The merger of 2 associations: The GBC and AGC of NYS

This past summer the GBC and the AGC membership voted unanimously to consolidate the building chapter and the highway chapter into one organization effective January 1, 2009. In addition to becoming one of the largest AGC chapters in the nation, it will be the largest statewide construction organization in New York. The new name will be the "Associated General Contractors of New York State." The new organization will have its own board of directors made up of representation from both chapters. The General Building Contractors of NYS was established in the 1950s and represents New York's leading general contractors and construction managers constructing the vast majority of the states private and public building construction. The Associated General Contractors, New York State Chapter, Inc, established in the 1920s is the leading voice of the heavy highway construction industry, representing contractors and related companies dedicated to the ideals of skill, integrity and responsibility. The merged group will represent over 250 general contractors and construction managers and 600 members in total. The future president, A.J Castelbuono and CEO, Jeffrey Zogg commented on the goal of the merger. Castelbuono said, "The ultimate goal of the merger is to have greater influence with the groups of individuals that we deal with on a day-to-day basis. Whether it's the legislature, both on the state or federal level, whether it's the various government agencies that we deal with, whether it's organized labor, it's to give us a greater voice than we would have had apart. So if I can use the mathematical example, 1+1= 3 in this particular case." Zogg said, "I think I would add to that, we would also want to make sure that we have a greater impact than we have ever had with all those other elements that touch our member's business whether they are regulatory in nature; whether they are private sector activities, economic issues, manpower, education and training issues, the most important thing that I see is to try to create an association that 1) benefits our members businesses, 2) that is better than the two organizations standing alone, and also as an overall goal, enhances and embraces policies and programs that will promote a healthy competitive construction industry that helps meet the economic and public interests, by providing for all kinds of construction needs, infrastructure, not only in transportation, but education, healthcare, energy, environmental etc. So I think that we have the potential here of really developing something meaningful. I think it is also important to recognize that this is not just about today. This is about tomorrow. It's about establishing a better association that can serve the needs for the next generation."