(1098,412,4,2,1233304841,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:38 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:40:\"Kaiser Wires Godfrey, IL Assisted Living\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:39:\"kaiser_wires_godfrey_il_assisted_living\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:40:\"Kaiser Wires Godfrey, IL Assisted Living\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:135:\"Kaiser Electric was recently awarded a contract to wire a new $15 million assisted living facility under construction in Godfrey, IL.  \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Kaiser, Godfrey, assisted living\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1073:\"<p>Kaiser Electric was recently awarded a contract to wire a new $15 million assisted living facility under construction in Godfrey, IL.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Provision Living at 1373 Dadrian Professional Park will be a two-story, 57,140-square-foot facility with 79 units, two centralized courtyards and common areas for dining and entertainment. The units will range in size from a 325-square-foot studio unit; a 415-square-foot, single bedroom unit; and a 730-square-foot, two bedroom unit.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Kaiser Electric is providing turn-key electrical installation in the facility, which includes power and lighting throughout, an emergency generator, fire alarm system, security-card access system, CCTV and CATV systems, voice/data installation, nurse call system and wireless Internet system installation for all tenants.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Construction on Provision Living is expected to be completed in November, 2009. The architect on the project is Thomas A. Tyler of St. Louis, MO and the developer and general contractor is Range COMM, LLC of St. Louis.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1099,413,4,2,1233305421,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:42 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:56:\"National Labor Relations Program Here Focuses on Economy\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:56:\"national_labor_relations_program_here_focuses_on_economy\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:56:\"National Labor Relations Program Here Focuses on Economy\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:431:\"The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on February 24, 2009, “Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions.â€  Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:31:\"labor conference, LERA, program\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2681:\"<p>The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on Feb. 24, &ldquo;Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions.&rdquo;&nbsp; Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.<br /><br />Dr. John Navin, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, will present an economic overview describing events that led to our current situation and what he believes is needed for recovery.&nbsp; Nationally recognized speakers will compose the panel addressing the economics of bargaining and critical issues and trends: <strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Tom Schneider, CEO/ Founder, Restructuring Associates, Inc. in Washington, DC.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Schneider was the design and implementation consultant for the first unionized high performance work system in North America, the first joint union-management strategic visioning process, and the largest labor-management partnership in history.<br />&nbsp;<strong><br />Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld, University of Illinois, School of Labor and Employment Relations and president-elect of LERA. </strong>He is the author of five books and over eighty articles, book chapters and policy monographs that address new work systems, labor-management relations, negotiations, conflict resolution, organizational learning and change, and public policy. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Steve Sleigh, Principal, Yucaipa Companies and former Director, Strategic Resources, Machinists Union.</strong> Dr. Sleigh is a past president of the Industrial Relations Research Association. Previously, he was the Research Director for the Teamsters Union and Deputy Director of the Center for Labor-Management Policy Studies at the City University of New York. He is the author of two books and numerous articles and policy reports.<br /><br />The conference, which is open to the public, will be held at Genesis Banquet Center, 2651 Telegraph Rd. in South County.&nbsp; Admission is free for co-sponsor members and $50 for nonmembers.&nbsp; The registration deadline for the conference is Feb. 18th.&nbsp; Registration for the conference is available by phone, fax, email or mail.&nbsp; The conference brochure and registration form may be downloaded from the LERA website:&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\\\"http://www.lera-gateway.org\\\">www.lera-gateway.org</a>.&nbsp; For registration information, call 618.259.7011 or email <a href=\\\"mailto:athomason@district9.org\\\">athomason@district9.org</a>. <br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1100,413,4,2,1233305534,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"413\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:42 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Labor Relations Event Here Focuses on Economy\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:39:\"labor_relations_here_focuses_on_economy\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:39:\"Labor Relations Here Focuses on Economy\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:431:\"The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on February 24, 2009, “Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions.â€  Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:31:\"labor conference, LERA, program\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2674:\"<p>The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on Feb. 24, &ldquo;Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions.&rdquo;&nbsp; Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.<br /><br />Dr. John Navin, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, will present an economic overview describing events that led to our current situation and what he believes is needed for recovery.