Annual Convention Overview

Convention 2010 Served Up Caribbean-Style -
Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort in the US Virgin Islands
Welcomes CAGC Members

Join your competitors at the 89th Annual Carolinas AGC Convention in St. Thomas January 20-24, 2010. Come for the tremendous business-building opportunities but take away so much more from this truly unforgettable, one-of-a-kind destination.

If you are a U.S. citizen a passport is NOT required, but it still serves as the best identification when traveling. Otherwise, you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship when departing the islands, such as a raised-seal birth certificate and government-issued photo ID. For more info visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.

Why Should YOU Attend This Convention?

Power for Contractors - Business Forums
Two 75-minute presentations by Michael D. Clancy from FMI Corporation.

Shift Happens: Trends and Issues Affecting the Construction Industry -
How do trends and events outside of your local and regional market impact your ability to get and perform projects? Does it really matter to me what's going on in California... or China? Learn about the financial evolution of how we got into this current economic situation. How do these macroeconomic factors affect your local market and your firm? FMI has conducted extensive research on the internal and external factors that drive the success or failure of construction companies.

Strategy in the Eye of the Storm: Navigating Your Construction Company Through a Turbulent Economy
Most construction companies are not prepared to respond to the changing economic conditions of our current turbulent marketplace. When the world is changing at unprecedented speed, it is imperative to ensure that companies' strategy continues to adapt. Failure to assess the context in which organizations compete, and adjusting strategy accordingly, is simply not a viable option in today's economy.

Keynote Speaker
It's seldom you find a really funny and clean comedian and it's seldom you find a really captivating speaker. It's nearly impossible to find one who is both. Mark Mayfield is one of the rare individuals in the world who is equally accomplished at performing comedy shows or delivering high content keynote speeches. This time it's "Momma Told Me There'd Be Days Like This" (Stress Management). Stressed out? Lethargic? Burned Out? This program will help you solve those ills by learning five behaviors that will help balance your life, and by learning techniques to deal with your biggest stress... PEOPLE

Division Meetings - see full Agenda
You'll get more out of these semi-annual division breakout sessions than any other meeting all year long. Division meetings offer round-table environments for all members interested in Building, Highway-Heavy, and Utility construction issues.

Pinnacle Awards Celebration & Finale Evening Entertainment
This has been a record year for Pinnacle Award nominations- the competition is fiercer than ever. Friday evening features the announcement of this year's winners! The Pinnacle Awards celebration is made possible by our sponsors Greer & Walker, CPAs, and the law firm of Johnston Allison & Hord.

Networking in a Casual, Productive & Eye-Popping Setting
Mingle with hundreds of fellow contractors for 4 days in an extraordinary Caribbean island setting. In between 4 days of business and social gatherings, you'll have plenty of time for golf and beach or poolside casual gatherings.

Featuring DJ, Barry Miller, for your after-dinner dancing, sponsored by Willis.

Convention Fun
Ask anyone who's ever attended a convention they'll tell you that although business is first priority, fun is a close second! Click on www.adventurecenters.net for tours, and all activities offered.

Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort - On the Caribbean's Most Majestic Harbor Voted "Best Resort Hotel and Best Resort with a View" by readers of Caribbean Travel & Life, our setting offers an unmatched Caribbean experience. Casually-sophisticated accommodations overlook a secluded white-sand beach and sweeping vistas of the fabulous harbor of Charlotte Amalie.

Surrounded on three sides by clear blue Caribbean waters, the resort boasts 11 restaurants and bars, 3 pools, and a full-service spa.

The Island of St. Thomas
Over and above St. Thomas ' international reputation for pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, it's also the most culturally diverse, ethnically rich, and artistically vibrant society in the tropics.

As one of the Caribbean's most renowned shopping meccas, St. Thomas ' duty-free shopping exemptions are unrivaled by any other Caribbean destination. Stretched along the waterfront, restored 17th-century warehouses - once used to hold molasses, rum, spices and other trade goods awaiting export - now house a variety of unique shops containing modern-day treasures.

