ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Concrete Council of St. Louis & American Concrete Institute Missouri Chapter has awarded S. M. Wilson & Co. a 2026 Quality Concrete Award for the Proposition S  Bond Program projects for Northwest R-1 School District.

S. M. Wilson was the construction manager at risk for the bond program, which included updates to every campus in the district. Precast concrete panels were used in the construction of multi-purpose storm shelter additions at multiple schools.

The Quality Concrete Awards celebrate the craftsmanship, innovation and technical excellence behind the region’s most impactful work.

S. M. Wilson constructed an athletic gym addition at House Springs Elementary School, a Fine Arts addition at Valley Middle School and a multi-purpose addition at Northwest High School. The precast concrete panels provided the required strength, sustainability, functionality and durability for the spaces to also serve as a safe place to shelter during severe weather.

Precast concrete is also environmentally friendly, given the low water-to-cement ratio, low material waste, the reduced need for shipping raw materials and its ability to reduce carbon emissions. Mid-America Precast Inc. of Fulton was the concrete subcontractor on the Northwest High School and Valley Middle School projects. Coreslab Structures of Marshall was the concrete subcontractor for the House Springs Elementary School project. Paragon Architecture provided architectural services.

The Northwest Bond Program also was a finalist for a St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLC3) Show Me Award in the Outstanding Project Under $20 million category.

HARTFORD, Conn. – Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. announces that Principal Richard F. Vitarelli has been appointed chairman of the AGC Labor and Employment Law Council.

Vitarelli will serve the term from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. The Council is comprised of attorneys who regularly represent chapters or contractor members of the Associated General Contractors of America in labor and employment matters.

He co-leads both the labor relations and transactional services groups, is a member of the construction group and serves on the firm’s board of directors. With more than three decades of experience, Vitarelli represents employers in strategic labor relations and collective bargaining matters across industries, with a strong focus on the construction and infrastructure sectors. He negotiates national and multi‑employer collective bargaining agreements and represents employers in labor, employment and benefits matters and advises on employee relations strategy, transactions and restructuring matters.

Vitarelli earned his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School and his B.A. from Boston College.

 

Manufacturing-led model delivers factory-tested power and data products to help customers deploy unmatched speed, quality and scale

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – ArchKey Holdings Inc., parent company of ArchKey Solutions, announces the launch of ElectriBuilt LLC, a manufacturing-led provider of engineered power, data and network infrastructure products headquartered in St. Louis, Mo.

ElectriBuilt was created to support increasing demand for faster, more predictable infrastructure delivery as project timelines compress and system complexity grows across power- and data-intensive markets. The company applies a manufacturing-first model, engineering, integrating and fully testing systems in a controlled factory environment before delivering them to its customers.

These commissioning-ready products arrive as modular, skidded or containerized, and are designed to connect and operate upon delivery. By completing critical work in parallel with site preparation, ElectriBuilt helps streamline installation, reduce variability in the field and accelerate time to operation.

ElectriBuilt supports customers in data centers, advanced manufacturing and other environments where speed, reliability and scalability are essential.

“Just as we did with our ArchKey Solutions business, ElectriBuilt was launched to solve a problem for our customers and partners,” said Steve Stone, CEO, ArchKey Holdings Inc. “By applying manufacturing discipline to the process, we are improving consistency and giving customers greater confidence in project outcomes.”

“Customers are facing tighter schedules and greater complexity,” said Dan Dvorak, Corporate Vice President of ElectriBuilt LLC. “By engineering and testing systems before they reach the jobsite, we deliver products that are ready to perform from day one.”

The company is designed to integrate with existing project delivery models, compressing schedules while improving safety and quality throughout.

Repeatable designs create consistency across projects and geographies, while factory testing significantly reduces commissioning risk.

For more information, visit www.electribuilt.com

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) has officially opened submissions for its 2026 Construction Awards, taking place Nov. 5.

The annual event recognizes the outstanding achievements, innovation, and leadership shaping Missouri’s construction industry.

AGCMO is now accepting entries for its premier honors:

• Keystone Award – Recognizing exceptional overall project excellence
  https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/109775
• Excellence in Craftsmanship Award – Celebrating superior workmanship and attention to detail
  https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/109084
• Workforce Champion Award – Honoring leadership in workforce development and industry advancement
  https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/109085
• Specialty Contractor of the Year Awards – Recognizing outstanding specialty contractors across key trades
  agcmo.org/scoty

The deadlines for submissions are as follows: Keystone Award, June 19; Specialty Contractor of the Year ballots, June 30; Excellence in Craftsmanship and Workforce Champion submissions, Aug. 6.

“These awards showcase the very best of our industry. From groundbreaking projects to the people driving progress behind the scenes,” said Len Toenjes, AGCMO president. “We encourage all members to submit their work and be recognized among Missouri’s top construction leaders.”

Learn more and apply at:
www.agcmo.org/agcawards

 

 

NOTTINGHAM, UK – Phenna Group announces the acquisition of MLA Geotechnical, a leading geotechnical testing, inspection and engineering services provider based in Austin, Texas. This marks Phenna’s ninth acquisition in 2026 and further strengthens its infrastructure division in the Americas. Headquartered in the UK, Phenna Group has grown rapidly over the last few years to become one of the world’s leading testing, inspection, certification and compliance businesses by partnering with independent companies serving a variety of key, mission-critical sectors around the globe. Founded in 1964, MLA Geotechnical is recognized as a premier geotechnical inspection firm in the Austin area.

 

Photos courtesy of S. M. Wilson (Top: Franken; Bottom: Baucom)

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has added project engineers Kaeleb Franken and Keishawn Baucom.

In this role, Franken and Baucom are responsible for working with a project’s design professionals, consultants and owners to establish and track the flow of information, approvals, meetings, reporting, shop drawings, submittals, material deliveries, LEED checklists and other support activities through the duration of a project.

Franken brings 12 years of construction project management experience, most recently as a milling superintendent. He will be working on projects at Jefferson City School District.

Baucom has nearly three years of both commercial and residential construction experience managing daily site activities, coordinating trades, tracking schedules and maintaining quality standards. He recently served as a field manager for a large residential construction company. Baucom holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Missouri State University and is OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 certified.

 

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – IMPACT Strategies has been recognized with multiple prestigious safety awards.

Recent honors include the AGCMO Zero Lost Workdays Safety Award – marking more than 10 consecutive years without a lost workday incident – as well as Southern Illinois Builders Association’s Safety Excellence Award for achieving four years with zero lost time.

IMPACT also received the SIBA Safety Merit Award for maintaining zero lost-time accidents across 60,000 to 150,000 manhours, and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Safety Excellence Award.

“At IMPACT, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a core value embedded in everything we do,” said Scott Manning, vice president of operations at IMPACT Strategies. “These awards are a direct result of our team’s commitment to proactive planning and intense oversight of all activities on our projects, ensuring that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.”

The company credits its continued success to the leadership and dedication of its field teams, particularly its superintendents, who consistently lead by example and reinforce safe practices on every jobsite.

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – IMPACT Strategies has been recognized with two prestigious honors at the recent SLC3 Show-Me Awards.

The Fairview Heights, Ill.-based firm is the recipient both the Construction Manager Excellence Award and the Outstanding Construction Project Over $20 Million award for the BJC St. Peters Outpatient Center.

Hosted annually by the St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLC3), the Show-Me Awards celebrate excellence across the design and construction industry, recognizing teams that exemplify innovation, collaboration and superior project delivery.

The Construction Manager Excellence Award is a significant honor that recognizes a firm’s overall leadership, consistency and commitment to advancing the construction industry. This distinction highlights IMPACT Strategies’ unwavering focus on client advocacy, team success and a culture rooted in collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement. It reflects not just a single project, but the collective effort, expertise and integrity the IMPACT team brings to every client.

In addition, the BJC St. Peters Outpatient Center was recognized for Outstanding Construction Project Over $20 Million, honoring the project team’s exceptional execution, quality and partnership. As a key healthcare facility serving the St. Charles County community, the project success demonstrates IMPACT’s ability to deliver complex, high-impact occupied environments that support both patients and providers.

“These awards are a testament to the expertise and passion of our people along with the partnerships that drive our success,” said Mark Hinrichs, president at IMPACT Strategies. “The Construction Manager Excellence Award is especially meaningful, as it reflects who we are as a company – our culture, our values and our commitment to doing the right thing for our clients and partners every day.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos courtesy of Wiegmann Associates

Top left: Aaron Johnson; top right: Jared Edwards; bottom: Will Boettcher

Photos courtesy of Wiegmann Associates

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Wiegmann Associates has added Aaron Johnson as project manager and also Jared Edwards and Will Boettcher as project engineers.

As project manager, Johnson is responsible for providing detailed, cost-effective management of Wiegmann’s mechanical and HVAC system projects to meet client and company goals. He brings nearly 15 years of experience in engineering and project management. and holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Edwards brings nearly three years of experience in mechanical engineering and project involvement. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) – Washington University Joint Engineering Program, and he holds various certifications for 3D modeling, OSHA safety and coordination software.

Boettcher brings six years of engineering experience, including in a management role where he led a cross-functional team of engineers and customer service representatives covering multiple state territories. He graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.

 

Image courtesy of TJS Photography by Renaissance TJS LLC

Above: Kirby Burkholder, IFF

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — IFF, a mission-driven nonprofit lender, real estate consultant and developer, celebrates the 20th anniversary of its first loan in Missouri.

Kirby Burkholder is IFF’s new CEO and the founding leader of its St. Louis office.

IFF’s 20-year record of investment in Missouri includes 290 loans totaling more than $225 million for nonprofit and public projects and providing real estate consulting for 133 different projects.

Some of IFF’s high-profile St. Louis projects include the LaunchCode Headquarters, Delmar DivINe, St. Mary’s High School, Places for People and Tabernacle Community Development Corporation. In the St. Louis metro area specifically, IFF has closed more than 240 loans totaling more than $188 million and supported 67 real estate consulting projects.

Since 1988, IFF has been working at the intersection of facilities and finance and has provided $1.8 billion in flexible, affordable financing to nonprofits serving a variety of sectors in order to increase their financial stability and programmatic offerings. Headquartered in Chicago, with regional offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, and St. Louis, IFF is dedicated to making a lasting impact in communities where traditional financing options are scarce.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – MGAC, a global boutique consultancy and owners’ representative specializing in project and cost management, is celebrating 30 years in business.

The firm has grown exceptionally over the past three decades, expanding its international footprint from its founding in Washington, D.C. to offices across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Over the past 30 years, MGAC has established a network of offices across the globe. The firm now brings together more than 370 professionals offering services that span project management, cost management, program/portfolio management, project controls, schedule/program management, technology solutions, FF&E procurement, relocation management and health + safety.

 

Image courtesy of IMPACT Strategies

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – IMPACT Strategies has been recognized with multiple prestigious safety awards.

Recent honors include the AGCMO Zero Lost Workdays Safety Award – marking more than 10 consecutive years without a lost workday incident – as well as Southern Illinois Builders Association’s Safety Excellence Award for achieving four years with zero lost time.

IMPACT also received the SIBA Safety Merit Award for maintaining zero lost-time accidents across 60,000 to 150,000 manhours, and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Safety Excellence Award.

“At IMPACT, safety isn’t just a priority – it’s a core value embedded in everything we do,” said Scott Manning, vice president of operations at IMPACT Strategies. “These awards are a direct result of our team’s commitment to proactive planning and intense oversight of all activities on our projects, ensuring that everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.”

The company credits its continued success to the leadership and dedication of its field teams, particularly its superintendents, who consistently lead by example and reinforce safe practices on every jobsite.

 

 

 

 

Photos:

TOP — Austen Johnson, Alex Hua, Justin Lutz and Rishi Simhadri, students in the Parkway School District Spark! Incubator program (The Cookie Lab)

BOTTOM — Cong Vo (Bayless High School), Holly Davis (Lindbergh High School) and Emir Husic (Affton High School) via the St. Louis CAPS (Wings & Seeds)

Images courtesy of S. M. Wilson & Co.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. and STL Works have awarded $2,000 in prizes to two teams of Missouri high school students through the fifth annual SKILLED®awards program.

The awards competition challenges high school students to create a process, lesson, activity or product that engages students with science, technology, engineering, art and/or math (STEAM) to engage and inspire younger students. Sponsored in partnership with the Missouri School Board Association (MSBA) and STL Works, SKILLED Awards is open to Missouri and Illinois high schoolers.

SKILLED, S. M. Wilson’s Construction Career Education program, provides hands-on opportunities to integrate academic learning and focus on future employment in the A/E/C industry. The company established SKILLED in 2019 to inspire the future of construction.

“The SKILLED Awards program was created to drive engagement in STEAM education at an early age to prepare and inspire careers in construction and related fields,” says Amanda Bohnert, CPSM, S. M. Wilson’s chief marketing officer and founder of SKILLED. “By developing and implementing STEAM education that is fun, engaging and designed with each specific community in mind, we hope to create a lifelong love of learning and encourage students to pursue future opportunities in in-demand fields.”

AWARD WINNERS
This year’s SKILLED Missouri Awards Program winners are:

• The Cookie Lab, created by Austen Johnson, Alex Hua, Justin Lutz and Rishi Simhadri, students in the Parkway School District Spark! Incubator program. The lesson uses baking to show that science and math are everywhere by demonstrating how even a small change in a recipe can change the outcome.
• Wings & Seeds, created by Cong Vo (Bayless High School), Holly Davis (Lindbergh High School) and Emir Husic (Affton High School) via the St. Louis CAPS (Centers for Advanced Professional Studies) program’s Global Business & Entrepreneurship and Engineering & Technology Design and Development courses. In this hands-on activity, students plant their own Butterfly Weed Seeds to support the growth of butterflies, to spread awareness of the declining population of the species and teach them about the science behind the plant growth cycle and butterfly life cycle.

“The bigger goal of The Cookie Lab is to help students connect classroom learning to real life,” says The Cookie Lab team in its entry. “It shows students that STEAM isn’t distant or intimidating; it’s part of their daily lives. Once they see how these skills apply outside of class, they’re more likely to carry that interest forward.”

“Wings & Seeds was intended to give kids a way to help their community and environment throughout their lives…It teaches students [how to grow milkweed] and provides them with the materials to keep helping their community even after their direct involvement with Wings & Seeds is over,” says the Wings & Seeds team in their entry.

One member of Wings & Seeds says “I grew milkweed plants in class as a 3rd grader, and I’ve been able to continue helping my community by growing another plant each year. That’s exactly what we want every kid impacted by Wings & Seeds to be able to do.”

 

 

19 Homes Get Electrical Upgrades Donated by the IBEW/NECA Partnership

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – M.C. Thomas, a 71-year-old veteran in North St. Louis County, encountered what countless have on limited income – an older home with a vexing electrical issue. In this case it was a faulty circuit that impacted a ceiling fan and his kitchen countertop. He sought the help of a so-called handyman, who failed to fix it and left him in the lurch.

“My ceiling fan would work and then stop working and eventually just stopped working altogether,” said Thomas. Through the Veterans Administration, the former army cook and paratrooper found Rebuilding Together St. Louis and ultimately the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection, which repaired his electrical issue free of charge.

“I am so grateful and it just proves what I’ve always believed that there is more good in this world than bad,” said Thomas.

He was just one of many.

For the 23rd year, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership again marshaled its workforce to make free home repairs and improvements in St. Louis for older adults, veterans and individuals with disabilities. It is all part of an enduring partnership with Rebuilding Together St. Louis. Skilled IBEW Local 1 electricians evaluated electrical infrastructure needs in 19 homes including several owned by veterans of the armed services. On April 18, about 100 volunteers were dispatched to make numerous improvements and fix electrical hazards in the homes.

The effort is supported by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local No. 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) which unites to form the Electrical Connection.

“IBEW/NECA skills are invaluable in helping identify needs and installing electrical wiring and fixtures that comply with safety codes,” said Elaine Powers, executive director of Rebuilding Together St. Louis. “The homeowners we serve have the peace of mind knowing that electrical repairs and improvements are performed correctly by the IBEW/NECA team.”

The volunteer effort began with breakfast at the IBEW Local Union Hall and planning the day’s work.  St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer addressed the workforce before scores of IBEW electricians and 19 NECA and IBEW-signatory contractors fanned out from the union hall to make the repairs.

“Our IBEW Local 1 men and women give up a Saturday every spring to help the less fortunate,” noted Frank Jacobs, business manager, IBEW Local 1. “As the first electrical industry union in the nation, we have had the privilege of serving St. Louis for more than 135 years. So, we are very much invested in strengthening our neighborhoods though volunteer efforts like Rebuilding Together.”

Kyle McKenna, executive vice president, St. Louis Chapter NECA, notes that many of the issues encountered by the IBEW/NECA workforce are shock and fire hazards. “We find exposed wires hidden behind walls, overtaxed circuits and circuit panels, some improperly installed by an amateur. Our volunteers are dedicated to ensuring all installations are skillfully delivered and in compliance with the National Electrical Code.” The IBEW/NECA partnership also installed new lighting, ceiling fans and other fixtures, helping to improve safety and security.

Since 2003, the Electrical Connection has donated more than $2.3 million in labor and materials to improve more than 620 homes for low-income, disabled, and elderly St. Louisans.

The Electrical Connection represents the largest number of licensed commercial and residential electrical contractors and skilled electricians in the region with a searchable data base at www.electricalconnection.org.

Electrical Connection, NECA and IBEW signatory contractors who donated service trucks and tools in the Rebuilding Together effort this year included:

Akron Electric	Waldinger (Summit Electric)
Capital Electric (Bell Electrical)	Hanenkamp Electric
·       Liberty Electric	Schaeffer Electric
PayneCrest Electric	Guarantee Electrical
Cooper Electric	Kay Bee Electric
BRK Electrical	MR Bathe Electric
D&R Building Group	Municipal Electric
Brooks Electric	Nooter Construction
Sachs Electric	Kaemmerlen Electric
·       BT Electric	·       Coltrane
·       Electric Design	·       Renaud Electric
·       JF Electric	·       Kaiser Electric
·       Lynn’s Electric	·       Request Electric
·       T & R Electric ·       Warren County Electric	·       Vision Electric

For more than 30 years, Rebuilding Together St. Louis has provided free home repair to low income homeowners, including older adults and veterans, so they may remain safe and comfortable in their own homes. Since its founding, the organization has rehabbed more than 4,500 homes, 70 community spaces and touched more than 57,000 lives. For more information visit www.RebuildingTogether-STL.org

 

 

 

 

By SHELDON RIPSON O’FALLON, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Builders Association supports Construction Safety Week  – May 4-8 – under the national theme, All in Together. This year’s campaign emphasizes three key pillars of Recognize-Respond-Respect as a unified call to action for addressing high-energy, high-hazard work and preventing serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. Construction Safety Week originated in 2014 when more than 40 national and global firms from the Construction Industry Safety Initiative Group and the Incident and Injury Free CEO Forum joined forces to inspire safety leadership across the industry. It evolved into an annual campaign in 2016 and continues to grow as a vital opportunity for the entire construction community. The mission of Construction Safety Week is to celebrate the dedication of workers and organizations that champion safety, boost daily commitment to safe practices among skilled craft professionals, project leaders and business leaders, encourage collaboration and the sharing of best practices to strengthen the industry’s safety culture, provide essential resources so every worker is mentally and physically prepared for the job and promote ongoing safety awareness and education at jobsites throughout the year. “The construction industry continues to be one of the most impacted by serious injuries and fatalities,” said Donna Richter, CEO of Southern Illinois Builders Association. “We are committed to supporting our members and their teams in building a strong safety culture right here in Southern Illinois. We encourage every contractor, craft professional, and leader to fully participate May 4-8 and carry these principles forward every day on every jobsite.” The 2026 National Fall Stand Down will once again coincide with Construction Safety Week. Companies and employees are strongly encouraged to pause during the week to discuss fall-related hazards, their serious consequences and practical steps to prevent falls, one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in construction.

 

Image courtesy of S. M. Wilson & Co. 

MURRAYVILLE, Ill. – Jacksonville School District #117 has selected S. M. Wilson & Co. as general contractor for its new 40,000-square-foot Murrayville-Woodson Elementary School.

The site is approximately 45 miles southwest of Springfield, Ill.

Scheduled to open for the 2027-2028 school year, the new campus will replace the current 108-year-old building and is designed to accommodate future expansion. Recently district officials, community leaders, faculty, staff and students came together to break ground on the new school.

S. M. Wilson’s scope of work includes site work, construction of modern classrooms and learning spaces and improved safety and security features. The new school will be constructed on an eight-acre parcel of land located four miles away from the current building. The $19 million building program is funded through a no-tax increase bond sale and funds from the district’s general fund.

The architect is Graham & Hyde Architects.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – With the charitable St. Jude Dream Home under roof, the Electrical Connection is installing electrical infrastructure in the home which, once completed, will benefit medical research and care for children facing critical health issues.

The IBEW/NECA partnership is installing wiring and electrical systems by donating services and materials to build the O’Fallon home, which carries an estimated value of $680,000.

Proceeds from the sale of the home and ticket sales to win it will support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®. NECA-signatory Grasser Electric and its IBEW Local 1 workforce are performing interior and exterior electrical work on the 3,206-square-foot, ranch-style home for Fischer Homes. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association.

This is the 17^th year that the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection has donated services and materials to build the home.

Later this year, tickets will be available for a chance to win the home and other prizes at $100 each. For more information, visit https://discover.fischerhomes.com/st-jude/st-louis-missouri-2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMAHA, Neb. – WTS International, the premier organization for women in the transportation industry, has named HDR Employer of the Year for 2026. The award recognizes HDR’s commitment to advancing women and developing a diverse workforce in an inclusive and collaborative environment. This sustained commitment is evidenced by HDR’s focused professional development and leadership advancement programs, as well as steady growth in the proportion of women in the firm’s transportation practice. The company and its leaders provide meaningful pathways for growth in the industry through external scholarship, internship and mentorship programs that help women enter the field and develop their careers. For example, HDR’s annual scholarship program includes a college scholarship and paid internship, with the potential for HDR employment after graduation. And as a Pinnacle Partner of WTS, HDR sponsors two scholarships for transportation students through the organization. HDR champions work-life balance initiatives, including flexible workplace practices, family-friendly policies and a women’s networking group that empowers women to thrive at every stage of their careers. HDR has long been involved with WTS and its mission. The firm is a proud Pinnacle Partner of the organization, and more than 250 employees across North America are engaged in WTS, where over 50 serve in chapter leadership positions. Multiple HDR employees have served as chair of the WTS International Board and as members of its executive committee. The national honor follows multiple selections of HDR in recent years as Employer of the Year by regional WTS chapters – including groups in Greater New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Greater Chicago, Salt Lake City, Colorado and Orange County, Calif., among others.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – IBEW Local 1 and St. Louis NECA contractors have been honored with an Innovation in Philanthropy Award from the St. Louis Business Journal.

In a first-of-its-kind recovery initiative, IBEW/NECA collaborated with St. Louis City, suppliers and other agencies to restore power in tornado ravaged areas of North St. Louis.

The team orchestrating community recovery initiative included Guarantee Electrical Co.; ArchKey Solutions; RJP Electric; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1; the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA); St. Louis Home Repair Network; Graybar; Ameren Missouri; and the City of St. Louis Tornado Recover Program.

The Spring 2025 storm killed five people and injured 38 more. It damaged or destroyed more than 5,000 homes and buildings, a more than $1 billion disaster, according to Guarantee Electrical CEO Rich Ledbetter.

During a panel discussion at the Frontenac Hilton award ceremony, Ledbetter praised the restoration team including the NECA contractors engaged in ReConnect STL and the IBEW Local 1 which deployed its skills to help restore power.

Guarantee offered up $100,000 in services and materials free of charge to start. ArchKey Solutions, PayneCrest, GrayBar and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers made similar commitments.

It was the second time in the past two years that the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership has been honored in the publication’s Innovation in Philanthropy Awards. In 2024, the partnership was saluted for its work with Rebuilding Together St. Louis.  The awards honor local partnerships for going above and beyond standard philanthropic practices in new and creative ways.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has hired Amy Anderson as estimator and Tanya Strain-Hood as assistant project manager.

Anderson brings eight years of industry experience, including preconstruction and estimating hospitality, education and restoration projects. She also worked on large-scale themed entertainment projects for Walt Disney Imagineering. Anderson is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and was president of Society of Women Engineers and Joint Engineering Student Council.

As estimator, Anderson is responsible for assessing project costs and developing accurate budget proposals to guide successful construction bids. She collaborates with project managers, architects and clients to ensure that projects are both competitive and aligned with the company’s commitment to exceptional service and quality.

Strain-Hood brings 15 years of experience helping manage complex construction projects nationwide for retail, healthcare and corporate clients. Her experience includes successfully managing multi-million-dollar project portfolios, while optimizing processes and strengthening project controls. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management from DeVry University. She is currently working toward OSHA 10 certification.

In her role as assistant project manager, Strain-Hood collaborates with project managers to ensure projects are completed safely, on time and within approved budgets. She also is responsible for maintaining and communicating accurate documents including financial details of the project. She will be primarily working on a facility upgrade project for the Pattonville School District.

 

By SHELDON RIPSON

O’FALLON, Ill. – As Illinois expands access to education to meet the demand for skilled construction workers, the Southern Illinois Builders Association has awarded a record 52 grants in the third year of its building trades and vocational education grant program.

In 2024 SIBA awarded 30 grants and in 2025 the association awarded 40 grants. These grants are funded by the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program.

SIBA is providing grants to high schools and vocational centers offering construction-related vocational programs. The grants assist schools in delivering hands-on training that prepares students for careers in the construction industry.

“We are proud to support these 52 schools because these grants are an investment in our region’s future workforce,” said Donna Richter, CEO of SIBA. “With Illinois high schools ramping up vocational education programs, SIBA’s targeted support in Southern Illinois, funded by SICAP, ensures local students gain the practical skills needed to fill high-demand jobs in building trades strengthening communities and the industry we serve.”

The schools receiving grants are:

• Altamont High School
• Alton High School
• Belleville West High School
• Bluford High School
• Brussels High School
• Carbondale Community High School
• Carlinville High School
• Carlyle High School
• Carmi White County High School
• Carterville High School
• Central Community High School #71
• Cobden High School
• Columbia High School
• Coulterville CUSD #1
• DuQuoin High School
• East Alton-Wood River High School
• Edwards County High School
• Effingham High School
• Fairfield Community High School 225
• Flora High School
• Frankfort Community High School
• Hamilton County Jr./Sr. High School
• Hardin Co. CUSD 1
• Harrisburg High School
• Herrin High School
• Highland High School
• Joppa High School
• Marion High School
• Mt. Olive High School
• Mt. Vernon High School
• Murphysboro High School
• NCOE CUSD #3
• North Clay Unit #25
• North Greene High School
• Northwestern High School
• O’Fallon Township High School
• Okaw Area Vocational Center
• Pope County High School
• Red Hill Unit 10
• South Central High School
• Southwestern High School
• Staunton CUSD #6
• Steeleville High School
• Teutopolis High School
• Thompsonville CUSD #174
• Triad High School
• Trico High School #176
• Vienna High School
• Waterloo High School
• Wayne City CUSD #100
• Wesclin High School
• Zeigler Royalton High School

SIBA continues to seek opportunities to support and collaborate with high schools that offer vocational and technical education related to the construction industry. Schools are encouraged to report their class offerings and request classroom visits by construction industry professionals by contacting Donna Richter at [email protected].

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Institute of Building Sciences announces the appointment of Jade L. Rung, PE, PMP, as its new chief growth officer.

With more than 30 years of experience leading critical infrastructure programs, fostering organizational growth and strengthening public–private partnerships across the engineering and construction sectors, Rung brings a proven record of strategic leadership to the NIBS executive team.

Most recently, Rung served as senior vice president and regional practice lead for bridge & transportation at Michael Baker International, where he implemented strategic resource management processes and integrated regional business development strategies to improve client satisfaction and foster sustainable growth. Before that, he held national federal market leadership roles, helping to secure more than $110 billion in contract vehicles and significantly increasing the non-DoD federal market share at Michael Baker.

In his new role at NIBS, Rung will lead strategic expansion, increased engagement at the federal, state, territorial, tribal and local levels, organizational revenue growth and industry collaborations.

 

 

 

 

 

The Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) is now accepting speaker proposals for the 2027 Women of STEEL Conference, scheduled for Feb. 11–12, 2027 at Camden on the Lake in the Lake of the Ozarks.

Part of AGCMO’s broader commitment to workforce development and leadership growth within the construction industry, the annual Women of STEEL Conference brings together women from across Missouri for two days of professional development, leadership training and networking. Participants represent a wide range of roles within AGCMO member companies, including office administration, project management, field operations, executive leadership and company ownership.

“Women of STEEL continues to create meaningful opportunities for women in construction to develop professionally and build lasting connections,” said Charlyce Ruth, AGCMO Southwest Missouri manager and workforce development team member. “Each year we look for speakers who can share practical insights and real-world experiences that help our attendees grow both personally and professionally.”

AGCMO is seeking engaging speakers and workshop facilitators who can deliver interactive sessions that support leadership development, career advancement and personal well-being.

Based on feedback from past attendees, organizers are particularly interested in presentations focused on leadership in construction, leadership styles, psychological safety in the workplace, women’s health, health and wellness, situational awareness and safety and strategies for navigating difficult conversations and conflict resolution.

Conference sessions typically range from 60 to 180 minutes and are presented to audiences of approximately 75 to 100 participants. Selected speakers will receive complimentary conference registration and one night of lodging.

Speaker proposals must be submitted by June 30.

To submit a proposal, visit:
https://forms.gle/QDF1511S1KoUmZZZ6

For more information, contact Charlyce Ruth at [email protected]

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Oculus Inc. announces the addition of John Berendzen, AIA, LEED AP, as senior project architect and thought leader at the firm’s St. Louis office.

In his role, Berendzen will help expand Oculus’ capabilities in workplace and industrial environments while collaborating on projects across commercial sectors.

Berendzen brings more than 35 years of architectural experience to Oculus.

He is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a Master of Architecture.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has added Brent Fallert as senior superintendent and Chris Becker as superintendent.

Fallert brings more than 20 years of industry experience, including large-scale commercial and residential project experience. He also has experience in tilt-up construction as a concrete foreman. In his early career, Fallert was a union carpenter and built custom homes. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from ITT Technical Institute and is OSHA 30 certified.

Becker brings 30 years of both commercial and residential construction industry experience, including serving as a carpenter foreman, project manager and superintendent. He holds OSHA 10, OSHA 30 and boom scissor certifications.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Midwest Council hosted its 33^rd annual Awards Gala, The Black & White Ball, on April 1 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Downtown St. Louis.

The event welcomed 422 attendees to celebrate industry excellence. Awards were presented in several categories including General Contractor of the Year, Outstanding MEP and Specialty Subcontractors, Professional Service Provider and Vendor/Supplier of the Year. Additionally, the ASA Legacy Award and GC Field & Office Employees of the Year were honored.

The ASA Midwest Council also recognized members for their commitment to workplace safety, presenting special safety awards for outstanding safety achievements in 2025, along with the prestigious Safety Cup Award to one ASA member company.

Here are the recipients:

2026 General Contractor of the Year

Category A

BSI Constructors

Category B

McGrath & Associates

Category C

Landco Construction

2026 MEP Subcontractor of the Year

Category A

Guarantee Electrical Co.

Category B

C&R Mechanical

2026 Specialty Subcontractor of the Year

Category A

T.J. Wies Contracting

Category B

Bazan Painting Co.

2026 Service Vendor/Supplier of the Year

K&K Supply

2026 Service Provider of the Year

Too Creative

 

ASA Legacy Award:

Brian Grant | Grant Masonry Contracting

GC Field Employee of the Year

Adam Paul | PARIC

GC Office Employee of the Year

Daniel Yaeger | McGrath & Associates

2025 ASA Safety Cup

Affton Fabricating & Welding Co., Inc.

2025 Safety Award Winners

Division I | Guarantee Electrical Co.

Division II | Flooring Systems Inc.

Division III | Haberberger Mechanical Contractors

Division IV | Bazan Painting Co.

Division V | K.J. Unnerstall Construction Co.

Division VI | Grant Masonry Contracting

“The ASA Midwest Council Awards Gala continues to set the standard for our industry, and this year was no exception,” said ASA Midwest Council President Matt Tucker with Affton Fabricating & Welding Co., Inc. “With 422 in attendance and another sold-out event, it’s a clear reflection of the strength of our membership and the respect this program has earned across the St. Louis construction community.”

General contractors were nominated based on bid ethics practice, equitable contract/purchase order provisions, safety policy and practices, payment practices, jobsite supervision, scheduling coordination, subcontractor/vendor relations and administrative procedures/paperwork.

Subcontractors were judged on bid ethics and practice, safety policy and practices, jobsite supervision, communication, scheduling coordination, project relations, administrative procedures/paperwork and quality workmanship.

Vendor/suppliers were nominated based on pricing consistency, equitable contract/purchase order provisions, accessibility, timeliness of service/delivery, customer relations and administrative procedures.

General contractor and subcontractor categories were divided into subcategories based on sales volume.

ASA members nominated and cast votes for the general contractor and service provider/ supplier awards.

Past nominees and previous general contractor award winners submitted nominations for the subcontractor categories, which were voted on by previous general contractor winners.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Spectrum Engineers, Colvin Engineering Associates and Envision Engineering have merged to form Lynk Engineers.

The merger combines the expertise in mechanical and electrical engineering developed by the Salt Lake City-based firms, each with more than 30 years in business.

As Lynk Engineers, the company has approximately 245 employees offering mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology engineering design services.

The newly appointed seven-person executive team at Lynk Engineers includes leaders from the three legacy firms, namely Chris Kobayashi, CEO (formerly president, Spectrum Engineers), Scott Hardy, president (formerly CFO, Envision Engineering), Jarrett Capstick, COO – Mechanical Engineering (formerly principal, Colvin Engineering Associates), and Aleksandar Rankovic, COO – Electrical Engineering (formerly principal, Envision Engineering). Dave Wesemann (formerly CEO, Spectrum Engineers), Steve Connor (formerly president, Colvin Engineering Associates) and Jeff Owen (formerly founder and CEO, Envision Engineering) will serve as executive advisors.

Image courtesy of Sarens

BEAUMONT, Texas – Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport and crane rental services, has carried out heavy lifting operations as part of the annual maintenance program at a petrochemical facility in Beaumont, Texas.

The facility is an integrated complex that includes advanced processing units and is part of a logistics network connected to pipelines, terminals and ports; therefore, a failure in any part of the infrastructure can be critical. For this reason, routine maintenance shutdowns are carried out at the facilities to maintain the performance, safety and efficiency.

During this process, Sarens provided various heavy-lifting operations, in line with strict operational and safety requirements.

To this end, Sarens’ engineering team conducted a preliminary study of the site and ground conditions. In addition, the planning focused on staff preparation, ensuring that the entire team received specific training and guidance before arriving on site, thereby ensuring compliance with the client’s safety protocols.

Based on the information gathered by Sarens’ experts, an AC5250 all-terrain crane – with a maximum lifting capacity of 250 tons – was ultimately selected as the primary crane, supported by AC130 and GMK4090 units. This equipment was chosen based on the job requirements, offering a combination of high load capacity, operational flexibility and compact dimensions, ideal for complex industrial environments such as a petrochemical facility.

Thanks to the proximity of the Sarens depot in Beaumont, equipment mobilization was highly efficient. The cranes transported to the site in approximately 15 minutes and without the need for additional transport. The assembly of the equipment, in turn, took only five hours to become fully operational.

During the 23-day project, Sarens carried out multiple lifting operations involving various components required for maintenance and replacement tasks. Although the lifting parameters varied depending on each operation, the work consisted mainly of vertical lifts in confined spaces within the plant. A total team of 12 Sarens professionals participated in the project, with two operators involved in each lift, ensuring precision and compliance with safety standards. The combination of the AC5250 with the auxiliary cranes allowed for increased operational flexibility and helped minimize downtime during critical maintenance windows.

Sarens has already worked on some of the most important petrochem projects in Texas – such as the construction and improvement of the Corpus Christi refinery, carried out together with Kellogg, Brown and Root (KBR). Previously, this company carried out the transport of an 81-meter-long propylene rectification tower in San Leon using K-25 trailers.

Photos courtesy of S. M. Wilson

ST. LOUIS, Mo.– S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Andrew Ahlers to project director, Gerardo Lopez to assistant project manager and Devan Cobb to project superintendent.

