Associations - Page 5

Facility managers support Heat Up St. Louis with donation

The St. Louis Chapter of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) made another donation to Heat Up St. Louis at its holiday gathering on Nov. 30. Representing facility managers and suppliers who maintain the region’s commercial buildings, IFMA St. Louis presented a check for $1,000 to the nonprofit organization.

Heat Up St. Louis builds awareness and provides resources to help those in need, especially the elderly and disabled, and needy families with critically ill children, avoid illnesses and deaths during the area’s bitter winter season.

“We believe in giving back and supporting our region,” said Michael Wright, president of IFMA St. Louis. “Our members know how winters impact the less fortunate. We found a great cause through Heat Up St. Louis since it helps so many needy families stay warm during our region’s cold wintry days. We’ve supported this great organization for nine years now. It’s our way of sharing the warmth of this holiday season.”

IFMA St. Louis also funds the organization’s Cool Down St. Louis, which provides services and support to keep residents cool during the sweltering summer months.

Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis works with more than 34 agencies that help the region’s most vulnerable citizens pay their utility bills and provides access to the energy-efficient equipment they need to stay safe. Its services have impacted more than 660,000 area residents since its inception in 2000.

IFMA St. Louis offers its members a learning and networking environment among its diverse membership and supplies its members with the tools to achieve their professional goals. Started in 1985, IFMA St. Louis has nearly 200 members representing small and Fortune 500 companies throughout the region. Considered a leader among local chapters, IFMA St. Louis holds monthly programs to enhance members’ knowledge and provide networking opportunities.

Photo Above:

Michael Wright (left), president of IFMA St. Louis, presented a check for $1,000 to Heat Up St. Louis to Dennis Jenkerson, chief of the St. Louis Fire Department and board member of Heat Up/Cool Down St. Louis. The organization provides utility assistance to those in need.

Landco Construction, one of St. Louis’s leading interior construction companies, received certification as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) from the St. Louis Lambert International Airport. The certification recognizes a company that is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women.

Landco is WBE-certified nationally and by the State of Missouri, and President Linda Bernhard believes this new certification will be impactful for the business as well. “As companies are continuing to recalibrate, redefine, and pivot in new ways,” says Bernhard, “this certification helps elevate our visibility, and we believe it’s a critical component for our current and future clients.” Bernhard also feels strongly that the certification will give Landco greater traction in new markets to better serve its clients.

WBE certification is among the most widely respected in the nation and is recognized by hundreds of prominent corporations, along with many federal, state, and local government agencies. WBE certification is considered a key tool for elevating a company’s business development efforts and is often seen as an essential factor among decision makers in corporate supply chain and procurement divisions.

To learn more about Landco’s WBE certification from St. Louis Lambert International Airport, visit flystl.com/bdd, or contact Linda Bernhard at lbernhard@rlandco.com. To learn more about the Women Business Enterprise certification, please visit this site.

Since 2001, Landco Construction has built innovative interior projects with a strong reputation for collaboration, consistency and service. A Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Landco is led by President Linda Bernhard and a talented, experienced team of project managers and craftspeople. Landco’s vision is to build a collaborative team-approach environment. It’s why Landco has received multiple ASA Contractor of the Year awards, and why it’s consistently among the top construction companies in St. Louis. For more information, visit landco-construction.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

Submitted by the AGC.

AGC is conducting the 2023 Hiring and Business Outlook Survey. Construction firm readers are invited to complete the survey by Friday, December 9. Results will be released in early January.

Construction spending (not adjusted for inflation) totaled $1.79 trillion in October at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, down 0.3% from the downwardly revised September rate but up 9.2% year-over-year (y/y), the Census Bureau reported today. However, without a deflator, it is impossible to say how much of the y/y gain is in units vs. price. Private residential construction decreased for the fifth-straight month, by 0.3%, with single-family homebuilding down 2.6%, multifamily construction spending up 0.6%, and owner-occupied improvements up 2.0%. Private nonresidential construction spending slid 0.8%. The largest private nonresidential segment (based on seasonally adjusted spending in October 2022)—commercial construction—fell 0.4% (consisting of warehouse, unchanged; retail, down 1.3%; and farm, up 0.4%). Manufacturing construction slumped 3.2% (including computer/electronic/electrical, up 1.3%, and chemical and pharmaceutical, down 18%). Power declined 0.8% (with electric power down 0.4% and oil and gas field structures and pipelines down 1.3%). Private office and data center construction rose 0.2%. Public construction spending fell 0.9%. The largest public segment, highway and street construction, fell 0.8%. Public education rose 0.5%. Public transportation construction rose 0.2%.