Enjoy superb golf, world-class diving, sailing, tropical forests, local craftsmen, island art, fine dining, energetic nightlife, and incredibly rich historical folklore and, it's all wrapped up in the safety, security, and efficiency of the American flag.

Dress is Simply Casual for all events and activities no ties or jackets required on or off-property (shorts are not appropriate for Friday night). Temperatures in January are between 77-88 degrees at all times.

Agenda

Arrival Date: January 19 | Departure Date: January 24, 2010

Dress is SIMPLY Casual during all events and activities - no ties or jackets on or off property. Temperatures in January are between 77-88 at all times. All Carolinas AGC events will allow for simply casual attire (shorts are not appropriate for Friday night).

download agenda

Looking for Adventure?

The Adventure Center Tour Desk, in the Frenchman's Reef Lobby, is open from 7am to 8pm daily and has everything you need to enjoy the most exciting tours and excursions on St. Thomas and beyond! Advance reservations are a breeze - just complete and return page two. We look forward to seeing you soon!

See the island's most beautiful vistas and overlooks on this 2.5-hour tour including Estate St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens and Drake's Seat overlooking Magen's Bay. You'll also enjoy a refreshing Banana Daiquiri at Mountain Top! A visit to Fort Christian Museum brings you closer to the island's past and present.

Experience the thrill of diving without getting wet! The submarine will dive to depths of up to 90 feet on a one and a half mile journey. The narrator points out interesting and plentiful marine life throughout the tour and passengers will see living coral reefs, colorful fish and maybe a shark or sea turtle!

Voted top attraction in the V.I. Get up close and personal with the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. View life on a coral reef from the unique Undersea Observatory. Pet a shark, hand feed a stingray or a rainbow lorikeet! Add-ons include brand new Sea Lion Splash, Sea Trek Helmet Dive, Shark and Turtle Encounters.

This special cruise is a two-hour, early evening sail highlighting the Caribbean sunset. Enjoy comfortable decks and cabin areas. Drinks and light hors d'oeuvres are served throughout the cruise. Set sail for historic Charlotte Amalie Harbor and along the coast to catch the sun before it dips below horizon.

St. Thomas is the Blue Marlin capital of the world boasting the best conditions for serious sportfishers. Guest can hook Marlin, Dolphin Fish, Tuna and more depending on the time of year. Fishing boats accommodate up to six passengers each.

Enjoy a relaxing sail in the pristine waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Snorkel over some of the best reefs in these waters that attract many different species of tropical fish, rays and even green sea turtles. After snorkeling or swimming, you can relax with drinks and assorted light snacks.

An unforgettable sail-away to the enchanted island of St. John is sure to please sailors swimmers, snorkelers, sunbathers, and beachcombers of all ages. Open bar, onboard lunch, snacks and snorkeling equipment and instruction are all included on this fun-filled and exciting day sail.

It's a bus, it's a boat, it's the Pirate Duck Adventure amphibious vehicle tour and it's the only way to see St. Thomas by land and sea. You'll watch seaplanes land right in front of your eyes, see Water and Hassel Islands, sail by Blackbeard's and Bluebeard's castles and enjoy awesome views from high above Linberg Bay.

The tour starts at Blackbeard's Castle for a guided tour through 1860 Villa Notman, 1827 Haagensen House, Hotel 1829 and gardens, all restored to their original state complete with antique mahogany furniture and décor.

Golfing on the breathtaking coastline and natural contours of the hills and valleys of St. Thomas, with year round sunshine and tropical flora, create a memorable experience for golfers. George and Tom Fazio designed these 18 championship holes, including the famous "Devil's Triangle," with challenge in mind. Please Note: Tee-times can only be reserved a maximum of 48 hours in advance.

Dive with the #1 dive operation in St. Thomas with over 15 years providing exciting, safe dives on the largest fleet of dive boats on island. Dive depths range from 40 to 65 feet and offer very relaxed diving with little to no surge or current and outstanding visibility - often over 100 feet! Most days the diving format includes a dive on a coral reef and a second dive on a wreck.

