Thom Morgan (left), owner and CEO of Morgan Asphalt, based in Salt Lake City, assumed the leadership of AGC of Utah from the 2018 chairman, Doug Welling (right), president of Salt Lake City-based Jacobsen Construction, at the chapter’s 97th convention Jan. 24-26 in Salt Lake City.
Welling told attendees he was pleased with the chapter’s progress in the past year, especially in the area of workforce development. “We still have work to do as far as letting kids in school know construction can be a viable and respectable career path and a way they can make a contribution,” he said.
He added that most AGC of Utah members had a strong year in 2018 and maintained record or near-record levels of construction activity. “Right now, I’m optimistic about the quality of our economy in Utah. Our backlog (at Jacobsen) is at a record level, but beyond that, we are trying to get an idea of what will be out there in 2021 and 2022,” he said.
The three-day event included awards for outstanding projects and individuals, an economic forecast, educational sessions and installation of new officers.
The students, staff and leaders at 27J Schools celebrated completion of the expansion and renovation of Northeast Elementary and one other school in Brighton on Jan. 10. The GE Johnson Construction-led team added a four-classroom, 6,330-sq-ft kindergarten wing. The addition can house 87 kindergarten students.
The Northeast Elementary project also created a new media center hub and a computer lab. Interior improvements included energy-efficient LED lights, ceiling tiles, carpeting and paint. Crews upgraded heating and air-conditioning systems and the fire alarm system. New furniture was installed. The drop-off and pick-up configuration in the parking lot was improved and more parking spaces added.
“We are proud to share with the community how our school looks after being renovated,” said Toby Karr, Northeast Elementary principal. Attendees included board of education members, elected officials, current and past teachers and faculty, project team members, students and families, and other community members. The project was part of a $248-million school construction bond.
