.
• Raised and contributed record amounts to pro-business, pro-construction members of the Georgia General Assembly and statewide office holders during the 2019 -2020 election cycle
• Contributed $82,550 in 2019 and $127,500 in 2020 to candidates seeking election to Georgia House, Senate and statewide offices
• Participated in 44 of 56 Georgia Senate races during the 2019-20 cycle; candidates receiving support were successful in 92% of the races.
• Participated in 119 of 180 Georgia House of Representative races during the 2019-20 cycle; candidates receiving support were successful in 95% of the races.
Executive Alliance Workers’ Compensation Program
Retirement Savings Plan
Networking & Building Relationships
Career Development
Marketing Opportunities Industry & Association News
Economic Resources
Contract Documents
Award & Recognition Programs
Member Savings/Discounts
Community Service/Giving Back
Development of Industry Best Practices
President
David Moody, Jr.
C. D. Moody Construction Co., Inc.
Lithonia Vice President
Lyndy Jones, Jr.
JCI Contractors
Moultrie Treasurer
Brian Newsome
Albion Sandy Springs Secretary
Joe Tuggle Tuggle Construction, LLC Peachtree City
Trey Anderson Anderson Construction Co. Fort Gaines
Dan Baker, P.E. Duffey Southeast, Inc. Cedartown
Adam Bateman Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors Atlanta
Chris Britton Brasfield & Gorrie Atlanta
David Carl Gay Construction Company Atlanta
Wes Cobb Jerry L. Johnson & Associates, Inc. Morrow
Tom Crymes Tomco Construction, Inc. Newnan
Brian Cunningham Collins and Arnold Construction Co., LLC Atlanta
Dave Cyr Parrish Construction Group, Inc. Perry
Brian Daniel Carroll Daniel Construction Co., Inc. Gainesville
Doug Davidson New South Construction Co., Inc. Atlanta
Stephen Dew Pellicano Construction Albany
Rob Dunn New South Construction Co., Inc. Atlanta
Mike Dunham Chief Executive Officer 678.298.4120
Alyson Abercrombie, CAE Director, Communications and Marketing 678.298.4106
Bill Chambless, CBO Member Development Specialist 478.972.5865
Charlie Garbutt, LEED AP, AIC Garbutt Construction Company Dublin
Ben Garrett RA-LIN Carrollton
Ben Gordy III Ben B. Gordy Construction Co., Inc. Columbus
Randy Hall Batson-Cook Company Atlanta
Doug Hunter Holder Construction Company Atlanta
Darrin Kines Duffey Southeast, Inc. Cedartown
Matthew Lee Young Contracting/SE, Inc. Atlanta
Mike Macon Balfour Beatty Construction Atlanta
John Martin R. W. Allen Construction, LLC Augusta
Paul Meadows Batson-Cook Company West Point
Jacob Patton All-State Electrical Contractors Macon
Casey Pollard R. K. Redding Construction, Inc. Bremen
John Reese III LRA Constructors, Inc. Albany
Alan Scoggins Leapley Construction Group Atlanta
Walter Stafford WLS Construction, Inc. Macon
Doug Tabeling Smith, Currie & Hancock LLP Atlanta
Drew Watson Bowen & Watson, Inc. Toccoa
Matt West West Construction Company Savannah
Andrea Feldman, CPA, CFE Controller 678.298.4114
Machell Harper Director, Member Services 678.298.4108
L.B. Kinnett Administrative Services 678.298.4102
Cindy Parham Administrative Services 678.298.4112
Mark Woodall Director, Governmental Affairs 678.298.4116
...building the best and most innovative contractor association in Georgia.
AGC Georgia is The Construction Association building a robust industry through advocacy, workforce development, safety, relationships, and benefits.
AGC Georgia is the statewide trade association of choice for commercial construction professionals and the industry at large. Our primary role is simply to help make a stronger construction industry by providing members access to the resources and tools they need to improve their businesses. Our collective voice and clout allow us to advocate for policies and programs that protect the best interest of the construction industry.
AGC Georgia member firms perform the majority of the commercial construction work in Georgia and include nearly 600 of the top general contractors, residential/light commercial builders, construction managers, design-builders, municipalutility contractors, heavy and highway contractors, specialty contractors, service providers, and suppliers.
We are one of 89 chapters of Associated General Contractors of America that represents 26,000+ firms nationwide. AGC Georgia members are automatically enrolled as members of the national association.