Chris Runyan
OCA President
With so much attention being paid to political races as we approach mid-term elections, an important benefit of OCA membership is brought to the forefront. And that benefit goes well beyond political advocacy. As Active Members of OCA, your membership includes partnership in both the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Associate membership in OCA includes membership in AGC.
OCA is very engaged with our state legislature and the DeWine Administration, along with local governments. Our advocacy also extends to Ohio’s federal legislative delegation as well. However, because the majority of federal legislative activity occurs in Washington, D.C., our physical presence is not as acutely felt as it is in Columbus. To assist us with presenting our perspective of how legislative and federal administrative actions are impacting the heavy/highway industry here in Ohio and around the nation, as well as being ever present voices on behalf of our industry, AGC and ARTBA represent each of you on a daily basis in advocating for the construction community. That advocacy is highlighted in run-ups to elections as both organizations ask candidates their positions on issues and coordinate with OCA staff on Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions to supportive potential office holders. Yes, each has a PAC that expends funds on your behalf. If you haven’t contributed to either ARTBA’s or AGC’s PAC, you should.
Just as with OCA, politics is not the only song on their playlists. Legislation and regulations are continually monitored to as certain impacts to the construction industry, and – with member input – positions are taken that will benefit not only construction companies but the general public through the infrastructure that you build. When needed, AGC and ARTBA will take issues to court, sometimes even to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Training, both in-person and on-line, are offered through each organization on topics such as safety, project management and regulation implementation. Member networking is also a critical component of national organization membership, as it allows chapters, such as OCA and our participating members, to share both positive and negative experiences with their state and local governments so that local contractors can identify best practices when dealing with the constantly changing mandates coming out of Washington, D.C.
Your membership in AGC and/or ARTBA is paid through your work dues to the Ohio Construction Information Association (OCIA), an arm of the OCA. Your company is already a member! And as a member you should be receiving regular communications from AGC and, for Active members, ARTBA. These communications will inform you about the latest happenings legislatively and via regulations. Frequent emails will let you know about upcoming training opportunities from nationally recognized experts on topics that will benefit you and your employees. And opportunities to attend ARTBA and AGC events will broaden your opportunities to hear from the best minds in our country and connect with peers who can provide valuable insights on addressing the same challenges you may be facing in your business.
I want to close by offering my personal thanks to the many OCA members who engage with AGC and ARTBA. A number of OCA members occupy important volunteer leadership positions within each organization. For the time and resources each of these OCA members put forth to support the industry, all of us owe them a debt of thanks.
If you are not receiving regular communications from either ARTBA or AGC, please contact Lynda Pomeroy at the OCA office and she will assist in getting you on the appropriate mailing list(s).