Members of the Associated General Contractors, Greater Detroit Chapter, voted on Dec. 7 to unanimously to merge with the Michigan Chapter, AGC. The vote followed a Dec. 1 unanimous vote by Michigan Chapter AGC for the merger plan.

On Jan. 1, the two chapters will form a new, statewide AGC organization to be called the Michigan Association of Constructors (MAC).

"I think the merger has a lot to offer our existing contractors on every level," said Bart Carrigan, president of the new MAC. "We will save some money in the reorganization, but more importantly, the merger will allow us to be more able to attractive new contractors, which is the lifeblood of an organization like ours.

"Plus in some cases it has been confusing for potential customers to know which group to deal with, and that was especially true when it came to lobbying. "

Odell Jones III, 2006 chairman of the AGC, Greater Detroit Chapter, from Jomar Building Co., Detroit, told his members that the merger process got underway last April. At that time he found a common sense of purpose with the president of the Michigan Chapter, AGC, Michael Emmenecker, from Spence Brothers, Saginaw, to build on the already strong foundation that exists between the two groups.

"Our goal was to strengthen AGC in Michigan for years to come," he said. "We felt that a merger would be worth the effort since a stronger AGC would mean a more resourceful and cost-effective association for contractors across our state."

The Greater Detroit Chapter was formed in 1916 and the Michigan Chapter followed in 1927. Carrigan said the merger "focused on the right things."

Jones added, "We knew that merger attempts had been made in the past, but by reducing dues, eliminating program redundancies, streamlining the staff, cutting overhead, and offering an expanded program of services to members of both chapters, everyone would benefit, so we were committed to making this merger work."

The MAC's headquarters will be located in Lansing in the building that's been home to the Michigan Chapter, AGC. The new MAC will retain its affiliation with the Associated General Contractors of America.

A regional office is to be maintained in the Detroit suburb of Redford Township. On staff will be:

• Michael Smith, as executive vice president.
• Viki Gotts, as director of education.
• Sam Veltri, who will continue in his role in the region as director of labor relations.
• Rick Mee, who also continue his delivery of safety services to AGC members in the metropolitan Detroit region.
• Ronald L. Hausmann, PE, Walbridge Aldinger, Detroit, will serve as MAC chairman in 2007.

(MichiganConstructionNews.com contributed to this report.)