The Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts (AGC MA) marked 100 years of supporting and advancing the commercial construction industry with a gala celebration at The State Room in Boston.

The AGC MA Centennial Gala took place immediately following the association’s Annual Membership Meeting and presentation of Member Distinction Awards.

In his remarks, AGC MA CEO John Ferrante celebrated AGC MA’s many achievements and its ambitious plans for the future. He noted that more than 400 people representing over 125 organizations were in attendance at the event and acknowledged the leadership of the Boston Children’s Museum, who have partnered with AGC MA to reimagine their popular Construction Zone exhibit. Ferrante also announced a $25,000 pledge from the AGC MA Board of Directors to support that effort.

In addition, Ferrante recognized the support of AGC America and introduced Rick Andritsch from Wisconsin-based VJS Construction Services, who serves as a Vice President on the AGC America Board of Directors.

The festivities featured a keynote address from Martin Walsh, who previously served as Boston Mayor and later, as United States Secretary of Labor. Walsh has long supported the construction industry, and during his tenure as Mayor of Boston he presided over one of the biggest building booms in Boston history, including 80 million square feet of new development which included 50,000 units of housing.

Walsh began his career as a union laborer in Dorchester, Massachusetts, and eventually served in the leadership of the Boston Building Trades Council, focusing on issues like workforce development, DEI, and worker wellness. He also helped to launch the Building Pathways Program to increase diversity in the building trades and supported the local recovery community, working to reduce the stigmas surrounding substance use disorders.

During the gathering, outgoing AGC MA Board Chair Bill Aalerud of Columbia thanked AGC MA’s Board and organization leadership for its support during his two-year tenure. He also announced incoming Board Chair Jeff Navin of Consigli Construction and Vice Chair Brad Forrest of Walsh Brothers.

Navin, in his address to the guests, pledged to focus on member services, increasing and retaining members, supporting and expanding workforce development initiatives, and strengthening AGC MA’s government affairs and outreach work. Guests, who enjoyed passed hors d'oeuvres and beverages, watched several videos, including one that highlighted key moments in AGC MA’s first 100 years and another that outlined core goals for the group.

Presenting sponsors for the evening were Advanced Exteriors & Glazing, LJV Development, Milwaukee Tool, Network Coverage, Sunbelt Rentals, and United Rentals.