During his long association with the CIC Board of Directors, Mr. Argenio championed strong relationships with organized labor. As an employer himself, he served as a trustee on Laborers Local 17 Benefits Fund, advocating for the concerns of management and labor. 

Some of the many significant projects his company performed over the decades that benefited the broader industry and economy include major highway work on I-84 (from the New York State Thruway to the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge), infrastructure work at Woodbury Commons Premium Outlets in Woodbury, NY, Legoland New York Resort in Goshen, NY, and scores of paving projects.  Mr. Argenio was a leading and valued voice on the CIC, representing and commenting on industry affairs and concerns across the Mid-Hudson region and New York State.

Among the many milestone initiatives the CIC advanced during Mr. Agenio’s board tenure was the creation of the Louis G. Nappi Management & Labor Scholarship Fund, which has awarded over $1.1 million in some 250 college student grants since its inception in 2009. Mr. Argenio also supported the construction industry’s capital campaign to fund and deliver major improvements to the campus of Dominican University in Orangeburg, NY in Rockland County.

“Jerry’s steadfast belief in union construction and unwavering dedication to CIC program advancement over many years helped transform our association from a startup in the late 1970s to become today the leading construction trade alliance in the Downstate/Mid-Hudson Region,” said CIC Executive Director John Cooney, Jr. “Jerry brought to the CIC Board meetings great business acumen, highlighting ways to manage and lead a construction organization. His observations and recommendations benefitted the entire membership.”

CIC Chairman George Pacchiana noted, “Jerry’s skill as a steward of the industry was invaluable. He is very much responsible for the association’s many successes.” The CIC Chairman added, “It has been a privilege to work with Jerry and learn from him. He is truly one of the most complete construction men I know. His perspectives and contributions will continue to have lasting impacts on our association. On behalf of my fellow board members, I extend my deepest gratitude to him and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement from the CIC board.” 

As a fourth generation member of the family contracting and materials supply business, Mr. Argenio became president of the company in 1972, guiding it to its present-day success. His son, Al, and his nephew, Jerry “Jr.,” started working for the company at early ages—in keeping with the family tradition—where they apprenticed and journeyed to become the senior management of the company. 

Mr. Agenio continues to reside in Orange County (with a winter residence in North Carolina), and remains involved with a host of business, community and charity groups. This includes time as a patron and early board member of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra. 

“There is great satisfaction that comes from looking back and seeing the many contributions CIC has made to the industry and greater community at large. I’d like to think the hallmarks of my CIC board membership resulted in stronger bonds with many of the union locals to help younger contractors and business agents in the years ahead. My advice to younger leaders is to ‘get involved’ because it will benefit everyone in our association. Sharing information about truck weights rules, safety, insurance regulations, drug testing—or what have you—is knowledge you can bring back to your own operation to make you more successful, and there is also a network of people you can call on when you have questions.”

He concluded, “There will always be difficult times, and managing problems is a major part of the job, whether it’s over money or worksite conditions. I believe the key is maintaining good relationships and cooperation with the unions to buffer the inevitable headwinds that this industry and the economy throw at us. We’re always stronger when we work together.”