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 #6 | Q3 2025
AGC QUARTERLY BUZZ
JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER Top News of The Quarter
NCLC RECAP
MENTAL HEALTH SUMMIT
Q3 LEGISLATIVE SCOOP
Advocacy on the State and Federal Levels
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CATCH UP ON ALL THAT HAPPENED IN THE INDUSTRY THIS QUARTER AT AGC
From Capitol Hill to community impact, Q3 showcased AGC of Utah’s momentum in advocacy, mental health leadership, and member engagement. A Quarter of Strength: Advocacy, Resilience & Industry Unity
NCLC
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This quarter, AGC of Utah ad- vanced industry priorities on the national stage at the National & Chapter Leadership Confer- ence (NCLC) in Washington, D.C., meeting with lawmakers and AGC of America to drive progress on workforce, infrastructure, and regulatory issues. We also reinforced our commit-
ment to people and community through the AGC Mental Health Summit, Q3 Legislative Scoop, and strong member engagement at the 21st Annual Motorcycle Ride and our Trapshoot and Sporting Clay tournaments. Q3 proved once again that AGC of Utah leads with purpose, connec- tion, and industry strength.
Mental Health Summit
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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.
Q3 Legislative Scoop
AGC NCLC Conference | Washginton D.C.
2025 Quarter Three
AGC of Utah Represents Industry in Washington National & Chapter Leadership Conference | September 14–17
2025
Investing in Infrastructure and Federal Construction Utah’s delegation heard first- hand about the importance of consistent, long-term federal investment in infrastructure and public projects. AGC urged Congress to fully fund the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and maintain support for rural broadband programs that expand connectivity across the state. We also highlighted the need to preserve the High- way Trust Fund and prioritize formula-based transportation
funding that gets projects built efficiently. At the federal level, AGC en- couraged timely passage of the Water Resources Develop- ment Act (WRDA) and Na- tional Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), both essential to military construction, port modernization, and national security. Workforce Development and Immigration With more than 90 percent of construction firms reporting labor shortages, workforce
Voice. Influence. Action. Impact.
AGC OF UTAH JOINED CHAPTER LEADERS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. FOR A WEEK
AGC meeting with Senator Mike Lee’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Justin Anthony.
AGC of Utah joined chapter lead- ers from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the 2025 National and Chapter Leader- ship Conference (NCLC), a week dedicated to strengthening the voice of America’s builders. While the conference featured national briefings on leadership, workforce trends, and the future of construction, the primary focus of AGC of Utah’s trip was direct advocacy: meeting with Utah’s congressional delegation to discuss the issues most criti- cal to contractors at home.
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AGC NCLC Conference | Voice. Influence. Action. Impact
AGC Chairman, Brett Nielsen, with Utah Representative, Burgess Owens.
development remains a top concern for industry. AGC advocated for increased federal funding for career and technical education (CTE) and apprenticeship programs, as well as reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to make training dollars more effective. To complement these efforts, AGC urged Congress to advance immigration reform that creates a year- round visa option for construction workers and supports the Dignity Act (H.R. 4393) to strengthen border security while modernizing the system employers depend on. Protecting Contractors from Unfair Risk AGC pressed for reforms to ensure fair and transparent implementation of Buy America rules, relief for tariff-driven price shocks, and liability protections for non-polluting contractors affected by new PFAS “forever chemical” regulations. These changes would give contractors the certainty they need to bid and build responsibly. Moving Forward From federal funding to workforce policy, AGC of Utah continues to represent the interests of builders at every level of government. Our meetings on Capitol Hill reaffirmed that Utah’s voice is being heard, and that our members are part of a national movement to build a stronger, safer, and more resilient America.
Joey Gilbert and Brett Nielsen with Senator John Curtis.
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AGC Annual Mental Health Summit | Mental Health is Safety
2025 Quarter Three
Second Annual Mental Health in Construction Summit
TALK SAVES LIVES
MENTAL HEALTH IS SAFETY
STRENGTH THROUGH CONNECTION
Mental health is a core part of safety, not an extra. Mental health matters, especially in construction, where long hours, high stress, and silent strug- gles are far too common. The Associated General Contractors of Utah has made it a mission to bring those struggles into the light, proving that caring for people’s mental and emotional well being is as essential to safety as any hard hat or harness. This year’s Mental Health in Construction Summit drew more than seventy five attendees for a morn- ing filled with real conver- sations, practical tools, and powerful stories. The event marked the second year of AGC’s growing initiative to normalize open dialogue, reduce stigma, and give leaders
A culture of care does not happen by accident. It is built on purpose.