The introductory scuba program allows those who have never tried it to safely experience the thrill of scuba diving. Learn about scuba diving in three simple steps: a brief orientation by a certified instructor, practice a few skills, then go on an actual scuba dive in shallow, calm water and explore the fascinating underwater world.

Discover the beauty of the islands at your own pace, on your own personal powerboat. An experienced boater can pilot the boat while the less experienced boater can hire a captain. After a thorough briefing, you will be off on a day of exploration and adventure.

Led by knowledgeable and experienced naturalists, this tour combines kayaking and an introduction to the natural history and ecology of the Marine Sanctuary and Mangrove Lagoon. Herons, ducks, egrets, juvenile tropical reef fish, rays, mangrove crabs and other forms of wildlife are sighted regularly on this tour.

Get a birds-eye view of St. Thomas while parasailing over our clear blue waters! Airtime ranges 10-12 minutes, and the take-off and landing is done right on the boat from a specially designed platform.

Explore beautiful St. John by open-air safari bus on a two-hour tour of this national park island and a visit to the historic Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins. Then enjoy the white sands of Trunk Bay for 2-3 hours followed by some free time to shop or explore the town of Cruz Bay. M/W/F ONLY

Cruise through the calm waters of the Virgin Islands on one of our dinner cruises. Choose from sailing or motoring, and enjoy the views and great food and drink.

Join the On Deck racing team aboard our high performance Farr 40' Round the World yachts. You'll trim a sail, grid a winch and take the helm, maneuvering the yachts to the finish line!

Watch the beauty of St. Thomas unfold while riding comfortably and quietly to the top of Paradise Point! Once there, you will be surrounded by a breathtaking panoramic view of the island 700 feet above magnificent Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

Imagine walking through a lush tropical rain forest amidst flowers and trees, ponds and a trickling waterfall with butterflies flying overhead and all around you in their own natural paradise. This is a dream come true at The Butterfly Farm where within a large meshed enclosure you can see hundreds of real exotic butterflies flying freely, with dozens of the most spectacular species from all over the world.

See the BVIs by powerboat! Experience island views by water as you cruise to Virgin Gorda and the famous "Baths" - a formation of huge granite boulders, sunlit caves and warm pools. After enjoying lunch, get close up views of our abundant Caribbean marine life while snorkeling. Passport required.

This relaxing 3-hour excursion combines all of the attributes of a relaxing Caribbean vacation where you swim, snorkel and BBQ your way through an enjoyable afternoon. Your adventure includes a leisurely sail around historic Hassel Island followed by a swim and BBQ on a nearly deserted beach, then a sunset sail. Fridays only.

Relax on our 20' Carib rigid inflatable as you are whisked away to a remote offshore cay. On arrival to the uninhabited island, you will begin an adventure unlike any other offered throughout the Caribbean. Using a system similar to those on rock walls in the gym, climbers may choose rappelling, or a challenging climb while safely belayed by USVI rock climbing guides while enjoying uninterrupted Caribbean views. All Abilities are welcome on this excursion, during which guests are able to walk out and enjoy the beautiful private beach in the warm sun of the Virgin Islands.

Explore St. Thomas off the beaten path. This explorer's tour has a limited number of participants who can choose to drive or sit back and enjoy the ride. Caravan with your guide in search of lush green mountaintops, tropical beaches and breathtaking overviews. Along the way your guide will point out the fruits, flowers, sights and island history while time is provided for swimming at Magen's Bay and Brewers Bay beaches. FRIDAYS ONLY.

Top Recommended Restaurants

Banana Tree Grill: Perched high atop the harbor at Bluebeard's Castle. Sip a "Banana Tree Sunset" as you watch cruise ships and yachts glide into the twinkling lights of evening. Enjoy Chef Patrick Bellantoni's mouthwatering creations.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340-776-4050

CAPTAIN'S CAFE PUB (ON PROPERTY): Captain's Cafe serves pub-style food in a casual sports bar atmosphere. Located indoor on level3, it is fully air conditioning for your comfort.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 340/776-8500

COCO JOE'S AMERICAN (ON PROPERTY): Coco Joe's is an open-air bar located right on Morning Star Beach and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 340/776-8500