Ahlers, of Edwardsville, Ill., joined S. M. Wilson in 2014 and has held numerous roles, most recently as senior project manager. In his new role, Ahlers provides leadership and operational oversight on construction projects. He will continue to focus on healthcare sector clients and pursuits, while providing support across other market sectors.

Ahlers holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and has been a member of the Army National Guard since 2021.

Gerardo Lopez began as an intern with S. M. Wilson in 2021, and has held numerous roles, most recently as project engineer. His work has focused on education projects, including work for Jefferson City Schools and Rolla Public Schools.

Cobb joined S. M. Wilson last fall. He has worked primarily on the firm’s commercial and retail projects, including the construction of the new Target in Springfield, Mo.

 

 

O’FALLON, Ill. – Southern Illinois Builders Association is honoring three companies that have been members of the organization for a half century.

Premier Fire & Security, Belleville Supply Company Inc. and Red-E-Mix LLC have been members of SIBA since 1976.

Founded in 1974 by Larry Hickey, Paducah, Ky.-headquartered Premier Fire & Security has grown from a dedicated fire sprinkler contractor in Western Kentucky to a provider of comprehensive fire protection, installation solutions and facilities services. Jason Hickey is company president.

Belleville Supply Company Inc. has been providing plumbing, heating and building products since 1938. It remains locally owned and operated and is based in Belleville, Ill.

Red-E-Mix LLC, based in Troy, Ill., has eight plant locations across southwestern Illinois. It provides ready-mix concrete and supplies, telescopic concrete conveyors, super stone slinger trucks, decorative concrete coloring and stamps.

The purpose of the Southern Illinois Builders Association is to advance the construction industry through strengthening its members by enabling them to do collectively what they cannot accomplish on their own.  SIBA offers a full range of services and programs to provide value to its members as the voice of the construction industry in Southern Illinois.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Joel Fuoss, FAIA, IIDA, LEED AP, principal of St. Louis-based architecture, planning, urban design and interiors firm Trivers, has been elevated to the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows.

Fuoss is the only architect in Missouri to achieve AIA’s highest membership honor in 2026.

Fellows are recognized with AIA’s highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society on a national level. Architects who have been elevated to fellowship can be identified by the designation “FAIA” after their name.

Fewer than three percent of AIA members have been honored with the prestigious FAIA designation. Fuoss joins a distinguished group of more than 100 architects from AIA St. Louis who have been named Fellows since the chapter was founded in 1890.

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Swinerton Builders has promoted Jay Quackenbush, former market head for the firm’s New York City region, to VP and division manager of its northeast division.

This promotion follows a year of strategic hires, including Nicholas Schifferle as director of client relations and Robert Murphy as project executive.

A longtime New York native, Quackenbush has spent nearly three decades overseeing complex, logistically demanding construction projects.

DENVER, Colo. – Iron Horse Architects announces that Sarah David has been promoted to associate.

Serving as senior architect and senior project manager, David brings more than 20 years of experience in the architectural industry. Known for her collaborative leadership, thoughtful design approach and strong partnership across teams and clients.

 

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) has opened submissions for the 2027 PTI Project Awards, an awards program that recognizes exceptional post-tensioning structures.

Submission categories include buildings, parking structures, bridges, slab-on-ground, repair, rehabilitation and strengthening and industrial or special application. The Institute also awards one project with the Project of the Year award, honoring the most outstanding demonstration of post-tensioning design and construction execution.

Award-winning projects will be celebrated during the 2027 PTI Project Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 4, 2027, during the 2027 PTI Convention in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

All 2027 Project Award submissions must be fully completed by Nov. 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Entries must feature post-tensioning as the primary structural system and must have been constructed or rehabilitated no more than 60 months before the submission date.

To submit a project, fill out the 2027 Submission Form on the PTI website. If you have any questions about the awards program, please email [email protected].

 

CHICAGO, Ill. – Clayco announces the launch of its new power and energy business unit, to be headed by Ryan Johnson.

He will oversee strategy, operations and project delivery as vice president of the newly created business unit.

With an initial focus on utility-scale solar and energy storage projects, Clayco Power and Energy will provide comprehensive design, engineering, procurement and construction services to accelerate the delivery of reliable, cost-effective energy infrastructure nationwide.

Clayco is currently under contract and in the design phase for a solar and battery storage project in Illinois, scheduled to mobilize in 2026. The project represents the first of several large-scale opportunities anticipated as the company expands into the solar and storage market to support growing national demand.

Clayco Power and Energy is expected to generate $300 million in revenue and employ nearly 1,000 craft professionals by 2027.

 

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Brendan King has been named chief financial officer of KAST Construction, one of Florida’s largest privately held construction management firms.

In his new role, King oversees financial strategy, accounting operations, financial planning and analysis, capital management and risk oversight.

He brings more than a decade of experience in construction-focused accounting and financial leadership and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Mason Contractors Association of St. Louis announces new board members, including incoming President Luke Siebert of Heitkamp Masonry. Siebert will hold the job for a two-year term. The other MCA officers are: · Vice President: Nick Frisch, Frisch Masonry · Secretary: John Foley, Swanson Masonry ·  Treasurer: Scott Masterson, B&K Tuckpointing The MCA welcomed board trustees and arbitration board members: Board trustees are: ·  Kenneth Booth, Leonard Masonry ·  Michael Caswell, Caswell Brickwork ·  Patrick Dempsey, Dempsey Masonry ·  Mark Mountford, Gateway Waterproofing & Restoration ·  Daniel Toenjes, Toenjes Brick Contracting Arbitration board members are: ·  Bradley Grant, Grant Contracting Company ·  Dan Grass, Heitkamp Masonry ·  Brett Lampkin, Lampkin Masonry ·  Jeffrey Schmidt, JDS Masonry ·  John J. Smith, Jr, John J. Smith Masonry Company The Mason Contractors Association is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year.

 

SIUE Construction Leadership Institute Announces 2026 Graduates

PHOTO:  (Front Row L-R) Nate Stinson, John Thompson, Jake Fenster, Audrey Lenardo, Lisa Kientzy, Megan Swanson, Darcy Rogers, Carrie Beth Wright, Taylor Fritsche, Zach Barnes, Denny Bozesky, Corey Watson, Marty Brunnert, Lisa Pontious (Row 2 L-R) Jordan Wicklein, Colby Peters, Ryan Meyer, Quintin Dial, Devin Powell, Justin Wurtz, Kyle Yates, Ethan Foster, Calvin Rakers, Tyler Whitney, Kyle Durnin, E.J. Folks, Corey Gall, Mitchel Widman (Row 3 Row L-R) Adnan Malkoc, Matt Cress, David Rall, Lucas Theising, Kyle Pearson, Jon Butterbrodt, Nick Monzyk, Kyle Cage Not Pictured: Lauren Avalos Gonzalez, Doug Sorenson, Zack Kemp

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – The Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville celebrated 39 graduates of its program March 6 as a part of the CLI Graduation celebration.

Developed by the SIUE Schools of Business and Engineering, the CLI provides the knowledge, skills and strategies that individuals and companies need in today’s challenging construction industry.

Program Co-Directors Chris Gordon, associate dean of the SIUE School of Engineering, and Kristine Jarden, director of executive education in the SIUE School of Business, oversaw the ceremony.

The Class of 2026 graduates are:

Zackary Barnes, Senior Project Engineer, IMPACT Strategies
Denny Bozesky, Assistant Project Manager, Alberici Constructors Inc.
Marty Brunnert, Preconstruction Manager, Contegra Construction Company
Jon Butterbrodt, Electrical Engineer, Guarantee Electrical Construction Co.
Kyle Cage, Project Estimator, The Korte Company
Matt Cress, Senior Project Manager, Capri Pools & Aquatics
Quintin Dial, Project Manager, ArchKey Solutions
Kyle Durnin, Electrical Project Manager, Guarantee Electrical Construction Co.
Jake Fenster, Senior Estimator, S.M. Wilson & Co.
E.J. Folks, Senior Project Manager, ArchKey Solutions
Ethan Foster, Assistant Project Manager, Holland Construction Services
Taylor Fritsche, Estimator, Alberici Constructors Inc.
Corey Gall, Project Manager, Plocher Construction
Lauren Gonzalez, Assistant Project Manager, Alberici Constructors Inc.
Zachary Kemp, Maintenance Manager, Alberici Constructors Inc.
Lisa Kientzy, Assistant Safety Superintendent, Alberici Constructors Inc.
Audrey Lenardo, Project Engineer, O’Shea Builders
Adnan Malkoc, Senior Project Engineer, Alberici Constructors Inc.
Ryan Meyer, Project Manager, BJC HealthCare
Nick Monzyk, Project Manager, Duggan Contracting Corporation
Kyle Pearson, Project Engineer, O’Shea Builders
Colby Peters, Lead Project Manager, Commercial Electric, Inc.
Lisa Pontious, Preconstruction, Korte & Luitjohan Contractors
Devin Powell, Project Engineer, O’Shea Builders
Calvin Rakers, Senior Project Engineer, Poettker Industrial Services
David Rall, Project Manager, S.M. Wilson & Co.
Darcy Rogers, Project Assistant Superintendent, McCarthy Building Companies
Dominic Ruholl, Vice President, Commercial Electric, Inc.
Douglas Sorenson, Purchasing Manager, Alberici Constructors Inc.
Nathan Stinson, Project Manager icon Mechanical
Megan Swanson, Controller, Swanson Masonry, Inc.
Lucas Theising, Senior Project Engineer, IMPACT Strategies
John Thompson, Project Manager, icon Mechanical
Corey Watson, Estimator, O’Shea Builders
Tyler Whitney, Senior Project Engineer, Poettker Industrial Services
Jordan Wicklein, Project Manager, Korte & Luitjohan Contractors
Mitchel Widman, Project Superintendent, The Korte Company
Carrie Wright, Associate Project Manager – Structural Bridge, Horner & Shifrin, Inc.
Justin Wurtz, Project Manager, Drury Development Corporation
Kyle Yates, Project Manager/Estimator, RCS Construction, Inc.

CLI is an executive education program jointly developed by SIUE’s School of Business and the School of Engineering’s Department of Construction. It brings together professionals from many sectors of the building industry.

Since CLI’s creation, more than 600 emerging leaders and executives have benefited from the nine-week program that strengthens leadership, strategic thinking, communications and key management skills.

For more information on the Construction Leadership Institute, visit siue.edu/cli or call (618) 650-2668.

 

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – Nicholas Walker, vice president of project development and strategy of IMPACT Strategies, is the recipient of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 2026 Construction Leadership Institute Alumni Leadership Award.

The CLI Alumni Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the St. Louis area building community.

At IMPACT Strategies, Walker plays a pivotal role in advancing strategic initiatives and guiding projects from client’s vision to reality. He has a unique foundation in architecture, construction and real estate development. Walker brings a comprehensive, multifaceted perspective to every engagement — allowing him to align business objectives, design intent, and construction execution into a cohesive strategy for client success.

Educated as an architect, Walker began his career in architectural practice and became a licensed architect early in his career. His experience in design provided a deep understanding of how thoughtful planning and collaboration shape the built environment. He later expanded his expertise into construction and development, devoting more than 15 years to shaping and delivering senior living communities. During that time, he led multidisciplinary teams, navigated complex regulatory environments, and delivered projects that balanced financial performance with meaningful impact for operators and senior living residents.

For nearly a decade at IMPACT Strategies, Walker has served as a trusted advisor to clients, offering strategic leadership throughout the project – from early visioning and feasibility through design, collaboration with preconstruction, and construction teams for execution. His diverse experience enables him to anticipate challenges, align stakeholder priorities, and facilitate confident, informed decision-making. Walker is engaged in supporting both clients and collaborating with the team at IMPACT Strategies to deliver projects with excellence and confidence.

Walker earned his Master of Business Administration from the John Cook School of Business at Saint Louis University and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kentucky College of Design. He completed the Construction Leadership Institute at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2007, further strengthening his leadership skills in the construction industry.

CLI is an executive education program jointly developed by SIUE’s School of Business and the School of Engineering’s Department of Construction. It brings together professionals from many sectors of the building industry.

Since CLI’s creation, more than 650 emerging leaders and executives have benefitted from the nine-week program that strengthens leadership, strategic thinking, communications and key management skills.

For more information on the Construction Leadership Institute, visit siue.edu/cli or call (618) 650-2668.

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  The National Institute of Building Sciences  announces two key leadership promotions that will expand the organization’s capabilities across Department of Defense programs, infrastructure and resilience initiatives.

NIBS has promoted Shirley K. Albritton, PE, PMP, to senior vice president of operations, and Eric Rawdon, PE, PMP, to vice president of infrastructure.

Both leaders bring extensive experience in engineering, construction and mission-critical operations that support the built environment across the public and private sectors.

 

 

HOUSTON, Texas – Kilpatrick announces the addition of Barclay Nicholson, partner, to the firm’s constructure and infrastructure team.

 

Image courtesy of Skanska (For the construction of a residential tower, Skanska deployed two Nextera Robotics Didge robots to continuous site monitoring, track progress, ensure quality control and uphold safety standards by comparing photos to Skanska’s BIM models to verify construction accuracy.)

 

By BARBARA HORWITZ-BENNETT

How are contractors leveraging IoT sensors, virtual reality (VR) and the power of artificial intelligence (AI) on construction sites?

CNR Magazine chatted with Skanska’s Director of Emerging Technology Albert Zulps about how the construction giant is saving time and money – and enhancing jobsite safety – with these advance technologies.

CNR: Where do you typically install IoT sensors on construction sites, what information is it collecting and how is your company leveraging the data collected by the sensors? 

Zulps: Environmental sensors are typically used to track dust, vibration, temperature, humidity and differential pressure, especially during work near sensitive spaces like museums or hospital operating rooms. For example, maintaining humidity is crucial to protect artwork, while monitoring air quality and vibration helps prevent disruptions to medical procedures. We start by capturing baseline readings during inactive periods, then set thresholds and configure alerts to notify stakeholders if conditions exceed acceptable limits.

We also use embedded concrete sensors to monitor curing and strength development. These sensors transmit data via Bluetooth to the cloud, allowing us to assess concrete strength in real time and often remove formwork ahead of schedule, safely accelerating project timelines.

Additionally, sensor-equipped robots like DIDGE from Nextera Robotics to help us capture consistent site photos for progress tracking. These robots also measure lighting levels to ensure OSHA compliance and flag any maintenance needs, such as replacing burned-out bulbs. Beyond that, they can detect moisture on slabs (e.g., puddles), and their safety tracking module monitors potential hazards and safety compliance. This includes identifying missing PPE like gloves, safety glasses or hardhats, as well as observing ladder safety and other site-specific safety protocols.

CNR: Why is real-time data so beneficial?

Zulps: Real-time data is essential because it provides transparency, enabling rapid response when issues arise. It supports informed decision making.

For example, during a hospital renovation, we monitor air quality and differential pressure to ensure contaminated air from the construction zone doesn’t enter clean spaces like operating rooms. If pressure levels shift unexpectedly, our system immediately alerts the team so the area can be shut down and remediated before any impact occurs.

CNR: How are you using real time data to capture construction efficiencies, enhance safety and control costs? 

Zulps: On projects like the Kaye development in Seattle, we’re using Nextera’s DIDGE robot to capture 360° site photos and compare actual progress against the schedule. This allows us to proactively identify issues like trade stacking or production bottlenecks before they impact timelines or budgets.

AI is used to interpret these images, detecting missing fire extinguishers, PPE compliance and other safety risks. During idle times, the robot is repurposed to stream live video, enabling real-time analytics on elevator dwell times, site activity and potential hazards. These insights help us intervene quickly and make informed decisions that improve both safety and efficiency.

We’re also using platforms like Evercam and ArrowSight to shift from reactive to predictive safety practices. These systems detect pinch zones, unsafe interactions between people and machinery and other risks, sending immediate alerts and enabling teams to prevent incidents before they occur. Beyond prevention, this data helps us analyze near misses and turn them into teachable moments.

In the past we have utilized location-based analytics from tools that allow us to study worker movement patterns and optimize material staging to reduce travel time and eliminate waste. This helps control costs while improving productivity across jobsites.

CNR: How are you using digital twin and virtual reality technology? 

Zulps: We implement digital twin technology on projects when it drives the decision-making process or helps our teams to plan and communicate. One example is on a healthcare project in New York where the virtual building model was integrated into an immersive VR environment using Resolve VR. This allowed the facilities management team, Skanska staff and owner representatives to step into a shared, full-scale digital version of the building, before it was physically completed. Through this experience, they were able to identify bottlenecks such as access panels and valves

In this 1:1 virtual space, users can interact with the model in real time. For instance, they can reach up with a controller to test whether an access panel or shutoff valve is realistically reachable. This hands-on experience enables design adjustments based on accessibility and usability, ensuring that building systems are fully understood well in advance of project completion.

The digital twin also serves as a training tool. Facilities teams can begin familiarizing themselves with systems during commissioning, and the model remains a long-term resource for operations and maintenance after construction is complete.

Using Resolve, the project team on a New York healthcare project identified and prevented over 260 issues, avoiding more than $1 million in estimated rework.

CNR: What do you foresee for the future?

Zulps: Skanska continues to use site sensors and monitoring technology to enhance visibility and transparency across the project team, including owners, general contractors and trade partners. One of the most significant benefits we’ve seen is improved safety. Whether it’s monitoring air quality in an active hospital or securing an entire jobsite, camera and sensor technology has become a vital part of supporting our safety culture and enabling proactive risk management.

 

 

 

Image courtesy of Russell

DAVENPORT, Iowa – Russell is a recipient of the Master Builders of Iowa Award of Excellence.

The recognition comes from its work constructing the KENT WORLDWIDE McKee Building in Muscatine, Iowa.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – General contractor and construction manager Tarlton announces the promotion of Sondra Rotty, LEED AP BD+C, to president, as elected by the company’s board of directors.

In her new role, Rotty also will retain her current position as COO.

The leadership transition is the result of several years of preparation and reflects the company’s commitment to continuity, stewardship and disciplined growth.

Tracy Hart will assume the role of executive chairman and CEO.

Hart, along with her brother and business partner Dirk Elsperman, executive vice president and chief administrative officer, have served as Tarlton’s leaders since 1999.

Rotty joined Tarlton in 2005 as a project engineer and was named COO in 2024.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Ben Hur Construction welcomes Rick Kayser as vice president.

With more than two decades of experience, he brings proven leadership in construction operations, business development and strategic growth across North America.

Kayser joins Ben Hur following 25 years with Alberici, where he most recently served as executive vice president, overseeing a diverse operations portfolio including steel fabrication and erection, manufacturing, equipment services and craft labor. Throughout his tenure, he drove revenue growth, negotiated high-value contracts, strengthened operational performance and led initiatives focused on safety, efficiency and talent development.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Ellen Zimmer has joined Tarlton as chief financial officer and vice president to oversee the company’s financial strategy, accounting, treasury and long-term planning initiatives.

Zimmer brings more than 20 years of accounting and finance experience in the region to Tarlton’s executive leadership team. A certified public accountant, she previously served as controller for a national design-build general contractor headquartered in St. Louis, where she spent eight years developing expertise in construction accounting and risk management. Most recently, as director of finance for a global wholesale distributor and manufacturer, she led strategic acquisition integration, built and developed high-performing teams and spearheaded company-wide AI strategy implementation.

An advocate for the accounting profession, Zimmer serves on the board of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Zimmer holds both a bachelor’s degree in science and a Master of Accountancy degree from the University of Missouri in Columbia.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Gabe Lett, FSMPS, CPSM, joins Horner & Shifrin, Inc. as senior business development manager.

Lett has more than 20 years of experience in strategic marketing and business development.

He will oversee business development efforts in Northwest Arkansas and Southwest Missouri. His expertise will help strengthen client partnerships and expand Horner & Shifrin’s presence in these growing regions.

 

BREESE, Ill. – Poettker Construction has earned a spot on the Associated Builders and Contractors’ 2026 Top Performers List.

This recognition honors ABC contractor members’ outstanding achievements in health and safety, quality and project excellence, ranked by the number of hours worked.

As an ABC Top Performer, Poettker Construction achieved Platinum status in ABC’s STEP® Health and Safety Management System, which helps the best-performing contractors achieve incident rates nearly seven times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average, according to ABC’s Health and Safety Performance Report.

Companies participating in ABC’s STEP Health and Safety Management System average 658 percent safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average — reducing total recordable incident rates by 85 percent — according to the ABC 2025 Safety Performance Report.

With safety as the company’s primary core value, Poettker employees completed more than 400,000 workhours without a lost-time incident and 5,120 hours of safety training in 2025. Poettker Construction also launched a drone program to benefit risk management by performing inspections and flagging potential issues from the air.

Poettker Construction’s 2025 performance also earned national recognition from ABC as the 11th top retail contractor and 61st top general contractor with additional top honors in the education, government, health care, industrial, infrastructure, military and office market sectors.

 

By ALEX AYRES

As the pace of change in the AEC (architecture/engineering/construction) industry continues to accelerate, many conferences focus on the latest tools, platforms and emerging technologies.

AECTechCon™ takes a different approach.

Now entering its third year under the AECTechCon™ name – following a decade-long run as the Design and Construction Technology Conference – the event is built around a simple but powerful idea: meaningful progress happens when people, process and technology evolve together.

“The 2026 keynote lineup reflects that philosophy, pairing thought leadership with real-world case studies to explore not just what is changing in construction, but how teams are adapting and why it matters,” says Matthew Halveland, 2026 planning committee chair. “Each day of the conference is anchored by two complementary keynote sessions. One challenges attendees to rethink leadership, culture and organizational behavior. The other grounds those ideas in tangible projects where innovation, craft and collaboration are already producing results.”

One of the conference’s thought leader keynotes, Building Human Resilience in Times of Technological Change, will be delivered by Jeff Visnic, P.E., PMP. Drawing from his experience as both an engineering leader and a certified Fearless Living Coach, Visnic explores how rapid change introduces hidden stress that can undermine safety, innovation and morale.

“His session reframes resilience as a competitive advantage, offering leaders practical insights on how recognizing and managing stress enables clearer decision-making and stronger teams,” says Halveland. “That human-centered perspective is echoed in a powerful case study from the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library project in North Dakota. Presented by project leaders from Snøhetta, the session explores how ancient building methods such as rammed earth and mass timber are being reinterpreted through advanced digital modeling and fabrication.” The project, adds Halveland, demonstrates how handcrafted workmanship and technology can coexist, creating architecture rooted in place, sustainability and cultural responsibility. Together, these sessions illustrate how thoughtful leadership and intentional design can thrive amid technological change.

The second day of keynotes continues this balance between vision and execution. Andy Robert, co-founder and CEO of Slantis, presents From Machines to Ecosystems, a challenge to traditional organizational models in AEC. Robert introduces ecosystem thinking, inspired by natural systems where creativity, leadership and knowledge flow through relationships rather than rigid hierarchies.

“Her talk encourages leaders to rethink how teams are structured and how innovation emerges in complex environments,” Halveland says. “That mindset comes to life in a local case study focused on the Butler Building renovation in downtown St. Louis.” This early 20th-century structure, occupying an entire city block near Union Station, underwent a comprehensive transformation into a modern multifamily development. The keynote brings together voices from across the project team – including the general contractor, owner, designer and key subcontractors, according to Halveland. “The session highlights how tools such as laser scanning, 3D coordination and 360-degree documentation supported collaboration across disciplines while preserving the character of a historic structure,” he adds.

What sets AECTechCon™ apart is not just the quality of its speakers, but the way their stories connect. The keynote sessions are designed to spark reflection and conversation, setting the tone for two days of breakout sessions that dive deeper into BIM and VDC, innovation and emerging technology, safety and workforce development, IT and infrastructure and executive leadership.

“AECTechCon™ remains intentionally user-driven, shaped by practitioners who are actively solving problems in the field, office and jobsite,” says Halveland. “The event creates neutral ground for learning, collaboration and candid discussion across roles and organizations. For AEC professionals seeking more than surface-level conversations about technology, AECTechCon™ offers a forum that recognizes the human side of progress. It is a place to learn from peers, challenge assumptions, and explore how innovation can be applied thoughtfully and sustainably across the industry.”

Registration and full conference details are available at the AECTechCon™ website, https://agcmo.org/aectc.

 

By KERRY SMITH BUCK

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Construction professionals of all kinds who are in attendance at the Associated General Contractors of Missouri’s AECTechCon conference May 6-7 near St. Louis will be treated to a presentation on how AI can powerfully skill up their workforces.

Co-presenters Susan Brattberg – founder and chief operating officer of Global eTraining – and Paul Hedgepath – director of virtual construction at MJ Harris Construction Services LLC – will lead a talk on the topic of AI-powered training strategies that drive tech adoption and workforce readiness.

Attendees will learn how real-world AI can enable architecture, engineering, construction, operations and manufacturing teams to bring their workers up to speed much more quickly, gain real value from new technology and prepare their workforce for what’s next.

To register for AECTechCon, contact Iris Albertorio at the AGC of Missouri at [email protected] or (314) 476-0105.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has expanded its national retail division with the addition of five team members.

S. M. Wilson has delivered $2 billion of retail construction since 1987. The strategic expansion positions the 105-year-old company to grow existing client relationships and establish new long-term partnerships with major national brands from coast to coast.

“Our expanded retail team marks the launch of S. M. Wilson’s next phase of growth,” said Mike Yazbec, president of S. M. Wilson. “We are excited to welcome these seasoned industry professionals who bring a proven track record of executing high-stakes national retail projects.”

S. M. Wilson’s capabilities and experience span ground-up construction, closed- and open-store remodels, tenant build-outs and multi-site program rollouts. S. M. Wilson is headquartered in St. Louis and licensed in 32 states.

Last fall, S. M. Wilson added Chris Hawn as VP of retail construction to lead the retail division. To support growth, Jamie Dickerson has joined the division as director of retail, along with four positions that add more than 50 years of combined experience in the firm’s core retail competencies. The new staff are senior project managers Corey Irvin and Tyler Willmann; senior preconstruction manager Andy Smith and estimator Todd Failor.

“S. M. Wilson’s top-notch team will drive growth in the retail sector by delivering a solid customer experience,” said Hawn.”Through proactive planning and hands-on coordination, we streamline every step of the process – from permitting and scheduling to vendor management and technology integration, so stores open faster and our clients can stay focused on running their businesses.”

About the new team members:

Dickerson is a relationship-driven leader with 25 years of experience in shaping strong brands in high-visibility commercial and retail environments. He is responsible for developing meaningful connections to drive growth by supporting pursuit strategy, refining brand voice and strengthening client relationships.

Irvin and Willmann are responsible for leadership, coordination and success of all client projects, including managing the project team, maintaining documentation and overseeing project finances. Irvin brings 14 years of experience managing projects nationwide and delivering repeatable build standards across multiple locations. He has overseen more than $85 million in construction revenue. Willmann has successfully delivered more than $70 million in project revenue across his decade of retail construction experience. He brings a well-rounded skill set spanning high-value tenant improvements, multi-million dollar remodels and ground-up retail projects.

Smith is an accomplished senior preconstruction manager and cost estimator with more than nine years of experience producing estimates for a diverse project portfolio, including ground-up and tenant fit-outs across commercial, retail, multifamily and data centers. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Failor brings a unique, 24-year perspective to the commercial construction process. His 17 years of experience as a master finish carpenter help him connect detailed design with real jobsite conditions. He produces competitive, practical and accurate bids.

 

 

 ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tarlton has promoted Michael Trettel to senior vice president.

In this new role, Trettel – an experienced leader with more than 20 years of service in the construction industry – will expand his corporate responsibilities and leadership at the firm and continue to provide executive oversight of and drive growth in the energy, industrial, water/wastewater and civil markets as well as Tarlton’s self-perform and special projects groups.

Trettel joined Tarlton in 2022 as director of strategic markets, fostering a strong culture for work acquisition and performance in the firm’s heavy civil and industrial markets. He was subsequently promoted to the role of vice president in 2023. Trettel’s collaborative approach has helped to inform and shape company strategy, lead teams in pursuing new work, oversee projects spanning multiple locations and foster valued client and partner relationships.

Trettel holds a master’s degree in business administration from the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Penn State University.

An industry advocate, he is actively involved in the Associated General Contractors of America, where he is a member of the Board of Governors and a past member of the Board of Directors, past chair of the Building Division and the Business Development Forum. Trettel also serves as an AGC of Missouri Utility Infrastructure Division board member.

HIGHLAND, Ill. – Karen Boulanger is the new director of operations at Korte & Luitjohan Contractors.

Following a lengthy career at Ameren, Boulanger has joined her family’s business.  She is the daughter of the late Cyril “Pete” Korte, founder of K&L.

She brings extensive experience in performance management, safety and human resources to K&L. Initially brought in to implement Entrepreneurial Operating System at the company, her role now includes overseeing human resources, safety and quality assurance/quality control. Boulanger has infused a fresh perspective to the 68-year-old construction firm.

K&L President Gregg Korte says the timing of his sister’s joining the company is ideal. “Given that we are roughly 10 years apart in age, the timing works well for everyone involved,” he says. “As Celeste Korte, Ken Toennies and I begin planning our own retirements, Karen’s increasing presence and involvement with the rest of our leadership team provides both continuity and confidence for the future.”

Founded in 1958, Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. is a design-build, construction management, general contractor company based in Highland, Ill.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Midwest Council has announced its 2026 nominees for awards saluting general contractors, professional services, vendors/suppliers, mechanical-electrical-plumbing (MEP) subcontractors and specialty subcontractors.

Winners in each category will be announced at the organization’s annual Black & White Ball, its awards gala, to be held on Saturday, April 11th at The Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis.

Here are the ASA Midwest Council 2026 award nominees:

2026 GENERAL CONTRACTOR NOMINEES

CATEGORY A
BSI Constructors
Contegra Construction Co.
McCarthy Building Companies
PARIC Corporation
Plocher Construction
Tarlton Corporation

CATEGORY B
G.S.& S. Construction
Kadean Construction
McGrath & Associates
Rhodey Construction
Wright Construction Services

CATEGORY C

BEX Construction Services
Helmkamp Construction Co.
Landco Construction
Spiegelglass Construction Co.

2026 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NOMINEES

Enterprise Bank & Trust
Marsh McLennan Agency
OneDigital/JD Kutter
SFW LLC
Too Creative

2026 VENDOR/SUPPLIER NOMINEES

K&K Supply
MJ Products
Negwer Door Systems
Nu Way
P&A Drywall Supply

2026 MEP SUBCONTRACTOR NOMINEES

CATEGORY A
Archkey Sachs Electric
Bell Electrical Contractors
Guarantee Electrical Company
Haberberger Mechanical
Icon Mechanical
Jarrell Mechanical Contractors
Murphy Company

CATEGORY B
Bi-State Fire Protection
C&R Mechanical
OJ Laughlin Plumbing Co.
RF Meeh Co.
Schaffer Electric Companies

2026 SPECIALTY SUBCONTRACTOR NOMINEES

CATEGORY A
Affton Fabricating & Welding Co., Inc.
Budrovich
Flooring Systems, Inc
TJ Wies Contracting
Vee-Jay Cement Contracting

CATEGORY B
American Steel Fabrication, Inc.
Bazan Painting Co.
Elastizell of St. Louis
Imperial Metal Company
Swanson Masonry, Inc

LEWIS CENTER, Ohio – The American Concrete Pumping Association announces the election of its new executive board.

Elected to serve a one-year term, the newly elected executive board includes:

President: Nathan Germany—Tri-Way Concrete Pumping, Inc., Flower Mound, Texas

Vice President: Chris Pernicano—San Diego Concrete Pumping, Inc., Santee, Calif.

Secretary:  Jennifer Lockhart—Florida Concrete Unlimited, Inc., Miami, Florida

Treasurer: Tyler Wood—McClure Concrete, Inc., Aurora, Colo.

Past President: Gary Brown—R. L. McCoy, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind.

The ACPA also announces the following board positions:

Pump Directors:

Sharron Bovender—Concrete & Materials Placement, LLC, Pineville, N.C.

Nathan Germany—Tri-Way Concrete Pumping, Inc., Flower Mound, Texas

Jordan Hanson—Yard 1, LLC, Bensenville, Ill.

Jon Madigan—The Conco Companies, Concord, Calif.

Regional Directors:

Region 2: Gary Brown—R.L. McCoy, Inc., Indianapolis, Ind.

Region 4: Jennifer Lockhart—Florida Concrete Unlimited, Ltd., Miami, Fla.

Region 6: Chris Pernicano—San Diego Concrete Pumping, Inc., Santee, Calif.

Distributor Director:

Tony Inglese—Concrete Pump Supply, Mableton, Ga.

Manufacturing Directors:

Jim Bodeker—Construction Forms, Inc., Port Washington, Wis.

Jason Delehay—DY Concrete Pumps, Alvarado, Texas

About the ACPA

The ACPA is a nonprofit association that serves as an advocate for the concrete pumping industry committed to promotion, education and safety for its members and all those coming into contact with a concrete pump on the construction job site. For more information about the ACPA, visit www.concretepumpers.com.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) announces its 2026 officers and board of directors for the statewide association representing building, highway, transportation and utility infrastructure contractors, specialty contractors, suppliers and service providers throughout Missouri.

Steve Sellenriek, president of Sellenriek Construction, Inc., has been elected chairman of the board.

Sellenriek has been an active leader within AGCMO, previously serving in multiple capacities and most recently as chairman-elect.

“I am honored to serve as chairman of AGC of Missouri,” says Sellenriek. “Our industry plays a vital role in strengthening Missouri’s economy and communities. AGCMO continues to be a strong voice for contractors across the state, advocating for infrastructure investment, workforce development, safety and innovation. I look forward to working with our members to build on that momentum in 2026.”

Other AGC of Missouri officers for 2026 are:

 Jeremy Bexten, P.E., Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – board chairman-elect

 Joseph Sneed, Spiegelglass Construction Company – secretary/treasurer

 Mike Rallo, Jr., PARIC LLC – immediate past board chairman

Also serving on the board and executive committee are:

 Barclay Hornung, Comanche Construction, Inc. – chair, highway & transportation division

 Sondra N. Rotty, Tarlton Corporation – building division chairwoman

 Katelyn J. Twehous-Lavanchy, Twehous Excavating Co., Inc. – utility infrastructure division chairwoman

Serving on the board as directors representing contractor members are:

 Ryan Casey, Pace Construction Company

 Lane Parker, Russell

 Brandon Zehr, Bloomsdale Excavating Co., Inc.

Matt Boyd, Road Runner Safety Services, Inc. will serve as director representing specialty contractors, and April Planck, Marmic Fire and Safety Co. will serve as director representing supplier/service providers.

Margaret James, UES, will serve ex-officio representing the Construction Leadership Council, and Jacob Johnson, Branco Enterprises, Inc., will serve ex-officio representing the Young Executives Club.

Leonard Toenjes, CAE, president of AGCMO, says the 2026 board reflects the strength and diversity of Missouri’s construction industry.

“AGC of Missouri continues to bring together the very best leaders from across our state’s construction community,” said Toenjes. “From heavy highway and transportation to building and utility infrastructure, our board represents the full spectrum of contractors and industry partners who are shaping Missouri’s future. Its leadership ensures that AGCMO remains focused on advocacy, workforce development, safety and delivering value to our more than 525 member firms across 110 counties.”

Founded in 1925, AGC of Missouri is one of the largest construction trade associations in the state and among the strongest chapters of AGC of America. The association operates offices in Jefferson City, Springfield and St. Louis and provides legislative advocacy, education and training, workforce development initiatives, safety programming and industry events for its members.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Kadean Construction has realigned its executive leadership team and consolidated its operations into industrial, healthcare and commercial business units.

Aaron Retherford (pictured above) has been promoted to president of Kadean Construction, assuming select responsibilities previously held by CEO Mike Eveler. In this role, Retherford will oversee enterprise strategy and organizational alignment while leading the industrial business unit and advancing the business unit model to drive focus, accountability and scalable growth. He joined Kadean in 2020 as VP of business strategy.

Kadean has aligned its nationwide healthcare business unit operations under the leadership of Travis Mulder, VP. Mulder will also oversee the firm’s locally driven commercial business unit work in St. Louis and Kansas City.

To better support the new business structure, Jim Driscoll has been appointed VP of industrial strategy, a role aligned with Kadean’s industrial business unit and focused on guiding industrial clients through early decision-making, facility evaluation and long-term planning.

Joe Kelley has been promoted to senior manager, business strategy. In this role, Kelley will oversee internal sales coordination, pipeline governance and consistency in early client engagement across all business units.

 

By KERRY SMITH BUCK

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Members of the construction community – builders, designers, engineers, developers, suppliers, vendors and more – are invited to attend the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Missouri’s annual convention on March 11 and 12 at the Ameristar Casino Resort Spa in St. Charles.

