Stay informed with the 2024 Q2 Quarterly Buzz Newsletter from AGC of Utah, featuring the latest industry news, event highlights, member spotlights, and updates on legislative issues.
Issue #4 | Q1 2025
AGC QUARTERLY BUZZ
JANUARY - FEBRUARY - MARCH Top News of The Quarter
2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION
2025 LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
NEW GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
A quarter full of some of our biggest events.
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CATCH UP ON ALL THAT HAPPENED IN THE INDUSTRY THIS QUARTER AT AGC
This edition of the AGC of Utah Quarterly Newsletter highlights the incred- ible momentum within our association and across the industry. Celebrating Progress, Leadership, and the People Who Make It All Possible
AGC 103rd Annual Convention
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We recap our 2025 Annual Convention, where members came together for dynamic trainings, meaningful recogni- tion, and a celebration of leadership— including the announcement of Brett Nielsen as our new Chairman of The Board and the presentation of the Eric W. Ryberg Award to Michael Kurz from Staker Parson.
We also bring you important legislative updates such as welcoming our new Di- rector of Government Affairs, as well as shine a spotlight on new members and scholarship recipients. With upcoming events on the horizon and fresh energy in our ranks, the year is off to an amaz- ing start and we look forward to the year to come.
AGC Representing the Industry on the Hill
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Reach out to our Director of Communications, Parker Davis, at pdavis@agc-utah.org
Have questions on how you and your firm can be more involved.
AGC Scholarship Luncheon
AGC Annual Convention | Awards Breakfast
2025 Quarter One
Each year we honor our members by awarding the top projects and individuals within the industry.
AGC AWARDS: Showcasing the best of the best
A Morning of Recognition and Inspiration: Honoring the Projects, People, and Accomplishments That Define Excellence in Utah’s Construction Industry
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – A Look Into Our 2025 Annual Convention
The 2025 AGC of Utah Awards Break- fast kicked off the convention with a celebration of excellence across Utah’s construction industry. Held at the Grand America Hotel, the event recognized top projects and individu- als whose work sets the standard for quality, innovation, and impact. Highlighted projects included the Soldier Hollow Competition Manage- ment Building, Hill Aerospace Mu-
seum, Millcreek City Hall, Salt Lake Community College Technical Arts Building, and the new Astra Tower. Each project reflects the craftsman- ship, creativity, and dedication that continue to move our industry—and our communities—forward.
OUR LARGEST CONVENTION EVER!
The AGC of Utah’s 103rd Annual Convention
Held January 23–24 in downtown Salt Lake City, the convention brought members together for two days of rec- ognition, education, innovation, and connection. Under the fitting theme, “Mission: ImPossible”, the event cel- ebrated the accomplishments of our industry while preparing attendees to tackle the opportunities and chal- lenges ahead. From honoring top projects and individuals at the Awards Breakfast to energizing educational sessions on artificial intelligence, leadership, branding, and mental health, this year’s convention offered something for every member. The convention culminated with the high-energy Mission: ImPossible Celebration, where we premiered a moving short documentary honoring the late Eric W. Ryberg, presented the prestigious Eric W. Ryberg Award to Michael Kurz, and officially welcomed Brett Nielsen of Whitaker Construction as our 2025 Chairman of The Board. This year’s convention was more than just a gathering—it was a launchpad for the next chapter of AGC’s work to support and strengthen Utah’s con- struction industry.
AWARD SEASON
Each year, the AGC of Utah hands out awards to numerous Building/Industrial Projects, Trans- portation/Utility projects, and individual accolades.
Overall Transportation/Utility Infrastructure Project of the Year CWP - North Shore Terminal Reservoir - Phase II - GERBER CONSTRUCTION
Overall Building/Industrial Project of the Year
Primary Children’s Hospital Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Campus in Lehi - JACOBSEN CONSTRUCTION
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801-363-2753
For questions on applying for an AGC Award, contact us!