SAFETY FIRST
the resources they need to strengthen their teams from the inside out. Turning Awareness into Ac- tion The morning began with keynote speaker Scott Martin, founder of Surviving Lifes Pickles, who set the tone with one clear message: mental health is a core part of safety, not an extra. He tied mindset directly to productivity, reten- tion, and incident prevention. His challenge to leaders was simple, make mental readi- ness as routine as PPE. Martin shared ways to make that happen: short check ins at tail- gates, visible open door times, wallet cards with resource
contacts, and follow up after hard conversations. “It is not complicated,” he reminded the crowd, “but it takes intention and practice.” Practical Training with Real Impact The Salt Lake County Health Department CARE team fol- lowed with a detailed presen- tation on how local partners can support construction com- panies. The team explained how outreach, referrals, and harm reduction support can connect directly to existing safety programs. Their goal is to help companies provide ac- cess to care early, long before a crisis develops. Their message was inviting and direct. Treat
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AGC Annual Mental Health Summit | 2nd Year community partners as part of your safety network and put them to work for your people. In another session, Naloxone Administration Training provided life saving instruction on how to recog- nize and respond to an opioid overdose. Attendees learned clear steps to follow in an emergency. Call for help, administer nasal naloxone, stay with the person, and repeat if necessary until first responders arrive. The takeaway was simple and urgent. Stock naloxone kits, train the team, and make sure every- one knows where to find them.
Talk saves lives when leaders make space for it.
From Struggle to Strength Craig Weston of Stand 4 Kind delivered one of the most personal sessions of the summit. He explored the connection between resilience and human relationships. Isolation increases risk, while support from coworkers and mentors builds strength. He reminded the audience that real strength is not silent suffering. It is the courage to ask for help and the willingness to be there for others. Brook Anderson from NAMI Utah continued that theme with guidance on how workplaces can respond after a suicide loss. This type of response is known as postvention, and it is essential to both healing and prevention. She explained that companies need clear steps, safe communication, and follow up beyond the first week. Hope, Gratitude, and Real Recovery Rob Eastman focused on practical strategies for addressing addiction in the workforce. He emphasized that recovery improves safety and retention when companies provide clear access to help, protect privacy, and offer structured return to work support. Treating recovery as responsibility rather than punishment encourages people to seek help early. Closing out the summit, Heidi McNulty of ProTrades Solutions and Empower Fitness shared how grati- tude can strengthen both mental health and safety. She encouraged small routines such as opening meetings with appreciation and ending the day with a reflection on what went well. Small habits build strong crews.
AGC of Utah will continue to support men- tal health across the industry with year round training, open conversation, and access to resources through the Mental Health Resources Page at www.agc-utah. org/mental-health-resources CONTINUING THE WORK
The message from the summit was clear. Men- tal health is a shared re- sponsibility and a core part of jobsite safety.
Together we can build a stronger, safer, and more supportive con- struction community.
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AGC EDGE | Get Your Competitive Edge
Get the Competitive Edge with AGC EDGE
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) introduces AGC EDGE, a live virtual training platform designed for construction professionals who want high-quality classroom-style learning from the comfort of their home or work com- puter. AGC EDGE offers a range of programs, from safe- ty management and BIM (Building Information Modeling) to lean construction and supervisory fundamentals, all delivered via Zoom in formats that fit busy schedules. Participants receive course materials, earn con- tinuing education units (CEUs) and certificates of completion, and enjoy AGC member discounts. AGC Edge Whether you’re looking to boost your credentials, lead your team through modern construction challenges, or simply stay ahead of the curve, AGC EDGE is built to help you grow your career without the hassle of travel. Get started, find a course, and sharpen your skill set for whatever the next jobsite throws your way.
AGC OF AMERICA OFFERS A NUMBER OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES AND INDI- VIDUALS IN THE INDUSTRY.
EDGE.AGC.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE AGC EDGE PROGRAM VISIT:
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AGC Staff | Get To Know Your Team
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Get to know your AGC staff!