There were 377,000 job openings in construction, not seasonally adjusted, at the end of October, a drop of 25,000 (-6%) y/y, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on Wednesday in its monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) release. Hires fell by 42,000 (12%) y/y to 341,000. Despite the declines, October openings exceeded hires for the second year in a row, implying firms wanted to hire more than twice as many workers as they were able to find. BLS does not break out residential from nonresidential construction in the JOLTS report; thus, it is not possible to tell if the downturns in hiring and openings affected both segments. Layoffs and discharges totaled 153,000 (1.9% of employees), the lowest October total and rate in the 22-year history of the series.

“Economic activity was about flat or up slightly since the [October 30] report, down from the modest average pace of growth in the” September to mid-October period, the Federal Reserve reported on Wednesday in its latest “Beige Book.” The Beige Book is a compilation of informal soundings of business and nonbusiness sources in the 12 Fed districts, which are identified by their headquarters cities. “Residential construction slid further at a modest pace, while nonresidential construction was mixed but down slightly on average….Prices fell for some commodities, including lumber and steel.” District comments included the following. New York: “Contacts in the construction sector continued to report deteriorating business conditions but were somewhat less pessimistic about the near-term outlook than in the last report. New office construction starts remained exceptionally low throughout the district, though there was some pickup in New York City and Long Island. New industrial construction has largely dried up. In New York City, multifamily construction starts, though still quite low, have risen modestly in the latest reporting period, and there is a moderate volume of ongoing construction.” Philadelphia: “Market participants in commercial real estate reported steady current construction activity and a slight decline in leasing activity. Most noted examples of delayed deals and a significant reduction in credit availability – concluding that the current pipeline would carry construction through much of 2023, but activity might slow thereafter.” Cleveland: “Nonresidential construction and real estate activity also softened further. Contacts indicated that rapidly rising interest rates and growing economic uncertainty have led many businesses to hold off on new projects.” Chicago: “Delays and cancellations increased for both single- and multifamily projects….Nonresidential construction was little changed. Construction of industrial space and remodeling of office space held steady. That said, some projects were moving very slowly because of increases in building costs and interest rates.” St. Louis: “Construction contacts reported the pipeline of ongoing projects continued to be strong but demand for new projects has decreased since the previous report.” Minneapolis: “Construction firms reported that recent and future activity was slowing, yet one-third reported that they have been looking to hire more full-time, year-round employees, and a negligible share had cut workers….Commercial construction fell slightly since the last report and showed signs of future slowing. Industry data suggested that construction spending and overall activity held up relatively well, but firms reported that backlogs had shrunk compared with the same period last year. Firms also reported a notable decline in new projects out for bid. Industrial and multifamily segments reported steadier activity and outlooks, and government contract work was also reportedly more active. Labor demand remained healthy overall.”

Solar projects are encountering multiple hurdles. “An estimated 23 gigawatts’ worth of big solar projects have been delayed so far this year—almost twice as much as was installed in all of 2021 and approaching a third of all such projects in development, according to the American Clean Power Association,” the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. “Several thousand shipping containers of solar panels have been detained by U.S. Customs near ports such as Los Angeles, according to some estimates, while even more have been held up in factories and ports from Vietnam to Malaysia or diverted to places such as Europe—a result of U.S. legislation aimed at cracking down on labor abuses in China. [In addition,] developers say they are grappling with long waits for project permitting and access to transmission grids as well as rising costs and lengthening lead times for equipment orders.”

The Southern Illinois Builders Association recently held their Fall Industry Reception and Annual Meeting.  In conjunction with this event, the Leadership Development Council held a toy drive with all donations and proceeds to benefit Caritas Family Solutions.  Donors received a ticket for each $1 donated and for each donation of a toy, donors received 20 tickets for a chance to win 1 of the 5 baskets that were available.  The basket themes included: a Sunset Hills Golf Basket; a Far Oaks & Stonewolf Golf Basket; St. Louis Cardinals Basket; a Booze Basket and a Lotto Scratch Off tree.  50 toys were collected along with $1,650 in donations which were presented to Caritas Family Solutions at the Southern Illinois Builders Association office.