AGC Annual Convention | Kick-Off Breakfast
James Spellos Inspires AGC Members with a discussion on all things AI.
Addressing a packed room of over 550 attendees, James Spellos, a nationally recognized technology expert and educator, tackled misconceptions about AI, emphasizing that these tools aren’t designed to replace us—they’re built to empower us. Generative AI is like your Uncle Charlie at Thanksgiving—always has an answer, even if you didn’t ask for it. Embrace AI as a Partner, Not a Threat Prompts aren’t just one sentence. They’re conversations. The better the prompt, the better the result.
The session went beyond text, in- troducing the audience to tools that turn PDFs into websites, generate short-form videos, and even create AI podcasts from internal documents—a perfect fit for field crews or busy pro- fessionals on the go. His message was clear: AI is not sci- ence fiction or something to fear. It’s a modern assistant—fast, fallible, but powerful. “This is not me or AI,” Spellos concluded. “This is me and AI.” PDF’s, Videos, Powerpoints, Podcasts, etc. Everyday tools to make your job easier and more efficient.
Opening with humor and humility
Spellos quickly brought the audience into the conversa- tion, using real-time polling and interactive exercises to demonstrate how tools like ChatGPT work. “AI doesn’t lie,” he noted. “It hallucinates.” That distinction became a central theme, highlighting the need for human judgment in using these tools responsibly.
Through entertaining examples and practical demonstrations, attendees learned how to prompt large language models for better results. Spellos broke down the anatomy of a great prompt, showing how clear context, examples, and tone help AI deliver more accurate and useful outputs. He even simulated a live interaction with “G,” his nickname for ChatGPT, to craft memos, build presentations, and generate marketing images.
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AGC Annual Convention | Breakouts & Membership Luncheon
2025 Quarter One
Tyler Enslin’s Crash Course on Mastering Memory
Three simple techniques for remembering names:
STOP AND TRULY LISTEN when someone says their name.
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REPEAT IT ALOUD two or three times if possible.
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CREATE AN ASSOCIATION (such as a visual or wordplay) to help link the name to something familiar.
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It’s not a memory problem—it’s an attention problem.
Tyler Enslin took the stage with a fast-paced, humorous, and highly practical session titled “Mastering Your Memory.” With more than 1,000 live events under his belt and a reputation for turning everyday chal- lenges into empowering take- aways, Enslin kept the crowd fully engaged with interactive games, candid audience mo- ments, and simple strategies to boost cognitive performance in the workplace—and beyond. His message centered around a common but often overlooked professional skill: remember- ing names.
TECHNOLOGY IS A TOOL.
Just don’t let it replace your ability to think.
From there, the session evolved into an upbeat memory bootcamp. Enslin introduced the Loci Method—a 2,000-year-old memorization tech- nique that links visuals to familiar locations—and had participants mentally walk through 15 “files” around the room, each attached to a quirky, vivid image. Within minutes, dozens of attendees could recite the entire list back in perfect order, even backwards. “It’s not magic,” Enslin said. “It’s just how the brain is wired. The language of memory is pictures. If you learn to think in visuals, you can remember almost anything.”
He wrapped up with a timed chal- lenge, pushing teams to memorize the first ten U.S. states using a series of wild mental pictures. The session wasn’t just about tricks. Enslin also touched on “digital dementia”—a growing concern in today’s tech-saturated world where over-reliance on devices may lead to reduced cognitive function. “Tech- nology is amazing,” he said. “But if we use it for everything, we lose the mental strength we need to stay sharp. Memory is like a muscle—it needs exercise.”
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AGC Annual Convention | Mission ImPossible Celebration
Mission: ImPossible – A Night of Celebration, Camaraderie, and Change
The evening brought together industry professionals for a night of laughter, legacy, and leadership.
103 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
Guests entered a scene straight out of a top-secret dossier, where the mission was clear: connect with old allies, forge new partnerships, and celebrate the people and progress driving Utah’s construction industry forward.
