According to AGC (Associated General Contractors) of Texas trade show chairman Richard Gresham of Joe Bland Construction in Austin, the live and silent auctions surpassed all other auction totals in the show's 24-year history. The $309,000 raised will benefit the chapter's scholarship and educational programs, including the newly established Kay Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

"The results were way beyond expectations or belief," said Gresham. "The time and hard work put in by the Committee speaks for itself in the results of this years show."

Thanks go to food and drink event sponsors, Whitley & Siddons/Frank Siddons Insurance; Williams Bros. Construction; J.D. Abrams; Austin Bridge & Road; CMC; Excel Machinery; GCR Truck Tire Centers; HOLT CAT; Hunter Industries; Longview Bridge & Road; Niece Equipment; Sun Coast Resources; Trinity Industries; and Zurich Surety.

The 3,074 registered attendees had the opportunity to visit the 102 exhibitor booths and participate in AGC of Texas' annual Safety Conference or Pavement Preservation Seminar.

"This is a great opportunity to visit with customers we haven't seen for a while and to talk to other people who might be decision-makers in the future," said Eamon McCourt.

More exhibitors have begun to utilize interactive activities to draw crowds into their booths. ROMCO sponsored a Texas Hold-em poker tournament for the second year; Hilti Tools brought a laser shotgun skeet game; the Texas Caterpillar dealers brought their Motorgrader M Series simulator; the AGC Safety Committee had a basketball game with prizes; RSC enjoyed fishing; and Texas Contractor had putt-putt golf.

Plans have already begun on a special gathering for the 25th Annual AGC of Texas Trade and Equipment Show to be held Oct. 14–15, 2008, at the Austin Convention Center. Begin making your plans for networking, education and enjoyment.