The two-day conference features a high-profile, national keynote presenter plus expert panels speaking to hot topics and issues in construction today.

On Wednesday evening, March 11, connect with contractors, specialty contractors,

suppliers, professional service companies, peers, prospects, owners and architects at

the exclusive networking “Cocktails & Connections” Annual Reception event.

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney – the founder and CEO of Folds of Honor and a decorated U.S. Air Force fighter pilot – is the convention’s keynote speaker midday on Thursday, March 12. The retired F-16 fighter pilot served three combat tours in Iraq and now leads a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

Rooney is also a USA Today bestselling author of A Patriot’s Calling and Fly Into the Wind. He is the only individual to hold the titles of both fighter pilot and PGA professional.

One panel discussion is entitled “Data Centers: The Good, the Bad and Their Future in Missouri.” Panel guests include representatives from the Missouri Partnership, Missouri Dept. of Natural Resources, Green Street and others.

Another AGCMO 2026 convention panel entitled “Workforce Initiatives” will discuss bold initiatives and real-world strategies to attract, train and retain the next generation of construction talent across Missouri.

The evening of March 12 will feature a live auction to benefit AGCMO’s political action committee (PAC) to fund crucial legislative initiatives year round.

For more information and to register for the AGCMO 2026 convention, go to

www.agcmo.org/convention or contact AGCMO at 573.636.3189.

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – In partnership with the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis, the City of Wellston and the St. Louis County Port Authority announce a major residential redevelopment in the Lulu Heights neighborhood that will bring 178 new homes to Wellston, Mo., and surrounding areas.

The development is expected to represent a $52 million investment by McBride Homes, with a total land acquisition price of approximately $636,500 for parcels owned by the City, LCRA and the Port Authority.

The project follows a joint request for proposals issued by the City of Wellston, LCRA and the Port Authority for publicly controlled land in Lulu Heights. After a competitive process, the public partners selected Community Impact Network, Beyond Housing and McBride Homes to carry out the development.

Approximately 25.08 acres of land owned by the City of Wellston, LCRA and the Port Authority will be conveyed to the development team for construction of 148 detached and 30 attached single-family homes.

This effort stands as a cornerstone of Wellston’s 2023 Empower Wellston Community Plan, which prioritizes housing, neighborhood stabilization and reinvestment in historically disinvested areas.

A new park with a pavilion, as well as new streets, curbs, sidewalks, lighting and utilities, will be constructed as part of the project, significantly upgrading neighborhood infrastructure.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Jose R. Gomez has been sworn in as the new VP of the St. Louis Labor Council AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), marking the first Hispanic leader to hold an executive rank with the labor organization.

The Business Manager for Laborers’ Local 110 since February 2024, Gomez’s career is defined by breaking barriers in national, regional and Missouri’s Local Laborers’ Union history. In October, he also was elected president of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Latino Caucus (the first from the LiUNA Midwest Region). In this role, he represents regions across the U.S. and Canada.

In addition to his LiUNA union roles, Gomez is also deeply involved in the Greater St. Louis and regional Missouri construction industry leadership by serving as:

• EVP of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement – St. Louis Chapter
• Vice Chairman of the Hispanic Chamber Foundation
• Trustee of the Construction Laborers’ & Contractors Training Fund of Eastern Missouri
• Chairman of the Greater St. Louis Laborers’ Pension Fund
• Assistant Chairman of the Greater St. Louis Laborers’ Health and Welfare Fund
• United Way of Greater St. Louis Board of Directors

He was awarded the Outstanding Labor Activist Award by the NAACP ST. Louis County and is the 2023 recipient of the Premio Esperanza (Hope) Award from the St. Louis Hispanic Leaders Group of which he is also a current member.

Gomez’s newest appointment reinforces the region’s commitment to inclusive leadership and the representation of a diverse workforce. Under Gomez’ leadership since 2024, Laborers’ Local 110, which represents more than 3,900 active and retired members, has grown the membership by over 250 workers and has donated well more than half a million dollars to local causes.

Born in Los Angeles to parents from the Mexican states of Michoacán and Jalisco, Gomez moved to St. Louis in 1998. He joined Laborers’ Local 110 in 2006, working in the field for several years in concrete construction. Gomez credits this period with fundamentally changing his economic trajectory and fueling his passion for the labor movement.

 

MALVERN, Pa.- Balfour Beatty Campus Solutions, a developer and operator of infrastructure projects for the college and university market, announces the promotion of Amy Aponte to senior vice president.

Aponte has been with Balfour Beatty for more than a decade and has played a pivotal role in advancing the Campus Solutions program. Over the years, she has guided complex public‑private partnership efforts, strengthened university relationships and helped shape industry‑leading student housing developments.

In her new role, Aponte will oversee strategic initiatives, partner engagement  and program development efforts that support the company’s long‑term growth and alignment with institutional needs.

By BARBARA HORWITZ-BENNETT

Building information modeling and its powerful plug-ins have undoubtedly revolutionized the coordination and efficiencies associated with building design and construction. From enhanced designs to clash detection to design error reductions to expedited project timelines, the technology has been a game changer.

However, one area where the industry has yet to fully capture the potential of BIM is with ongoing maintenance. Considering the fact that operations and maintenance accounts for 70 percent to 80 percdent of a building’s total lifecycle costs, this is a significant missed opportunity.

In any effort to unlock these efficiencies, some technologically-savvy contractors are leveraging BIM to create digital twins to serve as a data-rich, easy to access record model of the building.

“We work closely with the design team and subcontractors to enrich the standard BIM with asset data – such as the manufacturer, model number, serial number and room location,” says Sean Doolan, VDC manager at DPR Construction in San Diego.

This data can then be integrated into a facility management system. Together with real-time data, owners can proactively manage and maintain building systems, reduce downtime, enhance energy performance and boost equipment longevity.

BIM models themselves can be useful for ongoing maintenance, but most owners don’t have the dedicated staff to keep models current once the building is operational.

“By starting with a well-structured, data-rich model and tying it directly to the systems owners use every day, we help them bridge that gap, giving facilities teams a practical way to access building information, streamline operations and make more informed decisions over time,” says DPR’s VDC director Jacob Skrobarczyk.

For example, detailed BIM and digital twin model enables owners to easily identify managed assets, enriched with metadata, and quickly respond if a system requires servicing.

In fact, integrated digital workflows can deliver up to a 20 percent reduction in maintenance costs and a 15 percent improvement in asset uptime.

Practically speaking, BIM data gives technicians instant access to schematics, manuals, warranty details and specifications, shortening troubleshooting time and improving repair accuracy, according to Josh Vickery, CEO and owner of Austin-based CSP Consultants Group.

“A detailed BIM model also gives owners clearer insight into equipment lifecycle, enabling smarter long-term budgeting and better-timed capital spending,” he says.

By integrating digital twins with building management systems, this supports:

• Predictive maintenance, detecting potential failures before they occur.
• Energy optimization, identifying inefficiencies and enhancing operations.
• Tracking real-time operations and making necessary adjustments.

In particular, Vickery’s team has identified significant discrepancies between as-built information and day-to-day operations with regard to low-voltage systems. “These are the systems owners rely on most throughout the building lifecycle, yet they’re often the least represented in the model,” he says.

Addressing this gap, CSP works with design teams to verify device layouts, cable paths and equipment locations so that the BIM model reflects what’s actually being installed. With accurate information, facility managers can then pinpoint a device’s location, how it’s connected and whether an issue is isolated or tied to a broader systems dependency.

To empower facilities to best utilize this information, contractors and consultants recommend training. This includes teaching maintenance teams how to find devices, understand system relationships and how to use a model for troubleshooting.

“Accurate, current BIM data helps owners understand which systems are underperforming or approaching end of life,” says Vickery. “That clarity makes retrofit planning faster, safer and more cost-effective. It allows owners to prioritize upgrades that will generate the greatest return and coordinate changes with fewer surprises in the field.”

 

 

 

 

BOSTON, Mass. – Suffolk welcomes Susana Sellés Valls as director of functional AI to help drive the adoption of AI technologies and solutions on Suffolk projects and offices throughout the country.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Cornerstone announces the appointment of Carol Holland, PE, CCM, LEED AP, as a senior vice president in its eastern regional offices in Washington, DC.

Holland has more than 25 years of progressive leadership experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects in both the public and private sectors. A Navy veteran, she began her career with the United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps, where she was responsible for more than $2 billion in military construction and maintenance all over the world. Holland moved on to prestigious projects in the private sector, such as the Pentagon’s $3.4 billion renovation and the International Monetary Fund’s $1 billion headquarters renewal.

​​Her career includes her most recent position as VP and operation unit manager for Dewberry Engineers LLC, where she managed operations for four offices comprising approximately 100 professionals. At Dewberry, Holland oversaw $20 million in annual revenues across five service lines.

She holds an MS in Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and a BS in Systems Engineering from the US Naval Academy.

 

 

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – JE Dunn Construction announces Kyle Boehnlein as the new leader of its Northern California office, based in Santa Clara.

Boehnlein brings nearly two decades of experience with JE Dunn and a proven track record leading complex projects across multiple markets including semiconductors, justice, mission critical and health care. He began his career in JE Dunn’s Kansas City headquarters, where he gained deep operational and project leadership experience before relocating to Portland to help grow the company’s Pacific Northwest presence as a project executive. During that time, he also spent several years in Northern California leading key semiconductor manufacturing projects.

Boehnlein will now oversee operations and client engagement across a diverse portfolio of technical markets.

ATLANTA, Ga. – Lisa Smith has been promoted to project executive at Catamount Constructors.

With more than 25 years of experience in construction and interiors, Smith oversees projects, mentors teams and strengthens client relationships.

 

 

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Engineering and design firm Olsson’s Nicole Solar has been named board president of Arizona Commercial Real Estate Women (AZCREW).

She will lead AZCREW’s efforts to advance professional development, collaboration and networking for women in Arizona’s commercial real estate industry. In her role at Olsson, Nicole focuses on building strategic partnerships with clients in the technology and data center industries.

Solar holds a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Colliers announces that Russell Caplin, a multifamily real estate professional with more than 25 years of industry experience, has joined the firm.

Caplin brings a diverse background spanning brokerage, debt and equity advisory and multifamily development, with a career portfolio totaling more than $2 billion in completed transactions.

His career includes multifamily development roles with Clover Properties, CRG (Clayco) and Optimus Properties, as well as finance experience with McEagle Properties. As a principal at Madison Capital Group, he provided advisory brokerage services to a wide network of multifamily developers and owners. Caplin has also held key positions at Ocwen Capital Corporation and CBRE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Winco Window Company, a commercial aluminum window manufacturer, announces that Sanford Sachtleben is now serving the state of Arkansas as a sales representative.

He is an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in architectural products and owns Sterling Architectural Products. Sachtleben also serves as an outside sales representative for Winco’s sister company, Archtectural Metals Inc. (AMI).

Sachtleben holds a degree in business from Concordia University in Wis. and currently resides in Chesterfield, Mo.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – AGC of Missouri Safety VP Brandon Anderson has been named among the St. Louis Titan 100.

The Titan 100 program recognizes the top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that include demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision and passion.

For nearly five years, Anderson has served AGCMO as head of its safety initiatives. He is also a safety consultant to the AGC of America.

 

ST. LOUIS, MO. – KCI Construction President Tom Huster has been named as one of the Titan 100 for 2026.

The Titan 100 program recognizes the region’s top CEOs and C-suite executives – those who drive exceptional growth, demonstrate visionary leadership and make a lasting impact on their industries and communities.

Huster’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding KCI through strategic expansion, strengthening its self-performing capabilities and fostering a culture rooted in purpose and resilience. This achievement is a testament to his commitment to the team and KCI.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – St. Louis-based structural engineer Alper Audi has promoted three of its senior project managers to principals.

The new principals are Michael Lubiewski, Steve Resnick and Sean Cameron.

Michael Lubiewski joined Alper Audi in 2015 and has 20 years of experience in structural engineering. Lubiewski earned a master’s degree in structural engineering and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Steve Resnick joined Alper Audi in 2014 and has 20 years of experience as a structural engineer. Resnick earned master’s degree in structural engineering and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Washington University in St. Louis.

Sean Cameron joined Alper Audi in 2017 and most recently served as a senior project manager. Cameron earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering from the University of Kansas.

The trio of new principals joins a leadership team led by Alper Audi President Andre Audi and three partners – Steve Ehrett, Greg Klimek and M. Scott Roark.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samuel Russell has been promoted to vice president of Russell Co.

He formerly served as project director, where he organized, led and executed specialized projects to ensure a successful delivery and a satisfied client.

Russell received his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Arizona State University and his Master’s in Business Administration from Seattle University.  As the son of CEO Jim Russell, Samuel Russell has a lifelong connection to the industry and the company.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Murphy Company announces the appointment of Barry Engelhardt as director of human resources.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – St. Louis-based general contractor Tarlton has promoted Roslyn Croft to director of community engagement.

In this role, Croft will serve as a key member of Tarlton’s business development and marketing team, identifying and cultivating business opportunities, building external relationships and supporting the firm’s strategic growth objectives.

She joined Tarlton in 2009, and previously served as inclusion and diversity manager at the firm.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Jake Fenster to preconstruction manager.

Fenster has been leading the firm’s competitive, “hard bid” estimating team, successfully securing profitable work across multiple market sectors and building subcontractor relationships.

Image courtesy of LiUNA

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis announces that the Laborers’ International Union of North America will build an urban training center at Plymouth Industrial Park.

“With this project, LCRA believes this new development will help the region’s job market and economy,” said Jami Dolby, chair of the LCRA. “We feel like this project in Wellston is the perfect fit to not only find a purpose for land that needed to be redeveloped but also train hundreds of individuals looking for a new career or skillset. We look forward to working with LiUNA on this new facility.”

“Workforce development is essential to the growth of our region and builds pathways to successful careers,” said County Executive Sam Page. “Our new 2050 Comprehensive Plan highlights the need for upskilling and training to bridge the gap between available workers and employer needs. I look forward to the training center helping us meet these goals.”

Created in partnership with the Associated General Contractors, SITE Improvement Association and the Mason Contractors Association, this state-of-the-art facility will strengthen the region’s construction workforce.

Located near the Wellston MetroLink stop and supported by multiple bus routes, the 40,000-square-foot urban training center, which sits on a 15.65-acre campus, is expected to train up to 500 apprentices, journeymen or journeywomen a year.

The Training Center will feature both indoor and outdoor training areas, allowing the Laborers to offer a comprehensive curriculum modeled after the programs at the High Hill Laborers Training Facility in Montgomery County. Courses will include concrete placement, scaffold building, safety certifications, solar training, environmental remediation, pipeline work, asbestos abatement, elevation control, GPS and drone training, along with other core Laborer skills needed on today’s construction sites.

Groundbreaking is planned for the spring of 2026. Once completed, the Training Center will serve Laborers across the eastern half of Missouri, including Locals 42, 110, 660, 662, 840, 955 and 1104. The facility will include an open intake window for applicants, helping recruit and develop a strong local workforce for the future of St. Louis.

 

 

 

                                                                             

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Shook Construction announces a year-long celebration of its 100-year anniversary, highlighting a century of growth, innovation and commitment to its communities.

With special events and unique community initiatives, Shook will celebrate its rich history of building communities as it charts a bright course for its next 100 years.

This milestone anniversary not only provides an opportunity to reflect on the company’s success over the past century but also allows Shook to look to the future with the same dedication to its team members, clients and industry partners — all of whom are essential to the company’s success.

Charles H. Shook founded Shook Construction in 1926 in Dayton, Ohio. After receiving a degree in civil engineering and serving in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Shook began working for an architectural firm in Dayton. When he was tasked to find a contractor for a project,  Shook realized that no contractor was more committed to the work than himself, and the company was born.

With the foundations for success established by Charles Shook a century ago, Shook Construction has grown to more than 500 team members in eight locations across Indiana, Ohio and North Carolina.

For a century, Shook Construction has helped communities thrive by building modern learning environments, creating spaces that promote healing, making clean water for our communities and powering American manufacturing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of Jan. 1, Matt Sizemore has been promoted to general superintendent/director of safety at Midwest-based K.R. Miller Contractors.

Sizemore began his career as a carpenter and later became a superintendent, leading several large-scale projects for KRM.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Landmark Aquatic, the largest provider of comprehensive design, build, renovation and maintenance services in the aquatics industry, announces it has acquired CEM Aquatics.

With headquarters in Salt Lake City, CEM is known for its expertise in design, build, renovation and service of aquatic facilities across the U.S.

The acquisition aligns with Landmark Aquatic’s long-term strategy to expand its capabilities in the aquatics sector and enhance the value delivered to its customers. Both companies will continue operating without interruption while integration begins.

 

 

 

GREELEY, Colo. – Hensel Phelps has a new CEO.

The company has named Brad Jeanneret, formerly president and COO, as president and CEO, effective Jan. 1.

Jeanneret succeeds Mike Choutka, who had served as CEO since 2019. Choutka is now chairman of the board.

 

 

O’FALLON, Ill. – Scott Plocher, Plocher Construction Company, Inc., will remain president of the Southern Illinois Builders Association for 2026.

Other officers for 2026 are: first vice president– Richard Boyer, Boyer Fire Protection; second vice president – Matt Fricke, Warning Lites of Southern Illinois; and secretary/treasurer – Dave Murray, Samron Midwest Contracting, Inc.

Three-year directors elected are: Matt Gardner, Luhr-Crosby, L.L.C.; Gregg Korte, Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc.; Tom Lavelle, Keller Construction, Inc.; and Josh Middendorf, Middendorf and Reuss Construction, Inc.

 

IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection Celebrates 30 Years Supporting The St. Francois County “Shop with a Cop”

Total Donations to Law Enforcement Holiday Giving Program Exceed $100,000

In the group shot, left to right are Lee Asher, IBEW Local 1 business representative; Lora Henson, St. Francois County “Shop with a Cop” coordinator; St. Francois County Sheriff Jeffrey Crites; and Danny Miller, COO, Total Electric.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Sometimes all a charitable idea needs is small act of generosity and connections to energize growth.  So it was withDanny Millerand his Farmington-based Total Electric. In 1992, Miller made Total Electric’s first donation to the then nascent St. Francois County “Shop with a Cop.” He also realized it had greater possibilities if he could connect the charitable endeavor with the Electrical Connection, a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association. This year, the IBEW/NECA partnership’s $5,000 donation brings its 30 years of supporting the program to $105,000.

“The Electrical Connection was formed to market the skills of its IBEW/NECA membership,” noted Miller. “While based in St. Louis, its reach is throughout Eastern Missouri and many of its members live in and serve rural areas like St. Francois County. Supporting “Shop with a Cop” was a natural extension of that service in a way that helps our neighbors.”

The St. Francois County “Shop with a Cop” has grown to become one of the largest in the country, serving 500 children.  “We are grateful to the 30 years of support by the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection and Danny Miller’s efforts to broaden support for our Shop with a Cop program,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Jeffrey Crites.

Donation helps law enforcement and first responders take children holiday shopping for gifts they would not otherwise receive.   On the morning of December 16, 2025, the first of 15 busses of children pulled up at the Wal-Mart in Farmington, Mo. where law enforcement and first responders from throughout the state were paired with children to shop for gifts.  The event drew coverage from KMOV-TV.

“This is a great cause and as a labor organization we look to help others.” noted Frank Jacobs, business manager, IBEW Local 1. “Not only does it help brighten the holidays for families in need, but it is a great law enforcement trust building program.”

“Thirty years ago, Danny Miller saw a community need and stepped up as a NECA contractor,” said Kyle McKenna, executive vice president, St. Louis Chapter NECA. “Our contractors continue that same tradition today by engaging the Electrical Connection partnership when they see a need our industry can help meet at times that matter most for families.”

The IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership represents more than 130 IBEW-signatory electrical contractors and more than 5,000 highly skilled IBEW electricians and communication technicians.  Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.  For more information visit www.electricalconnection.org.

PARK RIDGE, Ill. – The American Society of Safety Professionals Foundation is awarding a total commitment of $254,000 in scholarships and career development grants for 2025.

This significant investment directly supports the next generation of environmental health and safety professionals and aids seasoned practitioners in advancing their expertise through further education and certification.

The funds empower students and professionals to pursue academic degrees, achieve key safety certifications and attend specialized conferences to enhance their knowledge and leadership within the field.

Spotlight on Dedicated Recipients

A diverse group of individuals has received support to propel their careers and enhance safety in various sectors, including:

• Andrea Vivaldi (University of Massachusetts Lowell) received a $3,000 scholarship, which helps her advance her doctoral work examining ergonomics in modern workplaces, especially multi-monitor setups and hybrid work environments.

• Shyan Kahlil (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) received a $6,000 scholarship, bolstering her goal to graduate with distinction and apply her technical expertise from her NTSB internship to developing innovative safety solutions.

• Jie He (University of Michigan – Ann Arbor) was awarded a $5,000 scholarship to support his research on environmental and occupational noise exposures, using wearable sensors and machine learning to develop more adaptive safety protocols.

• Jamie Faile (South Carolina) received a $500 grant to take the OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course, enabling her to invest in her professional growth to effectively contribute to safer workplaces.

• Calvin Pierre (California) received a $500 grant to help cover costs for the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) certification, a pivotal step in his long-term goal to become a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and influence safety culture.

• Michael Alroy (Massachusetts) received a $500 grant to support his participation in an ASP Exam Prep Class and Workshop, which also inspired him to encourage emerging professionals in his chapter to pursue the certification.

 

A Commitment to the Future of Safety

The financial aid provided by the ASSP Foundation backed by Amazon, Board of Certified Safety Professionals, Canadian National Railway, FabEnCo, Lancaster County Industrial Safety Council, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Texas Safety Foundation and more than 100 ASSP communities and ASSP members is crucial for a profession dedicated to protecting workers. These grants and scholarships remove financial barriers, allowing recipients to focus on developing the essential skills needed to confront the evolving challenges in EHS.

 

SWANSEA, Ill. – Holland Construction Services announces the promotions of Justin Layton and Tristan Huck to assistant project manager.

Layton has played a key role in supporting complex K-12 education projects, including building additions, renovations and new construction on busy active school campuses. His responsibilities include managing project documentation, coordinating with trade partners and ensuring adherence to schedule and quality standards.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southeast Missouri State.

Huck has been an integral part of Holland’s Special Projects Group, contributing to business development efforts and project coordination. In his new role, Huck oversees day-to-day project operations, collaborating closely with Holland’s self-perform team and trade partners.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southeast Missouri State University and has completed the SIUE Construction Leadership Institute program. Huck also holds certifications including OSHA 30-Hour, FAA Commercial Remote Pilot and multiple Procore certifications for project management and safety.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Chris Hawn has joined S. M. Wilson & Co. as vice president of retail construction.

Hawn is responsible for leading the strategic national expansion of the firm’s retail division. He will focus on developing multi-site programs and building long-term partnerships with retailers across the country, spanning ground-up construction, closed-store and open-store remodels, tenant build-outs and multi-site program rollouts.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Kennesaw State University.

Hawn brings more than 30 years of construction experience from both the general contractor and owner’s side, providing a unique 360-degree perspective. He has managed large-scale construction programs for top national retail brands and also delivered corporate and hospitality projects. Hawn’s extensive retail construction project experience includes telecommunications, home improvement, sports equipment and apparel sectors. His expertise includes strategic planning, subcontractor and design team management, budgeting, municipal planning and permitting, project management, real estate development and store operations.

S. M. Wilson has been building retail stores since 1987 and has completed $1.8 billion of retail projects for major national brands, including Von Maur, Dry Goods and Target. S. M. Wilson is one of Target’s preferred providers of construction services nationally and has completed nearly 10 million square feet of retail space across more than 100 locations since 1991. S. M. Wilson is currently licensed in 28 states.

 

 

 

By JANET RYAN

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Kings Hill, the home of Brown & Crouppen’s law office headquarters (built by PARIC), is located in the heart of The Hill, a beloved Italian neighborhood in St. Louis.

Winco Window Company is pleased to have played a special role in this structure’s rebirth. For its part, Winco helped brighten every dark nook and cranny of the redesigned interior.

What was previously a deteriorating industrial warehouse with a remarkable history is now reimagined and revitalized into modern, sunlit office and event space. The 50,000-square-foot former American Stove Company factory and warehouse, better known as the Magic Chef Stove Company, is a stunning example of historic renovation without the traditional formality. HOK is the architect.

The restoration work took the structure down to its core, preserving the original steel trusses and rebuilding the interior within the brick shell. Among the improvements added were advanced mechanical systems, modern tongue and groove decking and plenty of energy efficient windows from Winco.

Winco supplied 258 of its 1150S series fixed and casement windows, which are designed to have multiple muntin grids inside the window’s vertical plane. For the Kings Hill elevation, the main-level windows look as if they have four sets of windows – each with eight grids – stacked on top of one another to fill the tall vertical opening. The upper level echoes the look in half the size. Sledroc Construction served as the glazing contractor.

“The original architect had a specific intent for the design of the windows, and we wanted to make sure that we brought that original design concept back to the building,” says Hany Abounader, owner and founder of Third Man Development. His​​ company specializes in the redevelopment of older buildings and oversaw the transformation of the once-dilapidated Magic Chef 1900-era building into the showcase that it is today.

Many of the windows at Kings Hill had to be precisely fitted into the original triple-brick pediments. With the structure dating back to 1910, one can imagine the attention to detail necessary to ensure proper alignment of all newly installed windows despite their slightly different measurements. Many of the window openings were stripped to the bricks. When possible, some of the original windows were restored.

Despite the deterioration of the facade, the work was completed with efficiency. Joe Dietz, Winco sales representative, says, “This was a very rewarding project from a design standpoint. Once we got into production, our manufacturing team produced these windows quickly, installation was smooth and they look amazing.”

All 1150S series windows have a black Kynar paint finish. Clear Solarban glass with a black spacer and muntins blends nicely with the framing and provides a clean look between the red brick exterior and the alignment of the windows. The windows provide a historic replication of the original windows but with more expansive views, thermal dynamics and energy efficiency.

“The windows are so key to the project because they do encompass, on a lot of these large historic buildings, a very, very large portion of the exterior surface,” says Abounader.

Indeed, the windows take up much of the exterior surface with the main-level windows nearly double in height compared to the upper-level windows. Inside, many of the structure’s original architectural features were preserved, including the restoration of the steel roof trusses that now support loft-style offices.

The main level includes a wide reception area looking out onto a 3,000-square-foot courtyard. The décor is bright and eclectic, using different textured flooring, modular furniture groupings, cubicles and artwork to separate working areas. The oversized windows set equally distance apart add to the overall openness of the space, at times blurring the line between inside and outdoors.

Looking back on how Winco was selected for the project, Abounader says the developer was originally looking at window contractors outside of St. Louis. Once he realized Winco Window Company was in University City, Abounader got in touch with Woody Miller, Winco’s vice president of operations, and learned that Winco specializes in replicating historic and architectural windows. He also met with Kurtis Suellentrop, Winco’s vice president of sales and marketing, for a tour of the facilities.

“After I toured the plant and saw some of the cool windows they were making and the quality of what they were executing,” says Abounader, “it just kind of seemed to be a no-brainer to me.”

Adding to the finished project, Abounader notes, it’s “pretty cool that they matched what was originally the intent of the building and the original architecture of the building. People call me all the time and say, ‘That building looks spectacular.'”

Considering the size and scope of the restored building, half of what people see is the brick façade and the other half is the multitude of windows. With so much natural light coming into the building, the windows are truly the crown jewel of the final product.

 

 

 

The AGC of Missouri proudly hosted the 2025 Construction Awards Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring the exceptional achievements, innovation, and craftsmanship of Missouri’s construction industry.

Held during AGCMO’s 100th anniversary year, the event brought together contractors, specialty contractors, owners, partners and industry leaders from across the state for a memorable night of recognition and celebration.

This year’s gala showcased the remarkable skill, dedication and leadership demonstrated by AGCMO members across dozens of disciplines and project types. From workforce development and craftsmanship to large-scale infrastructure and transformative building projects, the award recipients exemplified the very best of Missouri construction.

A Night Honoring Talent, Leadership, and Partnership

The evening began with acknowledgments of the many sponsors whose generous support made the event possible, including AGCMO’s Exclusive Media Sponsor, CNR Magazine, and the association’s Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Bar of Fame and Premier Pour Sponsors.

Attendees then enjoyed a full program highlighting:

Excellence in Craftsmanship Award

Recognizing exceptional mastery of construction skills, this year’s award went to Jeff Clancy of Capital Teams, celebrated for his leadership, precision and dedication to developing the next generation of workers.

Workforce Champion Award

Honoring leadership in advancing Missouri’s construction workforce, this year’s award was presented to Capital Paving & Construction, LLC for its dynamic programs including apprenticeships, mentorship initiatives, its CDL Academy and partnerships with more than 180 schools statewide.

Specialty Contractor of the Year (SCOTY) Awards

Thirteen SCOTY awards recognized superior performance by specialty contractors across a broad range of disciplines, culminating in the Overall Specialty Contractor of the Year honor presented to Hayden Wrecking Corporation, celebrating 80 years of excellence.

Keystone Project of the Year Awards

The Keystone Awards recognized outstanding construction projects across multiple categories, honoring the innovation, teamwork and technical expertise behind Missouri’s most impactful work. Projects ranged from complex healthcare expansions to advanced manufacturing, high-security laboratories, transportation infrastructure, utility systems and educational facilities.

Each finalist and award recipient demonstrated excellence in safety, craftsmanship, innovation, efficiency and contributions to their communities.

Relive the Celebration

Revisit the highlights of the evening and share them with their teams using the resources below:

These resources capture the energy, excitement and recognition that made the event a standout moment in AGCMO’s centennial year.

AGCMO Values Your Feedback

As the AGCMO continues to refine and enhance this signature event, the association invites all members to share their insights:

Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping future programming and ensuring AGCMO continue to meet the needs of its members and the industry.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 Construction Awards Gala was a powerful reminder of the talent, dedication, and innovation that drive Missouri’s construction industry forward. AGCMO extends its sincere congratulations to all finalists and award recipients and its appreciation to every member who contributes to the success and strength of the organization.

As AGC of Missouri celebrates 100 years of service, advocacy and leadership, the association looks forward to continuing to support and elevate its members for decades to come.

 

 

 

Image courtesy of IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection

 

First of More than 600 Coats Collected Given to Hazelwood School District

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – For more than 20 years, IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus’ has been collecting and giving away winter coats to families in need.

This year, 280 of the more than 600 coats collected were presented to the Hazelwood School District on Dec. 9. Since the inception of the program in 2004, the IBEW EWMC has donated more than 15,000 coats.

“It’s been a tough year for families in our neighborhoods, especially those still dealing with the devasting tornado last spring,” says Sylvester Taylor who founded the program. “To see kids wearing just layers of clothing just to stay warm is heartbreaking.  That’s why our members collect children’s coats all year long.” Taylor is director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection, of which the EWMC is a part.

“This coat drive has been a tremendous help to our students and their families,” said Hazelwood School District Superintendent Nettie Collins-Hart, EdD. “When community partners step up in such a meaningful way, it ensures our children can come to school warm, safe and ready to learn. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the IBEW EWMC.”

If you would like to support the annual coat drive, EWMC is looking for new coats or used coats in good condition that are appropriate for children up to the age of 18. You can drop off coats at the IBEW Local 1 union hall at 5850 Elizabeth Ave. in St. Louis or you can send a donation to:

​IBEW Electrical Workers Minority Caucus

C/O Sylvester Taylor

5850 Elizabeth Ave.

St. Louis, Mo.63110

Make the check out to “EWMC Coat Drive.”

 

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The Associated General Contractors of Missouri welcomes new member companies to its roster.

The AGCMO’s newest members are:

Contractor/Provisional:
C.P. Excavating
OCCI, Inc.

Specialty Contractors:
Comarco Complete Door Systems
Heartstone Inc.
Kissick Construction

Emerging Specialty Contractors:
CSE Services
Total H2O Solutions

Supplier/Service Providers:
Lennox/AES
Meglio & Associates
R & R Sanitation

Emerging Supplier/Service Providers:
Cardinal Ridge Consulting
Driving Change, Inc.
Momentum Strategy Advisors

For more information on how to become a member of AGCMO, click here.

CHICAGO, Ill. – McHugh Construction announces four promotions and the addition of a new project engineer. The moves reflect the company’s continued growth, and its commitment to developing and retaining top talent.

Bartels, Jennings, Sinickas, Bethea Promoted

Jeanne Bartels, an 18-year veteran of McHugh, Bartels has been promoted to project executive from senior project manager in recognition of her leadership skills, technical expertise and commitment to building strong client and subcontractor relationships. Bartels has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California in Santa Barbara.

Kyle Jennings, an assistant project manager since he joined the firm in 2022, has been elevated to project manager. He joined the construction industry in 2015 and has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill.

Michael Sinickas: Beginning as an intern at McHugh in 2018, Sinickas has steadily risen from project engineer to assistant project manager to his most recent promotion to project manager. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Dayton.

Kasey Bethea: A seven-year construction industry veteran, Bethea has been promoted from project engineer to assistant superintendent. He has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Temple University in Philadelphia.

Hoff Hired

In addition to these four promotions, McHugh also recently hired Chelsea Hoff as a project engineer. She has six years of experience and was most recently a project engineer at Power Construction. She has a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

 

 

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Contegra Construction has hired Adam Kendrick as a project engineer.

He brings 14 years of experience in design and construction management, most recently with The Kroger Company. Kendrick has already actively assumed his role, providing support and architectural review for several current projects.

 

American Plant Maintenance (APM Steam), a leading provider of steam systems maintenance services, highlights its steam trap survey services, which can be used to create a full inventory of steam traps in a facility’s steam system, identify failing traps and uncover steam trap station issues that negatively impact the delivery of thermal energy through the steam system and the proper removal of condensate. As cold weather approaches, APM Steam urges facilities to prepare their steam systems for increased demands with these surveys, which are crucial for maintaining energy efficiency, operational integrity and safety in steam distribution systems, especially during the colder months.

APM Steam experts conduct steam trap surveys to test and document operational status using ultrasound and temperature differentials. Survey data provides a complete trap inventory and extensive system information in a detailed report outlining findings and recommendations, a synopsis of results and a return-on-investment calculation that compares replacement costs with losses associated with failed traps. The report also includes trap application problems and specific recommendations for trap and trap station improvements. With colder weather imminent, improving your steam system’s efficiency becomes paramount. By identifying areas for improvement, APM Steam’s surveys can lead to significant energy savings.

Throughout the survey, APM Steam field technicians evaluate elements surrounding the steam trap, including isolation valves, inlet strainers, strainer blowdown valves, outlet check valves, trap station bypasses, test valves and sight glass flow indicators. The survey also evaluates all features of a properly working trap station that allows technicians to work on it safely without being exposed to live steam present in the system. These issues could prevent technicians from repairing without requiring a disruptive facility shutdown.

APM Steam’s steam trap surveys tag each trap with a sequentially numbered stainless-steel tag and a wire hanger, enabling the user to find any specific trap in their system quickly. Included in each survey is documentation of trap location, application, steam pressure, manufacturer, model and technology. Pipe size and trap size, connection type, inlet and outlet temperature, and comments about existing installation are also documented. This detailed information helps set the stage for repairs by highlighting any access issues, confined space requirements and need for a lift, as well as listing any other failed components or potential repair issues.

As winter approaches, facilities should act promptly to take advantage of meaningful savings and incentives eligibility. It is important to schedule surveys before the holiday season to ensure availability and avoid potential staffing constraints. Additionally, many customers have the opportunity to negotiate incentives at year-end, but time is often limited. Acting now allows ample time to negotiate and execute these incentives.

APM Steam’s steam trap survey also includes a detailed return on investment calculation, which includes the cost of the survey, replacement steam traps for those traps found to be deficient and estimated labor to install the replacement traps. These costs are then compared to the losses associated with the traps found to be failed closed, leaking or failed open. Trap application problems and specific recommendations for trap and trap station improvements are also included. Facility managers can review the payback period to determine whether a project is worth pursuing. Many facilities find that repair projects pay for themselves in less than a year.

 

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – Saunders Construction, Inc. announces with heavy hearts the passing of its founder, Richard “Dick” Saunders, 85, on Nov. 21.

Few individuals have shaped Colorado’s built environment as profoundly as Saunders, the visionary founder of Saunders Construction. His legacy continues to influence how buildings are delivered, how teams collaborate and how the company gives back to local communities.

Saunders’ construction career began long before he founded Saunders Construction in 1972. After graduating from the University of Denver in the early 1960s, he entered a rapidly evolving industry with an entrepreneurial mindset, a gift for problem-solving and a belief that construction is ultimately about people.