HANKY PANKY
STACK ATTACK
JUNK IN THE TRUNK
PAPER DRAGON
The evening featured an amazing dinner, lively table games, and a hilarious round of Minute to Win It-style challenges that sent volunteers onstage for fast-paced competitions—and plenty of laughs. With agents in every corner of the room, the energy was electric and the camaraderie unmistakable.
AGC honors the leadership of Slade Opheikens while wel- coming Brett Nielsen, who is focused on building the next generation of construction professionals. MISSION ACCEPTED The night marked a leader-
struction as the 2025 AGC of Utah Chairman of The Board. Brett shared his vision for the year ahead, highlighting his commitment to growing relationships, strengthening the industry, and launching the AGC of Utah’s first-ever Construction Leadership Council (CLC)—a new initia- tive designed to engage and support the next generation
ship transition as Slade Opheikens officially com- pleted his term as AGC Chairman of The Board. Members applauded his service and dedication, especially when it came to his initiatives with the AGC to grow the conversation on Mental Health and its affects on the industry. Slade then welcomed Brett Nielsen of Whitaker Con-
BRETT NIELSEN | WHITAKER CONSTRUCTION THE AGC WELCOMES THE 2025 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
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2025 Quarter One
AGC Annual Convention | Eric W. Ryberg Award Ceremony
Michael Kurz Staker Parson Companies
Honoring a Legacy of Hard Work and Heart
The AGC of Utah proudly recognizes Michael Kurz as the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Eric W. Ryberg Award.
SKILL, INTEGRITY, & RESPONSIBILITY
An honor reserved for individuals whose careers exemplify unwavering dedication, leadership, and service to the construction industry.
Michael’s journey into construction began unexpectedly with a summer job at Staker Paving. From humble be- ginnings—shoveling gutters on a grade crew—to overseeing landmark proj- ects like the West Davis Corridor and the Capitol and Temple renovations, Michael’s career has been built on grit, humility, and heart. A self-taught lead-
er, he credits his success to a relentless work ethic, a passion for learning, and the support of his devoted wife, Sherri, and their family. He never felt fully pre- pared for each new role but embraced every opportunity with determination, learning through trial, error, and perse- verance. Michael’s story is a testament to the power of starting small, working
hard, and lifting others along the way. Beyond his technical achievements, it is Michael’s ability to mentor, uplift, and unify teams that defines his legacy. “He wants to just gather them all up and lead them to success,” Sherri shared in a touching moment from a recent video tribute.
ERIC W. RYBERG DOCUMENTARY
To further preserve and honor this legacy, AGC of Utah has created the Eric W. Ryberg Documentary, a film that not only tells Michael’s remarkable story but also explores what the award means to those who receive it. The documentary dives into the deep personal values and community spirit that have shaped recipients like Michael and the enduring impact they’ve made on Utah’s construction landscape.
ICIUS VOLUPTATECUQU ET LOREMU AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE
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AGC Staff | Get To Know The Team
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Get to know your AGC staff!
Gavin Gilbert Director of Government Affairs
Gavin Gilbert serves as the Director of Government Affairs at AGC of Utah, where he brings over a decade of experience in legislative policy and advocacy. With a law degree from the University of Idaho, Gavin plays a key role in shaping policies that support and strengthen Utah’s construction industry. His legal expertise and under- standing of government affairs make him a trusted voice at the Capitol on behalf of AGC members. Gavin is a busy dad of four who enjoys coaching youth sports, golfing, playing basketball, boxing, cheering on Utah teams, and binge-watching sitcoms with his wife—usually with sweets in hand.
Parker Davis Director of Communications & Member Engagement
Parker Davis brings a strong back- ground in public relations and market- ing to his role as Director of Commu- nications and Member Engagement at AGC of Utah. He’s passionate about uniting the construction industry through initiatives and events that wouldn’t happen outside of the asso- ciation, and he takes pride in helping members find meaningful ways to con- nect and engage. When he’s not at work, Parker loves spending time with his wife—whether they’re traveling, out on the boat at Lake Powell, or catching a hockey game together. This year brings an extra dose of excitement as they get ready to welcome their first child, a baby girl, in June.
