The Importance of Advocating for Our Essential Industry


and laws trying to navigate the nuances and contradictions of the regulations being placed on us. From the moment construction was deemed “essential” to every action taken by our govern- ments, we understood the importance of advocating for our industry. Having the necessary relation-


O


ships and access to educate, inform, and influence decision makers was and continues to be paramount to our ability to keep working. And though there are many who still do not understand the complexities of our jobsites, we are beginning to better tell our story. Te construction industry builds


everything, and because of that, it touches every part of our society. It would be natural to assume that our general public, and more importantly, our leaders would understand and appreciate the work we do. But that is a dream we continue to strive for. Every day we are working with you to


advocate for our industry and strengthen your ability to build a better state. With the help of our outstanding government affairs team, safety professionals, and legislative advocates, we are advancing the needs of the construction industry. Members at AGC of California know


and understand the need to exercise their voices and engage with our elected and appointed leaders. From state legislators to members of boards like the Cal/OSHA Standards Board and California State Water Resources Control Board, we are fighting to be heard. When we advocate effectively, we are designing the outcome we need by


4 November/December 2021


ver the last two years, our industry worked through the ever-changing rules, ordinances,


working with those who regulate us. In California, it is tiresome and hard to find a path to “offense.” Too often we feel like we are just reacting constantly in a quest to play some sort of “defense.” For that reality to change, we as an industry have to have greater participation in efforts to build relationships with our elected and appointed leaders—whether we align with them or not politically. As an industry, our people are


plentiful and strong. We have to learn to harness our strength and leverage it for the outcomes we need to support our people and the communities we build. We must engage and help elect people who understand and support our industry. Our Political Action Committee (PAC) is critical to our ability to be effective in that cause. Every member at AGC of California needs to understand the importance of contrib- uting to the PAC and the impact our PAC can have on driving the outcomes we need as an industry. Relationships are key, but to help


us develop those relationships, it takes resources. We do well with our PAC, but we are limited in our effectiveness. Over the next few years, our board is setting a priority in building AGC of California to a $1 million PAC on an annual basis. Tis is a heavy lift, but one we have to tackle. We hope all of you will continue to invest in the importance of advocacy and contribute both your voice and your resources. We stand at the ready to be the best advocates for the construction industry and as always, we are only as strong as our members.


Peter Tateishi, CEO AGC of California


California Constructor


Published bi-monthly for members of the Associated General Contractors of California


3095 Beacon Boulevard West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 371-2422 www.agc-ca.org


Publisher


Al Rickard Association Vision (703) 402-9713 arickard@assocvision.com www.associationvision.com


Editor


Carol A. Eaton Eaton Communications (707) 789-9520 eatonc@comcast.net


Graphic Designer/Production


Carole Tieme Tieme Creative Media (912) 351-5373 carole@thiemecreativemedia.com www.thiemecreativemedia.com


Correspondence


Address editorial and circulation correspondence to: California Constructor, AGC of California, 3095 Beacon Blvd., West Sacramento, CA 95691 (916) 371-2422 or call Carol Eaton at (707) 789-9520 or eatonc@comcast.net.


Copyright 2021


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