Alaska was still a territory when the original ten founders met in Seattle to adopt by-laws and apply for a charter, thus starting an AGC state chapter. Many things were different in 1948. The state population was smaller and highly transient, made up primarily of people looking to make a quick buck and leave. The financial and political landscape was in upheaval, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Ernest Gruening as territorial governor to get things in order before further discussions of statehood.

AGC of Alaska did its part to support the construction industry from the start. The chapter opened offices in Anchorage shortly after receiving its charter. As Alaska grew, so did AGC of Alaska. The original Plans Room opened in Fairbanks in 1951, later expanding to an office location with staff. From 1979 to 1992, Juneau had a branch office, and from 1984 to 2002, Kenai had a contract office.

Mike Swalling, former board president from 1990 to 1991 and Swalling General Contractors, LLC consultant, says many things were different back then. The membership at the time was composed primarily of prime contractors with a few subcontractors serving on the Board of Directors. The bylaws were changed in the ‘90s to include a greater cross-section of construction-related industries.

“By then a lot of subcontractors were working as prime contractors and vice versa,” says Swalling. “The level of inclusivity we have now gives us a much better perspective and a wide range of viewpoints.”

Swalling also remembers parts of the organizational process being much more rudimentary than they are today. Online connectivity was the stuff of science fiction, meaning that activities happened in person. Members visited a physical Plans Room and sat in the same room for board and committee meetings, training, and events. Swalling says in many ways the face-to-face interaction enhanced networking opportunities; however, there were times when sitting in a room with professional peers proved difficult.

“Board elections were savage back then,” says Swalling with a laugh. “Nominations were done in person. They would write the name down on an overhead projector. People would then vote, and votes were read out loud, one by one, and tick marks were put by each name for everyone to see. My wife described it as barbaric.”

He says many processes like elections have become more refined over the years, and technology has increased the level of accessibility. For instance, what used to be a physical plans room is the AGC Online Plans digital service now, and communications software offers many more ways for people to keep in touch throughout the year.

AGC of Alaska represents more than 600 general and specialty contractors, industry suppliers, and service providers in the state. Membership is around 26,000 professionals working together to advance opportunities for the construction industry. All activities surround the straightforward principles of its mission statement.

When it comes to advocacy, AGC of Alaska encourages collaboration between members, contractors, related industry professionals, and governmental agencies.

By uniting the construction industry, AGC is able to promote construction legislation, regulation, and standards that benefit Alaska companies. It also serves as a resource to the legislature and governmental agencies as they develop policy.

Under the banner of education, AGC of Alaska provides several training sessions addressing construction standards and ethical business practices. The AK-CESCL, or Alaska Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead, and CQM, or Construction Quality Management, certification are regularly offered courses that ensure construction crews are prepared for operations in the field. Likewise, safety education is a high priority for AGC of Alaska, and members have access to hundreds of safety resources through the organization’s online Safety Database.

To promote awareness of the importance of the construction industry’s role in the state, AGC of Alaska has developed a multimedia mix that includes print and online publications, social media, and TV advertisements. Through these channels, the quality work of members, associated networking opportunities, and community involvement are highlighted throughout the state.

Brian Midyett, immediate past president of AGC of Alaska and president of STG Pacific, LLC, says AGC of Alaska’s success is driven by strong leadership and consistent volunteerism. He says many members stay active in the organization even after they retire, providing insight into problems affecting the industry today.

“We’ll call these people up and ask what they did to overcome a particular obstacle,” says Midyett. “People who become involved in AGC stay involved whether it’s on a local level, statewide, or even further up on a national level.”

Though seventy-five years as an organization is a reason to celebrate, AGC of Alaska intends to continue its commitment to advancing the construction industry. In twenty-five years, the organization will celebrate its centennial anniversary, which simultaneously seems far away and just around the corner. There are a few issues the organization is currently addressing that affect the industry’s future, such as workforce development and recruiting the next generation of leaders. This includes AGC members participating in job fairs, partnering with the AGC student chapters at UAA and UAF, developing outreach opportunities that introduce people to the industry trades, and more.

As for the next twenty-five years, Marcus Trivette, current AGC of Alaska president and construction manager at Brice, Inc., admits no one knows exactly what the next challenge faced by AGC of Alaska, the industry, or society as a whole will be. What he does know is that AGC will meet those challenges in the same spirit as they have in the past.

“The only constant thing is change and challenge. And AGC has proven its excellence by evolving to meet those challenges,” says Trivette. “That is the key to its continued success.”