April 7, 2016
By: Len Toenjes, President, AGC of Missouri
Today marks the launch of a new AGC of Missouri column– The AGC and You. This new communication coincides with the introduction of our newly enhanced social media initiative, designed to engage YOU in the conversation
about timely news and topics of interest to you as leaders in Missouri’s construction industry.
This appeal is timely as we wrap up our AGCMO Annual Convention in Kansas City. More than 200 members had the pleasure of hearing from Mizzou Football Coach Gary Pinkel; AGC of America Chief Economist Ken Simonson; and Ronda Anderson, Workforce Research Manager for the Missouri Economic Research & Information Center. Attendees also joined a Tech Panel on how 3D Printing is Changing the Construction Industry, and enjoyed a KC Royals/NY Mets game Tuesday. Wednesday night our AGCMO PAC Reception & Auction raised a record-breaking $64,870.
We learned that construction is fueling Missouri’s economic engine. In 2014, our industry contributed $10 billion (3.6%) of the state’s GDP of $284 billion, and construction wages and salaries totaled $6.1 billion. And the trajectory is going in the right direction - in February 2016, construction employment in Missouri totaled 119,800, an increase of 4.6% from February 2015.
Our industry also is attracting new generation talent with enhanced technical skills and innovative ideas. In 2014, annual pay of all construction workers in the United States averaged $55,000, 7% more than the average for all private sector employees. Construction workers’ pay in Missouri averaged $52,600, 18% more than all private sector employees in the state.
We’re asking members to Get Social about the opportunities, timely issues and challenges facing our industry. Join us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter by posting updates using thehashtag #AGCMO.
We look forward hearing that you’ve “joined” the conversation.
Leonard Toenjes, CAE | President
AGC of Missouri