What began as a one-person operation in the basement of his Englewood home quickly grew into one of Colorado’s most respected construction companies. Saunders built the company on four core values he lived every day: care, collaboration, commitment, and community. Those values remain the foundation of Saunders Construction today.

Under his leadership, the firm steadily expanded its portfolio to include many of the Rocky Mountain region’s most recognizable landmarks. When he stepped down as CEO in 2001, Saunders did so with intention. HIs belief in the power of employee ownership also shaped the company’s future. Today, Saunders Construction is a 100 percent employee-owned organization.

Saunders’ impact extended far beyond construction. A tireless advocate for education, youth development and mental health, he helped launch Colorado Uplift and served on more than a dozen nonprofit boards including ACE Scholarships, the Institute for Children’s Mental Disorders and Mental Health America of Colorado. His service earned him major humanitarian awards from Volunteers of America, the University of Denver, the Samaritan Institute and the Kempe Children’s Foundation.

 

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – It is with deep sorrow that Southern Illinois Builders Association notes the passing of David Owen, 70, of Belleville, Ill.

Born June 29, 1955 in East St. Louis, he died Tuesday, Nov. 18^th at his residence.

Owen began his lifelong career in the trades working alongside his father, Fred, and his brother, Wayne, at the family business, AAA Roofing and Insulation in Fairview Heights, Ill.

These early years taught him the value of craftsmanship, integrity and showing up for others – principles he carried with him throughout his life.

In 1993, Owen had the opportunity to purchase Geissler Roofing. With determination and an unwavering work ethic, he grew the company into a large, competitive and well-respected name in the industry. Over the decades, Owen employed and mentored many skilled craftsmen, earning a reputation as a fair, dependable and loyal owner. He believed in treating people right, and those who worked for him felt it.

After nearly 30 years of leadership, Owen stepped back in early 2022 to begin his well-earned retirement. He was proud to pass the torch to family members and watch the company continue to grow on the foundation he had built.

Owen leaves behind a legacy defined by perseverance, generosity and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His impact will be felt for years to come, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Michelle Booker; his parents, Fred and Lola, nee Elder Owen; two brothers, Wayne Donnell and Gary (Sharon) Donnell; and a sister, Bonnie (Floyd) Wilson.

Surviving are four children, Stephanie (Brian) McGuire, Rachel (Ronnie) Kister, Patrick (Rebecka) MacMiller and Ashley Emig; five grandchildren, Maggie, Owen, Parker, Theodore and Wesley; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; his mother-in-law, Martha, nee Hoffmann, Booker; and a brother-in-law, Michael (Jamey) Booker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pompe Warrior Foundation Corporation, https://www.pompewarriorfoundation.com/.

 

Images courtesy of Holland Construction Services

 

SWANSEA, Ill. –  Holland Construction Services announces the promotion of Brian Dayton, Clayton Herring and Seth Moline to senior project manager.

Dayton, a LEED Green Associate, has leadership in managing district-wide programs for K–12 clients, underscoring his mastery of the construction management delivery method and its critical role in creating value for school districts and trade partners and his ability to navigate complex, multi-project environments.

Dayton earned a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and has completed the SIUE Construction Leadership Institute.

Herring, also a LEED® Green Associate, possesses more than 13 years of industry experience. He has built a reputation for leading complex projects with precision and a client-first mindset.

Over the course of his career, Herring has directed a broad spectrum of projects, ranging from educational facility upgrades to expansive residential and mixed-use developments.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Herring holds multiple certifications.

Moline has played a pivotal role in expanding Holland’s presence in the K–12 education market, guiding complex district-wide programs and building lasting partnerships with school districts. His ability to manage multiple projects and maintain clear communication with stakeholders has been instrumental in delivering successful outcomes.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, he holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.

 

 

TEMPE, Ariz. –  Rosendin announces the promotion of Chad Constance and Jason Karseboom to operations managers in its Southwest regional office.

Both Constance and Karseboom previously served as division managers at the Tempe, Ariz. office. They have demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing complex, large-scale building projects including semiconductor facilities, mission critical and hyper-scale data center facilities for global tech giants.

Constance, an Arizona State University graduate, brings 20 years of construction leadership experience to his new role, including significant expertise in developing high-performing teams for large-scale electrical installations like the Mesa Data Center.

Karseboom, a lifelong Arizona resident and Arizona State University graduate, has distinguished himself by leading teams of more than 300 professionals on semiconductor facilities and data center projects for major technology companies. He has 13 years of construction experience.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Golterman & Sabo Companies announces that Signature Craft – a local manufacturer and installer of window treatments, acoustical panels, and commercial interior products – has been purchased by Golterman & Sabo. As part of this transition, Signature Craft will be closing its operations, and its experienced employees and active projects have been integrated into the Golterman & Sabo employee-owned organization.

This transition strengthens an already highly skilled G&S team by adding additional knowledge, craftsmanship and experience, further enhancing G&S’s ability to serve the region’s architectural and construction community. Golterman & Sabo has long been known for dependable project execution and exceptional architectural finishes; bringing the Signature Craft team into its organization builds on that foundation and supports its continued growth throughout Missouri and Illinois.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Chris DeGuentz, vice president of development and construction for Fischer & Frichtel Homes, has been elected the 89^th president of the Home Builders Association of St. Louis & Eastern Missouri.

DeGuentz is directly involved in land acquisition, land development and construction operations for Fischer & Frichtel Homes and has been a member of the HBA for more than 20 years.

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Shook Construction welcomes Don Potter
as vice president and central regional manager.

Potter focuses on strategic planning, business
development and talent management for the region and oversees Indiana offices in
Indianapolis, Kokomo and Richmond.

Potter brings to his role more than 20 years of experience leading projects and teams in the
construction and development space. He brings deep industry knowledge and experience to Shook’s Central Region, where the firm has
been the builder and construction manager of choice for transformative projects.

A licensed professional engineer, he earned a civil engineering degree from the Rose
Hulman Institute of Technology.

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) announces that it and P+Ex: Center of Excellence for Concrete Preservation and Service Life Extension have established a new strategic partnership, using their collective resources and expertise to enhance the service life of new and existing concrete structures.

This relationship establishes an ongoing framework for the two organizations to share information and pursue aligned objectives such as improving the resilience, safety and lifespan of concrete structures. Through joint initiatives, the partnership aims to streamline efforts related to research, education and best practice development, ultimately reducing redundant efforts and improving efficiency industry-wide.

P+Ex is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and extending the service life of concrete structures by identifying, quantifying and communicating the benefits of service life extension. The organization promotes national and international engagement to increase awareness of sustainable practices for concrete infrastructure.

For half a century, PTI has developed standards, educational programming and technical resources that support quality applications of post-tensioning in the construction sector. PTI’s mission is to promote and advance the post-tensioning industry through education, certification and technical leadership.

This professional partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to enhancing the longevity, safety and performance of concrete infrastructure.

 

ATLANTA, Ga. – Wells has hired Kelly Henry as director of architectural systems, where she will lead the growth of DEX, Wells’ national ultra high performance concrete solution.

With more than 16 years in UHPC and precast facades, Henry brings expertise in architecture, business and sustainability. A LEED-accredited professional with degrees from the University of Florida and Georgia Tech, she is guiding the continued expansion of Wells’ national facades portfolio.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Schaub Projects announces the acquisition of Metheny Architects.

As part of the agreement, founder Jon Metheny will join Schaub Projects as junior partner and director of design, working alongside founder and managing partner David Schaub and CEO/partner Andrew Schaub at the firm’s St. Louis headquarters.

The acquisition, made official Nov. 1, positions Schaub Projects for significant growth, including a projected 30 percent staff increase and a 100 percent revenue gain by 2027, along with plans to expand its footprint regionally.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Here’s something to avoid during the holidays: being 20 feet off the ground on a metal ladder leaning against a metal gutter and trying to hang old and frayed holiday lights. The potential shock hazard and fall is just not worth it.

That’s why 20 IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection contractors are offering holiday lighting services to safely and beautifully brighten your home or business for the holidays.

“This launches our annual winter electrical safety tips,” said Frank Jacobs, business manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1.  “As the holidays approach people tend to pull out old and damaged lights and patched up extension cords creating shock and fire hazards.  When it comes to brightening the holidays, leave it to our professionals.”  IBEW Local partners with the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to form the Electrical Connection.

“Our NECA contractors can handle holiday lighting of any size including businesses that want their buildings and spaces beautifully illuminated,” said Kyle McKenna, executive vice president, St. Louis chapter NECA. “We can not only make your business stand out during the holiday but all year long with our lighting services.”

In addition to ensuring holiday lights are hung safely, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection also urges residents to carefully inspect and get rid of old electrical devices that present fire and shock hazards.  This includes outdated space heaters, old electric blankets and damaged extension cords.

The Electrical Connection partnership provides safe and reliable commercial, industrial and residential electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. It is an important resource for business and civic leadership for new technology, including disruptive technologies, advancing electrical and communication infrastructure.  Learn more at www.electricalconnection.org.

 

 

Image courtesy of HBA

ST. LOUIS, Mo. –  The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, via 2025 HBA President Jason Hughes (T.R. Hughes Homes, left) has donated $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity – St. Louis (via director of resource development Harper Zielonko, right).

The donation will go toward construction materials for the 26 homes the organization has under construction. Habitat for Humanity –  St. Louis lives out the mission of building safe, decent and affordable housing for hard-working low-income families in the St. Louis community. The HBCF’s contribution will help bridge the gap of access to affordable housing.

The HBA is a local trade association of nearly 600 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA’s charitable arm, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Sanford Sachtleben has joined the team of St. Louis based Architectural Metals Inc. (AMI) as an outside sales representative. He is owner of Sterling Architectural Products.

AMI is the Midwest’s leading anodizing firm and is a sister company to Winco Window Company, a commercial aluminum window manufacturer.

“Sanford joins our team with more than 30 years of experience in architectural products,” says Sharon Gambill, general manager at  AMI. “His business contacts will be a tremendous asset as we grow our business in the Midwest.”

AMI specializes in anodizing and metal finishing for large extrusion and fabricated work. AMI does the finishing work for Winco Window, but with improvements in technology and efficiency, the company handles outside customers from a variety of industries – including recreational, safety, construction, roofing as well as storefront, curtainwall and other window manufactures extrusion. Core capabilities include break metal, pour and debridge, thermal plastic stitching and aluminum etch acid and caustic processes.

Sachtleben holds a degree in business from Concordia University in Wisconsin, and currently resides in Chesterfield, Mo.

St. Louis based Architectural Metals, Inc (AMI) has been in the anodizing and metal finishing business for more than 60 years, specializing in large extrusion and fabricated work. AMI is unique in the industry as a mid-sized anodizer with capabilities for multiple racks or single racks with custom fabrications. AMI is a sister company to Winco Window Company and is located at 6315 Maple Avenue, St. Louis, Mo., 63130.

 

 

 

ALPHARETTA, Ga. – Parrish Construction Group announces Adam Killen as executive director of its Alpharetta office.

In this role, Killen oversees daily operations and serves as project executive for all North Georgia projects. With 18 years of experience spanning K-12, higher education, healthcare and municipal construction, he brings deep industry expertise and a proven track record of leadership.

Killen’s goal in his new role is to continue to drive Parrish’s strong people-focused culture.

 

By NOLAN POINTER

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – TikTok, the Skilled Careers Coalition, SkillsUSA Indiana Alumni and Ivy Tech Community College hosted The Toolbelt Generation, a high-energy event convening educators, workforce leaders, students and content creators for a strategic discussion on how to address the state’s growing skilled trades gap.

Held at Ivy Tech Community College, the event featured two engaging panel discussions focused on the evolving ways Gen Z is discovering career pathways and how platforms like TikTok are being used to attract the next generation of tradespeople.

The event is part of a broader national initiative stemming from a partnership launched earlier this year among TikTok, the Skilled Careers Coalition and SkillsUSA. Together, the organizations aim to elevate skilled trades careers and meet the growing demand for talent through storytelling, advocacy and youth engagement.

The first fireside chat with Marty Pollio, EdD, president of Ivy Tech Community College, explored how career exploration is increasingly happening online and how industry leaders in Indiana must adapt their outreach to meet young people where they are – especially on social media.

“Participants in our Toolbelt Generation panel agreed that to move further, faster, in closing the skilled labor gap in Indiana and beyond, we need to embrace new sources of inspiration and learning for young people to explore their passion and purpose through a career in the trades,” said JJ Owen, executive director of the Skilled Careers Coalition. “Gen Z represents the future of the skilled labor workforce, but to reach more young people at scale about a career in the trades, it’s critical to meet them where they are – and that’s on social media.”

The second panel featured local TikTok creators and trades professionals sharing how they use the platform to tell their stories, spark interest and build communities around skilled trades careers.

“TikTok has become a powerful platform for career exploration, especially for Gen Z and the skilled trades,” said Christopher Sbrocco, a local TikTok creator promoting careers in the skilled trades. “It gives us an opportunity to show what we really do day in and day out – the precision, technical skill and problem-solving that go into our work. It also lets us highlight the exciting parts of the job: the tools we use, the projects we tackle and the pride we take in our craft.”

The event brought together a wide range of perspectives and voices, including Pollio; Stephanie Bothun, chief operating officer of CareerWise USA; Owen; Maci Runkel, Indiana culinary skilled trade business owner; local TikTok creators Sbrocco and Mike Simon; and Ivy Tech students and SkillsUSA Indiana alumni.

Throughout the panels, speakers emphasized the urgent need to attract young workers to fill high-demand roles in construction, manufacturing, HVAC and other skilled professions. By sharing firsthand experiences – from apprenticeships to online storytelling – the event highlighted the creative and community-based approaches helping close the skilled trades gap.

TikTok has emerged as a key platform for engaging Gen Z around career opportunities, with creators using the app to demystify skilled trades, show what a day on the job looks like and build authentic, relatable content that inspires curiosity and pride in hands-on work.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – KAI Build welcomes back Marisol Ramos as project manager in its St. Louis headquarters. Ramos was previously an assistant project manager for KAI 360 Construction Services in 2021 before transferring to the KAI Build group until 2024.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Faith Group LLC’s Ryan Walsh, principal and director of engineering, has been honored with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award.

The award was presented during a surprise ceremony on Oct. 10 where colleagues, an ESGR representative and the nominating military service member gathered to celebrate this recognition.

As a firm that actively works in the federal government market, Faith Group has pledged to encourage opportunities to employ Guardsmen, Reservists, transitioning Service members and Veterans. The firm has a deep appreciation for the values, leadership and unique skillsets service members bring to the workforce.

In his role as a principal at Faith Group, Walsh embodies these beliefs – and his leadership extends beyond engineering excellence to fostering a supportive workplace culture that empowers employees to thrive, both professionally and personally.

The Patriot Award recognizes supervisors and bosses whose efforts support citizen warriors through a wide range of measures such as flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence. Walsh was nominated for the Patriot Award by active Army National Guard member Kyle Vance, PMP, RCDD, who has served as a senior designer at Faith Group since January 2024.

Along with ESGR representative Ed Gruetzemacher, Colonel, US Army, Retired, Kyle Vance presented this prestigious award to Walsh while in uniform to recognize him for going above and beyond in supporting employees, like himself, who serve in the U.S. Guard and Reserve.

“I nominated Ryan Walsh for this award,” said Vance, “because of his unwavering support for my National Guard service. He proactively championed and implemented Faith Group’s first-ever paid Military Leave policy, ensuring I was supported before departing for duty on short notice.”

“With the worldwide commitments placed on the Dept. of Defense and the cost to taxpayers for our military force to answer those requirements, the National Guard and the Reserve Components are required. Civilian companies like Faith Group, and individual leaders and managers like Ryan Walsh, not only help their employees meet their life goals, but the readiness of our national defense,” said Gruetzemacher.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Brad Homes and Nichole VonderHaar from senior project manager to project director roles.

As project directors, they provide leadership and operational oversight on a variety of construction projects. Homes and VonderHaar are responsible for ensuring that the entire team has the resources necessary and maintains high-level communication throughout each stage of the process to meet the owner’s schedule, budget and community engagement expectations. VonderHaar and Homes each also develop and mentor S. M. Wilson’s project teams to help successfully execute projects, strengthen collective performance and foster a collaborative culture.

Homes joined S. M. Wilson in 2012 and has worked on a range of retail, civic, senior living and education projects. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southeast Missouri State University.

VonderHaar joined S. M. Wilson in 2015, and has worked on a range of healthcare, retail and education projects. She is a member of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri’s Construction Leadership Council. VonderHaar holds a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from Missouri University of Science & Technology and is OSHA 30 and ASHE Health Care Construction certified.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Poettker Construction raised $43,000 from its second annual Poettker Charity Clay Shooting Competition at Meadow Wood Farms in Waxhaw, N.C.

Through the tremendous support from its sponsors and partners, the dollars raised are supporting Dream On 3 Carolinas, a charity dedicated to making sports dreams a reality for children and young adults with life-altering conditions.

“At Poettker Construction, we believe in building more than structures. We build communities where children thrive,” said Keith Poettker, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are blessed to support Dream On 3’s faith-based mission. Together, if we can help even one child meet his or her sports hero and feel inspired, that’s a dream worth building and we’re proud to be part of it.”

In just two years, Poettker’s Clay Shoot has raised nearly $100,000 for Dream On 3 in the  Carolinas.

“Poettker Construction’s generosity helps us make sports dreams come true for kids who need hope the most,” said Ben Allred, CEO of Dream On 3. “The funds raised through its annual clay shoot will directly fuel experiences that remind our Dream Kids they are seen, celebrated and unstoppable.”

As a vested partner in the communities in which the company lives and works, Poettker Construction supports many charities and local organizations through its Poettker Gives Back program. In addition to hosting charity events, Poettker donates its time and money, mentors youth and educates students, faculty and staff about the construction industry through its NextGen program. Visit Poettker Gives Back for more about the company’s charitable efforts.

 

By KERRY SMITH BUCK

O’FALLON, Ill. – After nearly 14 years of service, one of Southern Illinois Builders Association’s hard-working team members is ready to enter a new season.

Administrative Assistant Shari Schutzenhofer’s final day of work was Oct. 31. She began working for SIBA in January 2012 on the building administrative side of the organization, which counts more than 500 construction industry companies across Illinois and Missouri as its members.

For the past 11 years, Schutzenhofer has been working alongside SIBA Safety Director John Holt as his administrative assistant. This role, she says, has given her an even greater respect and appreciation of the importance of all things safety.

“John brings back information from all of his safety training sessions and I input it,” says Schutzenhofer. “I’ve learned so much about how safety is the thread that weaves all building projects and teams together.”

Her favorite take-away from her time with SIBA, Schutzenhofer says, has been seeing young adults choose careers in the trades. She adds that over the past decade-plus, she’s been able to watch young learners gain their apprenticeship education and training and move into rewarding roles as they begin their construction careers – many of them now working for companies that are SIBA members.

“As a member-supported building organization, we take a lot of pride in watching that happen,” she says.

Schutzenhofer says she’s ready to join her husband, Terry, who has been retired for two years.

“It’s really hard to walk away from the terrific team at SIBA,” she says, “but I am ready to enter a new chapter of my life and enjoy more camping, boating, volunteering and reconnecting with my family.”

The Schutzenhofer’s have three grown children – Ryan, Katie and Haley.

Specific volunteering this East St. Louis native plans to do includes the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a longstanding organization whose mission is to serve the poor and marginalized.

 

 

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Ken Clausen joins global architecture and design firm Corgan as principal in the New York Data Centers studio.

With 30 years of experience in mission critical project management and operational leadership, Clausen leads with a balance of technical expertise, strategic insight and a collaborative approach to cultivate strong relationships and enhance project delivery. He is also a certified Project Management Professional.

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – IMPACT Strategies, Inc. announces the addition of six professionals to its growing team, reinforcing the company’s commitment to excellence and continued growth.

Each new team member brings his or her own unique background and experience.

In its Construction Operations group, IMPACT welcomes Lowell Kircher as senior project manager. Kircher holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and brings more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare construction industry. As a senior project manager with IMPACT, Kircher is responsible for overall management of project specific teams on multiple construction projects with specific duties for client interface, monitoring construction progress and quality and cost control activities to ensure project completion according to the established goals.

Brett Fechte and Nate Hoel join IMPACT’s Field Operations group as superintendents. Fechte holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri – St. Louis and has nine years of experience in the construction trades. Hoel possesses a Bachelor’s Degree from Southwest Missouri State University and joins IMPACT with more than 20 years in the construction industry, primarily with healthcare projects. In their roles, Fechte and Hoel are responsible for onsite management of the day-to-day details of projects under construction.

In IMPACT’s Preconstruction group, Nick Bisgrove joins as preconstruction manager. Bisgrove holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Economics and Finance from McKendree University and brings more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry. He is responsible for managing preconstruction processes efficiently and effectively while maintaining unwavering commitment to leadership and problem solving for IMPACT’s clients.

IMPACT welcomes Luke Thies to its Business/Finance group as a client strategy asssociate and Cami Walter as a staff accountant. Thies holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Missouri State University. In his role, Theis will be instrumental in enhancing the firm’s business development and relationship management efforts, focused on driving outstanding value. Walter holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from McKendree University and is currently working toward completing her Master’s of Business.

 

 

 

 

 

45-Year Industry Veteran Celebrated for a Career of “Architecture for Change” 

 

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Howard Graf of Graf & Lewent Architects – a studio of DIGroup Architecture (DIG) – has been honored with the President’s Award for Architectural Practice.

The inaugural honor, given by the Queens Foundation for Architecture and AIA Queens Chapter, was presented at Flushing Town Hall in Queens, N.Y. – a fitting location given Graf himself spearheaded the venue’s three-phase, $7 million restoration in the early 2000s.

Graf was selected for the honor due to his decades-long personal and professional commitment to Queens and Greater New York City communities.

A registered architect in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Virginia and Maryland, Graf has served as a past president of AIA- Queens, AIA-New York State and the Flushing Council on Culture & the Arts. Additionally, Graf serves as the chairperson of the executive board for the Queens Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the board of directors for the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation.

In 1989, he and Steve Lewent co-founded G&L, known for specializing in public sectors assignments including airport and university clients.

DIG, headquartered in New Brunswick, NJ and has an office in Philadelphia where the firm is currently completing the Paschalville Library renovation, acquired G&L in April. Graf, who earned his Master of Architecture and MBA from the University of Illinois, is a principal at DIG and is looking ahead to future projects.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – LCG Capital Management – a real estate firm specializing in development, brokerage, property management and corporate services – announces Sam Adler has joined the company as managing director of real estate development.

With more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate development and transactions, Adler will lead the strategy and execution of LCG’s real estate development division. LCG is supported by Alberici Constructors and Flintco, which announced a strategic investment in the company earlier this year.

Adler’s expertise spans all facets of real estate development including site selection, entitlements, design and construction, public-private partnerships and project financing. His leadership in adaptive reuse, hospitality, medical, mixed-use and retail developments will strengthen LCG’s ability to deliver projects that drive long-term community and client value.

Adler most recently served as managing director of development at New + Found, where he oversaw a $250 million portfolio of adaptive reuse, hospitality, multifamily and entertainment projects, including City Foundry STL and the new concert venue, The Sovereign. Prior to that, he spent more than 13 years with The Staenberg Group and THF Realty, helping to shape landmark developments such as The District STL, the Maryville University Hockey Center and downtown Chesterfield and a broad range of retail and land development projects nationwide.

Adler earned a bachelor’s degree in business with a double major in finance and real estate from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He currently serves on the Cardinal Glennon Development Board in St. Louis.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tarlton has promoted Tyler Sneed and Ben Schad to senior project engineers on the healthcare team.

Sneed holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and was hired as a project engineer at Tarlton in 2021. His healthcare work at the firm includes multiple renovations at Washington University School of Medicine, as well as projects with SSM Health and BJC Healthcare. He has also worked on projects in the Cortex District and with the Salvation Army.

Schad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management from Missouri State University. He joined Tarlton as a project engineer in 2021 after serving first as an apprentice carpenter, then a project engineer intern, for a general construction firm based in St. Louis. His Tarlton work includes projects at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and BJC Healthcare.

 

 

BREESE, Ill. – Poettker Construction has promoted Justin Dulle as director of estimating.

A Poettker employee for nearly 11 years, Dulle holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Southern lllinois University Edwardsville and an associate engineering degree from Kaskaskia College.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Vernon Eardley, an early member of The Korte Company, has died.

Eardley, 82, of Edwardsville, Ill., passed away peacefully at his residence on Oct. 16 after a fearless and lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinson’s Disease.

Vernon earned his Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering and a Master’s degree in construction management from the University of Illinois. He began his career as a project engineer, helping to build Interstate 70 for the State of Illinois, and later joined Korte Construction in 1969. He served as President and CEO of the Korte Company for many years. Through the decades to come, Eardley built not only roads and buildings but also a legacy of hard work, mentorship and lasting friendships.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Korte Company salutes the following long-time employees for a job well done:

Sandy Grapperhaus – Executive Assistant/Operations – 44 years

Sherri Obermark – Projects Controller/ Job Cost Management – 37 years

Derek Brauer – Executive Vice President of Procurement – 24 years

ST. LOUIS, Mo. –  Architecture, planning, urban design and interiors firm Trivers has won a Distinguished Award – Social Progress in the Architecture Category, an AIA St. Louis Design Award from the St. Louis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Trivers was recognized for its work with DOORWAYS creating a client-centered, three-acre, $40 million campus in North St. Louis reflecting a new model of care to be replicable and scalable for use around the nation in the effort to improve health outcomes and quality of life for low-income people battling HIV.

The annual AIA St. Louis Design Awards, judged by a jury of leading local architects, recognize outstanding achievements in all areas of design, construction and craftmanship in the region.

Completed in 2024, the DOORWAYS campus provides housing and a 360-degree resource portal to remove access and navigation barriers that often block retention in care for people living with HIV, poverty and homelessness. It includes 89 new one- and two-bedroom apartments, a 76,000-square-foot client services building, a 14,000-square-foot administration building and a BOCA Pharmacy Group retail pharmacy.

ATLANTA, Ga. – Cooper Martin joins Swinerton’s Atlanta team as a project executive.

Martin brings an extensive construction acumen to the firm’s leadership team with experience managing more than $370 million of construction work.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Jim Contratto has joined S. M. Wilson & Co. in the newly created position of Executive Vice President of Project Development & Strategy.

Contratto is responsible for leading and coordinating business development efforts, developing and executing strategies to identify new opportunities, establishing strategic partnerships and positioning S. M. Wilson to be selected by new target clients.

He brings four decades of experience in preconstruction efforts, strategic planning, phasing, project delivery methods and aligning project desires for projects ranging from several million dollars to a billion dollars across multiple market sectors. Contratto has held executive leadership roles focused on business development and has shared his expertise through speaking engagements for national organizations and industry publications.

He holds degrees in architecture and design from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

 

WASHINGTON. D.C. – U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announces that Alex Fitzsimmons is the new Acting Under Secretary of Energy.

Fitzsimmons has served as a critical leader across the department.

As chief of staff, he led the DOE through the first 100 days of the Trump Administration. He has since led the department’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, where he oversaw the security and reliability of the nation’s electrical grid. Fitzsimmons also served at DOE in the first Trump Administration.

 

BELLEVILLE, Ill. – The 25th Annual Metro Construction Career Expo, to be held Oct. 21–23 at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, is bracing for an all-time record turnout of more than 1,200 students from 37 area high schools who will gain hands-on experience in what could become their future career path. Unions and industry leaders are addressing the growing demand for skilled workers across Southern Illinois through this Expo and multiple other initiatives. Southern Illinois Builders Association CEO Donna Richter says apprenticeship programs offer paid, debt-free pathways into the construction industry –  complete with wages, benefits and pension, providing a strong alternative to traditional college routes. “We are thrilled to see record participation this year,” says Richter. “The Metro Construction Career Expo continues to open students’ eyes to meaningful, high-paying careers that don’t require taking on college debt. The hands-on experience students gain here often sparks lifelong careers in the trades.” Participating Trades and Exhibits The Expo will feature hands-on demonstrations and exhibits representing: carpenters, electricians, cement masons & plasterers, sheet metal workers, boilermakers, painters, ironworkers, laborers, bricklayers, plumbers/pipefitters/gasfitters and steamfitters. The Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois will also host a booth featuring virtual reality construction simulations where students can watch workers weld steel beams, demolish overpasses, rebuild roofs, install solar panels and more. “This is an eye-opening opportunity for high school students to experience what it’s like to be a steelworker, construction laborer, carpenter, solar technician and other occupations,” Richter says, “through more than 50 realistic 3-to-5-minute simulations that bring the trades to life.” Metro Construction Career Expo Participating Schools: Tuesday, Oct. 21 Calhoun, O’Fallon, Highland, Triad, Coulterville, Alton, Belleville East, Belleville West, Mt. Olive, Marissa, CCSI, East St. Louis, Brownstown Wednesday, Oct. 22 Edwardsville, Wesclin, New Athens, Freeburg, Civic Memorial, Lebanon, Staunton, Columbia, Dupo, Southwestern, Bunker Hill, Cahokia, Okawville Open house 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 Granite City, Waterloo, Roxana, East Alton-Wood River, Gillespie, Patoka, Chester, Greenville, Mascoutah, The CAVE, Carlyle Celebrating 25 Years of Opportunity Now in its 25th year, the Metro Construction Career Expo has grown into one of the region’s premier workforce development events. Since its inception, the Expo has introduced thousands of students to viable, debt-free career paths in the skilled trades – many of whom have gone on to successful, long-term careers in construction. The continued growth of the event reflects the collaboration between schools, trade unions and industry partners dedicated to building a stronger workforce for Southern Illinois. For more information about apprenticeship programs and opportunities in the construction industry, visit www.SIBA-AGC.org

 

 

O’FALLON, Mo. – The economic development arm for the City of O’Fallon, Mo. – SelectOFALLON – recognizes economic development projects coordinator Alexis Jaegers.

Having been a part of the the SelectOFALLON since May, Jaegers has worked for the City of O’Fallon since 2007. She plays a key role in collaborating with government agencies, private sector partners and legal counsel to ensure projects are executed smoothly and meet program requirements. Jaegers also serves on the board of the O’Fallon Community Foundation.

Her most recent role was as the public assistance specialist, where she engaged in federal grant administration, created grant-making opportunities, sought local, state and federal funding and monitored local grant recipients for compliance. Jaegers also hosted the Project HOME Golf Tournament, leveraging federal dollars to support the O’Fallon community.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tim Flacke has been promoted to president of Bingman Construction.

Prior to his promotion, Flacke served as director of construction at Bingman Construction.

And before joining Bingman, Flacke served as principal of Midas Building Group.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Budrovich Companies announces that Gary Kacich has transitioned from chief financial officer to its new chief strategic officer.

Kacich has been on the leadership team at Budrovich for two years. Prior to that, he worked as chief financial and operations officer for Catholic Charities of St. Louis. Before his service at Catholic Charities, Kacich worked as vice president of internal audit at Peabody Energy.

By CHARLYCE RUTH and AMANDA RODGERS

LINN, Mo. – Members of Women of STEEL, an initiative of the Associated General Contractors of Missouri, joined fellow industry professionals at State Technical College in Linn for the inaugural Build HER Future event Sept. 23.

Build HER Future served as an ideal lead-in to Careers in Construction Month, offering students an early opportunity to learn about rewarding careers in construction, engineering, skilled trades and manufacturing, and to connect directly with women leading the way in the industry.

The evening brought together 75 students and 30 industry professionals for open discussions, mentorship opportunities and networking designed to inspire young women to explore careers in construction, engineering, skilled trades and manufacturing.

Encouraging Women to Build Their Futures

Empowerment, mentorship and networking were focuses throughout the event. Students had the chance to hear directly from women who are thriving in construction-related careers and to discuss how they can build their own futures.

The Build HER Future event was organized by a dedicated committee of women from across Missouri’s construction industry and supported by multiple organizations, including AGCMO, Women of STEEL, Women of Asphalt, Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc., Sellenriek, Capital, Martin Equipment, HTS Coatings, Hitachi, Scholastic and the NAWIC Southwest Missouri Chapter #366.

Committee members included:

Charlyce Ruth, AGCMO & Women of STEEL
Cecelia Cain, Delta North & Women of Asphalt
Angie Regan, Emery Sapp & Sons & NAWIC Central MO
Nicole Martin, Capital Paving
Ashley Hunsaker, HTS Coatings, LLC
Marina Conklin, United Rentals
Shannon Voss, AGCMO
April Planck, Marmic Fire & NAWIC SW MO
Shannon Grus, State Technical College of Missouri

“Our goal was to encourage young women to see themselves non-traditional careers, including the construction industry and connect them with mentors who can help them get there,” said Ruth, SW Missouri Manager of Workforce Development and a Women of STEEL leader. “The energy in the room was inspiring. You could feel the excitement for what’s possible.”

Inspiring Conversations with Industry Leaders

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Katey Twehous LaVanchy of Twehous Excavating, with panelists representing multiple non-traditional fields:

Melissa Kelpe, Emery Sapp & Sons
Meg Connell, United Rentals
Ashley Hunsaker, HTS Coatings
Nichole Martin, Capital Paving

Panelists shared insights about how the construction industry is changing and what drives the increase of women joining the field, while offering advice for young women entering technical and construction-related programs.

Questions focused on leadership, empowerment and overcoming challenges in male-dominated environments – topics that resonated deeply with attendees, Ruth said.

“It was eye-opening and inspiring,” said Emily, a student attendee. “It gave me a better perspective as a woman going into the trades, and I’d love to connect with a mentor.”

Mentorship Connections in Action

The event generated overwhelming interest in mentorship opportunities, according to participants. Several students, including Jordyn (electronics engineering) and Tabitha reached out after the event to request mentor matches; many professionals eagerly stepped forward to volunteer.

“We were blown away by the turnout and student engagement,” said Lori, an attendee representing NAWIC and Emery Sapp & Sons. “I spoke with several students who want to stay in touch. It’s exciting to see this much interest from both sides.”

“The event was awesome,” added Sharon, a 38-year HVAC professional. “I’d love to mentor a student and share what a rewarding career this can be.”

“It was an excellent event,” said Debbie, another industry professional. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”

These responses reflect growing industry-wide momentum to connect female students with mentors, role models and professional networks, Ruth said – a goal strongly aligned with Careers in Construction Month.

A Shared Mission: Building Careers and Community

Events like Build HER Future embody the spirit of Careers in Construction Month, which highlights the many rewarding, high-tech and high-demand opportunities available in the industry, according to Ruth.

For Women of STEEL, supporting initiatives like this reinforces their mission: Seeking To Engage, Elevate and Lead women in construction and related fields.

“When young women see others thriving in this industry, it changes their perspective,” said Ruth. “It’s about showing them they belong here and giving them the tools and connections to succeed.”

Women of STEEL plans to continuing to support similar events statewide and helping expand mentorship programs that connect students with industry professionals throughout Missouri.

 

 

 SHILOH, Ill. – BARBERMURPHY, a commercial real estate brokerage serving Central & Southern Illinois and Greater St. Louis, Missouri, announces the addition of Vito LaFata IV to its team of experienced brokers.

LaFata joins BARBERMURPHY with a statewide focus on industrial and land development properties throughout Missouri – particularly along the I-44 Corridor, one of the state’s fastest-growing transportation and distribution routes connecting St. Louis to Springfield and Joplin, Mo.

With a background in communications, relationship management and market research, he brings a comprehensive, client-first approach to every transaction. His ability to connect business strategy with local market insight allows him to assist property owners, developers and investors in identifying opportunities across both metropolitan and emerging markets.

LaFata is a graduate of Missouri State University.

 

 

 

 

By KERRY SMITH BUCK

By KERRY SMITH BUCK

O’FALLON, Ill. – Veteran real estate broker Collin Fischer, principal and designated managing broker at BARBERMURPHY, has achieved his SIOR (Society of Industrial and Office Realtors) designation.

Fischer is now in good company with the most educated, investment-savvy, financially successful industrial and office real estate professionals in the world.

Only 56 commercial brokers in the greater St. Louis region – out of hundreds of industrial and office specialists – have the SIOR designation. Globally, SIOR has been in existence for 80 years and has 4,000 members in more than 50 countries.

Among the rigorous expertise and proven industry experience required, there are stringent production and income benchmarks that must be achieved for brokers to qualify for consideration. Fellow BARBERMURPHY Principal Steve Zuber says this SIOR requirement is not an easy one to fulfill.