Lisa Furner Special Projects Assistant
We’re excited to spotlight Lisa Furner, our Special Projects Assistant since 2020. After 14 years with JetBlue Airways, Lisa brought her energy, kindness, and love of people to AGC. She helps make member events shine and has a special passion for our Annual Awards program, her “baby.” Outside of work, Lisa is a thrill-seeker who has gone skydiving, parasailing, paraglid- ing, and ziplining (and skis like she’s on a mission). She loves spending time with her husband, their five children, and three grand- babies. Together, they’ve overcome extraor- dinary challenges: Lisa survived a ruptured brain aneurysm, and her husband beat APL Leukemia. When she’s not chasing an adrena- line rush, she’s enjoying dark chocolate and an audiobook, she averages 12 books a month!
We’re excited to spotlight Lacey Terry, who splits her time between sup- porting our team as an AGC of Utah Administrative Assistant and working as an elementary school librarian. When the workday ends, Lacey is all about adventure and creativity. She spends most of her time explor- ing her community with her 12-year- old son, hunting for hidden treasures in antique shops, and refinishing old furniture into something new. She’s an avid reader, a lover of all things geeky, and never passes up the chance to hang out with a good dog. Lacey brings that same curi- osity, imagination, and heart into everything she does, both at AGC and beyond. Lacey Terry Administrative Assistant
2025 Quarter Three
AGC Annual Motorcycle Ride | A ride is more than miles, it is tradition.
HAILEY, IDAHO
AGC of Utah Hits the Open Road for the Twenty First Annual Motorcycle Ride Uniting members through miles, mountains, and shared tradition
The open road, mountain air, and great company made for another unforgettable experi- ence as members and friends of the AGC of Utah gathered for the Twenty First Annual Motorcycle Ride. This long standing tradi- tion continues to unite industry professionals through adven- ture, camaraderie, and connec- tion beyond the jobsite. The ride began early at the AGC of Utah office, where riders met for breakfast, route review, and a few pre ride laughs before engines fired and the group rolled north. The first stretch carried the group through Logan Utah, surrounded by farmland, winding canyons, and scenic open road. Crossing into Idaho,
the crew made its way through Preston, enjoying wide views and light traffic that reminded everyone why this journey is a yearly favorite. By midday the group stopped for lunch in Pocatello at Red Rabbit Grill, where stories were traded over burgers and good conversation. After lunch the ride continued through the dramatic landscape of Craters of the Moon National Monument. The dark lava fields and open sky created one of the most unique stretches of road in the West. By evening the riders arrived in Hailey Idaho, a quiet mountain town near Sun Valley. The day
ended with a relaxed group din- ner, plenty of stories from the road, and the crisp evening air that makes the Idaho mountains feel like a second home. Another great ride is in the books and next year cannot come soon enough. A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Haynie & Company Beck Construction & Excavation
Fineline Steel Fabrication MTNLND Truck Outfitters
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AGC Shotgun Tournaments | Annual Events Up North & Down South
ANNUAL SHOTGUN TOURNAMENTS A tradition that welcomes in the fall crisp air
Trapshoot Tournament Where good shots and great connections meet.
AGC of Utah members gathered at Lee Kay Gun Range in Salt Lake City for a day of sports- manship and connection at the annual AGC Trapshoot Tourna- ment. Teams competed across multiple rounds of trapshooting while enjoying time with indus- try peers outside the jobsite. With great weather and strong participation, this long stand- ing event was another success. Thank you to all shooters, spon- sors, and volunteers who made it possible.
Southern Utah Sporting Clay Tourna ment Shotguns, sportsmanship, and strong industry ties. Sponsors: Industrial Supply, Milwaukee, DP Nicoli, Pixydocs, Eckman Construction, BMG Next Con- struction, Pro Trades Solutions, Stratton Landscape Group, Intermountain Slurry Seal Inc, RDO Equipment Co.
AGC members traveled south to Hurricane Utah for the annual AGC Sporting Clay Tournament, set against the rugged red rock landscape. Shooters worked through a challenging course that tested skill and focus, while enjoying a day of camaraderie and friendly competition. This is one of AGC’s most antici- pated outdoor events each year. Thank you to all sponsors and participants for your continued support.