&nbsp; Nationally recognized speakers will compose the panel addressing the economics of bargaining and critical issues and trends: <strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Tom Schneider, CEO/ Founder, Restructuring Associates, Inc. in Washington, DC.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Schneider was the design and implementation consultant for the first unionized high performance work system in North America, the first joint union-management strategic visioning process, and the largest labor-management partnership in history.<br />&nbsp;<strong><br />Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld, University of Illinois, School of Labor and Employment Relations and president-elect of LERA. </strong>He is the author of five books and over eighty articles, book chapters and policy monographs that address new work systems, labor-management relations, negotiations, conflict resolution, organizational learning and change, and public policy. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Steve Sleigh, Principal, Yucaipa Companies and former Director, Strategic Resources, Machinists Union.</strong> Dr. Sleigh is a past president of the Industrial Relations Research Association. Previously, he was the Research Director for the Teamsters Union and Deputy Director of the Center for Labor-Management Policy Studies at the City University of New York. He is the author of two books and numerous articles and policy reports.<br /><br />The conference, which is open to the public, will be held at Genesis Banquet Center, 2651 Telegraph Rd. in South County.&nbsp; Admission is free for co-sponsor members and $50 for nonmembers.&nbsp; The registration deadline for the conference is Feb. 18th.&nbsp; Registration for the conference is available by phone, fax, email or mail.&nbsp; The conference brochure and registration form may be downloaded from the LERA website:&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\\\"http://www.lera-gateway.org\\\">www.lera-gateway.org</a>.&nbsp; For registration information, call 618.259.7011 or email <a href=\\\"mailto:athomason@district9.org\\\">athomason@district9.org</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1101,400,4,2,1233305768,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"400\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-16 06:20 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:67:\"McCormack Baron Salazar, KAI Begin Work on New Orleans Neighborhood\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:66:\"mccormack_baron_salazar_kai_begin_work_on_new_orleans_neighborhood\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:68:\"McCormack Baron Salazar, KAI Begin Work on New Orleans Neighborhood \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:583:\"Construction has begun on the $172 million project to redevelop the C.J. Peete public housing site in New Orleans, LA. The C.J. Peete HOPE VI Housing Redevelopment project is being developed by Central City Partners (a team made up of St. Louis-based companies McCormack Baron Salazar and KAI Design & Build), in partnership with the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NONDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the availability of quality affordable housing in New Orleans’ Central City neighborhood.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"  McCormack Baron Salazar, KAI, New Orleans\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:7004:\"<p>Construction has begun on the $172 million project to redevelop the C.J. Peete public housing site in New Orleans, LA. The C.J. Peete HOPE VI Housing Redevelopment project is being developed by Central City Partners (a team made up of St. Louis-based companies McCormack Baron Salazar and KAI Design &amp; Build), in partnership with the Housing Authority of New Orleans (HANO) and the New Orleans Neighborhood Development Collaborative (NONDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing the availability of quality affordable housing in New Orleans&rsquo; Central City neighborhood. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on January 7 to mark the start of construction.<br />&nbsp;<br />McCormack Baron Salazar Executive Vice President Vince Bennett said, &ldquo;Realizing the transformation of the C.J. Peete site in a troubled financial time demonstrates the significance of public private partnerships. The ability of our team to bring in nationally recognized financial partners such as Goldman Sachs and negotiate a complicated leveraged transaction with HANO, state and local funders and navigate numerous tax and regulatory requirements in 60 days was incredible. Moreover, this development will serve as a catalytic spark in the revitalization of the neighborhood and will support families who were displaced by Katrina.&nbsp; The importance of this development goes beyond bricks and mortar to transform the lives of community and public housing residents.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />McCormack Baron Salazar is a nationally recognized urban developer of affordable housing with extensive experience in the creation and management of large-scale, mixed-income communities.&nbsp; The firm has developed 131 developments for total development costs in excess of $1.9 billion.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;We see this as a tremendous opportunity to revitalize a community and to provide much needed mixed-income housing in the heart of New Orleans&rsquo; Central City neighborhood,&rdquo; said KAI Design &amp; Build President Michael Kennedy, Jr.<br />&nbsp;<br />KAI Design &amp; Build, a minority-owned firm, has a broad range of experience in design, construction and development services and has worked on multiple mixed-finance HUD HOPE VI development programs around the country.&nbsp; KAI is providing architectural, interior, mechanical, electrical and plumbing/fire protection design on the project, in addition to providing overall direction, coordination and management of the engineering consultant team. <br />&nbsp;<br />C.J. Peete is located in Central City New Orleans and is bordered by Louisiana Avenue, South Claiborne Avenue, La Salle Street and Washington Avenue.&nbsp; C.J. Peete, named after Cleveland Joseph Peete, a graduate of Xavier University who managed the development from 1952 to 1978, was constructed in 1941 and expanded to 1,403 total units in 1955. The Housing Authority of New Orleans demolished more than half of the site, approximately 723 units, in 1997 with plans for revitalization. Only 146 families were still living at the site when Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005.