“This is a big achievement for Collin and a phenomenal designation to have,” says Zuber, who also has a SIOR. “It’s based upon performance and that’s what makes it distinct from other designations such as the CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member). Being a SIOR makes a huge difference, especially when putting together deals across the U.S. The SIOR is instant credibility, and the SIOR network gives you access to brokers across the country.” Zuber adds that he and Fischer are likely the only two licensed brokers in Southern Illinois to bear both the SIOR and CCIM designations.

Four additional BARBERMURPHY brokers are currently working on their CCIM and two more will achieve their SIOR over the next few years, according to Zuber. The firm has grown substantially over the past 18 to 24 months, counting a total of nearly 25 brokers today.

Jim Loft, SIOR St. Louis chapter president and a principal at Gershman Commercial Real Estate, says BARBERMURPHY has been well represented through the years. “BARBERMURPHY Co-Founder Wayne Barber and Steve Zuber are long-time SIOR members, with Steve serving as our chapter president in 2022,” Loft says. “SIOR members are widely considered to be amongst the highest producing, most knowledgeable in the brokerage industry. Collin’s SIOR achievement is well earned…we look forward to what he will bring to the organization.”

Fischer, who celebrates 20 years with BARBERMURPHY in March 2026, says earning the SIOR designation can only provide more recognition and opportunities.

“The SIOR is truly a way to advance your career as a commercial broker,” Fischer says. “It offers access to connecting and working with the best industrial and office brokers in the world. Earning the SIOR presented an opportunity for me to step up to the plate, knock it out and signify to the market that I’m affiliated with the best of the best. Now I’m able to encourage our newer brokers that if they’re serious about their professional journey, this is something they should accomplish.”

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy welcomes four new top officials to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation following their confirmation by the U.S. Senate on Oct. 7, in an en bloc vote of 51-47. They are: Michael Rutherford to serve as the first-ever Assistant Secretary for Multimodal Freight Infrastructure & Policy, Gregory Zerzan as General Counsel, Derek Barrs as the 8th Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and David Fink as the 16th Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Assistant Secretary: As the first-ever assistant Secretary for Multimodal Freight Infrastructure & Policy, Michael Rutherford will lead an office that was originally conceived in the 2020 National Freight Strategic Plan and later created by Congress in 2021. In this position, Rutherford is responsible for developing national freight policy and data-sharing initiatives while working closely with industry and transportation leaders as well as state and local DOTs. He will also oversee all freight-related grant programs, research efforts and lead working groups across the department, including efforts related to tackling the problem of cargo theft. General Counsel: As General Counsel, Gregory Zerzan is the chief legal officer of the department, legal advisor to the Secretary, and the final authority within the department on questions of law. Zerzan will lead more than 400 attorneys to address a wide range of issues impacting transportation law, policy and the department’s operations. FMCSA: As Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Derek Barrs will spearhead the FMCSA’s work to strengthen roadway safety, improve the efficiency of freight and passenger transport and restore commonsense, results-driven oversight. A long-time advocate within the commercial motor vehicle industry, Barrs represented one of the largest CMV associations as president of industry membership and chaired enforcement and industry modernization efforts. In these roles, he led initiatives to harness technology, modernize enforcement and strengthen safety outcomes nationwide. FRA: At the Federal Railroad Administration, David Fink will work to carry out the agency’s mission to enable the safe, reliable and efficient movement of people and goods along a national rail network critical to the U.S. transportation system and economy.

 

By TODD IMMING

As the oldest of four siblings – with two younger sisters nearly a decade her junior – Macy Morley Brandt learned to take on responsibility at an early age.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Morley never had to look far for familiar faces. She grew up surrounded by siblings and cousins, all within a 10-mile radius.

Construction was in the family blood. Her father and grandfather were home builders in St. Louis, working together in the family business, Taylor-Morley Homes. Now when Morley visits jobsites as a project engineer, she has different things on her mind other than looking for arrowheads.

She spent her childhood outdoors – riding bikes, walking the dogs and playing in the neighborhood. Or they would join Dad at work, tromping through jobsites. She recalls visiting projects in muddy shoes, searching for arrowheads conspicuously placed around the site.

“Now looking back at those experiences, I fear those arrowheads might’ve been planted for us to find,” she said with a laugh. “But nonetheless, it’s a very fun experience to look back on.”

Finding her way

Morley graduated from Parkway Central High School in 2013 and earned her bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from the University of Missouri in 2017.

After graduating, she had a hard time finding a good fit. She started working in design for interior and residential architecture firms. But she wanted more freedom and responsibility in her long-term career than residential could offer.

She needed to find a company where The Job is the Boss.

Her transition started during COVID. Like many, she used the opportunity to take stock of her professional life. She decided to go back to school and build a broader skill set that would allow her to pivot toward a new career path.

It also was during this time that Morley grew close to her now husband, Tyler Brandt. They met right before lockdowns and quickly became one of each other’s “core group of six” who came together to play boardgames while everything was shut down.

Morley enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, graduating in 2024 with a dual master’s degree in architecture and construction management. The connections she made at WashU led her straight to The Korte Company.

Construction Management Academic Advisor Steve Bannes introduced her to Director of Technology and Development Alex Ayres, who just so happened to come from the same dual-degree program. Within weeks, Morley had an interview and soon after, a summer internship. “I’m so thankful to Steve for introducing me to Alex, and thankful to Alex too for seeing my schooling and what I was working toward and not necessarily my previous work experience,” she said.

An internship that led to a career

The internship gave Macy Morley exactly what she’d been looking for – real-time exposure to construction projects and the full arc of the design-build process. “It was exactly what I was missing,” she said. Morley was assigned to work with Project Manager Harsh Bansal on a project at a Navy base in Charleston, S.C. There were challenges as soon as they hit the ground. But Morley saw each one as an opportunity to learn. It was a crash course in constructability — something she hadn’t been able to learn in the residential construction industry. “It was really great to see all of these opportunities that were arising and how we could handle them,” she said. “That was awesome.”

Harsh also helped Morley overcome the feeling she wasn’t skilled enough to work on a large-scale project, assuring her that confidence comes with experience. “I asked Harsh one time, ‘When do you feel like you’re confident in the constructability factor?’ And he laughed and said, ‘Every job is so different. You learn as it comes and you look at product data, you look at shop drawings, you’ll look at manufacturer instructions and you’ll learn it.’ And that was a huge weight off my shoulders.”

From intern to project engineer

After her summer internship, Macy returned to WashU for her final year of studies. But she was already confident that she would return to The Korte Company to restart her career in commercial construction.

And she was right. Today, Morley is a project engineer.

She’s also a married woman. Macy and Tyler tied the knot in September 2024, justcouple still enjoys hosting game nights, “Survivor” watch parties and other social events.

Hitting the jobsite and building confidence

After only two months on the job, Morley is already traveling between two very different projects. One is a Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command project at a Marine base in Twentynine Palms, Calif. The other is the local Highland Elementary School renovations in Highland, Ill.

She sees these two projects as a great example of the broad spectrum of jobs The Korte Company contracts. One is highly complex and tightly regulated, and the other is more focused on building long-lasting professional relationships with local vendors. Both are valuable learning grounds. Submittals and RFIs anchor most of her day-to-day work, but she’s also learning from those around her, including both of her project managers, Megan Banks and Brianna Ratermann-Blaser.

“It’s really great to see Megan in the moment ask questions in order to understand what is going on in a field that she is not the expert in,” Macy said. “It was so eye-opening because as the project manager, much like the project engineer, it’s not expected that you have the answer right now. It’s expected that you will find the answer and you will investigate and figure it out.”

The full-circle moments: Taking ownership of her work and career

Although she’s still early in her career, Morley has already found exactly where she wants to be and knows what she wants to do: become the best project engineer she can be.

Now she looks forward to seeing her first project all the way through, from submittals to final walk-through. “I think once I am able to see a project from beginning to end, I’ll have a better understanding on how to organize this project for everybody involved, just to make it the easiest for everybody.”

Morley’s career feels like a continuation of something much older — her family’s legacy in construction, her time spent wandering job sites as a kid, her love of design and her gift for leadership. It feels like something new, too. She’s carving a path of her own — one built on curiosity, compassion and the kind of confidence that only comes from putting in the work.

Her father passed away in 2010, but Morley knows he would be proud.

She’s learning to Build Smart, one project at a time. And she’s just getting started.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Arcturis announces the acquisition of Square Feet Studio, an Atlanta-based architecture, interiors and urban placemaking practice.

Square Feet Studio will operate under the co-brand “Arcturis | Square Feet Studio.”

The move builds on Arcturis’s nearly 50 years of human-centered design leadership and national reach, licensed in 48 states, while adding Square Feet Studio’s 25 years of award-winning placemaking across hospitality, food and beverage, adaptive reuse and multifamily interiors.

 

 

 

 

DENVER, Colo. – The National Safety Council has recognized Kevin R. Cannon, senior director of safety, health & risk management at AGC of America, as a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service to Safety Award – the NSC’s highest individual safety honor.

Presented during the NSC Safety Congress & Expo, the DSSA celebrates individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to safety and injury prevention. AGC is proud to see Cannon and Shaun Carvalho, chief safety officer at AGC-member-company Shawmut Design & Construction, deemed outstanding safety leaders from the AGC community, recognized on a national stage.

 

By BLAINE KRAGE

PARK RIDGE, Ill. – The American Society of Safety Professionals – the world’s oldest professional safety organization – enthusiastically welcomes the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of David Keeling as the 14th Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

An ASSP member since 2002, Keeling brings nearly four decades of experience to OSHA.

He worked for nearly 40 years as a health and safety executive for UPS and more recently (since 2021) worked at Amazon.

“OSHA’s leadership is more important than ever given today’s workplace safety challenges and the continuing evolution of how work is performed,” says ASSP President Linda Tapp. “We know David is a strong proponent of protecting workers, and his extensive knowledge and skills as a safety professional will certainly help the agency. We look forward to working with him and his staff on many substantial issues.”

The ASSP is encouraged by Keeling’s commitment and vision to modernize regulatory oversight and rulemaking through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, predictive analytics and informed design, which can significantly reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

“It’s vital to understand the risks workers confront every day, knowing these hazards often have life-and-death implications,” Tapp says. “Workplace fatalities are preventable.”

Keeling’s plan to enhance OSHA’s use of industrial consensus standards is a critical step in bolstering worker safety across all industries. He has publicly acknowledged the rigorous review and continuous improvement inherent in these standards, which focus on industry best practices and are vital for driving business improvement, injury prevention and sustainability. ASSP is a leader in the creation of consensus standards.

The ASSP, which represents 36,000 safety and health professionals across the U.S., has strongly supported OSHA and other federal agencies to help protect the nation’s essential public safety and health infrastructure. Moving forward, ASSP is ready to collaborate closely with Keeling and his team, united by the shared mission of ensuring safe and healthy conditions at all American workplaces.

“Safety, health and well-being are inherent rights of every worker,” Tapp said.

 

 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Aon announces Jenn Abbott as its new Aon Missouri resident sales director.

Abbott brings a wealth of experience, leadership and passion for client success to Aon.

More than 150 students to compete in a variety of construction trades at the Cobb County Civic Center

By BENJAMIN DAVID

ATLANTA, Ga. – The Associated General Contractors of Georgia is preparing to host
construction students from high schools in nine local counties for the AGC Metro Atlanta Skills Challenge.

The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28. in Marietta at the Cobb County Civic Center.

This Skills Challenge is one of eight regional events held throughout Georgia that will host more than 2,000 students from
more than 100 schools. Competitions held at the AGC Metro Atlanta Skills Challenge are: Blueprint Reading, Cabinetmaking,
Carpentry, Electrical, HVACR, Heavy Equipment Operations, Masonry, Metal Studs/Drywall, Plumbing, TeamWorks,
Welding and Welding Fabrication.

“We take pride in partnering with local industry as one of the host contractors, aiming to develop our future workforce
and promote careers in construction,” says Blake Riedling with Brasfield & Gorrie.
With more than 150 students competing in the Metro Atlanta Skills Challenge, 200 hundred additional students will observe
in hopes of competing in the future. All students will benefit from conversations with construction industry
professionals who host interactive activities for students throughout the event to help them become more familiar with
specific construction trades.

“High school instructors who teach construction-related curriculum are frontline champions for careers in the
construction industry. These professionals work hard to teach their students real-world skills and prepare them for
‘game day’ type experiences at Skills Challenges. It’s exciting to see young men and women showcasing their trade
talents in an exciting atmosphere,” says AGC Georgia Executive Vice President Zach Fields.

Students from construction programs in the following counties receive priority registration to compete in the Metro
Atlanta Skills Challenge: Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett and Paulding.
Students who are members of SkillsUSA Georgia and compete in Cabinetmaking, Carpentry, Electrical, Masonry,
Plumbing, TeamWorks, Welding and Welding Fabrication at this event are eligible to earn a bid to the SkillsUSA Georgia
State Leadership and Skills Competition that will be held in February 2026.

For more information about Skills Challenges, visit www.agcga.org/skills.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Trivers announces the hiring of Emily Haller, architectural designer, and the promotion of Shaun Dodson, senior project architect, to associate.

Haller joins Trivers with experience in higher education, civic, cultural and workplace environments. She earned her Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, where she now serves as a lecturer in the undergraduate architecture program. Haller also holds a Bachelor of Arts from Bryn Mawr College.

Dodson has been promoted to associate of the firm. With 15 years’ experience in civic, cultural and multi-family housing, Dodson integrates design, history and technology across both new construction and adaptive reuse projects. His leadership extends beyond project work through active service with ULI St. Louis, the St. Louis Art Place Initiative and Ranken Technical College.

 

	ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Case Engineering has expanded with the recent hiring of electrical engineers Eli Tran and Xavier Moore, plumbing designer Leon Perry, Jr. and structural engineer Ted Valentine. Tran graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas with a degree in electrical engineering and a minor in mathematics. He is actively pursuing an EIT certification with the goal of obtaining his physical engineer’s license. Moore completed an electrical engineering internship at Case Engineering in summer 2024 and was recently hired upon earning a degree in electrial engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Mo. Perry has a degree in project engineering from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. With more than 20 years of experience in mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection design, Perry has worked on a variety of projects that include renovations to the Missouri S&T Child Development Center and upgrades to the Indiana Schools for the Deaf and the Blind and Visually Impaired. He is a member of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. Valentine graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Mo. with degrees in civil engineering and architectural engineering. He completed two summer internships as a structural intern at Kreher Engineering in at Kreher Engineering in Columbia, Ill. and also worked a year as a transportation project engineer at Gonzalez Companies in St. Louis, Mo.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – On Wednesday, Oct. 1, the Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) hosted its fourth-annual Build My Future: Construction Career Day & Industry Showcase at St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley Campus. This high-energy, full-day expo was designed to introduce more than 1,000 students from 36 St. Louis area schools to real-world opportunities in the construction industry.

Students began the day with a safety briefing, then rotated through hands-on activities, live demonstrations and interactive exhibits led by more than 40 exhibitors and 19 sponsoring organizations. From operating equipment simulators to learning skilled trade techniques, students stepped directly into the world of construction careers.

A continual workforce shortage across St. Louis and throughout Missouri is the impetus for these Build My Future events statewide. In July 2025, Missouri construction employment reached 150,300 workers, an increase of 3,400 workers (2.26 percent) from the prior year, according to the AGC of America Missouri Fact Sheet.

Nationally, the worker shortage is also evident. A recent AGC of America/NCCER workforce survey found that 89 percent of Missouri contractors have open craft positions and 70 percent have open salaried positions.

Construction careers consistently pay above the state median, with skilled trade roles offering immediate, high-demand opportunities.

Construction contributes more than $22 billion annually to Missouri’s economy and fuels the infrastructure, transportation and industry growth critical to the state’s future.

Throughout September and continually through the month of October – celebrated as Construction Careers Months – AGCMO is continuing to highlight workforce needs and opportunities across Missouri with additional Build My Future events in Poplar Bluff (Oct. 7), Jefferson City (Oct. 15) and Bethany (Oct. 22).

 

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Bax Engineering Company announces a planned leadership transition as Dan Bax, son of company founder Harold Bax, assumes both majority ownership and the role of president effective Jan. 1.

Bax will work closely with Jeff Simmons to guide the company’s future growth and client service. Simmons will also take on an ownership role and serve as vice president.

Dan Bax represents the next generation of family leadership, returning to the firm after building a successful 15-year career in the electrical utility industry. At Ameren and later at LUZCO Technologies, he managed multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects in substation design, transmission and distribution systems and underground electrical infrastructure. Known for his technical expertise, strategic planning and collaborative leadership style, Bax has also spearheaded reliability programs to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. He will succeed current and longtime President Cliff Heitmann.

Heitmann, who has been with Bax for 31 years and served as president for the past 19, will remain in his role through Dec. 31 before retiring.

 

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – The Making an IMPACT Foundation, a charitable organization established by IMPACT Strategies in Fairview Heights, IL, successfully held its 4th annual Sporting Clay Classic on Sept. 12.

Held at NILO Farms in Brighton, Ill., the event successfully raised more than $25,000 for SIHF Healthcare, an organization dedicated to transforming health care by embracing the community with inclusivity, regardless of income or circumstances.

“SIHF Healthcare is honored to be the benefactor of the Making an IMPACT Clay Classic. More importantly, we are greatly appreciative of the partnership with IMPACT Strategies to help make a difference in the health and lives of the individuals in our communities,” said Larry McCulley, SIHF Healthcare CEO.

IMPACT extends its heartfelt gratitude to the 26 subcontractor and business partners whose generous contributions made this event possible. Participants enjoyed breakfast, followed by the sporting clay competition, and concluded with a luncheon, happy hour and an awards ceremony recognizing the winners.

Mike Michael, chairman of the IMPACT Strategies Foundation Committee, said, “We want to thank everyone who attended the Foundation’s fourth annual Sporting Clay Classic. The turnout was fantastic, and the contributions and participation of our attendees enable the Foundation to continue its vital work within the local community.”

The Making an IMPACT Foundation is dedicated to supporting the local community through its four Pillars of Support: Community, Health Care, Education and Children. The Foundation’s mission is to empower and engage IMPACT Strategies employees to actively invest their time, talent and resources in making a positive difference in the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – ACI Boland Architects has hired Ali Summerford as its new associate principal and St. Louis office leader.

Summerford comes to ACI Boland after more than six years as interior design director for Oculus.

Image courtesy of ASA Midwest Council (ASA board of directors with Executive Director Susan Winkelmann, center)

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Midwest Council has been named the nation’s ASA Chapter of the Year.

The award announcement came at the association’s annual conference, SUBExcel, held Sept. 16-18 in Oklahoma City, Okla.

This prestigious recognition highlights the chapter’s outstanding achievements in membership growth, advocacy, education and industry leadership for the prior fiscal year.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as ASA Chapter of the Year,” said Susan Winkelmann, executive director
of the ASA Midwest Council. “This achievement is a direct reflection of the hard work and
dedication of our chapter leaders, members and volunteers, all of whom are committed to strengthening
and advancing the subcontracting community in the St. Louis region. As a chapter we are proud to create
opportunities through networking, education and advocacy that help shape a stronger future for our
industry and community as a whole.”

The ASA Midwest Council, founded in 1967, serves as the voice for subcontractors across the region, with
a mission to improve the construction process for all subcontractors and suppliers. The chapter provides
education, networking opportunities and legislative advocacy to support and advance its members’
businesses.

Ryan Spell, immediate past president of ASA Midwest Council, added, “This recognition is not just about
the accomplishments of the past year. It’s a testament to the culture we’ve built together. Our chapter has
an incredible group of leaders and members who continue to raise the bar. I couldn’t be prouder to see
our efforts acknowledged on the national stage.”

The ASA Chapter of the Year Award is presented annually by the American Subcontractors Association
National organization to the chapter that demonstrates excellence in leadership, programming, member
engagement and commitment to the core principles of the ASA.

“It’s an honor for ASA Midwest Council to be recognized as ASA Chapter of the Year,” said Matt Tucker, current ASA Midwest Council president. “This award, presented for the prior fiscal year, highlights the outstanding efforts of our members, board and leadership in
advancing the mission of ASA. I am proud to acknowledge this achievement and remain committed to carrying forward the work that has brought us
this recognition.”

The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Midwest Council is the premier subcontractor
construction trade association made up of exceptional subcontractors and suppliers serving the
construction industry and the community in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and Southern Illinois.
The Midwest Council’s purpose is to improve the construction process through active participation
in education, advocacy and collaboration.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Gray Design Group announces team growth with four leadership promotions and two new additions to its support studios.

Laura Hefele has been promoted to accounting lead. She will oversee accounting operations and manage financial processes that keep the organization running smoothly behind the scenes.

Matt Nieters has been promoted to senior project manager – architecture. His project experience spans more than 40 states and includes a wide range of facility types including bakeries, warehouses, convenience stores and fitness centers.

Katie Rammelkamp has been promoted to associated project manager – interiors.

Gray Design has promoted Jordyn Holtmeyer to project architect.

The firm has hired Jessie Karabell as office specialist.

Terry Fox also joins Gray Design as an accounting specalist.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The 2025 MUSE Creative and Design Awards, organized by the
International Awards Associate, have officially announced its Season 2 results, marking the second chapter of
this year’s global competition while celebrating the program’s 10th anniversary milestone.

From more than 13,000 submissions, this season’s winners embody innovation, craft and influence across the creative and design industries.

IWR, alongside partners Unbridled Media and Latigo Creative, earned the Corporate Video, Gold and Corporate
Identity Redesign, Silver distinctions. This honor underscores the ingenuity of the idea, the caliber of its execution
and the lasting resonance it holds within its field.

As part of its 2025 corporate identity redesign, IWR – a national leader in premium building enclosure systems – launched a brand anthem video to capture the company’s spirit, people and promise of excellence. Rooted in IWR’s 130-year legacy of craftsmanship, the video introduces who IWR is today and where it’s headed, blending personal storytelling with grit, sophistication and polished visuals.

Produced in collaboration with Unbridled Media, the piece pairs cinematic shots of iconic projects with authentic worksite moments, showcasing the passion behind IWR’s enclosures and new tagline, “Make It Iconic.” It bridges heritage and modernity, positioning IWR as the trusted choice for large, complex projects.

 

 

 

Image courtesy of SLSO

 

By KERRY SMITH BUCK

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – General contractor BSI Constructors of St. Louis is celebrating along with its client – St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

BSI led the two-year, $140 million, donor-funded construction effort to completely reimagine, renovate and expand what was formerly known solely as Powell Hall and is now known as the Jack C. Taylor Music Center.

“We at BSI Constructors are thrilled to have played a role in the transformation of Powell Hall,” said Paul Shaughnessy, president at BSI Constructors. “It has been a great honor to be entrusted with the construction for this St. Louis landmark. We salute the leadership of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and its many generous supporters for their commitment to timeless music, to Grand Center, to the City of St. Louis and to truly inspiring architecture.”

The celebratory opening of the institution’s 2025/26 season, its 146th, serves as a milestone moment for the orchestra and for Powell Hall, which turns 100 in November and has served as the SLSO’s home since 1968.

It was designed by the global architecture firm Snøhetta with local firm Christner Architects as the architect of record.

The project provides new and improved amenities for audiences and artists, while preserving and enhancing the internationally recognized acoustics and aesthetics of the concert hall. A new education and learning center provides additional space for the SLSO’s two resident choruses, its youth orchestra and a robust portfolio of education and community programs.

Powell Hall has been the home for the symphony since 1968.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LA PORTE, Ind. – Larson-Danielson Construction Co. announces the addition of Joe Thompso as a project manager.

Thompson earned his degree in project management from Northern Kentucky University and brings 18 years of construction industry experience, including previous roles with CORE Construction and Hasse Construction.

 

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Civil engineering firm Matthews | DCCM announces the promotion of Brynna Bartlett to project manager.

Bartlett’s journey with the team began in 2021 as an intern during her studies at the University of North Florida, continuing with a full-time role and now advancing into leadership.

Throughout her time with Matthews | DCCM, Bartlett has distinguished herself through clear coordination, a steady, solutions-oriented approach and a strong commitment to quality. She fosters productive collaboration across teams and communicates with clients and partners in a way that keeps projects moving and outcomes aligned.

 

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. – The Concrete Foundations Association announces the installation of three distinguished leaders to its Legacy Committee: Van Smith of Hudson Valley Concrete Pumping, Inc.; Mark Saldana of Saldana Concrete; and Lance Jordan, formerly of Stephens and Smith Concrete Construction.

The appointments honor their significant contributions and longstanding service to the concrete foundation industry and the CFA.

Smith brought dynamic energy to the board, championing the “Projects of the Year” program and passionately sharing his expertise in construction education and technology.

Saldana’s service was defined by his passionate involvement in strategic planning, which formalized the mission and vision that guides the CFA today.

Jordan’s tenure on the CFA board was marked by his stabilizing leadership during the economic recession, a critical period for the association. His persistent efforts helped ensure the CFA’s continuity and fostered a collaborative environment for members.

The purpose of CFA’s Legacy Committee is to safeguard and cultivate institutional knowledge, framed by history and held visible toward the future. By preserving the collective wisdom shared by vigorous networking, institutionalizing historical insights and honoring the best practices throughout CFA membership, this committee aims to ensure continuity, excellence and innovation in the concrete contracting industry.

 

 

 

By KERRY SMITH BUCK

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Skanska’s Lynnwood Link L300 Project – 3.7 miles of guideway, two elevated light rail stations and a five-story parking garage in Seattle – netted the construction company a Baldwin Group Build America Award.

The Baldwin Group Build America Awards honor AGC members who build the nation’s most impressive construction projects ranging across the building, highway and transportation, utility infrastructure and federal and heavy divisions.

The AGC of America is asking for nominations for next year’s Baldwin Group Build America recognition.

Baldwin Group Build America winners excel in the areas of:
• State-of-the-art advancement
• Project management
• Innovation in construction techniques or materials
• Safety record
• Client service
• Community relations
• Environmental sensitivity
• Partnering excellence

To apply or nominate, see https://smr.to/p103901

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Contegra Constructon welcomes Nora Sieckhaus as a project engineer.

Sieckhaus brings experience in supporting design-build construction of high-rise, industrial manufacturing and institutional projects.

 

	ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Lawrence Group announces the promotion of Tyra Duren to a new role as managing director-business services. In her new position, Duren will lead key support functions including talent development, technology and AI, marketing/data and analytics and administrative services. She will also work closely with firm leadership and cross-functional teams to strengthen communication, streamline operations and ensure ongoing alignment between staffing, financial planning and project goals. With a focus on organizational growth, nurturing innovation and supporting workforce development, Duren will play a vital role in advancing the firm’s strategic vision and company culture. Duren has more than a decade of St. Louis-based human resources experience, having previously worked as an HR administrator for the Gateway Region YMCA, an HR generalist for the St. Louis Cardinals and senior professional of community and culture at Concentrix. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Corrections from Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss. and dual Master’s Degrees in Human Resource Development and Leadership Management from Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo.

 

Image courtesy of AGC of Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – When construction leaders and lawmakers sit down together, powerful conversations happen.

That’s the purpose of AGCMO’s 2025 Legislative Roundtables – bringing Missouri’s construction industry face-to-face with the policymakers shaping the industry’s future.

This year, AGCMO is hosting roundtables in St. Louis, Kansas City and Springfield, giving members the chance to move beyond headlines and soundbites and instead engage directly with their elected officials. These aren’t speeches – they’re conversations built on listening, asking tough questions and fostering the trust that leads to real change.

Why It Matters

Missouri’s construction industry faces pressing challenges: workforce shortages, infrastructure needs, regulatory hurdles and economic uncertainty. At the same time, the industry is central to progress. Every road, bridge, school and hospital depends on construction. These roundtables ensure that the voices of those who live and breathe construction are heard by state leaders who make the decisions.

Dates & Locations

• St. Louis – October 7
  Construction Training School, 6301 Knox Industrial Drive
  Conversations with Democratic and Republican senators and representatives will highlight the diverse perspectives shaping policy in Missouri.
• Kansas City – October 14
  Superior Bowen, 520 W. Pennway Street, Suite 300
  Featuring Missouri House Rep./Speaker Jonathan Patterson (R-30) along with key senators and representatives from both parties, this session offers members direct access to legislative leadership at the highest level.
• Springfield – October 22
  Branco, 1864 South State Hwy MM
  With Missouri Senate Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley (R-134) and lawmakers from both chambers, this roundtable promises robust discussions about Missouri’s construction future and the policies that will shape it.

Your Voice Matters

These roundtables are built on one central idea: every member has a voice. They are a chance for all AGCMO mmbers to share their perspectives, raise concerns and highlight opportunities for growth. Together, we can ensure the policies guiding Missouri’s future are built with input from the people who know construction best.

Be Part of the Conversation and Register Here

AGCMO invites members to join us for these important discussions and you can register here.

If you have specific issues you’d like to raise, please connect with Maureen McDonnell at

[email protected] ahead of time.

In 2025, every construction industry member’s insight can help shape Missouri’s future. Join us at a Legislative Roundtable and be part of the conversation.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has promoted Emily Klackner to senior project manager.

Klackner joined S. M. Wilson in 2019 and has since worked on a variety of projects including educational, retail and residential developments. Her portfolio includes the Jefferson City School District’s 2024 bond issue, the Ladue School District’s master plan, City Foundry STL, Center of Creative Arts’ (COCA) expansion and two Target store remodels.

Since 2023, Emily has been an active member of the AGC of Missouri’s Construction Leadership Council and currently serves on the AGCMO board of directors as CLC representative.

She began her journey with S. M. Wilson as a college intern, choosing to launch her full-time career with the company after graduation.

 

ST, LOUIS, Mo. – Christner Architects is now part of CannonDesign as of Sept. 10.

With Christner’s deep commitment to local and regional design excellence, the newly combined design firm adds expanded expertise and fresh perspective to design spaces that improve lives and drive impact across healthcare, education, science, commercial and cultural markets.

For more than 60 years, the Christner team has shaped the fabric of St. Louis and the surrounding region through some of the area’s most recognizable and enduring projects. Highlights include the Center of Creative Arts Renovation and Expansion, the William H. Danforth Research Wing at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, the Hirsch Center at Washington University in St. Louis and 201 Progress Parkway for Edward Jones, along with numerous projects for BJC HealthCare and many colleges and universities across Missouri. The firm’s influence also extends into Illinois, with notable projects such as the Helix Center for Research and Development for Ball Horticultural Company, among others.

 

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Oswald Company, a Cincinnati-based development and construction company, announces the promotion of Brian Goodall to senior construction manager.

Goodall continues to serve as senior CM for retail projects. He oversees the day-to-day operations on the jobsite.

 

 

SWANSEA, Ill. – Holland Construction Services has promoted Ryan Castello to IT director, recognizing his leadership and innovation in advancing the company’s technology capabilities over the past six years.

Since joining Holland, Castello has played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s IT operations. He spearheaded the transition from outsourced IT to an in-house helpdesk model, streamlining support services and launching ticketing systems that improved responsiveness across the organization. Castello also developed onboarding tools, including SharePoint resources and reference guides, helping new employees integrate seamlessly into Holland’s culture and operations.

On the security front, he has led initiatives to safeguard Holland’s infrastructure through the implementation of advanced email and endpoint protections, phishing awareness campaigns and access control systems at both the Swansea and St. Louis offices. Castello’s collaborative efforts with HR and operations have ensured Holland’s IT infrastructure – spanning remote connectivity, jobsite technology and internal networks – remains secure, scalable and reliable.

Among Castello’s notable achievements:

• Migrating local exchange services to Office 365
• Deploying Sage servers on Azure and retiring legacy Citrix clients
• Expanding remote jobsite connectivity with Verizon Gateways and Starlink
• Transitioning file systems to SharePoint
• Overseeing the creation of a new workspace in Holland’s St. Louis office
• Mentoring and supporting the professional growth of IT team members

As IT director, he will continue building on this foundation with a focus on preparing Holland for the future of digital transformation. His immediate priorities include expanding the use of artificial intelligence in construction, enhancing onboarding systems, supporting the company’s evolving data center strategy and developing future IT talent.

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Holland Construction Services announces the promotion of Nathan Munie to director of preconstruction.

In this role, Munie oversees all preconstruction efforts – including budgeting, estimating, trade partner relationships and design-build strategy for Holland’s growing portfolio of commercial, multifamily and institutional projects.

He brings more than 15 years of industry experience to the position, including leadership roles at several top construction firms across the Midwest. Munie has managed or contributed to more than $1 billion in awarded work, ranging from complex healthcare and government facilities to large-scale residential and retail developments.

A graduate of Western Illinois University, Munie holds a degree in Construction Management with minors in Business Management and Engineering Technology. He is also an alumnus of the SIUE Construction Leadership Institute and a certified OSHA 30 professional.

His recent work includes major projects such as W.J. Zahnow Elementary School and the new Collinsville Area Technology & Vocational Center in Collinsville, Ill.

In addition to his professional work, Munie has played a pivotal role in implementing company-wide preconstruction tools and standardization processes.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Holland Construction Services announces the promotion of Greg Goette to project executive.

In this role, Goette leads Holland’s Ops teams through project development, operational guidance and execution for the firm’s education and municipal market sectors, providing strategic guidance in preconstruction, value engineering and risk mitigation.

Goette brings more than two decades of construction experience to the role, including leadership positions with national firms and completed $83 million of work in the last two years alone. Known for his client-first approach and results-driven leadership, he has consistently delivered complex projects on time and within budget, earning high marks for customer satisfaction and team performance.

Goette holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri–St. Louis/Washington University and maintains certifications including LEED AP, OSHA 30-Hour and ASHE Healthcare Construction.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, he is deeply involved in the community, serving with the Ronald McDonald House, St. Louis Children’s Hospital NICU and CASA St. Louis.

 

 

BREESE, Ill. – Poettker Industrial Services, a woman-owned business specializing in utility construction, has promoted three of its project leaders: Brett Timmermann, Adam Rennegarbe and Eric Kahre.

Timmermann first joined Poettker as a project intern eight years ago. That same year, he came on full-time as a project engineer after earning his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Recognizing his talent, Poettker Industrial promoted Timmermann to senior project engineer, project manager, senior project manager and now project director.

In his new role, Timmermann will serve as the primary lead on projects, manage the project’s operations, implement best practices, oversee project finances and provide a positive customer experience.

Rennegarbe earned a promotion to senior project manager in which he will oversee construction efforts toward keeping projects on schedule and within budget, manage drawings and materials, oversee daily communication with the client and partners and mentor project team members.

In 2019, he started at Poettker as a senior project engineer and earned a promotion to project manager before attaining this latest promotion. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University.

Kahre brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the company. He started at Poettker in 2015 as a carpenter. He achieved a promotion to superintendent in 2018 and now will support the company as general superintendent. Kahre’s new responsibilities include overseeing field operations, managing superintendents, conducting site visits and coordinating with trade contractors.

 

 

 

 

High school students from 11 Southern Illinois counties to explore “earn while you learn” construction careers at DuQuoin State Fairgrounds   DUQUOIN, Ill. – High school students from Johnson, Jefferson, Union, Hamilton, White, Saline, Perry, Jackson, Williamson, Franklin and Washington counties will have the opportunity for a hands-on learning experience in the construction trades during the 25th Annual Southern Illinois Construction Industry Career Expo, scheduled for Sept. 23–25 at the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. The Expo is organized by the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP). Students must pre-register though their school’s teachers or counselors to attend. “The demand for skilled tradespeople has never been greater,” says Donna Richter, CEO of SIBA. “This Expo allows students to discover a rewarding career path where they can earn wages and receive benefits while training – without the heavy burden of college debt.” An Alternative to College Costs One of the Expo’s highlights is a comparison between college education costs and apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades. While college students often face years of tuition expenses and student loans, apprenticeships provide wages and a benefits package starting on day one. Apprentices “earn while they learn,” gaining valuable experience, certifications, and financial stability without accumulating debt. What Students Will Experience During the three-day event, students will: Interact with professionals from multiple skilled trade unions Gain hands-on experience with tools and techniques used in the field Receive information about apprenticeship programs, wages and benefits Learn how to prepare for a career in the construction trades Trade unions represented include the Bricklayers; Boilermakers; Carpenters; Cement Masons/Plasterers; Electricians; Iron Workers; Laborers; Plumbers & Pipefitters; and Sheet Metal Workers. About the Expo Now in its 25th year, the Construction Industry Career Expo has introduced thousands of Southern Illinois students to apprenticeship opportunities in construction. The program continues to grow as demand for skilled labor expands across the region. For more information about apprenticeship programs and opportunities in the construction industry, visit www.siba-agc.org.

 

By NOLAN POINTER

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Real estate development firms WB Development Partners and New Era Companies are developing a 48-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital in South Indianapolis.