2025 Legislative Session | January - March
2025 Quarter One
2025 Legislative Recap
Brick by Brick, Bill by Bill
The 2025 Utah Legislative Session wrapped up with strong momentum and meaningful progress on the issues that matter most to our industry. From major infrastructure investments to evolving environmental and workforce discussions, state lawmakers tackled key challenges head- on—and AGC of Utah was there every step of the way.
This year, we also marked a new chapter in our advocacy efforts with the addition of Gavin Gilbert as our full-time Government Affairs Direc- tor. With his experience and the ongoing support of our members, AGC was at the Capitol every day of the 45-day session. Our Legislative Committee, led by Chair Scott De- graffenried (VP and General Counsel at Jacobsen Construction), met weekly to review bills, engage with legislators, and amplify the voice of Utah’s construction industry. To all who participated—thank you. Your involvement is making a difference. Gavin Gilbert Director of Government Affairs
As Governor Cox reminded us in his State of the State address: “We must build.” That simple yet powerful state-
lined to facilitate faster infrastructure delivery, and strategic planning efforts were bolstered with an eye toward the future—including
ment set the tone for the 2025 legislative session, where the spirit of growth was front and center.
preparations for the 2034 Winter Olym- pics, which prom- ise to bring global
We must build.
- Governor Spencer Cox
Lawmakers responded with renewed urgency, doubling down on key devel- opment priorities that support Utah’s rapidly expanding population and economic base. Policies were stream-
attention and lasting investment to the state. From roads and housing to workforce and venue development, the message was clear: building isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity.
Several other major themes emerged from the 2025 legislative session:
Development and Infrastructure The Legislature expanded investments in roads, bridges, utilities, and transit through measures like H.B. 6, securing funding through mid-2026. New housing incentives were also introduced to balance affordability with growth. Education Reform and Workforce Alignment Lawmakers focused on aligning education systems with real-world workforce demands—especially in high-need industries like construction. AGC strongly supports efforts to strengthen career pathways and expand technical training.
582 BILLS PASSED IN 2025
Key Bills AGC Tracked:
HB 355 – Critical Infrastructure Materials Amendments Passed | Strengthens land use pro- tections for essential materials like sand and gravel. SB 58 – Mobile Crane Amendments Held for 2026 | Addresses tilt-up construction liability; AGC will work on summer refinements. SB 220 – Construction Modifica- tions (SWPPP) Passed | Aligns local stormwater enforcement with federal standards and introduces fairer penalties.
Environmental Compliance Clean air remains a hot topic. While H.B. 525 and S.B. 184 didn’t pass, they sparked valuable discussion around balancing environmental goals with operational realities. AGC will stay engaged as new solutions are explored.
Immigration and Workforce Several bills proposed expanded E-Verify requirements and job site inspec- tions, raising concerns about their potential impact on contractors. AGC continues to advocate for smart, practical workforce policies. Specifically, H.B. 214 failed - but it would have lowered the requirement for E-Verify from companies with 150 or more employees to 5 or more employees.
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2025 Legislative Session | AGC Advocacy Resources
Advocacy in Action: Stay Engaged Between Sessions Just because the session is over doesn’t mean our work is done. As policy discussions continue year- round, AGC of Utah remains committed to leading during the interim—advocating on your behalf as legislation surrounding land use, workforce development, and industry regulation evolves.