&nbsp; These families were all displaced by the Hurricane Katrina emergency, many of them to out of state locations. The vacant buildings that remained following the Katrina disaster were demolished in the spring of 2008.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Plans for the $172 million, 550,000-square-foot redevelopment, designed to replicate the traditional Central City neighborhood, include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Construction of 410 garden and townhouse low-income, affordable and market rate units.</li>\n<li>Construction of a 40-unit, three-story apartment building.</li>\n<li>Renovation of an existing administration building and three-story, residential apartment building with 10 units.</li>\n<li>Renovation of an existing community center to house supportive services programs.</li>\n<li>New streets that tie into existing streets.</li>\n<li>A new park at the southern end of the site that preserves several old oak trees.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />Richard Baron, chairman and CEO of McCormack Baron Salazar, explained, &ldquo;We want to create a stable, safe and sustainable mixed-income community which will increase economic and educational opportunities for all of its residents.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />Construction on the project has been put on the fast track and is expected to be completed in January 2011. The general contractor on the project is Woodward Design &amp; Build of New Orleans, LA. <br />&nbsp;<br />In addition to the physical development of the site, the development team joined with Urban Strategies, its non-profit partner, to provide and coordinate essential services and programs for former and new residents of the C.J. Peete community. These programs are designed to assist residents in achieving self-sufficiency, and include intensive case management, job training and placement, technology programs, quality child care and schools, access to physical and mental health services, senior programs, and enrichment activities for children and youth.<br />&nbsp;<br />Urban Strategies is also working with the Recovery School District to rebuild and reopen Woodson Middle School as a K-8 school to serve the children of the revitalized community.<br /><br />&ldquo;The success of the revitalization effort at C.J. Peete rests on whether life is stable and filled with opportunity for the most vulnerable families. With many partners, Urban Strategies is focused on making stability and opportunity happen,&rdquo; said Urban Strategies President Sandy Moore.<br />&nbsp;<br />In October 2006, the Housing Authority of New Orleans issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to revitalize the C.J. Peete site. Central City Partners was selected as the development partner through this competitive national application process. The team combines the deep local experience of NONDC with the nation&rsquo;s leading for-profit developer of economically integrated urban neighborhoods. The experience of this team in partnership with the Housing Authority of New Orleans and support from local, state and federal agencies has been instrumental in bringing the project together.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The C.J. Peete development represents a financial investment of over $170 million. The permanent sources of funds are from the U.S. Department of Housing and Development, the Housing Authority of New Orleans, the Louisiana Office of Community Development, the Louisiana Industrial Development Board, and Goldman Sachs, the purchaser of tax credits awarded by the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency. Additional funding for pre-development and community supportive services and activities was provided by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Living Cities, and the Ford Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1102,414,4,2,1233306042,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:57 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"Wildwood Moves Into New City Hall\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:33:\"wildwood_moves_into_new_city_hall\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:33:\"Wildwood Moves Into New City Hall\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:463:\"Koman Properties and the City of Wildwood today announced that the new Wildwood City Hall is set to open in the heart of the Wildwood Town Center development on February 2. City officials are using the coming weeks to move their operations at 16962 Manchester Road to their new home at 183 Plaza Drive within the thriving Wildwood Town Center, which has been developed over the past several years by Koman Properties, a Clayton-based real estate development firm.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:37:\"Wildwood, Koman, Wildwood Town Center\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2084:\"<p>Koman Properties and the City of Wildwood today announced that the new Wildwood City Hall is set to open in the heart of the Wildwood Town Center development on February 2. City officials are using the coming weeks to move their operations at 16962 Manchester Road to their new home at 183 Plaza Drive within the thriving Wildwood Town Center, which has been developed over the past several years by Koman Properties, a Clayton-based real estate development firm.<br /><br />The City of Wildwood will operate all city functions within 13,000 square feet, comprised of the entire second floor and part of the first floor of the fully-leased, two-story, mixed-use building positioned along Hwy 100 within the center of the development. The new space features an expansive council chamber with available seating for up to 250, as well as much needed office space, and more functional service counters for many departments operating in the City Hall.&nbsp;&nbsp; Koman Properties, Inc. was hired to complete the build-out on behalf of the City.