The Southern Illinois Builders Association is a trade association of contractors representing approximately 500 commercial and industrial building, highway and utility construction contractors throughout Southern Illinois.

Poettker Construction of Breese, Ill. today announced it has been named an Accredited Quality Contractor by Associated Builders and Contractors. This is the first year Poettker has earned the prestigious credential for its commitment to corporate responsibility. Only 450 of the nation’s elite merit shop construction contractors earned the credential in 2021.  

“We are honored to attach this quality credential to our name,” said Ryan Poettker, president of Poettker Construction. “For more than 40 years, Poettker has operated with a primary focus on safety and quality and this sort of accreditation is a tremendous win.” 

Launched nearly 30 years ago, ABC’s AQC program provides recognition to world-class construction firms that have documented their commitment in five areas: 

• Quality 
• Safety performance 
• Talent management, and inclusion, diversity and equity 
• Craft and management education 
• Community relations 

“Accredited Quality Contractors set the standard in the contracting community in safety, culture, workforce development, innovation, diversity and quality,” said 2022 ABC National Chair of the Board of Directors Stephanie Schmidt, president of Poole Anderson Construction, State College, Pennsylvania. “Congratulations to this high-performing construction company. Daily, the leaders and employees of Poettker Construction commit to the highest level of corporate and community achievement, exemplifying the best about ABC membership.” 

In earning the AQC credential, each member company commits to world-class safety by achieving Gold, Platinum or Diamond level in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System. Founded more than three decades ago, STEP dramatically improves safety performance among construction industry participants, with top performers achieving incident rates more than eight times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average.  

AQC members also take the following pledge: 

As an Accredited Quality Contractor, our company is committed to providing our clients with the highest quality construction services, and we care deeply about our employees and the communities in which we build. We are proud to be part of the construction industry and are dedicated to the principles of free enterprise. We commit ourselves to serve our communities and provide our employees with the skills they need to work safely and productively in order to meet the needs of our clients. 

AQC is recognized by Construction Users Roundtable, an organization founded by leading construction project owners.  

Established in 1980, Poettker Construction is an award-winning family-owned business specializing in construction management, design/build, general contracting and self-perform services with an emphasis to exceed the client’s expectations. Poettker Construction provides safe, quality, sustainable, and technology solutions to clients in the Education, Distribution, Government, Healthcare, Hospitality, Municipal, Recreation, Retail, and Utility industries. The company prides itself on building long-lasting relationships with their clients, business partners and the communities in which they work. For more information, visit www.poettkerconstruction.com. 

Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.  

The St. Louis chapter of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) announced its executive officers and board directors for 2023.

CREW-St. Louis officers for 2023, including their respective companies, are:

• President, Angie Drumm, Carmody MacDonald
• President-Elect/CREW Network Delegate, Erin Valentine, McCarthy Building Companies Inc.
• Immediate Past President, Stacey Kamps, Koch Development
• Secretary, Molly Studer, Gershman Commercial Real Estate
• Treasurer, Jane Maddox, Anders CPAs + Advisors
• CREW Network Delegate, Sarah Luem, Capes Sokol

Board directors for 2023, and their respective companies, are:

• Cindy Bambini, Cannon Design
• Melody Cooper, Gray Design Group
• Michelle Hamilton, Commercial Real Estate Professional
• Jenna Knatt, CI Select
• Ellen Mannion, Balke Brown Transwestern
• Jen Nevil, Lamar Johnson Collaborative

CREW-St. Louis is one of the largest of CREW Network’s global chapters. Its 278 members come from all disciplines in commercial real estate. The mission of CREW-St. Louis is to advance, educate and support women to influence the region’s commercial real estate industry. CREW Network exists to transform the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. It does this by looking outward to bring more women into the industry, highlighting member successes and serving as a key resource to its members and the industry. CREW Network members represent nearly all disciplines of commercial real estate – every type of expert required to “do the deal.” Members comprise more than 12,000 commercial real estate professionals. For more information, visit www.crewstl.org. Follow CREW-St. Louis on Twitter @CREWSTL.