We believe a strong construction industry is essential to Utah’s future. That’s why we’ll continue building it— brick by brick, bill by bill. To support this ongoing mission, we’ve launched a dedicated Advocacy & Government Relations page on our website! This page was created with one core purpose in mind: to empower our members with the tools, knowledge, and access they need to be informed advocates for the construction indus- try. This resource will help members know how they can get involved to make a difference on the hill.
agc-utah.org/advocacy/
What does this bill mean for my business? Who represents me at the Capitol? How can I make my voice heard? Legislative policy doesn’t just happen during the 45- day session—it evolves year-round. And we know our members often have important questions:
Resources Include: • Bill Trackers •
This new page is designed to answer those questions and more. Whether you’re trying to understand the latest legislative developments, explore AGC’s policy positions, or get involved in the advocacy process yourself, this is your central hub. We’re not just keeping members informed—we’re helping you make an impact at both the state and fed- eral levels. With better access comes stronger advocacy, and with stronger advocacy comes real change for our industry.
Federal Advocacy Resources Legislative Contact Info Political Action Committee
• • • • •
Tariff Resource Center
Immigration Resource Center
Agency Contact Info
When AGC members are informed and engaged, we’re not just reacting to policy—we’re helping shape it.
CHECK OUT THE NEW WEBPAGE TODAY! AGC-UTAH.ORG/ADVOCACY
AGC Workforce Development | Scholarship Luncheon
Investing in the Future: 2025 Scholarship Luncheon Highlights Student Success 40+ Awarded! For a combined total of nearly $30,000 in scholarships! The AGC of Utah recently hosted its annual Scholarship Luncheon at the AGC of Utah Training Center. The event served as a meaningful reminder of the construction industry’s commitment to supporting the next generation of professionals.
These scholarships were made possible through the generous support of AGC of Utah members , with funds raised through the annual Golf Scholarship Tournaments and other member contributions. Thanks to this continued generosity, students and apprentices from across the state are receiving critical financial support as they pursue careers in the con- struction industry.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
The AGC of Utah Scholar- ship Taskforce played an essential role in the success of the program, dedicating their time and expertise to carefully review applica- tions and select this year’s recipients. Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to education, workforce de- velopment, and the future of the industry.
Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients! Their hard work, passion, and dedication stood out, and we look forward to seeing the contributions they will make in the years ahead. The Scholarship Luncheon served not only as a celebra- tion of their achievements but also as a testament to what’s possible when an industry invests in its future.
Contact Annee Farner, our Workforce Development Specialist at afarner@agc-utah.org. FOR QUESTIONS ON CONTRIBUITING TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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AGC Membership | Firms Who Joined The Association This Quarter
Q1 NEW Member Spotlight Join us in welcoming these new members to the association!
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS
SUPPLIER/SERVICE PROVIDERS
City Creek Construction Eckman Construction Landmark Excavating, Inc. Oquirrh General Contractors
212 Mechanical Fineline Steel Fabrication FM Roofing LLC G&L Electric Service
Audio Video Systems Bespoke Metrics Blueprint Resource Solutions
D.P. Nicoli, Inc. Forvis Mazars
Heath Engineering Co. Mammoth Machinery Mountain Ridge Insurance Group Nationwide OTW Safety Republic Services of Utah Rise Trucking LLC Tanner LLC UBIC Workers Compensation Insurance X3
Imagine Landscape, LLC NC Reinforcement LLC ProService LLC Rocky Mountain Waterproofing Stratton Landscape Group
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AGC 2025 Events | Save The Dates
2025 Quarter One
EVENTS THIS YEAR YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
THE TOP AGC EVENTS YOU’LL WANT ON YOUR RADAR We encourage all members of the AGC of Utah to attend this year’s events, as they offer valuable opportunities for professional growth, networking, and staying on top of industry trends. Our events provide a platform for con- necting with peers, industry leaders, and experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing that can lead to new business opportunities and partnerships. By attending, members expand their professional network, and ultimately contribute to their success and the growth of their businesses. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your career and make meaningful connec- tions—join us at this year’s events and experience the countless benefits firsthand.
2024 AGC Summer Golf Scholarship Tournament - Wasatch Golf Course
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 663 MEMBERS FOR AN AMAZING FIRST QUARTER
2024 Annual AGC Motorcycle Ride
2024 AGC Safety Conference
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