In the heart of New England, where rugged terrain meets resilient communities, the story of the Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC/VT) begins in 1934. Deep in the throes of a nationwide Great Depression, a group of pioneering Vermonters earned the Cashman Award, a national recognition for excellence in construction and community impact. The award not only validated their craftsmanship but also laid the foundation for a movement that would shape Vermont’s infrastructure for generations.
The Cashman Award was more than a trophy; it was seen as a symbol of unity among Vermont’s builders, inspiring contractors across the state to collaborate, share best practices, and advocate for their profession. Over the ensuing two decades, this informal coalition would evolve into Vermont’s Road Builders.
Between 1954 and 1964, Vermont underwent a transformation. The post-war boom brought a surge in infrastructure projects, and the contractors who had once competed against one another now worked side-by-side to pave the roads, build bridges, and connect communities.
During this time, AGC/VT was not yet a formal entity, but this era earned the contractors the nickname of “Vermont’s Road Builders.” This was an informal title that was meant to reflect both their technical prowess and their commitment to public service. Their work was instrumental in modernizing Vermont’s transportation network, making rural areas more accessible and stimulating economic growth.
One contractor from the period recalled, “We weren’t just laying asphalt. We were laying the foundation for Vermont’s future.”
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH Allegheny |
| SITECH Northeast |
The Road Builders’ momentum culminated in 1961, when the group was officially chartered as the Associated General Contractors of Vermont, Inc., becoming a state chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. This milestone marked the formal birth of AGC/VT and solidified its role in Vermont’s construction industry.
AGC/VT adopted the national AGC motto: Skill, Integrity, Responsibility. With this charter, the association gained access to national resources, advocacy networks, and training programs, emboldening Vermont contractors to raise their standards and influence policy. Since AGC/VT’s formal chartering, 57 presidents have led the association with the goal to "Build a Better Vermont.”
Over the decades, AGC/VT has achieved the following:
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH Allegheny |
| SITECH Northeast |
AGC/VT has expanded its offerings to conduct over 100 training sessions annually, covering everything from job site safety protocols to advanced construction techniques. For individuals, these trainings help build members’ technical skill sets and careers. These programs help solidify Vermont’s construction workforce as one of the most skilled and safety-conscious in the nation. AGC/VT works to educate not only today’s builders, but those of tomorrow — visiting Vermont’s career and technical education centers annually to offer training and mentoring, as well as continually advocating for investments in the schools.
From its inception, AGC/VT has been an advocate for the construction industry, aiming to influence legislation and regulatory reforms to benefit contractors and communities alike. Their lobbying efforts have helped secure funding for infrastructure projects across the state, ensuring that Vermont’s roads, bridges, and public buildings meet modern standards of safety and efficiency. AGC/VT has also been an advocate for fair labor practices, championing policies that protect workers’ rights while promoting economic growth.
Their influence in state affairs has been so significant that a contractor and former AGC/VT President, Phil Scott, was elected Governor of Vermont in 2016. He has served in the seat since. As Governor, Scott continued to prioritize infrastructure development, workforce training, and fiscal responsibility — values that are rooted in AGC/VT’s mission.
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH Allegheny |
| SITECH Northeast |
The organization hosts 30 company safety days each year, bringing together thousands of construction professionals to share knowledge, foster a culture of safety, and build industry camaraderie. Outreach programs include Scoops for Safety, Burgers and Brews, and numerous scholarship golf tournaments. AGC/VT has also formed partnerships with colleagues in and around the construction industry, such as Vermont RediMix, the Vermont Timber Framers Association, Project Road Safe, and more.
One of AGC/VT’s most innovative partnerships is the Vermont Employee Wellness Partnership, launched in response to rising mental health and substance use challenges in the construction industry. In partnership with the Vermont Department of Health, Jenna’s Promise, Invest EAP, and Vermont’s Center for Health and Learning, AGC/VT has distributed over 15,000 doses of Narcan and 25,000 harm reduction kits throughout Vermont’s construction community. AGC/VT has also conducted more than 50 training sessions on mental health and overdose prevention.
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH Allegheny |
| SITECH Northeast |
Along with equipping Vermont’s builders with the tools and knowledge to help themselves and their colleagues through crisis, AGC/VT also aims to help break down cultural barriers and destigmatize addiction and mental health struggles. The overall campaign, known as Diseases of Despair, has reached approximately 150,000 Vermonters, or nearly 25 percent of the state’s population.
Over its decades serving members, AGC/VT has received national awards recognizing its leadership in training, advocacy, health and wellness, advancement, and member engagement.
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH Allegheny |
| SITECH Northeast |
Every December, AGC/VT’s Annual Meeting and Best Builder Awards Banquet offers members an opportunity to gather, network, and trade industry insights. The event features keynote speeches, safety workshops, and an awards ceremony to commend members’ projects in innovation and historical reconstruction. This past December, the 2024 annual meeting kicked off AGC/VT’s 90th anniversary year.
AGC/VT credits its success to the dedication of its members. Executive Vice President Richard Wobby spoke at the 90th anniversary celebration, held in Montpelier, Vermont.
“As we celebrate 90 years of excellence, innovation, and dedication in Vermont's construction industry, we reflect on our journey and the incredible milestones we've achieved together,” he said. “Our commitment to safety, education, and community has been the cornerstone of our success.”
At AGC/VT’s Montpelier headquarters, generations of builders have gathered to learn, lead, and leave a legacy. And they can continue to do so, thanks to AGC/VT’s commitment to rebuild after the Great Flood of July 2023 filled the facility with floodwaters.
| Your local Trimble Construction Division dealer |
|---|
| SITECH Allegheny |
| SITECH Northeast |
Today, AGC/VT represents over 200 member companies, including general contractors, suppliers, insurers, consultants, and more. It offers resources, networking opportunities, and a unified voice in state and national affairs for Vermont’s contracting community.
As Vermont faces new challenges — from climate resilience to workforce development — AGC/VT seeks to champion innovation and sustainability. Its mission is to advocate for the highway and building contracting community while promoting a free enterprise system that balances social, environmental, and economic considerations.
From the Cashman Award in 1934 to the national honors of the 2020s, AGC/VT is now looking toward the next achievement — celebrating its centennial.
Photos courtesy of AGC/VT