The medical rehabilitation hospital will have modern private patient rooms, advanced technologies and best-in-class rehabilitation services.

This rehabilitation hospital is the second location in the Indianapolis market area with Nobis Rehabilitation Partners as the manager of both hospitals. The first one opened in Carmel, Ind. in 2021.

People with disabling illnesses and injuries such as stroke, brain injury, and other complex neurological and orthopedic diseases and injuries will be cared for by a comprehensive team of physicians and therapists who will customize each patient’s intensive medical and physical rehabilitation program with an interdisciplinary rehab team approach during their inpatient stay.

A general contractor has not yet been identified.

 

 

 

By MARK CROARKIN

Each year, the staff at the Missouri Dept. of Transportation works with metropolitan planning organizations and regional planning commissions across the state to identify and compile the annual High-Priority Unfunded Needs list.

This list details unfunded road, bridge and multimodal needs for each region. For these needs to receive approval and move on to completed construction, funding must first be identified. This list prioritizes those regional and statewide needs and positions Missouri to be ready as funding becomes available at the state or federal level.

This year, 24 needs worth $321 million were moved from the unfunded needs list to the FY 2026-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, which lists transportation projects planned by MoDOT and regional agencies for the next five years and funds more than 1,200 projects throughout the state. This year’s STIP is one of the largest to date and makes available $13.3 billion of federal and state revenues for all modes of transportation.

This year’s draft High-Priority Unfunded Needs list identifies $4.7 billion in road and bridge needs, which are divided into three tiers. Tier one includes $525 million and focuses on needs that could be accomplished within the timeframe of the current five-year STIP as funding becomes available, with the second and third tiers looking at needs beyond the current STIP timeframe with broader estimates. In addition, $1 billion in multimodal needs were identified.

In August, MoDOT teams in each district presented their region’s high-priority unfunded needs to partners, legislators and citizens. The presentations included draft goals for MoDOT’s Long-Range Transportation Plan, which serves as a road map for the state’s transportation network through 2050 and addresses emerging and evolving needs that impact the system. Presentations for each region can be viewed at modot.org. Viewers can leave comments through the form at the bottom of the page, which is open through Sept. 11. The final High-Priority Unfunded Needs list will be presented to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at its October meeting.

The needs identified in the High-Priority Unfunded Needs list help determine future projects for the state’s transportation infrastructure. The work put forth by our planning partners across the state to identify these needs is invaluable. Together, through this process, we can provide the best return on investment to the citizens of the state.

Mark Croarkin is the Missouri Dept. of Transportation’s assistant chief engineer.

By HARMONY STILES

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Home Innovation Research Labs, based in Upper Marlboro, Md., is celebrating the certification of its 700,000th green home to the National Green Building Standard.

The milestone that reflects the program’s continued momentum and the housing industry’s ongoing commitment to sustainable, high-performance and resilient housing.

The 700,000th certified project, Linden Grove Senior Residences in Bushwick, Brooklyn, transforms a former parking lot into 153 high-quality, affordable senior apartments without displacing existing residents or consuming new greenfield land.

Developed by Blue Sea Development Company and Gilbane Development, this building was built using modular construction by RCM Groupe. Architect Chris Benedict, RA, designed the building, and Karla Butterfield, master verifier at Steven Winter Associates, oversaw the rigorous NGBS third-party verification process.

Linden Grove earned certification at the Emerald level, recognizing exceptional performance across all areas of sustainability, including energy and water efficiency, resource conservation and indoor environmental quality. Linden Grove is the first project to achieve Emerald-level NGBS Green certification while also earning both the NGBS Green +WELLNESS and +UNIVERSAL DESIGN badges, an unprecedented trifecta that reflects its holistic approach to sustainability, health and accessibility.

Together these certifications underscore the project’s commitment to creating high-performance housing that supports resident well-being and enables aging in place with dignity. NGBS Green +UNIVERSAL DESIGN recognizes homes designed to be accessible and usable by people of all ages and abilities, with features that support comfort, safety and independence over a lifetime. NGBS Green +WELLNESS is awarded to projects that integrate design, construction and operational features that promote the physical and emotional well-being of residents—such as access to natural light, active living amenities and healthy indoor environments.

Linden Grove was designed to support aging in place with right-sized, step-free homes that feature wide doorways, roll-in showers and clear layouts for people with mobility or vision challenges. Each apartment includes energy-efficient appliances and smart Wi-Fi thermostats to help lower utility costs and keep temperatures steady. Residents have access to indoor and outdoor exercise areas, rooftop gardens, inviting lounges and onsite health and wellness services provided by the Jewish Association Serving the Aging.

Built to PHIUS Passive House standards, with airtight construction, solar power generation and advanced VRF HVAC systems, the project demonstrates that even on tight urban sites, thoughtful density and disciplined execution can deliver dignified, sustainable homes that promote both environmental responsibility and community well-being.

Blue Sea and Gilbane’s experience delivering performance affordable housing in New York City prepared the team for NGBS Green success. For Linden Grove, modules were fabricated offsite to a consistent standard, then set onsite. A structured, third-party verification process kept design, manufacturing and construction aligned, with airtight, well-insulated connections and clear documentation at every stage. From architects to on-site contractors, everyone worked to a shared vision of building affordable senior housing.

The NGBS Green program – recognized for its rigorous and comprehensive approach –offers builders and developers a complete framework for meeting green building, wellness and accessibility goals in a single certification. Since its inception, the program has certified homes nationwide and across all housing types, from single-family residences to large-scale multifamily developments.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has hired Sean Fuller as its new director of field operations, a position that has been reestablished to support the company’s growth.

Fuller brings extensive construction expertise, with 30 years of experience across various types and sizes of projects including retail, healthcare, senior living, mixed-use and industrial projects, with project sizes reaching up to $120 million.

He earned a degree in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and started his career as a carpenter working on residential and light commercial projects.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tarlton has promoted Josh Narup to senior project manager.

Narup has more than two decades of expertise in the industry. He joined Tarlton as a project engineer in 2016. Narup’s work at the firm includes multiple projects at Washington University in St. Louis and the award-winning $46 million core and shell renovation of the former St. Louis Post- Dispatch Building in the Downtown North Insight District. Narup also serves as an active member on Tarlton’s internal process improvement and quality control committees.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in construction management and design from Southeast Missouri State University.

 

 

Above: Sara Jacobson, Mid-America Region executive director

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Design-Build Institute of America Mid-America Region announces the official addition of the Minnesota Chapter to its regional family.

This strategic transition – carefully guided by DBIA National – marks a significant milestone in uniting and strengthening the design-build- community across the Upper Midwest.

With this move, Minnesota joins Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri under the Mid-America Region umbrella. This alignment ensures a greater collective impact and a consistent voice advocating for design-build best practices throughout the region.

The Mid-America Region, led by executive director Sara Jacobson, hosts more than 60 events annually, partners with more than 20 architecture/engineering/construction organizations, delivers 12 continuing education hours and maintains an active LinkedIn community. These achievements earned MAR the DBIA Strong Region designation, an honor the region is committed to advancing.

Minnesota Chapter President Bryan Field will now serve on the DBIA-MAR board of directors, ensuring that Minnesota’s voice and leadership play a central role in shaping regional strategy and programming. Local programming will continue under the guidance of the Minnesota Chapter Steering Committee.

 

Image courtesy of Mobile Airport Authority

 By NOLAN POINTER

MOBILE, Ala. – The new Mobile International Airport in downtown Mobile is one of the largest vertical construction projects underway in Alabama.

This $252 million project, the construction of which began in May 2024, is relocating the city’s main commercial airport from its current location to the downtown area. The project is expected to wrap in November.

Before its planned move to the Brookley Aeroplex, the main commercial airport for Mobile was Mobile Regional Airport, located about 25 miles west of downtown Mobile. The current airport site, Brookley Field, is being redeveloped into a new international airport terminal, and commercial passenger services will move there from the more distant Mobile Regional Airport.

Tupelo, Miss.-based JESCO, Inc., part of Yates Companies, Inc., is joined by Volkert Inc. as  the construction team.

The new terminal will initially have five gates but is designed to expand to a total of 12 gates. A 1,250-vehicle parking deck is also part of the build.

 

Image courtesy of Butte College

By MATT SMITHMIER

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A little more than an hour north of Sacramento, Butte College is celebrating the grand opening of its new Science Building and Planetarium, a 77,000-square-foot facility funded by a $190 million bond.

Designed by JKAE, the $73 million project was built by a joint venture between Modern Building Company and Clark/Sullivan Construction.

Featuring 21 labs, two classrooms, collaborative spaces, a cadaver room and a 2,400-square-foot planetarium, the new building utilizes a studio teaching model that combines lecture with laboratory.

“This building’s innovation extends far beyond its impressive architecture and laboratories — it’s about the innovative pedagogy that will take place within those spaces,” said Butte College President Virginia Guleff. “Students are not only listening to lectures but actively engaging with the material. This creates meaningful opportunities for learning and better prepares students for transfer or a career in the sciences.”

 

 

 

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply, the nation’s largest metal deck distributor, announces the opening of its newest location in Memphis.

The Memphis site increases its network to 16 distribution centers.

“This location will help us serve our customers in Western Tennessee, Arkansas and Mississippi. When contractors have a short lead time or must replace rusted deck they didn’t expect, they know they can count on our inventory and 55 years of expertise” said Carm Termini, marketing director of A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply.

All 16 warehouses have a complete inventory of metal roof, form and composite floor deck in stock. Locations include Albany, N.Y.; Atlanta, Ga.; Aurora, Ill.; Columbus, Ohio; Fort Worth, Texas; Greensboro, N.C.; Hagerstown, Md.; Houston, Texas; Indianapolis, Ind.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Kansas City, Mo; Knoxville, Tenn.; Memphis, Tenn.; Orlando, Fla.; San Antonio, Texas; and St. Louis, Mo.

 

 

 

KAI 360 CS Hires Pete Kraus III as Project Manager

 

	ST. LOUIS, Mo. – KAI 360 Construction Services announces the addition of Pete Kraus III as project manager. Kraus has worked on various wastewater, water and transportation projects throughout the Midwest.

 

Image courtesy of The Korte Company

 

By TODD IMMING

HIGHLAND, Ill. – It is with profound sadness that The Korte Company announces the passing of its founder, Ralph Korte, who died on Aug. 26, surrounded by his family.

Born in 1934 in rural Highland, Ill, Ralph was one of 14 children raised on a small family farm. With little formal schooling beyond the eighth grade, he discovered a love for building while helping neighbors with their farm projects. During boot camp in Arkansas, Ralph earned his GED, a step that gave him the confidence to pursue higher education. He went on to serve his country in Korea, returning home with a veteran’s perspective and a lifelong conviction in the value of hard work, learning and courage.

In 1958, with a $79 electric saw and a simple formula – “Don’t charge too much, and work hard” – Ralph founded the company that bears his name. What began as a side job grew into one of the nation’s leading design-build firms. Under his leadership, The Korte Company became known for its honesty, innovation and commitment to always giving more than was expected.

Ralph’s impact stretched far beyond construction. He helped transform the St. Louis and Highland communities through economic development, service and philanthropy. From supporting Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, to donating to SIUE, to helping attract industries like the Wall Street Journal to Highland, Ralph’s vision and generosity shaped both local and regional growth.

Above all, Ralph defined his legacy through his hard work, honesty and generosity. His values remain cemented into The Korte Company’s culture, carried forward by his family and generations of employees.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. announces the appointment of Vladimir Monroe as director of workforce and community engagement for the 29-state Central Region.

In his new role, Monroe will lead the strategic direction of the region’s workforce development initiatives and community engagement efforts.

Monroe brings a strong background in public service, compliance and community engagement to his new role. Most recently serving as a supplier enablement specialist, he previously held leadership positions as director of minority business development and compliance for the St. Louis Development Corporation and compliance officer for the city of Chicago. His civic involvement includes serving as an elected board member for the Jordan Area Community Council and as a commissioner for the Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tarlton is expanding its construction accounting team.

The promotion of Amanda Schmitt to senior project accountant and the hiring of Brian Stout as project accountant, Jack Martin as corporate accountant and Kate Scotino as accounts payable specialist is growing Tarlton’s staff.

Schmitt joined Tarlton in 2013, serving in operations and finance roles with increasing seniority.

In her new role, she will forecast and track project costs, monitor all expenses and collaborate with project team members on financial health and compliance. Schmitt holds a certificate as an administrative assistant from Hickey College in St. Louis and has served on Tarlton’s philanthropy and process improvement committees.

Stout brings to Tarlton his accounting expertise, working at both large and small construction firms. He holds a master’s degree in professional accounting from Texas A&M University-San Antonio and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Bringing to Tarlton the accounting acumen and experience acquired at a leading St. Louis-based residential real estate firm, Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing from University of Missouri-Columbia.

Scotino brings her background and skills in account management and sales to Tarlton. She previously served as account manager and billing specialist at the country’s largest property, casualty and auto insurance provider. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – LCG Capital Management – a real estate firm specializing in development, brokerage, property management and corporate services – announces Matthew D. Hunter has joined the company as managing director of corporate services.

With two decades of experience in corporate real estate as a strategic advisor and director, Hunter will lead the strategy and execution of LCG’s corporate services division. LCG is supported by Alberici Constructors and Flintco, which announced a strategic investment in the company last June.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – McClure Engineering, a St. Louis-based mechanical and electrical consulting engineering firm, has named Lisa Whealon as its new COO.

In her role, Whealon will lead, support and oversee the business operations of the firm. Working closely with the firm’s CEO and CFO, Whealon will provide critical input for key decisions across virtually every aspect of the business.

 

 

 

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The AGC of Missouri has opened a call for proposals and invites technology professionals to submit a proposal – between now and Oct. 1st – to be considered as a potential presenter at the 2026 AECTechCon™, a two-day conference bringing together professionals from the architecture, engineering and construction industry to explore the transformative impact of technology in the office and the field.

The 2026 event is set for May 6-7 in St. Charles, Mo. at the St. Charles Convention Center in St. Charles, Mo.

As digital transformation continues to reshape the AEC landscape, AECTechCon™ 2026 continues to serve as a pivotal platform for showcasing innovative technologies and strategies that drive progress and efficiency.

Contribute to AECTechCon 2026 by submitting a proposal to present at this conference. It’s a unique opportunity for experts to share their expertise, insights and advancements with a diverse audience of industry professionals.

CLICK TO SUBMIT HERE

The conference will feature:

• Plenary Keynotes: Thought-provoking and inspiring presentations from leading industry experts, offering deep dives into the latest trends and future directions in AEC technology.
• Breakout Sessions: Interactive workshops and panel discussions that delve into emerging technologies, best practices and innovative solutions in architecture, engineering, and construction.
• Expo Hall Networking: A vibrant and engaging space where participants can experience live technology demonstrations, explore cutting-edge products and network with peers, potential clients and industry leaders.

Whether you are an innovator eager to share your latest research, a practitioner looking to exchange ideas, or a technology provider seeking to connect with potential clients, AECTechCon™ 2026 promises for everyone passionate about advancing the role of technology in the industry.

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of a transformative event that shapes the future of AEC technology. Submit your proposal and join AGCMO in driving the next wave of innovation.

The general categories below are illustrating examples that will guide this call for proposals and session content. If you have something not listed, we are open to hearing your proposal:

• Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)
  • BIM standards & uses
  • Data Management & Visualization
  • Design & Engineering
  • Digital transformation from traditional to modern workflows
  • Pre-Construction
  • Prefabrication and Modularization
  • Project lifecycle examples that demonstrate stakeholder value
  • VDC applications and use cases
• Information Technology (IT) & IT Infrastructure
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance
  • Cloud-computing and networking
  • Cybersecurity & compliance
  • Hardware and Software requirement
  • Process Automation
• Innovation and Emerging Technologies
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications
  • Automation & Advanced Manufacturing
  • Machine Learning (ML)
  • Productivity Tracking
  • Robotics in construction
  • Safety on the jobsite
  • Sustainability Design & Model Anaylsis
• Workforce Development/Safety
  • Communication and teamwork through technology
  • Company culture and engagement
  • Change Management
  • Evolution of talent needs
  • Mental Health and Suicide
  • New Safety Technology
  • Next generation of Field Superintendents
  • Recruiting and retention in the modern workforce
  • Technology in the craft
• Executive Sessions
  • Aligning technology strategy with business value
  • Attracting top talent to close the gap
  • Connecting culture and generations
  • Top down vs. grassroots initiatives
  • Transformative change across an organization
• Keynote/General Session
  • If you feel your message is impactful and applicable to the wider AEC industry, please feel free to submit under this category.

 

Proposal Criteria

• Successful proposals will be industry educational in nature and target a 40-minute session with 10 minutes of Q&A (50 min max).
• Session formats shall include Panel Discussion, Case Study Presentation, Round Table Discussion, Lecture or Hands-on Workshops.
• All sessions shall be delivered live and in-person onsite.
• All sessions to have an emphasis around technology.

 

Submission Period

• The Call for Proposals will run from August 18, 2025 – September 30,2025.
• Selected proposals will be notified in November 2025 to prepare for conference logistics.
• Selected proposals will be assigned to an AECTechCon committee member for presentation preparation and support.
• Final presentation materials will be submitted for AIA CEUs (or other learning units) no later than April 1st, 2026.

Questions

• Please direct any questions to Amber Parker, Workforce Development Program Manager at: [email protected] or 314.678.1401

 

Instructions to submit: Click the “Start proposal” button and log into your account. If this is your first time logging into Whova, please create an account. Watch the tutorial video for more details on how to use the Submission Portal.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Alberici has named Brad Nystrom executive vice president. In this role, he will lead operations for Alberici’s heavy industrial, civil and marine markets.

Nystrom brings more than 25 years of experience in large-scale infrastructure delivery, with a strong record of building high-performing teams in the civil, marine and industrial sectors. He joins Alberici from OHLA, a global civil and transportation contractor, where he served as chief operating officer.

Nystrom holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from Northwestern University and an executive MBA from Santa Clara University.

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – G&W Engineering welcomes Mike Balles as senior data center consultant.

Ballas brings more than 41 years of mission critical experience to the firm’s growing service
portfolio.

He will lead and manage fully integrated data center project teams including architectural servicesw, MEPFP engineering, fire detection and suppression systems specialists, building automation system providers and access control and security system integration.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Poettker Annual Golf Classic, presented by Poettker Construction and Poettker Industrial Services, raised $61,000 benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois.

The golf classic was held July 25 at Roland Barkau Memorial Golf Course in Okawville, Ill. Just surpassing its 12th year, Poettker’s annual golf classic has raised more than $400,000 in donations for the youth organization.

“Celebrating another successful tournament supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters represents more than just a day on the course,” said Kevin Poettker, vice president of business development at Poettker Construction and BBBSIL board member. “The unwavering support from our sponsors, participants, and volunteers who make this annual event possible continues to exceed our expectations. It’s truly remarkable to witness how our community rallies together year after year to support such a meaningful cause.”

This year, 70 golf teams participated in helping Poettker reach its goal of supporting the mentorship organization. Proceeds will support the BBBSIL mission of assisting children in recognizing their potential and building better futures.

“We are so appreciative of the excitement generated by Poettker’s golf tournament,” said Brianna Anderson, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois. “The large turnout is reflective of what a caring and generous community we have. It’s incredible to see so many folks contribute to a cause bettering the lives of the youth in our local communities.”

 

Above: The design of the PDX Airport renovation incorporates 5,000 plants, 72 trees, a mass timber roof, curves and more as an expression of biophilic design.

Image Courtesy of PDX Airport

 

By KATE GAWLIK

Did you ever wonder why stress floats away when you sit by the ocean or go for walk? Why does staring out a window at nature lower anxiety? Why do our body’s vitals – blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate – improve when we stand among the trees in a forest?

That is the result of biophilia, our desire to connect with nature.

Biophilia comes from the Greek words “bio” (life) and “philia” (love). Psychologists and scientist officially recognized the biologic drive that humans have to be one with nature in the 1960s. Erich Fromm, a German social psychologist and psychoanalyst, is credited with creating the term “biophilia.” He defined it in his 1964 book, The Heart of Man.

According to Fromm, it is a human’s psychological orientation toward all things alive and vital. Similarly, E.O. Wilson, university research professor emeritus at Harvard and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, took his research and love of nature, leveraging it as a pioneer of biophilic design and a developer of the philosophy behind it.

Architects have expanded this foundation and made biophilic design – a concept that incorporates nature into the built environment – a living theory.

Nature as a Birthright

Building off the groundwork of others, Stephen Kellert, Tweedy Ordway professor emeritus of social ecology and senior research scholar at the Yale University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, made biophilic design his legacy.

In his 2012 book, Birthright, Kellert says, “We will never be truly healthy, satisfied or fulfilled if we live apart and alienated from the environment from which we evolved. Much of what we value and cherish as distinctively human – our capacity to care, reason, love, create, find beauty and know happiness – continues to be contingent on our diverse ties to nature.”

This push from Kellert made others realize the importance of biophilia. Organizations recognized its value by incorporating biophilic design into building verification systems like the Living Building Challenge. As part of LBC, the governing body Living Future offers a Biophilic Exploration course that helps architects and building owners discover how to incorporate the biophilic design principles into their projects.

The principles are dictated from Kellert’s philosophy about the design practice. He believed there are six design principles of biophilic design, including:

1. Environmental features, like water daylight and vegetation.
2. Natural shapes and forms, such as curves, arches and spirals.
3. Natural patterns and processes, like fractals and the aging process.
4. Light and space, including daylighting and different light experiences.
5. Place-based relationships, which emphasize local materials and native plants.
6. Evolved human-nature relationships, which focus on incorporating our emotional reaction to nature like refuge, awe and discovery.

Living Future reports more than 800 projects have been certified or registered LBC since the building certification program started in 2006. LBC is considered the most aggressive in achieving self-sufficient, regenerative buildings. Certifications occur after a building’s first operational year so actual data is used instead of expected outcomes. There are five certification levels (Zero Carbon Certification, Zero Energy Certification, Core Green Building Certification, Petal Certification and Living Certification) that can be achieved by attaining these framework areas:

1. Place
2. Water
3. Energy
4. Health and Happiness
5. Materials
6. Equity
7. Beauty

The Sonoma Academy, a college preparatory school in Santa Rose, Calif., is the first project that received Zero Carbon and Petal certifications. It also is recognized as the first Zero Carbon Certification in California and the fourth Petal Certification in California. Situated at the base of Taylor Mountain, the school was designed as a living laboratory. Surrounded by pathways and habitats, it has a living roof, a terraced learning space and outdoor classrooms. Stormwater and greywater are reused, and 80 percent of the inside of the school is flooded in natural light. The structure has radiant system controls, automated shades, sliding screens, operable windows, garage-style doors, door overhands, sliding doors with terrace access and other features. All of this exists to connect students and staff to nature and educate occupants about how a building responds to nature. Classes complement the goals of the school, like with a farm-to-table class that teaches about food sustainability and equity.

Natural Airport

Portland International Airport (PDX) increases an occupant’s connection to nature in a stunning way. ZGF Architects was given the directive of creating a design that reduces passenger stress in the renovated terminal. This was accomplished by incorporating various classic Oregon elements – think trees, natural daylight, gardens and copious plants – at what are considered high-stress airport moments. For example, skylights flood a space below filled with mature deciduous trees between the ticketing area, concessions and security checkpoint. There are 72 large trees and 5,000 plants used in the design.

“Everybody loves Portland International Airport,” says Gene Sandoval, ZGF partner. “We had a tall order to evolve a terminal that’s essentially multiple buildings pieced together since the 1950s and double the capacity while designing an experience people will love as much as the original.”

ZGF Architects teamed up with Terrapin Bright Green and landscape architect PLACE to complete the project. Other than the light and plants, another major focal point is the airport’s mass timber roof. Spanning 9 acres, this unforgettable roof highlights about 400,000 square feet of beams and lattice with many curves. The wood was locally sourced from within a 300-mile radius of the airport.

The firms and contractors involved in this project, including general contractor Hoffman Construction and Skanska USA under the entity Hoffman Skanska Joint Venture, reduced traveler stress while allowing people to wander through a forest that guides them to their next destination. With Phase 1 of the renovation done, Phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2026.

“The design of the new PDX Airport evokes the best of our region yet offers other airports a new model for how to expand and renovate in place to meet the travel demands of future generations,” says Sharron Van Der Meulen, ZGF managing partner.

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Cohorts 2 & 3 Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation for Career Pathways of Southern Illinois will be held on Aug. 20 at 1 p.m. at Lansdowne Up Center, 1800 N. 25^th Street, East St. Louis, Ill..

Career Pathways of Southern Illinois is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to connecting individuals to family-sustaining jobs in the construction and utility sectors.

These candidates have earned:

• MC3 Construction Certification
• CPR/First Aid & OSHA 10 Hour Certifications
• Construction Mathematics
• Tool & Material Identification
• Hands-On Training/Experience in the Field of Construction

Industry supporters are welcome to attend to honor these individual’s achievements and milestones.

 

 

By CHARLYCE RUTH

ST. LOUIS, Mo. –  As Missouri’s construction workforce continues to face growing demand, one initiative is helping to close the gap by reaching students before they even graduate.

The Build My Future event series returns this fall with five hands-on career exploration events scheduled across the state, each designed to introduce high school students to the opportunities available in the construction and skilled trades industries.

Hosted by the AGC of Missouri Workforce Development team, each Build My Future event brings together contractors, educators, and volunteers to provide real-world experiences for students through interactive exhibits, equipment demonstrations, and safety conversations.

But none of it is possible without volunteer support.

Volunteers Power the Experience

Volunteers are needed at all five fall events to assist with both setup and student engagement. Volunteer shifts include:

• Setup Days (typically the day before each event)
  Tasks include unloading vehicles, measuring and marking booth spaces, setting up tables and chairs, and assisting vendors with move-in.
• Event Days (typically 6 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
  Tasks include helping vendors unload, distributing safety glasses and t-shirts, directing students and buses, leading short safety talks as students unload from buses, handing out water, serving lunch, monitoring restrooms, posting signage and general cleanup.

Anyone working in the construction industry – from the office to the field – can make a meaningful impact by showing students what a future in the trades can look like.

Fall 2025 Event Schedule & Volunteer Sign-Up Links:

• September 17 – Upstate Missouri (Macon, Mo.)
  Macon County Fairgrounds
  Volunteer Sign-Up
• October 1 – Gateway Region (Florissant/St. Louis, Mo.)
  STLCC – Florissant Valley
  Volunteer Sign-Up
• October 7 – Southeast Missouri (Poplar Bluff, Mo.)
  Black River Coliseum
  Volunteer Sign-Up
• October 15 – Central Missouri (Jefferson City, Mo.)
  Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds
  Volunteer Sign-Up
• October 22 – Northwest Missouri (Bethany, Mo.)
  Northwest Missouri State Fairgrounds
  Volunteer Sign-Up

A Simple Way to Give Back

Whether you can give a couple of hours or a full day, volunteering at Build My Future is a chance to inspire the next generation and represent the construction industry with pride. It’s also a great opportunity for team building, community involvement and showing students what’s possible with a career in the trades.

For more information on volunteering or participating in any of the fall events, contact Charlyce Ruth at [email protected].

Web addresses for the different volunteer links:

Upstate: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EADAC2CA3F9C61-57157827-build#/

Gateway: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EADAC2CA3F9C61-57157857-build#/

Southeast: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EADAC2CA3F9C61-57157856-build

Central: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EADAC2CA3F9C61-57157874-build

Northwest: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EADAC2CA3F9C61-57157876-build

 

By AMANDA RODGERS

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The AGC of America is offering students an opportunity to earn scholarships, share their chapter’s story and grow their professional network.

Between now and Nov. 14, student chapters are encouraged to apply for these opportunities to promote their studies in the architecture, engineering and construction industry in preparation for the world of work.

The AGC Outstanding Student Chapter Awards recognize exceptional activities and initiatives taking place on campus, in the community and in the classroom through four dynamic categories:

• New/Emerging Chapter Award: Apply here
• Community Service Award: Apply here
• Construction Management Skills Award: Apply here
• Impact Award: Apply here

Each winning chapter receives:

• A $2,000 cash prize
• Four complimentary student registrations to AGC’s Annual Convention (March 24–26, 2026 in Orlando, Fla.)
• A $1,000 travel stipend
• An opportunity to present at the national convention

Projects must have taken place during the 2024–2025 academic year, and applicants must be from ACCE/ABET-accredited programs.

Applications are encouraged between now and Nov. 1 for AGC’s Education and Research Foundation scholarships, open to eligible undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in eligible construction-related programs.

• Undergraduate Awards: Up to $2,500/year (renewable for three years)
• Graduate Awards: Up to $3,750/year (renewable for two years)
• Apply Now: Scholarship Application

Since inception, the Foundation has awarded more than $11 million to more than 4,500 students across the U.S.

Between now and Nov. 15, senior-level students are encouraged to submit essays – on the topic of construction advancement – to compete for the James L. Allhands Essay Contest.

• First Place Award: $1,000 to the student, $500 to the faculty sponsor
• Recognition: Winners are celebrated at the AGC Annual Convention
• Eligibility: Must be a senior-level student at an ABET or ACCE-accredited university
• Apply Now: Allhands Essay Competition

This unique opportunity – for which applications are accepted now through Dec. 15 – is designed for educators, but it directly benefits students. The Bowen Industry Residency pairs faculty members with AGC member companies for immersive field experience, which they bring back to enrich your classroom instruction.

• Residencies take place during the summer
• Participants gain valuable hands-on insights
• Apply Now: Residency Program

If your professor is passionate about real-world learning, encourage him or her to apply.

We Want to Feature YOU in the Next AGC Student Chapter Newsletter

Has your AGC Student Chapter hosted a special event, celebrated an anniversary or contributed to your local community? AGC of America is looking for stories to spotlight.

Contact: [email protected]

Student Chapters are asked to share articles, photos and event recaps to showcase the incredible work happening here in Missouri.

Join the AGC Student LinkedIn Group
Expand your professional network.

Join AGC’s Student Chapter LinkedIn Group to:

• Connect with peers, alumni and industry pros
• Get updates on virtual events, networking sessions and job opportunities
• Explore career paths and learn from those in the field

Join the Group Now

If you have any questions about how to participate in these opportunities or need assistance submitting an application, connect Shannon Voss.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Just weeks after a widely-attended 2025 conference, the AGC of Missouri’s AECTechCon task force is actively planning the 2026 event for May 6-7 at the St. Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau.

More than 400 construction industry technology leaders, project managers and superintendents, engineers, archtects, business development and marketing professionals and others attended this year’s event, held in mid-May.

The 2026 event promises even more relevant content, keynote and session presenters, a large expo hall and networking opportunities.

To save the date and for more details, scan the QR code or contact Amber Parker,

[email protected].

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Vestal Corporation (VESTAL), an internationally recognized engineering, architecture and construction consulting firm, welcomes industry veteran Kevin Bocek as vice president of strategic partnerships effective Aug. 1.

Bocek brings more than 30 years of industry experience, most recently with IWR North America and Alberici Constructors. His duties will include creating new business opportunities, maintaining current growth and client relationships and developing strategic sales plans for new growth areas.

Headquartered in St. Louis, VESTAL was again recognized as the latest Top 500 pure design firm by Engineering News–Record (ENR). VESTAL offers full-service, multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture and construction consulting for the industrial and manufacturing sectors and has offices in Guadalajara, Mexico and San Antonio, Texas.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Mackey Mitchell Architects announces the promotion of two senior team members.

Greg Frankenfeld (LEFT), AIA, and Andrew Gilles (RIGHT), AIA, LEED AP, have been promoted to principal.

Frankenfeld serves as one of the principal leaders in Mackey Mitchell’s Dallas office. With 34 years of
experience in architecture and project management, he is recognized for his strategic mindset, collaborative
leadership and deep understanding of complex project dynamics. Since joining the firm in 2008, Frankenfeld has guided
numerous award-winning projects while cultivating strong, respectful partnerships with clients, consultants and
colleagues.

Gilles has been with Mackey Mitchell for eight years and brings more than 23 years of design expertise to the principal role. His portfolio spans healthcare, laboratory, research and higher education environments. Known for his innovative use of 3D visualization and immersive design tools, Gilles empowers
clients to explore ideas and make informed decisions throughout the design process. His experience across
planning, design and construction administration gives him a comprehensive perspective on the built
environment.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Case Engineering has expanded its structural team to include four new hires. Adam Griffin and Nate Massey as structural engineers and Brennan Wille and John Sommer as structural designers. Griffin recently graduated from Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering. Massey has six years of engineering experience as a structural design engineer, with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in Economics & Finance from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Wille is a cross-discipline designer with experience in architecture, interior design, visual merchandising and photo/video. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to college, Sommer worked in both residential and commercial construction. He graduated from State Technical College of Missouri with an Associate of Applied Science in Drafting Design Technology. He possesses nine years of experience as a structural steel joist and deck detailer.

 

By AMANDA RODGERS

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – With five hands-on Build My Future events scheduled across Missouri this fall, the construction industry has a powerful opportunity to invest in its future by engaging with thousands of high school students exploring careers in construction and the trades.

Organized by the AGC of Missouri Workforce Development team, each event offers contractors, suppliers, unions, colleges and industry partners a chance to host interactive exhibits, connect with educators and showcase career pathways to young people from across the region.

But time is running out to get involved.

Why Get Involved?

As a vendor, your organization can provide a hands-on activity or demonstration that gives students a real taste of life in the field – from equipment operation and virtual welding to safety demos and tool handling.

As a sponsor, you’ll receive recognition through signage, event materials and promotion, while showing your company’s commitment to workforce development in a highly visible and impactful way.

Whether you’re recruiting talent, strengthening your brand or giving back to the community, Build My Future offers a meaningful and well-organized platform to do just that.

Fall 2025 Build My Future Schedule & Sponsorship Deadlines:

Upstate Missouri – Macon

Event Date: Sept. 17
Sponsorship Deadline: Aug. 15

Gateway Region – Florissant/St. Louis

Event Date: Oct. 1
Sponsorship Deadline: Sept. 2

Southeast Missouri – Poplar Bluff

Event Date: Oct. 7
Sponsorship Deadline: Sept. 5

Central Missouri – Jefferson City

Event Date: Oct. 15
Sponsorship Deadline: Sept. 12

Northwest Missouri – Bethany

Event Date: Oct. 22
Sponsorship Deadline: Sept. 19

Ready to Inspire?

Build My Future events rely on the strength and presence of Missouri’s construction industry. Your involvement ensures that students see real, local opportunities while you help shape a stronger workforce pipeline for the future.

Questions? Contact Charlyce Ruth at [email protected] to learn more or secure your participation before these deadlines.

 

By KATE GAWLIK

When “Can you hear me now?” was a popular slogan, most could not have imagined the technology needs of the future. In fact, most people today are more interested in  sharing documents, data and messages than hearing anyone talk.

In many markets, the instant sharing of data is not possible, even with the advancement from 4G to 5G networks. This can be especially burdensome at construction sites where network infrastructures are not fully established.

Imagine the next generation – 6G – where sharing, collaborating and coordinating occurs with improved speed. Expected to hit markets by 2030, 6G could have a positive impact on the construction industry.

“This may not seem like much of a change from 5G, but this is a big opportunity at large job sites where it can be difficult to get connectivity,” says Jaydee Griffith, managing director of the Next G Alliance for ATIS (the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions).

Prep Phase

6G as a concept was formally introduced in 2023 in the United States when the National Telecommunications and Information Administration NTIA received a report from the Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee (CSMAC). The document reviewed the need for 6G from a communications, safety and security standpoint, among other needs. In February 2024, the United States released a statement (with Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom) about a global vision of 6G. With this, thus began a collaboration of public and private firms giving their input and starting research and development to determine what is needed to make the change.

Among the requests were a focus on: security, AI, sustainability, regulations, global leadership and equitable access. Griffith points out there still is time for people to speak up about their wants and needs.

He says, “If we want 6G to serve as many people as possible, we need to build it to what the market needs are, not what telecom thinks those needs are.”

Input from those in the construction industry can go to Griffith at [email protected].

The changeover may require additional infrastructure in some markets, but most 6G capabilities should be covered by the 5G system that is already in place. In the future, increased data demand with the adoption of AI, for instance, could mean the need for better infrastructure. This is part of the major push for data center construction happening across the country. Communities may need additional cell towers or other hardware, like antennas and access points. Buildings also may require upgrades to be 6G-ready, especially those that cannot properly handle 5G.