Photo Above: (L to R): Erin Valentine, President-Elect/CREW Network Delegate; Angie Drumm, President; and Stacey Kamps, Immediate Past President. Standing, from left, are: Ellen Mannion, Director; Melody Cooper, Director; Jane Maddox, Treasurer; Jen Nevil, Director; Michelle Hamilton, Director; Molly Studer, Secretary. Not shown: Sarah Luem, CREW Network Delegate; Jenna Knatt, Director; and Cindy Bambini, Director.

Who doesn’t squirrel away aging holiday lights or old patched extension cords, electrical blankets and space heaters better suited for museums pieces?  Americans are pack rats.  But when it comes to outdated electrical devices pulled out of storage for use during the winter, whatever value there is in saving yesteryear can be a danger.  This year, the annual IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection Winter Electrical Safety campaign urges everyone to shed the pack rat mentality. Carefully inspect winter electrical devices and get rid of the old stuff that’s outlived its safe use.

“It’s no secret that home electrical fires and shock hazards tend to increase in the winter months,” said Frank Jacobs, business manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1.  “People stay indoors more in the winter months and introduce and often misuse electrical devices, such as space heaters, extension cords and holiday lights. We want to get ahead of that with our annual public safety campaign.” IBEW Local 1 partners with the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractor Association (NECA) to form the Electrical Connection.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)notes thatfire departments respond tomore than 46,000 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction each year with the risks increasing in the winter months.

 “In addition to the dangers of using outdated or damaged electrical devices during the winter months, electrical systems can also be overtaxed,” noted Kyle McKenna, executive vice president, St. Louis Chapter NECA.  “Our NECA contractors are frequently called to make electrical repairs to faulty installations that were performed by someone who didn’t have the skills to do the work. We emphasize building to National Electrical Code standards to avoid wiring hazards hidden behind walls of homes and businesses.”

Electrical Connection members 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.

IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection Winter Electrical Safety Tips

WARNING: While homeowners can visually inspect electrical systems, we do not recommend they attempt to fix or tinker with them in any way.  Leave that to a licensed professional.

Always make sure installations in your home or business conform to the standards of the National Electrical Code (NEC).  This requires a fully licensed electrical contractor.  The Electrical Connection has the largest data base of licensed electrical contractors in St. Louis and Eastern Missouri. It can be accessed by visiting www.electricalconnection.org.  Other safety tips to be aware of:

• Space Heaters/Electric Blankets — Never use an extension cord for an electrical heating appliance, such as a space heater or an electric blanket.  The cord provided with the heating device is properly rated and should be connected directly to the electrical outlet. Inspect your space heater and discard it if it shows deterioration, particularly around the plug-in cord, or it lacks a functioning automatic shut off if tipped over.  Watch where you place the space heaters to keep it away from combustible materials.  Keep children away from space heaters.  Closely inspect electric blankets and heating pads and discard them if you note any potential fire hazard, such as discoloration due to overheating or exposed wiring.  

• Extension Cords — Never use an extension cord for an extended time as a permanent or temporary wiring solution. Extension cords aren’t made to be used for long periods of time and can result in electrical fires. When you are using an extension cord, always ensure that the plug has all three prongs. This ensures that your cord will stay properly grounded, which could prevent the cord from overloading. Any extension cords without the third prong should be discarded immediately.

• Holiday Lights — Examine and discard lights with frayed wires. They are not only a fire hazard, but a shock hazard and are especially dangerous if they come in contact with a metal gutter and ladder while being installed outside.  Use lights that are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) tested for safety and don’t exceed the strands of lights that can be connected as detailed on the product.  Pay attention to whether the lights are rated for indoor or outdoor use.  Consider using LED lights which last 20 times longer and don’t burn hot like traditional incandescent lights. Child-proof all holiday decorations. Lights can be fascinating to young children and if they get too curious can expose them to a live circuit.

• Outlets — Don’t overload sockets with plugs that could start a fire.  Any electrical outlets in your home that are near a water source—sinks, bathtubs, washing machines—require a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) according to the National Electrical Code. A GFCI is a fast-acting circuit breaker that shuts down your electricity as quickly as 1/40 of second after a fault occurs. If you’re missing a GFCI an electrical professional can easily install one for you.

• Wiring — Visually inspect your home’s service panel and note any potential concerns.  Contact a licensed professional if the panel is not firmly attached to the wall or wires are not neatly enclosed within their protective box or if deterioration is noted.  Also contact a licensed professional if you note wiring connection points are not capped with a wire connector and enclosed within an appropriate UL approved junction box.