Sponsors: Wheeler Machinery Company, RDO Equipment Co., TDS Telecommunications LLC, Ash Grove Cement Company, Cascade Geosynthetics, EFCO Forms, Milwaukee Tool
Q3 Legislative Scoop | July - September
Stay Up-To-Date
Q3 Legislative Scoop
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Session
Every year from January through March, the Utah Legislature meets for a fast-paced 45-day session to pass new laws, approve budgets, and set the direction for state policy. For construction, those decisions directly affect how we bid, build, hire, and plan; influencing both our risk and profitability. That’s why AGC of Utah is at the Capitol every day during the session, making sure lawmakers understand the real-world impact of their deci- sions on Utah’s builders. Interim Recap During the third quarter, AGC attended every interim committee meeting, engaging with policymakers on early drafts and concepts for 2026 legislation. Many of those discussions centered on issues you’ll read about below. This continued involvement has helped position AGC as the leading resource for construction policy in Utah, ensuring lawmakers turn to us first when questions arise about how a bill might affect our industry. Six Issues for the 2026 Session
1 After state audits of both K-12 school construction and DFCM-managed projects, legislators are preparing bills to reduce costs and improve oversight of taxpayer-funded construction. These propos- als may alter procurement rules, delivery methods, and project approval processes, with the goal of increasing efficiency across state and local building programs. K-12 and DFCM Construction Oversight 2 Contractor Licensing Updates In addition to general cleanup and modernization, lawmakers are exploring how to better regulate la- bor providers (contractors who primarily supply labor rather than materials). This could lead to a new specialty license with different tax and insurance reporting requirements. It’s worth noting that these conversations often spark broader debate. We’ve already heard early rumblings of legislators revisit- ing the entire licensing process, which could bring more significant changes.
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Q3 Legislative Scoop | AGC Advocacy Resources
3 Gas Tax and Infrastructure Funding
Utah is evaluating major changes to gas taxation as part of a broader effort to save residents money at the pump. However, the gas tax has long been the primary source of funding for roads and bridges. Lawmakers are weighing how to balance lower fuel taxes with sustainable funding for UDOT and lo- cal infrastructure needs. AGC is monitoring these proposals closely to ensure infrastructure develop- ment remains a top state priority.
4 Prevailing Wage
We are aware of a proposed bill to establish prevailing wage requirements on Utah-funded projects (such as UDOT and DFCM jobs). If adopted, similar standards would likely spread quickly to cities and other local agencies. Prevailing wage laws set required pay rates for each trade on public construction projects, based on regional averages. These rates, often referred to as “Davis-Bacon wages,” include both base pay and fringe benefits to ensure fair competition and prevent undercutting on government work.
5 Immigration and E-Verify
Lawmakers are expected to revisit immigration enforcement and workforce verification rules, par- ticularly for state-funded construction. Proposals may clarify how E-Verify and similar systems apply across tiers of contractors and subcontractors, potentially reshaping workforce compliance standards on public jobs.
6 Right-to-Repair
Utah is preparing to introduce a statewide right-to-repair bill. Traditionally focused on consumer elec- tronics, this version is being driven largely by concerns within the agriculture and heavy-equipment industries. While intended to expand access to repair tools, software, and diagnostic data, the pro- posal would likely apply broadly to all machinery (including construction equipment), raising questions about safety, warranties, and intellectual property. Federal Update At the national level, discussions over a potential federal government shutdown continue to create uncertainty for agencies that oversee construction-related programs, permitting, and funding. While major infrastructure programs remain active, prolonged budget delays could affect project timing and administrative approvals.
CHECK OUT THE ADVOCACY PAGE TODAY! AGC-UTAH.ORG/ADVOCACY
Resources Include: •
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. When AGC members are informed and engaged, we’re not just reacting to policy, we’re helping shape it.
Tariff Resource Center Immigration Resource Center Federal Advocacy Resources Legislative Contact Info Political Action Committee Bill Trackers
• • • • • •
Agency Contact Info
AGC Membership | Firms Who Joined The Association This Quarter
Q3 NEW Member Spotlight Join us in welcoming these new members to the association!
GENERAL CONTRACTORS
SPECIALTY CONTRACTORS
SUPPLIER/SERVICE PROVIDERS Anago of Utah Centennial Cleaners Dynamic Executive Search Pixydocs
Black Line Concrete LLC Carpet Diem JAG Enterprises Keller North America
Calder Construction Center Point Construction II, LLC VMG NeXT Construction
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AGC 2025 Events | Save The Dates
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 busi- ness opportunities and partner- ships. 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.
2026 Annual Convention
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR 660 MEMBERS
Economic Forecast & Membership Breakfast
SU Winter Golf Tournament
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