100 Years: Building on Experience

One of our anniversary history books was the centerpiece for the centennial celebration for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Services included:

• Consultation with academic experts
• Proprietary and public domain photo research
• Presentation at conferences and AGC events
• Subject matter expert for journalists

Requirements

AGC leaders began working with academics nearly a decade before it reached its centennial. They soon realized that they had to integrate  construction history with the story of the growth and development of the trade association and tell the story to a variety of audiences.

Solution

Ken’s team began with secondary research to get a general overview of AGC and construction history. Next came an exhaustive search through nearly 100 years of The Constructor, the monthly publication of the trade association. Ken’s team also conducted photographic research in AGC collections, proprietary photo services, and public domain sources. Although Ken consulted with academic experts and coordinated with team members who researched and drafted several chapters, every page of the anniversary history books ultimately bore his stamp.

Ken became one of the nation’s top construction historians. Journalists writing for The Constructor and other industry publications interviewed him. He presented at an academic conference, and spoke at one of the AGC’s own centennial celebration events.

“We had ample opportunity to provide input and feedback even as Dr. Durr made sure to maintain the integrity and quality of the product,” concluded AGC Vice President Brian Turmail, “and his presentations were as popular as they were informative.  Throughout the entire process, Ken was thorough, professional, punctual, and an absolute joy to work with.”