CRAIG & SALLY'S: This cozy eatery in a small, restaurant rich neighborhood has gained accolades for its unusual dishes and a wine list that runs to 400 bottles, with 20 available by the glass. The menu changes daily depending on what is available locally, but look for dishes such as a polenta encrusted yellowtail snapper with an artichoke and olive sauce.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340/777-9949

Grande Cru: Mouth-watering plates with a Mediterranean flair are served in a warm, upscale and romantic atmosphere.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340/774-7263

Havana Blue (on property): Ocean front, open air restaurant overlooking Morning Star Beach and features upscale Latin-fusion cuisine,creative martinis,cigars and fresh seafood daily.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Shirt/Slacks Req.
Phone: 340/715-2583

Herve: A panoramic view awaits you in this historic Government Hill building. The menu is a mix of contemporary American, classic French with Caribbean influence and includes lobster, fish, seafood, steaks and bouillabaisse. Recommended by Gourmet, Travel & Leisure, N. Y. Times, and Frommer's. "Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340-777-9703

LOTUS: East meets West meets the Caribbean. Cutting-Edge Nouveau Sushi. Fresh Pan-Asian Inspired Cuisine. Sexy Saketinis. Step outside the bento box with our avant-garde take on Chinese, Thai, and Japanese influenced dishes and non-traditional sushi creations. Journey into our multi-sensory vision of pan-Asian cuisine combined with waterfront chic visuals, vibes, aromas, and experiential ambiance.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 340-774-7253

OCEANA: On the waters' edge with breathtaking sunset views, Oceana has become one of the island's premier restaurants. Dine in an atmosphere of island elegance and romance. Savor our Innovative Global Cuisine created by renowned executive chef Patricia LaCorte and her expert culinary staff. Our extensive wine list offers 200 selections including 12 by the glass. Our creative tasting table offers 12 tapas style appetizers nightly. Join us for an extraordinary dining experience with impeccable service and food. Conde Nast Caribbean Travel and Life calls us one of the "Island's Best".
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340-774-4262

OLD STONE FARM HOUSE: Polished wood floors, thick exposed stonewalls, and a grand mahogany bar welcome you to a 215-year old plantation-era country residence. Starting at 5:30 enjoy international dining Tuesday-Sunday. Continental cuisine is intermingled with eclectic offerings of the finest and freshest ingredients. Enjoy the Chef's individual tasting of 4 to 6 courses or order a' la carte from seasonal menu selections and daily specials.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340-777-6277

ROOM WITH A VIEW: The romantic Room with a View, a highly-acclaimed restaurant that features International fare, is a fantastic place to get a drink or dinner with that special someone. With fantastic island and ocean views, Room with a View provides an oasis away from the busy St. Thomas restaurants for the discriminating diner.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340/774-2377

SunSET Bar & grille (on property): Sunset Bar & Grill is an open-air restaurant overlooking the sunset harbor/pools. Open daily for Lunch & Dinner. It serves up Caribbean and American favorites. Located on level 3.

Open for lunch and dinner
Dress code: Casual
Phone: 340/776-8500
Casual outdoor dining.

Virgilio's: This is an Italian restaurant in the heart of Charlotte Amalie. The decor is European with oil paintings covering the walls and flowers on every table. The wine list is as enjoyable as the menu.
Open for dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340/776-4920

WINDOWS ON THE HARBOR (On PROPERTY): Windows on the Harbour serves a daily breakfast buffet and continental cuisine for dinner, plus a Sunday brunch. The restaurant has air-conditioned, indoor and dining with open-air terrace. Located on Level 3.
Open for breakfast and dinner
Dress code: Casual Elegant
Phone: 340/776-8500

Registration

Photo Highlights from CAGC's 89th Annual Convention

Nearly 300 members and their guests attended the Carolinas AGC 89th Annual Convention in beautiful St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Jan. 21-24. In addition to breakout sessions and division-specific meetings, members also enjoyed endless networking opportunities.

Click the thumbnail below to see the slideshow.

Click here for more Convention photo fun!

Get a preview of next year's fabulous Convention setting in sunny Puerto Rico.