Benefits for Construction

For most people, the change from 5G to 6G will just be an updated “6G” symbol on a device. For the construction industry, 6G hopefully is noticed with improved functionality and a decreased lag in coverage. Specs, plans, standards, change orders, budgets and any other documents, as well as reports about employee and vehicle locations, work hours and safety, can be shared instantly on a properly functioning network. Push-to-talk apps that were adopted early in construction may see a returned surge on a faster, more secure network.

The next generation also could bring improved energy efficiency by allowing sites to safely go offline.

Griffith says, “From a network operations standpoint, the single biggest cost is power from keeping sites online. When we ask how 6G can enable sustainability in construction, we have to think about not keeping equipment running all the time or idling. A network can monitor use and performance and shut down equipment that is not in use. There also is the capacity to add solar-operated generators.”

While electrical contractors are not seeing upcoming work at this point for infrastructure needs, they and others are watching the market to determine how they can benefit. Real-time sharing with increased technology adoption and improved security is a positive change for everyone in construction.

Kate Gawlik writes about construction, design and business trends from Lockport, Ill. She can be reached at [email protected].

 

 

 

EAST ALTON, Ill. – Helmkamp Construction Company General Supt. Brandon Howard announces a new superintendent framework designed to foster professional growth and success among field management.

The new framework includes 12 promotions.

Five team members were advanced to superintendent II roles: Aaron Gaither, Dale Jansen, Jacob Schmitz, Rick Walkenhorst and Todd Murray. Seven individuals advanced to senior superintendent: Andy Carroll, Andy Summers, BJ Williams, Bob Howard, Gary Neese, Kevin Feldott and Randy Houck.

Helmkamp’s field leadership team holds a combined 277 years of experience at the firm, an average of 18 years per superintendent serving the company’s valued clients.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A partnership of IBEW Local 1 and the St. Louis NECA contractors who employ them is again committing financial support to the Apprentice Ready Construction (ARC) program which prepares high school students and young people for the construction trades.

Graduation day for 19 summer students in the ARC program, run by Missouri AFL-CIO’s Missouri Works Initiative (MWI),  was held July 30 at the IBEW Local 1 Union Hall.  There, representatives from the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership presented a $20,000 check to support ARC for another year. The students graduating participated in an eight-week pre-apprenticeship training program in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Participants in the program have toured and gained hands on experience at the award-winning IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Center. For more than 80 years, the training center has produced more highly skilled and safe electricians and communication technicians than any other program in Missouri.

The Electrical Connection commitment to the program also supports the exploration of careers in other trades and a pioneering construction pre-apprenticeship program at St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School and other schools.

ARC traces its roots to a highly successful St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO pre-apprenticeship program launched in 2014 and supported by all St. Louis union trades.  Since its inception, it has placed 270 in St. Louis union apprenticeship programs.

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Holland Construction Services announces three executive-level promotions, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to building with integrity.

Kurt Steinmann has been named vice president of Holland’s residential business unit. Steinmann brings more than 27 years of industry experience in design-build, preconstruction and field operations, including a strong portfolio of residential, student housing, senior living and historic renovation projects nationwide. In his new role, he will lead Holland’s residential business unit, overseeing business development executive, client strategy and operational execution for one of the firm’s fastest-growing market sectors.

Since joining Holland three years ago, Steinmann has served as a project on several high-profile residential developments, including The Emerald Apartments in Knoxville, Tenn. and The Marshall in St. Louis, Mo.

Steinmann holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, where he also serves as a member of the Career Development Council and is active on the Sigma Pi housing board. He is a licensed contractor in both Nevada and Tennessee and an active member of the Missouri Health Care Association and LeadingAge Missouri.

Ryan Savage has been named vice president of client relations. In this newly expanded role, he will continue to lead Holland’s education and municipal business units, which have seen substantial growth under his leadership. In addition, he will take on a more strategic role in guiding the company’s approach to client engagement, ensuring that Holland continues to exceed expectations and deliver value to partners across all markets.

In his nearly 20 years at Holland, Savage has played an integral role in shaping the company’s trajectory. His leadership of the education and municipal sectors has resulted in some of the firm’s most successful projects and longstanding client relationships. These efforts contributed directly to Holland being named one of St. Louis’ “Fast 50” companies and the third-largest general contractor by revenue in 2023, according to the St. Louis Business Journal.

In his new role, Savage will continue to lead the education and municipal market teams and further shape the client experience by aligning internal teams with a consistent strategic approach to pursuits across all business units.

Savage holds a bachelor’s in construction management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He remains dedicated to giving back. He spearheaded Holland’s “Project BUILT” initiative – an innovative workforce development program that introduces local students to the construction industry through real-world, hands-on learning on K-12 jobsites. He also volunteers and serves on the board of Camp Ondessonk, a youth camp in Southern Illinois, where he helped establish a scholarship fund for students to attend the camp’s outdoor education program.

Rob Ruehl has been named vice president of operations and brings more than 25 years of construction experience, including the last eight with Holland. Previously serving as project manager and project executive, Ruehl will oversee operations across Holland’s growing portfolio, ensuring consistent execution, team development and alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

Throughout his career at Holland, Ruehl has led major residential and senior living projects such as The Edwin on Grand, a 343,000-square-foot, mixed-use development in St. Louis, and Flats at Wildhorse Village, a 266-unit apartment complex in Chesterfield, Mo. His experience also spans senior living, healthcare, higher education and retail, with a keen understanding of both preconstruction planning and field operations.

Ruehl holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a focus in construction management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Prior to Holland, he held management roles with Brinkmann Constructors, Columbia College-Chicago and W.E. O’Neil Construction.

 

 

HIGHLAND, Ill. – The Korte Company welcomes Matt Range as its new CFO.

With more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across the healthcare, financial and consulting industries, Range brings a deep background in strategic planning, business development and financial oversight.

Most recently, he served as vice president at Express Scripts, part of The Cigna Group’s Evernorth Health Services segment, where he was responsible for the strategic direction, P&L ownership and executive oversight of the Evernorth Wholesale Marketplace Division.

In that role, Range led the division to significant growth, launching innovative partnerships, managing multi-million-dollar operations and playing a key role in cross-functional initiatives. Prior to Express Scripts, he worked as a senior consultant at RubinBrown LLP, where he provided expertise in risk management, mergers and acquisitions and business valuation.

At The Korte Company, Range will oversee the financial functions of the organization, including accounting and financial reporting, financial planning and analysis, cash flow management, compliance and risk management, capital allocation and strategic planning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By AMANDA RODGERS

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The AGC of Missouri announces the launch of the I.M.P.A.C.T. Mentorship Program — Inspiring Minority & Women Participation and Advancement in Construction Trades.

AGCMO Vice President of Cultural Business Development and Workforce Innovation Terron White says this bold and intentional initiative marks a transformative step toward building a more diverse, inclusive and future-ready construction industry across Missouri.

Empowering the Next Generation of Builders

“At its core, the I.M.P.A.C.T. Program is about people – their potential, their passion and their promise,” White says. “Through a structured mentorship model, the program aims to elevate minority and women apprentices currently working in the trades, while also introducing high school students from underrepresented communities to exciting careers in construction.”

By connecting emerging talent with seasoned professionals, he adds, the program provides critical guidance, support and real-world exposure to ensure long-term success and advancement in the industry.

How the Program Works

Through partnerships with AGCMO member companies, I.M.P.A.C.T. will:

• Recruit and train mentors representing a wide range of trades and leadership levels
• Match mentors and mentees based on skills, goals and cultural alignment
• Provide a range of enrichment opportunities including jobsite visits, panel discussions, skill-building workshops and career fairs
• Support mentors with resources and best practices for inclusive and effective mentorship
• Continuously track progress and outcomes to measure the program’s impact and drive improvement

Driving Change Through Inclusion

The construction industry continues to face a significant challenge: the need for skilled labor combined with the ongoing underrepresentation of women and minority groups. The I.M.P.A.C.T. Mentorship Program responds to this challenge by fostering relationships that bridge opportunity gaps and create pathways to personal and professional success.

“This is more than just a mentorship program. It’s a movement,” says White. “When we invest in underrepresented talent, we strengthen our industry and communities alike. I.M.P.A.C.T. is about building together – for individuals, for companies and for Missouri’s construction future.”

Call to Action: How You Can Support

AGCMO calls on its member companies to join the I.M.P.A.C.T. movement:

• Nominate mentors from your teams
• Sponsor enrichment activities and events
• Help identify apprentices and students who could benefit from this initiative

“Together we can foster a culture of belonging, excellence and equity in the construction trades and build a stronger, more resilient workforce from the ground up,” White says.

Learn More
To get involved or learn more about the I.M.P.A.C.T. Mentorship Program, contact Terron White.

   

 

By NOLAN POINTER

ORLANDO, Fla. — The American Society of Safety Professionals and the Scaffold and Access Industry Association have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance worker safety and health nationwide.

The three-year agreement was finalized by organizational leaders at the Safety 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition.

“We recognize the benefits of collaboration to improve occupational safety and health practices while elevating the voice of our profession,” said ASSP President Linda Tapp. “Together we strive to strengthen advocacy efforts that reduce worker illnesses, injuries and fatalities across the board.”

The two organizations will take advantage of opportunities to jointly advance national consensus standards and explore key regulatory and legislative issues. They will also cross-promote volunteer opportunities while sharing content and amplifying stories of member communities. The purpose is to build a larger and more engaged safety community and encourage the sharing of trusted guidance to drive positive workplace safety outcomes.

“Our mutual interests in increasing engagement and advancing worker safety will create many opportunities to work together in areas of professional practice,” said SAIA President Michael Bredl. “It’s important for organizations to share best practices in workplace safety and health for the benefit of the greater community.”

The new alliance is among many joint agreements ASSP has in place to improve the well-being of workers in all industries. SAIA has also created several partnerships to promote the safe use of scaffold and access equipment.

 

 

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – DIGroup Architecture’s Bob Ryan, principal in charge of the firm’s healthcare studio, has been named among the 2025 People to Watch in Health Care by NJBIZ.

This prestigious annual list spotlights individuals who have made and are poised to continue making a significant impact on the dynamic healthcare landscape in New Jersey and the region.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Guarantee Electrical Company announces that Emily Martin, chief legal and risk officer and EVP external affairs of Guarantee and longtime leader in the St. Louis and national electrical contracting community, has been inducted into the 2025 Academy of Electrical Contracting – one of the highest honors in the industry.

Founded in 1968, the Academy of Electrical Contracting recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of the electrical contracting profession through leadership, innovation and dedicated service. With her induction, Martin joins a select group of fewer than 500 Academy Fellows nationwide.

Emily represents the fourth generation of her family to serve the electrical industry. As president of Aschinger Electric, she helped steward the company’s growth and its merger with Guarantee Electrical Company in 2021. Today she serves as a governor for the St. Louis Chapter of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) and continues to champion workforce development, diversity and industry excellence, locally and nationally.

“Emily is all about forward progress. Emily’s induction into the Academy is not only a well-earned personal milestone, but a powerful recognition of the legacy and leadership she represents,” said Rich Ledbetter, CEO of Guarantee Electrical Company. “Her dedication to innovation, inclusion and elevating our entire industry is unmatched. We’re proud to have her on the Guarantee team and proud to see her honored on this national stage.”

Emily’s career has been defined by her trailblazing leadership and passion for the electrical trade. As the first woman to serve as NECA St. Louis Chapter President and a nationally respected voice for contractors and craft professionals alike, her influence has extended far beyond any single organization.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Associated General Contractors of Missouri welcomes new member companies to its roster.

The AGCMO’s newest members are:

Contractor:
Maxim Construction

Specialty Contractors:
Diverzify Pro LLC
Titan Granite
Wellington Environmental

Emerging Specialty Contractors:
Missouri Boulder Retaining Wall Co.

Supplier/Service Providers:
Alera Group
Atlas Iron Works
Honkamp
HP Financial Group
Vodaland

Emerging Supplier/Service Providers:
Redbox+ of St. Louis & Metro East

Industry Partner:
Cass County Road & Bridge
St. Louis County

For more information on how to become a member of AGCMO, click here.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Associated General Contractors of Missouri announces its first two sponsors for this November’s 2025 Construction Awards Gala.

As platinum sponsor, the highest sponsorship tier, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council is supporting the event.

Construction News and Review is stepping in as the premier celebration of construction excellence’s exclusive media sponsor.

“We are proud to welcome the Carpenters as a Platinum Sponsor of this year’s gala,” said Len Toenjes, president of the AGCMO. “Their investment in Missouri’s construction community strengthens our mission to promote excellence, collaboration and safety in every phase of our industry.”

Toenjes added that as a trusted voice of the construction industry, CNR will help spotlight the fascinating narratives detailing this year’s Keystone Award nominees and winners, from project features to post-event coverage. “CNR’s partnership ensures that the achievements of AGC of Missouri members receive the recognition they deserve, both within our industry and beyond,” he said.

The AGC of Missouri is now officially accepting additional sponsors for the 2025 Construction Awards Gala, which will take place on Thursday, Nov. 6. Sponsorship packages offer high-value visibility and exclusive access to an audience of industry leaders and innovators.

“Whether you’re looking to support the gala as a platinum, gold, silver or bronze sponsor, now is the perfect time to align your brand with construction excellence,” said Toenjes.

For more information and to sponsor, click here:

Top Construction Projects to be Honored November 6

By AMANDA RODGERS

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – From improving infrastructure and advancing manufacturing to creating state-of-the-art healthcare and research facilities, the general and specialty contractor finalists for the 2025 Keystone Awards are building the foundation for Missouri’s future.

The award-worthy projects span highways and bridges, airport terminals, commercial campuses, medical centers, entertainment venues, industrial plants, and critical utility systems—representing the best in construction excellence across the region.

The Construction Keystone Awards are presented annually by the Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) to recognize outstanding achievement in construction. A panel of five expert judges selected this year’s finalists based on rigorous criteria including complexity, project management, innovation, and overall quality. Finalists will now undergo a final review phase to determine the winner in each category.

Submissions represent projects completed by AGCMO’s general contractor and specialty contractor members across 11 distinct categories. The entries compete in the Mid-America Class, which includes projects built in Missouri and eight surrounding states. All entries were submitted by AGCMO member companies based in Missouri.

Winners of the 26th Annual Keystone Awards will be announced during AGCMO’s Construction Awards Gala, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6 at the River City Casino & Hotel in St. Louis. The event will also spotlight achievements by specialty contractors in several categories, including the announcement of the Specialty Contractor of the Year.

“This year’s finalists showcase an incredible range of projects that are transforming how we live, work, and connect across Missouri and beyond,” said Leonard Toenjes, CAE, president of AGCMO. “From long-overdue investments in infrastructure to groundbreaking healthcare and industrial facilities, these projects are powerful indicators of a growing economy and a vibrant construction industry.”

Toenjes continued:
“Our contractors are leveraging advanced technologies, new construction methods, and collaborative teamwork to overcome challenges—whether related to workforce shortages, material sourcing, or site complexities. These finalists represent the highest levels of innovation, adaptability, and execution. They bring in high-stakes projects on time and within budget while prioritizing safety, quality, and community impact.”

“It’s also exciting to see a new generation entering our industry,” he added. “From apprentices to project engineers, young professionals are seeing the opportunity to build meaningful careers while making a lasting contribution to their communities. The talent, pride, and resilience of our workforce are truly unmatched.”

The 32 2025 Keystone Award Finalists are:

 

2025 AGC of Missouri Keystones Awards Finalists

Keystone Finalist List General Contractor/Construction Manager/Prime Contractor Building Construction Under $20 Million

Holland Construction Services

Project: Venice Elementary

Owner: Venice CUSD #3

Project Location: Venice, IL

 

Russell

Project: Lutheran High School South: Jubel Center for the Arts

Owner: Lutheran High School South

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

Guarantee Electrical Company

Project: Ameren Illinois East St. Louis Energy Center II

Owner: Ameren Illinois Project Location: East St. Louis, IL

General Contractor/Construction Manager/Prime Contractor Building Construction $20 Million to $100 Million

 

Tarlton Corporation

Project: The Old Courthouse Accessibility Improvements (Phase 2)

Owner: National Park Service and Gateway Arch Park Foundation

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

Brinkmann Constructors

Project: Coastal Cold Storage, LLC

Owner: Coastal Carriers Truck Lines

Project Location: Foristell, MO

 

PARIC

Project: St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley – Center for Nursing & Health Sciences

Owner: St. Louis Community College Foundation

Project Location: Florissant, MO

General Contractor/Construction Manager/Prime Contractor Building Construction Over $100 Million

 

Alberici

Project: Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health Vertical Expansion

Owner: WashU Medicine

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

Ben Hur Construction

Project: Cervantes Convention Center Expansion and Modernization, Package 1

Owner: City of St. Louis

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

PARIC

Project: Boeing MQ25 Production Facility

Owner: The Boeing Company

Project Location: Mascoutah, IL

Highway/Transportation Construction Under $20 Million

 

Hillsdale Fabricators

Project: Williams Crossing Pedestrian Bridge

Owner: River Parks Authority

Project Location: Tulsa, OK

 

Emery Sapp & Sons

Project: Silver Dollar City Parkway & Parking Lot Improvements

Owner: Silver Dollar City, LLC

Project Location: Branson, MO

 

Millstone Weber, LLC

Project: Regional Airport Runway 2-20 Rehabilitation

Project Owner: City of Perryville, MO

Project Location: Perryville, MO

 

Highway/Transportation Construction $20 million to $75 Million

 

Capital Paving and Construction, LLC

Project: Route 60 – Greene

Owner: Missouri Dept. of Transportation

Project Location: Springfield, MO

 

KCI Construction

Project: I-255 Mississippi Bridge (JB Bridge) Rehabilitation

Owner: Missouri Dept. of Transportation

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

Clarkson Construction Company

Project: De Soto Local Road Improvements

Project Owner: Kansas Dept. of Transportation

Project Location: DeSoto, MO

 

Highway/Transportation Construction Over $75 Million

Massman-Clarkson, A Joint Venture, and HNTB

Project: John J. “Buck” O’Neil Memorial Bridge

Owner: Missouri Dept. of Transportation

Project Location: Kansas City, MO

 

Walsh-Herzog Joint Venture

Project: South Shore Line Double Track Project

Owner: Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation Department (NICTD)

Project Location: Indiana

 

Specialty Contractor – Subcontractor Building Construction Under $5 Million

 

Elastizell of St. Louis, Inc.

Project: Illinois State Capitol Parking Garage

Owner: Illinois Capital Development Board Project

Location: Springfield, IL

 

TJ Wies Contracting, Inc.

Project: Compass Health Network – Truman Building

Owner: Compass Health Network

Project Location: Festus, MO

 

Guarantee Electrical Company

Project: Gulfstream Cahokia Service Center

Owner: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp

Project Location: Cahokia, IL

 

Specialty Contractor – Subcontractor Building Construction $5 Million to $10 Million

 

IWR North America Project: Steven & Susan Lipstein BJC Institute of Health Vertical Expansion

Owner: WashU Medicine

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

PayneCrest Electric

Project: Clayco Office Building
Owner: Clayco

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

ACME Constructors, Inc.

Project: AZZ Precoat Metals – Coating Line Equipment Installation

Owner: AZZ, Inc.

Project Location: Washington, MO

 

Specialty Contractor – Subcontractor Building Construction $10 Million to $20 Million

Ben Hur Construction Co. and Steel Worx, LLC

Project: Cervantes Convention Center Expansion and Modernization, Package 1

Owner: City of St. Louis

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

Guarantee Electrical Company

Project: USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service Midwestern Laboratory

Owner: U.S. Federal Properties Co., LLC

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

icon Mechanical

Project: Pinnacle Tower at Nashville Yards

Owner: Southwest Value Partners

Project Location: Nashville, TN

 

Specialty Contractor – Subcontractor Building Construction Over $20 Million

Murphy Company

Project: Kindeva Drug Delivery – Project Phoenix

Owner: Kindeva Drug Delivery

Project Location: Bridgeton, MO

 

Guarantee Electrical Company

Project: Gary C. Werths Building at Siteman Cancer Center

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

Owner: WashU Medicine

 

icon Mechanical

Project: BJC Hospital Phase III – Patient Tower & Penthouse

Owner: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and WashU Medicine

Project Location: St. Louis, MO

 

Utility Infrastructure Construction

Murphy Company

Project: Korte Meats – New Process & Retail Facility

Owner: Korte Meat Processing, Inc.

Project Location: Highland, IL

 

Murphy Company

Project: Wright City – Water Treatment Facility

Owner: Wright City

Project Location: Wright City, MO

 

REN Engineering and Planning

Project: Missouri American Water South Plant Intake

Owner: Missouri American Water

Project Location: Sunset Hills, MO

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Benco Construction has selected Joshua Zilke as president, positioning the firm for accelerated growth across the Southeast’s multifamily and commercial construction sectors.

Zilke joins Benco from Harkins Builders Inc., where he served as vice president and led operations in the Carolinas and Central Virginia. Under his leadership, his former company grew these regional markets from the ground up to generate more than $150 million in annual revenue.

BYRON CENTER, Mich. – EV Construction announces that Shaun Prince has been promoted to firestop division manager and Kaileb Long to assistant field manager.

Prince’s journey at EV began in 2011 as a carpenter.

Since joining the company in 2020, Long has contributed to several major projects.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Army has chosen Major General William H. “Butch” Graham Jr.  to be its next Chief of Engineers and commanding general of the Corps of Engineers.

Graham has most recently worked as deputy chief of engineers and commanding general for civil works and emergency operations.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Midwest Council
has elected its officers and board of directors to lead the organization.

Matt Tucker with Affton Fabricating & Welding Co., Inc. has been elected as the 2025-26-chapter
president. Tucker succeeds Ryan Spell, Precision Analysis, Inc. Tucker will serve a one-year
term as president, which began July 1 and will expire June 30, 2026.

Scott Meyer, Meyer Painting Co. has been elected vice-president, and Ryan Hermann, TJ Wies Contracting,
will serve as secretary. Mark O’Donnell at Schmersahl Treloar & Co. will serve as the association’s
treasurer, and Nathan Laurentius at Schmersahl Treloar & Co. will serve as the assistant
treasurer. Mr.

Spell will serve one additional year as the immediate past president.

Members of the 2025-26 ASA Midwest Council’s board of directors also include: Jon Brown, Archkey Sachs Electric; Rose
Kastrup, CSA Advisors LLC; Rob Rolves, Foreman Fabricators.; Mike Townsend, Nu Way; Rob Meeh,
R.F Meeh Co.; and Stephanie Woodcock, Too Creative.

The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) Midwest Council is the premier construction trade
association made up of exceptional subcontractors, suppliers and service providers, serving the
construction industry and the community, in the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and southern
Illinois. The ASA Midwest Council’s purpose is to improve the construction process through active
participation in education, government advocacy and collaboration.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Five projects by IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection contractors are finalists in the Associated General Contractors (AGCMO) of Missouri Keystone Awards.

Guarantee Electrical and PayneCrest Electric are being saluted as finalists in this years recognition of project excellence in the annual award program. Since 1997, 115 IBEW/NECA projects have been honored in the AGC Keystone Awards. The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractor Association (NECA).

The 32 finalist projects span healthcare, office, aviation, solar and agriculture industries. NECA contractor Guarantee is being honored for four projects including:

• USDA Food Safety & Inspection Service Lab in Normandy, Mo. – The 18-month project tasked Guarantee with helping to engineer and install power, safety and communications technology at the lab, all within strict federal guidelines. As one of only three such facilities in the country, the project represented both a technical achievement and a new cornerstone of the nation’s food security system.
• Gary C. Werths Building at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis – An already unforgiving 47-month schedule for Guarantee was condensed to just 36 months due to the Covid pandemic. Guarantee prioritized prefabrication, communication and flexible problem-solving to accommodate last-minute changes even on a shortened timeline.
• East St. Louis Energy Center II – A community-based 1.8 MW solar array tasked Guarantee to build Ameren Illinois’ first solar energy project with battery storage capabilities. The project created new purpose in an East St. Louis brownfield site, replacing disused buildings with a more-than-3,000-panel array providing renewable energy to 650 homes.
• Gulfstream in Cahokia, Ill. – Guarantee met meticulous technical, aesthetic and service standards in the renovation of three hangars and two workshop areas. It collaborated closely with Gulfstream stakeholders to deliver customized monitor rigs and lighting systems, among other specialized installs, while working seamlessly around set plant production schedules.

NECA contractor PayneCrest has also been selected as a finalist for delivering with meticulous attention to detail to transform open office space on the Express Scripts campus into Clayco’s dynamic new St. Louis headquarters with numerous amenities. PayneCrest adroitly managed a shifting schedule and budget priorities, meeting all expectations in an unforgiving 13-month project.

The AGC Keystone Awards salute projects for safety, proficiency in overcoming challenges and the quality of delivery, including maintaining budget and schedule.

Winners of the 27th Annual Keystone Awards will be announced and celebrated at the AGCMO’s Construction Awards Gala on Nov. 6.

The Electrical Connection partnership provides safe and reliable commercial, industrial and residential electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. It is an important resource for business and civic leadership for new technology, including disruptive technologies, advancing electrical and communication infrastructure.

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Home Builders Association, on behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation, has awarded $20,000 to Rebuilding Together Saint Louis.

Rebuilding Together Executive director Elaine Powers and board member Ken Van Bree of RubinBrown LLP accepted the gift.

The donation will be used toward Rebuilding Together Saint Louis’ Rebuilding Day Program.

Rebuilding Together revitalizes neighborhoods in partnership with the community by rehabilitating the houses of low-income home owners, particularly the elderly and the disabled, so that they may continue to live independently in comfort and safety. Rebuilding Day is the organization’s annual one-day blitz where volunteers make home repairs and a lasting impact on home owners in the St. Louis Metro area.

 

 

By KERRY SMITH BUCK

The pace of data center construction across the U.S. doesn’t appear to be slowing.

As recent research reveals, hyperscalers – large-scale cloud service providers that offer computer resources, storage and networking capabilities – are on track to command 60 percent of global data center capacity by 2030, according to Synergy Research Group.

The data industry’s largest operators are continuing to announce new construction projects this year.

A 2025 CBRE report cites that hyperscale colocation now makes up 22 percent of total capacity. This share is expected to gradually decline even as actual colocation, the practice of renting space in a third-party data center to house a company’s servers and other IT equipment, grows at nearly double-digit rates annually.

More ambitious forecasts from the U.S. Dept. of Energy indicate that data centers will consume as much as 580 terawatts annually in 2028, translating to about 123 gigawatts and representing up to 12 percent of total U.S. electricity consumption.

What’s spurring on an insatiable thirst for data centers? In two letters, AI. As artificial intelligence drives unprecedented data center growth, some operators are bypassing traditional power grids, turning to onsite power generation to meet urgent energy demands.

According to Goldman Sachs, data center power demand is projected to grow by at least 160 percent by 2030, primarily driven by AI workloads. Many established markets are already at or near capacity, compelling tenants to prioritize power availability and scalability over traditional market preferences. Secondary and tertiary markets are drawing increased interest despite the significant capital investments required.

The U.S. electric grid will likely face significant challenges in accommodating the projected growth of data centers, according to the DOE, especially with the increasing demand from AI. While the grid has the potential to adapt, it will require substantial investments in transmission infrastructure.

While not a preferred choice – especially for large hyperscale facilities – onsite solar is growing in popularity as companies look to boost their green credentials and save money due to high energy costs.

In 2024, according to Colliers, the data center industry continued its unprecedented growth, shattering previous records and positioning itself for continued expansion. North America’s third-party operator supply grew more than 40 percent, from 12.4 gigawatts in 2023 to more than 18 gigawatts in 2024, not including the additional 30 gigawatts of planned capacity. This growth, says Colliers, was driven by the accelerating pace of digital transformation and the growing adoption of AI across industries, with hyperscalers like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and Oracle leading the demand.

In light of this zealous demand for electric power to propel huge data centers, the industry continues to face significant power challenges.

According to McKinsey, the U.S. could experience a data center supply deficit of more than 15 gigawatts by 2030 – close to the size of today’s third-party market. The rapid growth of AI workloads has dramatically amplified power issues, as AI consumes substantially more power per rack than traditional workloads, putting pressure on an already limited infrastructure. With power availability becoming the primary limiting factor in traditional markets, new markets are emerging, often near established ecosystems that embrace development. Hillsboro and Reno have grown as extensions of Northern California’s market, while Columbus and Minneapolis have gained traction due to their proximity to Chicago.

New and unexpected players are also entering the market, drawn by access to existing power infrastructure. Core Scientific, for example, is investing $4 billion to transform its Bitcoin mining facilities in Denton, Texas into AI-focused data centers. Applied Digital secured $450 million from investors like Macquarie, NVIDIA and others to upgrade equipment and build one of the world’s largest data centers.

Data center developers and operators are finding power harder to come by than ever. Amid these challenges, some data centers are rethinking their approach by adopting behind-the-meter (BTM) configurations, where power generation and consumption occur on the same site. A BTM system provides power that can be used onsite without passing through a meter, while a front-of-meter system provides power to offsite locations.

Examples of BTM as it pertains to data centers include rooftop solar and battery storage.

Rooftop solar can be found at U.S. data centers being built for Meta, Google and Amazon. Last fall, construction began on the 715,000-square-foot data center in northwest Ohio, with completion expected in 2026. Rooftop solar is part of the design, enabling Meta to generate some of its needed power onsite. A second Meta data center with a similar approach has been announced at a site near Toledo, Ohio.

Google is actively working to power its data centers with solar energy, with various projects underway around the U.S. and beyond. These include partnerships with renewable energy developers such as Intersect Power, the construction of new solar farms and the integration of solar power into existing data center operations. Cedar Rapids is one of many sites where Google is building a data center to include onsite power generation.

And in Richmond County in North Carolina, Amazon is building a $10 billion data center with active plans to include onsite solar power generation.

Digital Realty currently has 19 sites hosting behind-the-meter solar installations totaling 9.8 megawatts of capacity. The company says that it has an “additional roadmap to continue to grow, with additional projects in the planning or construction stage.”

Iron Mountain’s 830,000-square-foot NJE-1 facility, a former New York Times printing facility in Edison, N.J., was retrofitted with a solar rooftop in 2020. At that time, Iron Mountain said the 7.2 megawatt system – which it claimed was the largest such deployment at a data center globally – would cover around 15 percent of the 30-megawatt site’s needs.

Integrating solar panels in the design of new purpose-built data centers is ideal, as opposed to retrofitting an existing facility. With new builds, operators can ensure photovoltaic systems are capable of generating the maximum energy needed. Data centers have far greater cooling requirements than other industrial buildings, says Anthony Maguire, managing director of energy consulting firm Longevity Power, which means more HVAC equipment on the roof. “We might say we want all new development projects in one market to include solar,” he says. “And then we can build that in as part of our design, and maybe we can redesign the cooling equipment so there’s more rooftop space to accommodate solar. That could be an example of how we would massage our designs to accommodate more solar in a market where it’s attractive.”

Space is the biggest consideration when looking at rooftop solar. Many data centers feature large amounts of plant equipment – such as chillers and generators – on the roof, meaning there is often not enough space to justify a solar deployment. And those that do today might not have future capacity if the operator has any desire to expand capacity and add more chillers. Second-biggest is weight; solar PV systems add approximately three to six pounds per square foot, according to Longevity Power. A single solar panel weighs between 40 to 45 pounds.

Solar deployments can last as long as 20 years, according to Data Center Dynamics.

Actual installation of the panels is relatively quick. Most deployments can be done in a few weeks.

Longevity engineers say there needs to be adequate capacity on the host building’s main electrical distribution board, alongside adequate space in its meter room to accommodate a separate distribution board for the solar PV system. Rooftop access is critical.

But for any sizable data center, rooftop solar is unlikely to cover a large portion of a facility’s energy needs, according to CBRE. Most solar deployments are in the hundreds of kilowatts, CBRE says, compared to megawatts of demand per data hall at today’s hyperscale facilities such as Google’s and Meta’s.

Sustainability is often a key priority of companies investing in onsite, solar-powered data centers. In some markets, some degree of onsite generation is a necessity for a company to move its proposed data center facility through the planning process.

“Onsite solar power is one of the lowest-cost sources of clean energy but can have some limitations,” says Chris Pennington, director energy and sustainability at Iron Mountain Data Center. “The biggest limitation of solar power is that the volume of energy it produces is often not equal to the site’s total electricity consumption. While space constraints often limit onsite solar’s ability to fully power data centers, its growing economic appeal suggests it could increasingly be required as part of construction and permitting processes in some markets.”

 

 

 

PARK RIDGE, Ill. – Bruce Lyon, a long-time member of the American Society of Safety Professionals, is the recipient of the 2025 Prevention through Design Award.

The honor is presented by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in partnership with ASSP, the National Safety Council and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

The annual award recognizes an elite workplace safety and health professional, team or organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership in eliminating or reducing workplace hazards through design or redesign efforts and contributes to the body of knowledge that enables PtD solutions.

“Assessing workplace environments and proactively designing out hazards is an innovative and long-term approach to business sustainability and preventing worker injuries, illnesses and fatalities,” said ASSP President Linda Tapp. “Bruce specializes in risk assessment and risk management and has greatly elevated the use of safety standards and prevention through design principles around the world.”

Lyon is an ASSP Fellow and vice president and director of risk management service for Brown & Brown Inc., a commercial insurance brokerage firm. He is a leading expert in occupational safety and health who has more than 45 years of experience working with national and global organizations across various industries. Lyon’s skills also involve safety management systems, ergonomics and regulatory compliance.

He has been an ASSP member since 1982 and continues to educate professionals on risk management and safety standards through webinars, podcasts, training courses and speaking engagements at national conferences.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Architecture firm Trivers is expanding its ownership group with two additional members.

Ashley Hoolihan, project manager, and associate and Amanda Truemper, senior project manager and associate, have joined Trivers’ ownership group.

As associate principals, Hoolihan and Truemper will help lead the firm alongside principals Joe Brinkmann, Joel Fuoss and Amy Gilbertson, and associate principals Neil Chace and Martin Padilla.

Brinkmann, Fuoss and Gilbertson assumed ownership of Trivers in 2015 from Andrew Trivers, who founded the firm in 1975. With the goal of creating career development opportunities for others within the firm, the three principals developed a strategy to add new owners over time.

With a longstanding commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, Trivers is also proud to increase the number of women in the ownership group. According to the latest American Institute of Architects (AIA) Membership Demographics Report, only 17 percent of principals in architecture firms are women.

Hoolihan earned her bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from Southern Illinois University and master’s degrees in architecture and construction management from Washington University in St. Louis before beginning her career at Trivers in 2011. She focuses on leading Trivers’ education practice and has worked on projects at WashU, the University of Missouri system, Missouri State University and the University of Illinois, among others.

Since earning her bachelor’s degree in architecture from WashU in 2000 and her master’s degree in architecture and certificate in historic preservation from the University of Southern California in 2005, Truemper’s more than 25 years of experience in corporate workplace design and branded environments is paired with a passion for historic and adaptive reuse. Throughout her career, Truemper has worked on projects in the hospitality, mixed-use and multi-family, retail, education and mission-driven sectors while contributing to business development and strategic management initiatives.

 

 

O’FALLON, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP), in partnership with the Greater St. Louis Area Council’s Exploring program, is preparing to host its Skilled Trades Summer Camp.

This is an immersive, five-day opportunity for high school students to explore well-paying, hands-on careers in the construction industry. The 2025 program will take place Monday, July 21 through Friday, July 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, beginning at SIBA headquarters in O’Fallon, Ill.

The Skilled Trades Summer Camp has become a popular summer program for students who want to learn about the trades through real-world experience. The camp is open to all high school students, regardless of school district or prior experience.

“Skilled trades remain a reliable, well-paying path to a strong career, especially for students who want an alternative to traditional college routes,” said Donna Richter, CEO of SIBA. “This summer camp gives students an inside look at these opportunities – real tools, real training and real potential.”

Students will be transported daily to various union apprenticeship training centers, where they will engage with instructors and journeymen across a wide range of construction fields. Transportation is provided by SICAP, and lunch will be served each day.

2025 Skilled Trades Summer Camp Schedule

• Monday, July 21: Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• Tuesday, July 22:
  • Boilermakers Local 363 (9 a.m. – 11 a.m.)
  • Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 101 (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
• Wednesday, July 23: Electricians Local 309 (9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.)
  • Virtual Reality Headsets at SIBA Office (11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
• Thursday, July 24: Ironworkers Local 392 (9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
• Friday, July 25: Sheet Metal Workers Local 268 (9 a.m. – 12 noon)

The Skilled Trades Summer Camp is part of SIBA’s and SICAP’s larger mission to promote career opportunities in construction. Beyond this camp, SIBA and SICAP also organize major Construction Career Expos each fall, provide grants to schools with vocational training programs and fund scholarships for students pursuing a degree in the fields of construction management, construction-related engineering, architecture and construction safety.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Alberici welcomes Jeremy Holland as senior director of business development for Alberici’s water business market.

