February 23, 2024

By Lane Kimble

CHARLOTTE HARBOR, Fla. — The theme may have been “Build the Road Tour,” but the 2024 WTBA Annual Convention built something even greater: strength and unity.

“You come together as one, we are so powerful… we are so powerful as one,” outgoing President JR Ramthun told WTBA staff on the convention’s final morning.

More than 260 members and their families gathered for the four-day Convention at the new Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor, Florida.

CLICK to view 2024 Annual Convention Photo Gallery

General sessions included Packers Hall of Fame tackle Mark Tauscher, a Florida DOT representative and local contractors who talked about infrastructure repairs after Hurricane Ian, a five-person panel on best practices for contractors, a cyber security expert, a motivational speaker and humorist, and much more.

“The room has been full every day, every morning.  Can’t say enough about the membership,” Ramthun remarked.

Presenters fed off the crowd’s interest and energy.

That included Wipfli’s Tina Nazier, who shared strategies on how to retain talented workers and go further to get them to engage in your company’s mission.

“I love what you do for the industry… You’re always thinking ahead, ‘What can we do to make this better for our members and how do we engage folks?’” Nazier said of the WTBA.

“You’ve got such a great, large audience here, which means they come to you because they know you’re a valuable resource for them.”

Of course, the convention also featured plenty of chances to have some fun. Opening night was held aside a rooftop pool and featured dueling piano players. Friday offered a boat cruise, wine tasting, and golf, and Saturday night’s Scholarship Auction generated nearly $280,000.

Ramthun – who worked closely with WTBA staff and Michels Road & Stone’s Amy Jessen to plan the convention – chose to look forward when asked about his feelings as the convention wrapped up.

“We’re only growing.  We’re going to take this to the next level in years to come,” Ramthun said.

Ramthun will stay on the WTBA board for one year as “Past President.”