News from this week's NewsBreak! > July 15, 2009

BUSS Meeting a Big Hit!

Nearly 200 people turned out for Carolinas AGC’s Annual BUSS (Building/Utility/Subcontractor-Supplier) Meeting on Economic Survival. The meeting, held July 9-12 at the Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa, gave attendees timely information about how to cut costs and overhead, how to be an employee-friendly employer and avoid union trouble, human resources issues to be on top of, BIM technology and ways to protect construction projects through photography. Thurl Bailey, an analyst for the Utah Jazz and former Wolfpacker who led NC State University to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, delivered a moving keynote presentation on how to survive with a smile.

Meeting highlights included:

Joint Meetings: CAGC Chairman of the Board Mike Murphy briefed attendees on numerous issues affecting construction. Mark Stubley, Ogletree Deakins, Claudia Dodgen, Crowder Construction Co., and CAGC CEO & President Steve Gennett discussed employer-friendly issues. Doug Pruitt of AGC of America offered a video presentation of the future of construction.

Building/Sub-Supplier Meeting – Chairman Tim Kennedy of Trident Construction discussed division activities such as CAGC efforts to save the construction industry millions of dollars in legislation moving in the NC General Assembly. Frank Elmore, Elmore & Wall, discussed ConsensusDOCs; Michael Dorman, Multivista Carolinas SE, Construction Photography to Save You Big Bucks; Sub-Specialty Contractor Division Chair Mike Howard of David Allen Co., current efforts of the division including GC/Sub relations meetings and a proposed partnering agreement between GC's and subcontractors; Dan Ballenger, Chameleon Software, Implementing Efficient Project Management Systems to Improve Profitability in Tough Economic Times; Markus Hill, Rodgers Builders, BIM presentation; and our legislative agenda.
Utility Division Meeting - Chairman John Harris of James E. Harris Construction led presentations/discussions on issues and initiatives that affect the Carolinas’ utility construction industry and utility companies’ bottom lines. Topics included: Perry Fowler, AGC of America, national utility developments; owner/engineer relations; North and South Carolina’s one-call programs; project funding; fair contract documents; union-organizing activity; and our legislative agenda.

Again, we would like to commend these sponsors for helping with the 2009 BUSS Meeting: Hospitality Suite Smith, Kesler & Company Friday Breakfast Johnston, Allison & Hord, P.A. Friday Golf Refreshments Rutherfoord Golf Prizes Crumpler Plastic Pipe, Inc. Friday Golf Lunches Ferguson Waterworks Friday Reception Elmore & Wall, P.A. Meeting Breaks Multivista SE Saturday Breakfast Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick Saturday Reception BB&T/Boyle Vaughan Insurance Saturday Dinner Ogletree Deakins Saturday Dance/Band Smith, Currie & Hancock, LLP Keynote Speaker International Code Council Safran Law Offices Tote Bag Gifts South Sport Promotions	Hilton Head Island welcomes CAGC Building, Utility, Subcontractor & Supplier members.
	CAGC Chair Mike Murphy addresses meeting attendees.
	Division meetings reunite business associates and old friends.
	Division meetings reunite business associates and old friends.
	After a weekend's worth of business meetings, the dancing shoes come out!
	Division meetings welcome family, friends, and business associates.
	Members getting down to business...
	Thurl Bailey and Dave Simpson

Mark your calendar for our 2010 BUSS Meeting – July 22-25, Wild Dunes Resort near Charleston, SC.