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The full occupancy of the building housing the new City Hall, as well as the addition of a new fountain, completes the eastern portion of the&nbsp; $50 million development. <br /><br />The first Phase was completed in the fall of 2005 and includes a Walgreens, Starbucks Coffee, Amante Jewelers, Hair Saloon for Men, U.S. Cellular, and Cold Stone Creamery. Later Phases consisted of two new, two-story mixed-use structures. The first was a 40,000 square-foot premier, mixed-use office/retail building that was completed in late 2006, which is home to Pure by Jen, a very popular boutique, as well as several second-floor office users. In addition, the building features a corner restaurant space overlooking the building&rsquo;s terraced, landscaped plaza flanked by a tiered fountain. It will open this spring as Table Three. The outer end cap is occupied by Indigo Joe&rsquo;s Sports Pub &amp; Restaurant. A 112-room, 80,000-square foot, Clarion Collection hotel/conference center rounds out the development.&nbsp; <br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1103,415,4,2,1233306424,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:04 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:47:\"Kwame Named Site Rep for Johnson’s Shut-Ins  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"kwame_named_site_rep_for_johnsons_shut_ins\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"Kwame Named Site Rep for Johnson’s Shut-Ins \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:426:\"Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) has been named site representative for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the $50 million reconstruction of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County, Missouri.  Redevelopment of the park began in 2008 and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009.  The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm of Atlanta, GA.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Kwame, Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1439:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildinggroup.com\\\">Kwame Building Group, Inc.</a> (KWAME) has been named site representative for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the $50 million reconstruction of Johnson&rsquo;s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County, Missouri.&nbsp; Redevelopment of the park began in 2008 and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009.&nbsp; The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm of Atlanta, GA.<br />&nbsp;<br />As site representative for the park&rsquo;s redevelopment, KWAME is responsible for monitoring the reconstruction and providing design reviews of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and civil engineering drawings.&nbsp; KWAME also is in charge of reporting progress to the Department of Natural Resources.<br />&nbsp;<br />The design plan includes moving the campsite from the main valley to the Goggin&rsquo;s Mountain area.&nbsp; This new campground will feature an equestrian camp area, camper parking areas, walk-in camp sites, chalets, comfort stations, a camp store, a group shelter and trails. The original park site features a new Orientation Center and will include First Aid and Ranger stations, a park office, day-use pavilions and a playground.&nbsp; The boardwalk to the shut-ins will be replaced and widened, and will be more accessible to people with disabilities.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1104,401,2,2,1233306509,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"401\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-22 10:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases Market Forecast\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"cb_richard_ellis_releases_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:41:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases Market Forecast\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:275:\"There were no major surprises  in a generally glum report released this week by commercial/industrial/retail broker CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). However, the St. Louis region appears to be faring somewhat better than its counterparts in other ares of the country, CBRE reported. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis, report,  real estate, trends\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2026:\"<p>There were no major surprises&nbsp; in a generally glum report released this week summarizing 2008-2009 trends by commercial/industrial/retail broker CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). However, CBRE reported that the St. Louis region appears to be faring somewhat better than its counterparts in other ares of the country.<br /><img alt=\\\"CBRE Report\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/cbre_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br />The following are some of the major points for 2009 from the CBRE report:</p>\n<p><strong>Office</strong><br />&bull; Vacancy rates likely to rise<br />&bull; South County faces influx of available Anheuser-Busch space<br />&bull; Renewing tenants will be critical for landlords<br />&bull; Concessions, including free rent, will be prevalent<br />&bull; Ability of projects such as Ballpark Village to get financing will impact the market in 2009 and beyond</p>\n<p><strong>Industrial</strong><br />&bull; Most activity is from users looking for between 30,000 square feet and 60,000 square feet<br />&bull; Speculative construction has slowed considerably<br />&bull; South County&rsquo;s exposure to Chrysler and its suppliers makes it vulnerable, now that the car company has shut down one plant and slowed production at the other<br />&bull; A tenant&rsquo;s market has emerged, with some &ldquo;oncein-a-lifetime&rdquo; deals featuring lease rates as low as $1 per square foot</p>\n<p><strong>Retail</strong><br />&bull; Rate of development expected to slow significantly<br />&bull; Projects seeking financing will have to have significant pre-leasing committments<br />&bull; &ldquo;Power Centers&rdquo; with name-brand anchors such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy and Target will continue to do well as retail destinations<br />&bull; Smaller, neighborhood centers located in areas that receive less traffic are likely to struggle</p>\n<p>To download the complete report, go to <a href=\\\"http://www.cbre.com/USA/US/MO/St+Louis/misc/stlmarketoutlook\\\">this link</a>.