On Friday January 23, 2009, I was hired to photograph the Annual Dinner for the Associated General Contractors company (or AGC).

“The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Washington is the state’s largest and most influential trade association that represents and provides services to the commercial construction industry. The AGC of Washington has more than 600 member companies, 160 of which are general contractors, and has significant programs involving government and labor relations, group insurance, workplace safety, workforce development, and more. Headquartered in Seattle with offices in Tacoma, Bellingham, Yakima, and Olympia, the AGC of Washington is a professional association of commercial contractors who join together to enhance the performance and representation of members, to promote the respect and integrity of the industry, and to improve the quality of life in our communities.”¬† — from the AGC website

Every year in January, they invite all of their members to come to the Annual Meeting where they elect a new President for the year and talk about where AGC is going in the next year.¬† After a long day of meetings, they bring their spouses for the Annual Dinner and festivities. This year, cocktail hour was substituted with a wine tasting. Then once dinner began, they enjoyed a multiple course meal made by the Hyatt in Bellevue. After dinner they welcomed keynote speaker Steven J. Dubner who co-wrote the best selling book¬† Frekanomics which answers many questions such as “Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? How much do parents really matter? How did the legalization of abortion affect the rate of violent crime?” He was a captivating speaker that brought to light the frightening question of how often do doctors REALLY wash their hands? Let me tell you, it wasn’t the answer I was hoping to hear!

After all the speeches and the keynote speaker, the AGC rented out a private room at Lucky Strike Bowling across the street in Bellevue to let their members relax and have a great night. It was fun to see all the women in their cocktail dresses and bowling shoes!

Enjoy the photos!

People got excited about the desert dash!

Last year president Dick Busher announced the awards of the evening and the keynote speaker.

Mac Gray¬† won the 2008 Affiliate of the Year Award in recognition of outstanding service the construction industry. Not only did he get a plaque, but his own bucket too!!…

Steve Isenhart¬† received the AGC President’s Award for 2008 Contractor of the Year!

Then Dick won an award himself, for best employee. Apparently that meant he got an orange jump suit and a plunger!