With more than 25 years of experience driving growth in water infrastructure, Holland is dedicated to building the critical structures that improve lives and strengthen communities. His expertise and collaborative approach build on Alberici’s strong presence in the water market and reinforce the firm’s commitment to delivering reliable water treatment solutions across North America.

Holland has a B.S. in chemical engineering and a B.A. in English from the University of Notre Dame, and an MBA from Portland State University.

 

Image courtesy of Contegra

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Crawford Hoying and KINEXO celebrated the completion of a new state-of-the-art, LEED Gold-certified, Class A cold storage facility in Columbus, Ohio.

This 179,000-square-foot facility represents a major investment in Columbus’ industrial and logistics landscape, offering cutting-edge infrastructure for the growing cold chain sector.

Edwardsville, Ill.-based Contegra Construction Co. and property manager BGO served as project partners.

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – IMPACT Strategies Inc. announces the promotion of Lucas Theising to senior project engineer.

Theising has shown remarkable leadership growth while successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously and embracing increased responsibilities.

Image courtesy of Electrical Connection

Guarantee Electrical & ArchKey Solutions Donating $100,000 Each

By NOLAN POINTER

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – With an early start to the St. Louis summer heat, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection and its contractors are donating services and materials to restore power to St. Louis homes damaged by the May 16 tornado.

At a July 1 press conference at the IBEW Local 1 Union Hall, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer announced new tornado recovery programs, including one that reconnects homes to electrical grid. The Electrical Connection is donating $20,000 while NECA contractors Guarantee Electrical and ArchKey Solutions are donating $100,000 each to the power restoration initiative.

Another Electrical Connection contractor, RJP Electric, and the St. Louis Home Repair Network, are also engaged in the initiative.

Teams from IBEW and NECA are performing site assessments to restore power safely to more than 200 homes, including damaged mastheads, meters and service entrances. They will then tap their reliable suppliers and begin connecting homes back into the electrical grid.  The city of St. Louis has set up a website for restoration needs at its STL Recovers website.

“While the city will administrate the recovery program, we are grateful that the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection, Guarantee and ArchKey have agreed to do all the heavy lifting with their generous donation of service and materials,” said Spencer. The program provides free electrical assessments and repairs to those in need.

“Our neighbors are in jeopardy,” said Rich Ledbetter, CEO of Guarantee Electric. “Their power grid has returned, but connecting to their houses requires safe installations. We have the resources and expertise through our partnership with IBEW Local 1 and fellow contractors like ArchKey to expedite the restoration of electrical services.”

In addition to the power restoration program, the city is also initiating three other recovery programs, including:

• Partnering with the St. Louis chapter of the American Institute of Architects to provide free drop-in consultations at city hall for residents concerned about the structural integrity of their homes.
• A contractor registry to connect residents with contractors registered with the city and protect them from fraud by unqualified contractors.
• An emergency stabilization program to provide free, urgent home repairs, with priority given to seniors and uninsured residents. It includes placing tarps over roofs, boarding windows and doors and removing debris.

The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local No. 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Members provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Lawrence Fabric & Metal Structures announces Marshall Tucker’s promotion to vice president of operations.

Tucker joined Lawrence in 2017 as project manager and in 2022 moved into sales.

From managing complex projects to thriving in sales, Lawrence says Tucker has shown an ability to adapt, lead and deliver results. As VP of operations, he will oversee several areas including CAD, project management and production. His blend of experience and company vision will promote future success of Lawrence.

 

 

Image courtesy of Unsplash

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Alberici Corporation has made a strategic investment in LCG Capital Management, a real estate firm specializing in development, brokerage, property management and corporate services. As a result, Alberici Constructors and Flintco’s construction clients will gain access to specialized real estate expertise.

Founded by industry veterans Rob Goltermann, Ian Silberman and Scott Bitney, LCG Capital Management will retain its name and continue to operate independently under the leadership of Goltermann as CEO. Financial terms of the investment are not being disclosed.

“Clients today face tighter credit markets and complex macroeconomic conditions,” said Richard Jaggers, President and CEO of Alberici Corporation. “Our investment in LCG Capital Management gives us a powerful resource to help clients extract value from existing assets and align their real estate strategies with long-term business goals.”

Joining Goltermann on the leadership team is Craig Saur, former CFO of Flintco, who will serve as COO of LCG Capital Management. Saur brings decades of real estate and operational experience to support client solutions and internal growth.

The newly formed board of directors reflects the strategic alignment of LCG’s vision and the expertise brought by the Alberici enterprise. Board members include:

• Gregory Kozicz, Ph.D., Chairman of the Board, Alberici Corporation, independent director of Alter Companies, and former member of the St. Louis Federal Reserve’s Real Estate Advisory Council
• Rob Goltermann, CEO and Co-Founder of LCG Capital Management, former President of DCM Management Company
• Anthony Clark, CEO and founder of Narrow Road Group, an Austin-based real estate development and investment firm
• Ian Silberman, Principal and Co-Founder of LCG Capital Management and Location Commercial Real Estate

 

 

ATLANTA, Ga. – The Associated General Contractors of Georgia, Inc. (AGC Georgia), the leading statewide association for the construction industry, has elected Balfour Beatty Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader Mike Macon as its board president.

With more than 29 years of experience in the industry, Macon is widely recognized for his strategic vision, operational excellence and unwavering commitment to client success.

Joining Macon on AGC Georgia’s Board are veteran industry professionals: Sean Moxley from Garbutt Construction Company as vice president, Scott Lawrence from McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., as treasurer and Matt West from West Construction Company as secretary.

Active within AGC Georgia since 2011, Macon has contributed to various committees and taskforces while serving on the board since 2017. He advocates for workforce development, expanding membership recruitment efforts and building on decades of successful advocacy for the construction community under Georgia’s Gold Dome.

After graduating from the University of Florida in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction, Macon began his career in operations and joined Balfour Beatty in 2006.

Beyond his professional achievements, Macon is a passionate advocate for community service. Actively involved with Make-A-Wish Georgia for more than 15 years and currently serving on its board, helping shape the organization’s strategic direction and fundraising efforts.

 

 

 

 

Image courtesy of IMPACT Strategies, Inc.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – IMPACT Strategies, Inc. announces its donation to KIDstruction Week campaign, an initiative that unites the St. Louis region’s architectural, construction and engineering industries in support of St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Under the leadership of Field Superintendent Luke Eckert, IMPACT generated the donation by recycling demolition materials from a current project with BJC HealthCare.

Mark Hinrichs, president at IMPACT Strategies, said, “We are proud to support such a worthy cause and are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the success of KIDstruction Week.”

 

 

 

Pictured Above: Aviston Elementary School’s students’ S.O.A.R. Program representatives

BREESE, Ill. – Poettker Construction – a family-owned construction company for more than four decades – announces the 2025 recipients of its NextGen program.

The NextGen program connects Poettker to students and teachers at local school districts to unlock interactive opportunities for students to prepare for their futures while advancing their community.

Poettker also offers advanced educational opportunities through impact contributions or post-high school scholarships. This year, Poettker presented three scholarships and seven community impact contributions to school districts across Southern Illinois.

The 2025 Academic Scholarship recipients are Jase Brentlinger from Freeburg Community High School, Clayton Logsdon from Litchfield High School and Joshua Amann from Mascoutah High School.

Poettker’s Community Impact Contributions were presented to the following schools:

• Aviston Elementary School’s Students Offering All-Inclusive Recreation (S.O.A.R.) Program
• Central School District’s Girls Emerging as Women Leaders Group and the 104 Store
• Litchfield Elementary School’s Science Olympiad Program
• Litchfield Early Childhood Center’s Activities Program
• North Clay CUSD #25’s Industrial Arts Class
• Richland County Early Learning’s STEAM Learning Kits and Activities
• Pana Elementary School’s Friendship Garden and STEAM Activities

“We cherish the growing partnerships we’ve developed with our school clients, teachers and students,” said Jon Carroll, executive vice president and COO at Poettker Construction. “We see how exposure to construction, along with hands-on learning, inspires students from early education to high school to consider a construction industry career. We are humbled and blessed for the opportunity to see first-hand how this generation can meet the workforce needs of our industry.”

Launched in late 2023, NextGen aims to go further beyond building quality buildings; it teaches pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade students the importance of giving back to their community. Through NextGen, students participate in celebrating major project milestones – from groundbreaking and dedication ceremonies to onsite class tours. Poettker also offers more in-depth career success opportunities through STEAM learning, paid internships and workforce development programs.

School districts and students may submit applications based on the focused age group. The Community Impact Sponsorship benefits elementary and middle school districts by supporting community initiatives. The Academic Scholarship benefits high schools, community colleges and universities by offering their students annual sponsorships to pursue a career in the architecture-engineering-construction industry.

For more information about Poettker’s NextGen Initiative, visit https://poettkerconstruction.com/poettker-nextgen/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Holland Construction Services announces that Steve Bauer has been promoted to project director and leader of the firm’s Special Projects Group.

Bauer brings more than 18 years of experience in construction management and will now oversee both large-scale developments and Holland’s growing portfolio of specialized, fast-paced interior and renovation projects.

Since joining Holland in 2020, Bauer has successfully led several high-profile projects, including The Avenir in University City, a $64 million luxury apartment community, and Sunnen Station Phase II, a 121-unit residential development in Maplewood, Mo. His healthcare work includes the complex renovation of HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Ill., delivered during the pandemic with zero disruption to patient care.

In his expanded role, Bauer also leads Holland’s Special Projects Group. SPG combines the capabilities of Holland’s self-perform teams with direct management of critical trade partners and suppliers – enabling greater control over quality, schedule and cost. The group regularly performs scopes ranging from selective demolition and rough/finish carpentry to door and hardware installation, wall panels, specialty siding, countertops and furnishings.

Before joining Holland, Bauer served as project manager on several major regional projects, including One Cardinal Way at Ballpark Village, SLU’s Grand Hall and the $250 million Meldahl Hydroelectric Dam in Kentucky. He holds a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Holland Construction Services announces the promotion of Miranda Stevens to project director.

A proven leader with nearly 20 years of experience in construction management and operations, Stevens has played a vital role in delivering some of the region’s most impactful projects while mentoring teams and building trusted client relationships along the way.

Since joining Holland in 2015, Stevens has led a diverse portfolio of work across the education, multifamily and nonprofit sectors. Notable projects under her direction include The Flats at Wildhorse Village, a luxury multifamily development in Chesterfield, Mo.; Missouri Baptist University’s Spartan Field Stadium, which expanded the campus’s athletic infrastructure; and the Best Buddy Pet Center for the Humane Society of Missouri – a project that held special meaning for Stevens as a passionate dog lover and longtime animal welfare advocate.

In her role as senior project manager, Stevens led teams through all phases of construction – managing budgets, schedules, trade partner procurement and client communications. She’s known for her ability to troubleshoot challenges early and maintain clear and proactive communication throughout each project. Within the company, she has also contributed to internal committees that shape company processes and culture.

Before her time at Holland, Stevens held management roles at several respected construction firms in the St. Louis region. Her early background includes experience in CAD design and hands-on field coordination, giving her a full-spectrum understanding of the build process.

She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a graduate of Ranken Technical College. In 2023, she was honored as one of the St. Louis Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. Stevens also serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois and previously volunteered as a Big Sister.

As project director, Stevens will continue to lead high-profile construction projects while mentoring the next generation of project managers and strengthening Holland’s reputation for excellence and integrity in the St. Louis construction market.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Holland Construction Services announces the promotion of Adam Jones to project director, recognizing his leadership, technical skill and contributions to some of the firm’s most high-profile residential and commercial projects.

Jones brings more than a decade of construction experience, including the past four years with Holland where he has successfully led the delivery of complex developments such as The Marshall, a 350,000-square-foot, mixed-use student housing project in St. Louis, and Heartland View Apartments, a 201-unit community in Wentzville, Mo. His portfolio also includes hospitality, healthcare and retail work – all delivered with a focus on scheduling, cost control and team coordination.

In his new role, Jones will oversee project teams from preconstruction through closeout, mentoring project managers and engineers while ensuring each project meets Holland’s high standards for quality, safety and client satisfaction.

Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and has been active in industry organizations including the AGC’s Construction Leadership Council and the American Concrete Institute.

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo.– Tarlton Corp. has promoted Greg Sweeso to director of preconstruction and estimating.

Sweeso previously served as manager of preconstruction and estimating at the firm. His work at Tarlton includes the new SSM Health Outpatient Center in O’Fallon, Mo. and the Michael and Quirsis Riney Primate Canopy Trails exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo.

Sweeso initially joined Tarlton in 2015 as an estimator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – IMPACT Strategies announces the addition of Luke Thies to its team as a client strategy associate.

Thies will be instrumental in enhancing the builder’s business development and relationship management efforts, focused on driving growth and providing outstanding value to IMPACT’s partners.

O’FALLON, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Builders Association announces that 40 high schools throughout Southern Illinois have been selected to receive $500 grants to support building trades and vocational education classes in 2025—an increase from 30 grant recipients in 2024.

The grants are part of SIBA’s ongoing commitment to promote careers in the construction industry and help schools strengthen their technical education programs that prepare students for in-demand jobs in the skilled trades.

“This record number of grant recipients demonstrates a growing interest in vocational education and the importance of preparing students for high-wage, high-demand careers in construction,” said Donna Richter, CEO of SIBA. “We are proud to support these schools and the next generation of skilled trades professionals.”

Each selected school will receive a $500 grant to be used for classroom resources, tools, or other equipment that supports hands-on learning in construction-related education. Schools are encouraged to share photos of how the funds are used and to request stickers provided by SIBA to label any items purchased.

The 2025 grant recipients include:

• Anna-Jonesboro Community High School
• Carlyle CUSD #1
• Carmi-White County High School
• Central Community High School
• Centralia High School
• Civic Memorial High School
• Columbia High School
• Coulterville High School
• Dupo Junior/Senior High School
• East Alton-Wood River High School
• Effingham High School
• Fairfield Community High School 225
• Frankfort Community High School
• Freeburg Community High School
• Hamilton County Jr./Sr. High School
• Herrin High School
• Highland High School
• Hillsboro High School
• Jersey Community High School
• Lawrenceville High School
• Meridian CUSD 101
• Mount Carmel High School
• Mt. Vernon High School
• North Clay Unit #25
• North Greene High School
• Northwestern High School
• O’Fallon Township High School
• Okaw Area Vocational Center
• Okawville High School
• Pope County High School
• Richland County High School
• SCI-Litchfield CUSD #12
• Sparta High School
• Steeleville High School
• Teutopolis Unit 50 High School
• Thompsonville CUSD #174
• Vienna High School
• Waterloo High School
• Wesclin High School
• Zeigler-Royalton High School

SIBA continues to seek opportunities to support and collaborate with high schools that offer vocational and technical education related to the construction industry.

Schools are encouraged to report their class offerings and request classroom visits by construction industry professionals by contacting Donna Richter at

 [email protected].

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Great Rivers Greenway has selected Mark Perkins as its CEO.

The city administrator for Creve Coeur, Mo. since 1999, Perkins will join the GRG team on August 4.

He will be the third leader of the agency, which was formed by a vote of the people in November 2000 to connect three counties and 120 towns throughout the St. Louis region with a network of greenways.

A thorough search process began last fall following the announcement of 15-year GRG CEO Susan Trautman’s retirement.

GRG is celebrating the agency’s 25th anniversary year.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 honor from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by Energage, LCC, a partner in employee engagement technology. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes – including employees feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow and empowered to execute, among others.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

S. M. Wilson President Mike Yazbec said, “Being recognized as a Top Workplace is a tremendous honor, especially for a company with 100-plus years of history. This reflects the dedication and commitment of our team members, reinforcing our devotion to creating a supportive and empowering environment. We are thrilled to receive this recognition. S. M. Wilson is committed to continuing to foster an environment for our team members to grow and develop together.”

S. M. Wilson has 104 full-time employees. The company has built a reputation as a firm that prioritizes people.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BREESE, Ill. – Poettker Construction Company is celebrating 45 years in business as a multi-generational, family-owned construction firm supporting a diverse portfolio of projects in markets across the country.

Founded in 1980 by Charles Poettker, the company has grown from its humble beginning in Breese, Ill., into a $400 million construction firm specializing in construction management, design-build services and general contracting. The company prides itself on exceeding client expectations by delivering projects safely, cost-effectively and with the highest degree of quality, with 88 percent of projects stemming from repeat clients like Walmart, Ameren, Planet Fitness and Continental Tire, along with regional developers, educational institutions and government agencies.

“Our accomplishments over the past 45 years reflect Poettker’s unwavering commitment to excellence, community engagement and strategic growth in the Midwest and Southeast regions,” said Keith Poettker, chairman and CEO of Poettker Construction.

The company has carved a market share in the Midwest, earning top 10 spots in 2025 as one of St. Louis’ largest general contractors and one of the Metro East’s largest businesses. In 2019, Poettker opened a Southeast office in Charlotte, N.C., and has grown to become one of the area’s largest general contractors for three consecutive years.

Poettker’s track record for safety and quality has earned the company regional construction safety awards from AGC Missouri, Carolinas AGC, Central Illinois Builders of AGC and Southern Illinois Builders’ Association. Nationally, Poettker is recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors as an accredited quality contractor and ABC top performer.

The builder consistently ranks as a Best Place to Work, recruiting and retaining top talent and continually investing in its employees through skills training, STEAM learning, workforce development programs and its NextGen initiative, which encourages younger generations to pursue careers in construction management, architecture, engineering, skilled trades, safety or quality.

“Our employees are an extension of the Poettker family and the secret sauce that keeps the business going and growing,” said Ryan Poettker, president of Poettker Construction. “Our company’s average employee tenure is 10 years, and many of our employees are second and third-generation workers – some have been with us for four decades – with deep family ties to the company’s inception.”

Poettker has remained committed to the local communities where it lives and serves. Over the years, the company has supported more than 50 nonprofit organizations through philanthropic partnerships, advocacy, fundraising and volunteer initiatives.

The company’s Annual Golf Classic, held each summer since 2014, has raised more than $340,000 in donations benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois. Poettker recently partnered with Dream On 3 Carolinas, a charity committed to making sports dreams a reality for children and young adults with life-altering conditions. In 2024, Poettker raised more than $121,000 for Dream on 3 Carolinas from its inaugural Southeast Charity Clay Shoot and gala.

“’Our quality relationships build your quality projects’ has been our company’s mission statement since the beginning,” said Keith Poettker. “That statement has helped shape our approach as employers, business partners and community advocates, and I think our father would be exceptionally proud of our accomplishments while remaining true to our family-first culture.”

A month-long celebration will kick off on June 26 with the unveiling of an anniversary logo and the launch of a new website, as well as jobsite lunches hosted throughout July that will spotlight employees and partnerships with long-term clients.

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Hager Companies announces several leadership promotions that reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to growth, innovation and operational excellence.

Johnston Hager has been named president and CEO. A sixth-generation member of the Hager family, he has held various leadership positions within the organization.

Mark Fleming has been promoted to executive vice president, CFO and COO. He has been instrumental in driving financial and operational strategy, enhancing organizational performance and fostering a culture focused on accountability and continuous improvement.

Sonny Hager has been promoted to vice president, creative advertising & marketing. A sixth-generation member of the Hager family, he has been recognized for his creative leadership and strategic marketing vision.

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works has voted to advance Sean McMaster’s nomination as the administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). President Trump made the selection of McMaster to lead FHWA and reinforce AGC’s support of the nomination.

McMaster has an extensive background in transportation policy, having previously held senior positions at the U.S. Dept. of Transportation during the president’s first term. Prior to his work at U.S. DOT, McMaster worked on Capitol Hill as professional staff for the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

His nomination is now headed to the full Senate for consideration and final approval.

 

	ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Western Specialty Contractors announces the hiring of Damian Walls as regional business development manager. In his new role, Walls will assist Western branch personnel in Region 3 (Chicago, Iowa City, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Duluth and Minneapolis) in achieving their annual sales objectives by providing marketing, sales and business development leadership. Walls will work closely with the corporate national account department  as a resource for local and regional contacts, with a focus on sales volume growth, customer development and new business acquisition. Walls is a building envelope and restoration professional with more than 15 years of business development experience.

 

By HARMONY STILES

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 11, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works voted to advance Sean McMaster’s nomination as the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

McMaster has been nominated by President Trump.

He has an extensive background in transportation policy, having previously held senior positions at the U.S. Dept. of Transportation during the president’s first term. Prior to his work at USDOT, McMaster worked on Capitol Hill as professional staff for the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.

His nomination is now headed to the full Senate for consideration and final approval.

 

 

	ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Lawrence Group announces the recent hiring of Bob Buckman, AIA, NCARB as associate principal/senior project manager, collaborating with the firm’s healthcare and higher education design teams. Buckman has been practicing architecture for more than 22 years and is licensed in Missouri and Illinois. The firm also announces the hiring of interior design professional Stacey Drake at its St. Louis headquarters and Architect Amelia Linde, RA at its New York office.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – On the afternoon of May 16, a devastating EF3 tornado tore through Greater St. Louis, cutting a 20-mile path of destruction through neighborhoods like Greater Ville and Fountain Park.

The storm, a mile wide at its peak, claimed five lives and damaged more than 5,000 structures – including homes, businesses and places of worship. While the national spotlight has shifted, the work of rebuilding has only just begun.

In the days following the disaster, the AGC of Missouri mobilized swiftly and decisively. Under the leadership of Chairman Mike Rallo, Jr. and President Len Toenjes, the Associated General Contractors of Missouri launched a comprehensive response that continues to evolve as recovery efforts intensify. 

Taking Action Immediately

AGCMO dispatched a dedicated task force – Safety VP Brandon Anderson, Advocacy VP Maureen McDonnell and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion VP Terron White – to assess the damage firsthand. In partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, this team toured the hardest-hit areas and began building a roadmap for action.

What followed was a multi-pronged relief effort focused on collaboration, boots-on-the-ground support and long-term recovery.

Industry Leadership Through Partnership

AGCMO joined forces with the Urban League and the Regional Business Council to create a coordinated response framework. Together, they convened multiple strategy sessions, bringing AGCMO members to the table to discuss resource needs, labor availability and ways to rebuild smarter and stronger.

Recognizing the power of collective action, AGCMO leveraged its role as the umbrella organization for the industry, rallying construction companies and trade associations through the St. Louis Construction Cooperative. With help from SLCC Co-Chair Xavier Gassier (NECA), AGCMO issued a call to action across the industry.

Member Companies Stepping Up

The response from AGCMO’s member companies has been nothing short of remarkable. Many contributed manpower, equipment and materials – often quietly and without fanfare. Standout contributors include:

Alberici Constructors, Inc., McCarthy Building Companies, Inc, Goodwin Brothers Construction Co, Paric Corporation, Musick Construction Company, Tarlton Corporation, Keeley Construction, ARCO Construction Company, Millstone Weber, LLC, Fred M. Luth & Sons, Inc., Sherwin Williams, Purple Wave Auction and Milwaukee Tool.

“These firms demonstrated what makes the Midwest construction industry exceptional: a willingness to show up and serve when it matters most,” Toenjes said.

Community Engagement and On-the-Ground Support

AGCMO leaders didn’t just coordinate efforts from afar. They rolled up their sleeves. Toenjes, McDonnell and White all volunteered directly at 4theVille, helping distribute supplies, clean debris and support local residents.

In addition to volunteering, AGCMO supplied critical items such as tarps, tools, tote bags, first aid kits and cleaning materials. The organization is also working with Motion Orthopaedics to hold a cornhole tournament fundraiser on June 26^th at the STL Sand Bar to raise funds for long-term recovery.

What’s Still Needed

While the initial wave of support has been strong, the reality is clear: St. Louis still needs help. Ongoing donations of building materials, skilled laborand financial support are essential to sustain momentum and ensure neighborhoods can fully recover.

AGCMO encourages construction industry professionals – especially those across the Midwest – to get involved. Whether through direct donations, volunteering or partnerships with organizations like the Urban League, your support can make a real difference.

To contribute or learn how your company can get involved, contact AGCMO at (314) 781-2356 or visit

Agcmo.org/tornadorelief

Together, we can help St. Louis rebuild – not just structures, but hope.

 

 

BREESE, Ill. – Poettker Industrial Services has promoted one of its frontline employees.

Brad Luitjohan, an industry veteran with 22 years’ experience, has been promoted to field operations director.

In his new role, Luitjohan will lead Poettker Industrial’s onsite efforts, including technology innovations, guiding site supervisors in safety, quality control and schedule management, allocating labor and equipment resources and managing high-level trade relations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jamaica, N.Y. – Principal Howard Graf of Graf & Lewent Architects, a DIGroup Architecture firm, has been named the inaugural recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Architectural Practice by the Queens Foundation for Architecture and AIA Queens Chapter.

The honor will be presented at the first-ever QFA Legacy Awards Gala, taking place in September.

The event celebrates visionary leadership in architecture and highlights individuals, firms and civic leaders who have made a lasting impact on the built environment in the Borough of Queens and the Greater New York City market.

Graf is being recognized for his decades-long contributions to architecture and public service, as well as his commitment to thoughtful, community-focused design. His leadership at Graf & Lewent Architects – which was acquired by DIGroup Architecture earlier this spring – has played a significant role in shaping higher education and transportation-related buildings throughout New York City.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tarlton Corp. announces the promotion of Michelle Spires to senior marketing manager and Nina Elsperman to proposal coordinator while welcoming Catherine McDonald as marketing coordinator.

Spires, who previously served as marketing manager, will lead departmental planning and budgeting, with involvement in corporate strategic planning. She will support the business development and marketing team in branding, public and media relations, internal and external communication, proposals and other work pursuit efforts, project documentation and project branding and signage. Spires also leads the firm’s sustainability committee.

As proposal coordinator, Elsperman will leverage her diverse educational and professional background to coordinate the Tarlton proposal process, from initial research and coordination with Tarlton teams, to developing content for final delivery. In addition, she leads Tarlton’s philanthropy committee.

In her new role as marketing coordinator, McDonald will assist Tarlton in the ongoing development and implementation of internal and external strategic communications, public relations, marketing and social media.

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. announces new leadership for special projects, providing efficient and expert construction services for fast-paced, turn-key projects.

The division will focus on tenant improvements, renovations, additions, repairs and core/shell construction. This relationship-focused division will be led by Steve Meeks, now vice president of special projects, estimating and preconstruction. Meeks brings more than 35 years’ experience in project management and preconstruction.

With 30-plus years of industry experience, Bernie Burtch will serve as the division’s project director.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Safety innovation is the thrust of the American Society of Safety Professionals’ 2025 Professional Development Conference and Exposition in Orlando.

Attendees will experience the organization’s largest expo in history from July 22-24 at the Orange County Convention Center.

“Our expo isn’t just a collection of booths – it’s a dynamic hub where the future of workplace safety comes alive,” said ASSP President Pam Walaski, CSP, FASSP. “Many professionals attend our conference specifically for this illuminating experience that features the newest personal protective equipment, exciting product innovations and essential professional services that all create safer work environments.”

Safety 2025’s expo footprint has already surpassed 125,000 square feet, topping last year’s record-setting expo in Denver. The growth in exhibition space reflects the fast-paced evolution of workplace safety solutions across today’s industries.

Leading the charge as the largest exhibitors by floor space are Bulwark FR, Ergodyne, Global Glove and Safety Manufacturing, Malta Dynamics, Milwaukee Tool, Moldex, Studson, SureWerx and Veriforce.

Those companies will be joined by other prominent names that include Airgas, Grainger, ISN, National Safety Apparel, Red Wing Brands of America, Superior Glove Works and VelocityEHS, all delivering products to help prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities on the job.

The Safety 2025 expo will include an expansive ASSP Career Advancement Center that has something for all attendees, not just those seeking a new position. There will be two “Leaders in Safety Tech” zones where exhibitors at the forefront of safety will demonstrate their innovations. The expo will also feature fast-paced “flash sessions” that tackle safety challenges through research, best practices and audience participation.

“Our interactive expo has always been the cornerstone of the overall in-person experience,” Walaski said. “It’s truly a can’t-miss opportunity for anyone with responsibilities that involve worker safety and health.”

Now in its 64th year, ASSP’s conference draws thousands of safety and health professionals from around the globe. Attendees aim to advance their careers, take advantage of networking opportunities and gain insights from leading-edge education sessions. They also get inspired, entertained and informed by popular keynote speakers.

Safety professionals can register online and earn 1.5 continuing education units for career development. Groups from the same company can save by contacting ASSP’s Andy Kraft at (847) 768-3469 or [email protected]. ASSP also offers an expo-only pass.

Since 1911, the American Society of Safety Professionals has helped occupational safety and health professionals protect people, property and the environment with a global membership of more than 36,000 professionals.

ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Contegra Construction Co. welcomes Mitch Crews to its St. Charles, Mo. office as a preconstruction director.

Crews brings 13 years’ industry experience to the firm, having worked on hyper-scale data center projects, industrial and commercial construction.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co., a St. Louis-based construction management and general contracting firm, has promoted Kerry Lorts and Patrick Aylesworth to market executives.

They will oversee strategic market positioning, client engagement, project execution and revenue growth within their assigned sectors. They will also be accountable for profit and performance in their respective markets. Project teams – including directors, managers and engineers – will report through the market executive structure.

Lorts will lead the Illinois market, collaborating with fellow market executives on region-specific strategy and pursuits.

Aylesworth will now lead Missouri education and public work initiatives across the state.

CHICAGO, Ill. – McHugh Construction welcomes Jaime Zwierzynski as director of business development. With more than 12 years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) industry, Zwierzynski brings a proven track record in revenue growth, client engagement and strategic market positioning.

In her new role, Zwierzynski will focus on expanding McHugh’s client base and project pipeline through targeted relationship-building and data-driven insight. She has managed more than $200 million in prospective project opportunities and brings expertise in CRM strategy, lead generation and proposal development. Her collaborative approach and strong industry network will support McHugh’s continued growth across Chicago and other key markets.

 

 

DENVER, Colo. – Bryce Perkins has joined Guarantee as the firm’s new vice president of operational excellence for the Western Region. 

Perkins brings 30 years of industry expertise to this strategic role, having built his career at Sturgeon Electric since 1994. His progressive leadership journey through positions including foreman, superintendent, project manager and district manager has equipped him with comprehensive insights into our industry. In his most recent role, he successfully led commercial and industrial projects at Denver International Airport and throughout Colorado.

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – IMPACT Strategies Inc. announces the promotion of Ermin Velagic to IT operations manager.

Velagic leads the builder’s IT systems across the office and field.

He has been with IMPACT since 2021.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – S. M. Wilson & Co. celebrates Project Director Jack Kinamore on 25 years with the construction management firm.

As project director, Kinamore has been responsible for the supervision and overall performance and profitability of multiple project teams, large-scale building programs and the development and continuation of the relationships related to these clients.

He serves as an ambassador for the firm, providing technical and administrative leadership, expertise, support and motivation to the project team.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Tarlton Corp. welcomes Lily Volz as a project engineer.

Volz is a member of the Tarlton team working on construction of the Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery at the Saint Louis Zoo. In summer 2024, she served as a Tarlton project engineer intern, helping construct the SSM Health Outpatient Center, a 66,000-square-foot destination that provides primary, specialty and pediatric services in St. Charles County. The center opened in October 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Wiegmann Associates has added Bryan Webb of Columbia, Ill. to its leadership team as controls manager.

Webb is responsible for overseeing Wiegmann’s controls team of engineers, installers and service technicians in commissioning, installing and maintaining controls systems for clients in St. Louis and across the U.S.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo.– G&S Acoustics, a manufacturer based in St. Louis, Mo., has become the exclusive U.S. distributor for Artofix, an internationally recognized acoustical panel line known for its modular, three-dimensional design options.

Ideal for offices, education environments and public-facing interiors, Artofix panels are now fully supported in the U.S. through G&S Acoustics. The partnership marks a new chapter in G&S’s expansion into globally sourced, design-forward acoustic solutions.

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Contegra Construction welcomes Cliff Richard as preconstruction manager.

O’FALLON, Ill. – The Southern Illinois Builders Association has bestowed two distinct safety awards upon Swansea, Ill.-based Holland Construction Services.

Holland Construction Services is the winner of SIBA’s Excellence Award and its Safety Award.

Both awards were announced during Constuction Safety Week.

By KERRY SMITH BUCK ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Associated General Contractors of Missouri invites companies to enter its longstanding Keystone Awards competition that will culminate in honors and recognition for winners in early November. “The Keystones is our organization’s annual opportunity to shine a spotlight on exceptional project teams who have produced outstanding projects and achievements across Missouri,” said Len Toenjes, president of the AGC of Missouri. “We encourage our members to submit their entries now through June 13 to showcase projects they’re proud of playing a role in.” Entries should reflect a project that demonstrates leadership, skill and innovation in the field of construction. From Project of the Year and Specialty Contractor Excellence to Innovation and Safety, the AGGMO Keystones seeks to recognize the best that the industry has to offer. Awards will be announced and bestowed on Nov. 6 at the Construction Awards Gala, where AGCMO will honor the craftsmanship and collaboration that continue to shape the industry. All submissions must be completed through the association’s online platform, which allows judges to complete their evaluations remotely. Member companies that have submitted in prior years may use their existing login credentials. Upon logging in, submitters will find a checklist of required items to help them prepare their submission efficiently. The platform requires responses for all fields – do not skip questions – and be sure to review the checklist first. “AGC of Missouri members deliver incredible work not just in our state, but across the nation,” added Toenjes. “With categories open to projects from all regions, this is their chance to spotlight their team’s success and raise their company’s profile within the industry.”   Those with questions may contact Kelly Tuttle, (314)-416-2237.

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Kenny Bassler, P.E., whose 13-year career in the electrical industry has included several award-winning projects, has joined Schaeffer Electric as project director. Bassler will manage large complex commercial and industrial projects for Schaeffer and he will have direct oversight of the project managers in the large project group.

Bassler comes to Schaeffer from PayneCrest Electric where he was director of engineering and prefabrication, overseeing the group’s constructability analysis, clarity of drawings for installation and innovative installation practices.

Among Bassler’s milestone projects are the $630 million Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, which earned the 2013 American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials Value Engineering Award. The project was also saluted for a mentor-protégé program that advanced the skills of a minority contractor.  Bassler also orchestrated several projects that earned honors in the AGC Keystone Awards, including:

• City Foundry STL in 2020
• Two complex projects for Monsanto (now Bayer) in 2016 and 2014
• The O’Fallon, Mo. Renewable Energy Center in 2015

 

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – IMPACT Strategies, Inc. recognizes Bryce Reeves, project engineer, who has completed the SIUE Construction Leadership Institute.

The Institute was developed by the SIUE School of Business and Engineering with guidance from local construction industry executives. This program is designed to provide valuable knowledge and skills that can be used to tackle the modern-day challenges of the construction industry. Reeves was recommended and sponsored by IMPACT to participate in this nine-week course as a part of his continuing education.

In addition, IMPACT Strategies recognizes Melissa Rogers, senior accountant, who has obtained her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate after completing rigorous education and professional requirements. This prestigious credential signifies her expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation and financial management.

 

 

 

 

 

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – IMPACT Strategies Inc. has been recognized by the Associated General Contractors of Missouri with a Work Hours Category Safety Award.

The selection was made based on IMPACT Strategies’ 2024 safety performance of total recordable injuries and lost workdays cases, in comparison to other companies with total work hours between 50,001 to 100,000 work hours.

In addition, IMPACT is the recipient of the AGCMO’s Safety Excellence Award for recording zero lost workdays in 2024. These prestigious awards highlight IMPACT Strategies’ dedication to creating a safe and secure work environment for all employees and subcontractors.

“We are extremely proud to receive this recognition from the AGCMO for our safety efforts,” said Mark Hinrichs, president of IMPACT Strategies. “Starting with our entire field management team, safety is at the core of everything we do and we are constantly striving to improve our safety practices to ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.”

IMPACT Strategies’ safety program incorporates comprehensive training, regular safety inspections and a strong emphasis on communication and accountability. Through these proactive measures, the company has been able to prevent accidents and injuries, ultimately leading to zero lost workdays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – MBG welcomes Alex Brcic to the team as its new preconstruction manager.

A graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering, Brcic brings a well-rounded background in both field management and preconstruction. His experience spans a variety of project types, from warehouse/tilt-ups and senior living to water treatment plants, solar developments and affordable housing.