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:26:\"/images/uploads/cbre_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1105,416,4,2,1233306920,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:54:\"Two Heitkamp Masonry Projects Win National Recognition\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"two_heitkamp_masonry_projects_win_national_recognition\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:54:\"Two Heitkamp Masonry Projects Win National Recognition\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:279:\"St. Louis-based Heitkamp Masonry Inc., which is known for its brickwork on many prominent area structures including the new Busch Stadium, has been recognized with two major awards in a national competition sponsored by industry trade publication Masonry Construction Magazine.  \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:40:\"Heitkamp, awards, Ameristar, The Meadows\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2005:\"<p>St. Louis-based Heitkamp Masonry Inc., which is known for its brickwork on many prominent area structures including the new Busch Stadium, has been recognized with two major awards in a national competition sponsored by industry trade publication <em>Masonry Construction Magazine</em>.&nbsp; Heitkamp&rsquo;s work at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis (Mo.), a $33 million open-air lifestyle center and shopping destination, was named a&nbsp; 2008 &ldquo;Project of the Year,&rdquo; while the firm&rsquo;s work on the Ameristar Hotel and Parking Garage-St. Charles (Mo.) garnered a 2008 &ldquo;High Rise&rdquo; award. Topping out at more than 300 feet, the 25-story luxury hotel, spa and pool complex for Ameristar Casinos Inc. is the tallest structure in St. Charles County.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;Heitkamp&rsquo;s work at The Meadows included the painstaking application of distinctive masonry finishes to a variety of the development&rsquo;s features, including streetscapes, outdoor gathering areas and upscale retail stores.&nbsp; The finishes required the installation of 280 tons of rubble stone; 580,000 modular face brick; 30,000 cubic feet of cut Indiana limestone; cast stone for medallions and address blocks; and architectural precast concrete for planter urns. In addition, 175,000 concrete masonry units were used.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>In an aesthetic nod to its surroundings&mdash;the brick structures and cobblestone streets of historic St. Charles Main Street&mdash;the Ameristar Hotel-St. Charles incorporates hundreds of thousands of bricks, blocks and stones, all carefully set by hand. According to Geoff Hart, project director, Heitkamp Masonry Inc., workers handset more than 550,000 utility-size red brick; 65,000 square feet of glass fiber-reinforced concrete; 15,000 square feet of architectural pre-cast concrete accents; and 150,000 concrete blocks on the hotel.</p>\n<p>Peckham, Guyton, Albers &amp; Viets Inc. was the project architect. Walton Construction Co. was the general contractor.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1106,409,2,2,1233307052,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"409\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"EBMI Asks:Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:17:\"wheres_the_growth\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:31:\"EBMI Asks: Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:332:\"The title of an Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois (EBMI)  panel presentation: \\\"2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?\\\" was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets,  and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"Growth, Electrical Board, panel\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3881:\"<p>The title of an Electrical Board Missouri and Illinois (EBMI) panel presentation: &ldquo;2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?&rdquo; was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets, and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. <br /><br />Those attending the triennial EBMI&nbsp; economic forecast panel, held this year on Jan. 22 at Ameren UE headquarters, heard a decidedly different story from that presented by panelists three years ago.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Where\\\'s the Growth? \\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />New markets and ways of doing business offer a path of out of the current downturn,&nbsp; the panelists told St. Louis construction management executives. But there are even more pitfalls than usual in a market filled with inexperienced competitors, bad credit, and a desire to find work at any price, they were told. <br /><br />Thomas A. Garrett, assistant vice president, of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis quoted from the December edition of the Fed&rsquo;s &ldquo;Burgundy Book&rdquo;:<br /><br />&ldquo;Economic activity in the St. Louis zone remains weak,&rdquo; Garret said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Retail activity has been down across the board, and retailers are mostly pessimistic about the near future. Declines in manufacturing and services have continued, as firms in many sectors report plans to reduce employment and/or output. Residential real estate remains weak, although commercial real estate markets have been more stable. Bank lending has fallen as lenders report tighter standards. The agricultural sector remains a bright spot, with generally higher yields and good crop conditions.&rdquo;<br /><br />Garret told those in attendance that the revised St. Louis employment numbers for the current period may reveal a worse employment situation. On the national level, he said, flattening home prices, rising equity prices, better credit conditions, and low energy prices all suggest a rebound in mid-2009 followed by above-trend growth in 2010.<br /><br />Jim Lucy, chief editor of <em>Electrical Wholesaling </em>magazine suggested that the educational and sustainability markets are two bright spots in an another wise grim picture. Demographics are the driver behind the continuing growth in education, particularly in K-12, Lucy said. <br /><br />A variety of factors &ndash; from energy costs, to social consciousness, to incentives offered by utilities &ndash; point in the direction of opportunities in the green/sustainability market, Lucy said. <br /><br />Tom Finan, publisher of <em>St. Louis CNR</em> and director of business development for Paradowski Creative, also touched on the growth opportunities in the sustainability market, as well as the Obama stimulus programs, and the education market. But he urged those in the audience to pay more attention than ever to working within their strengths and to not succumbing to working with companies whose poor business practices and relationships would make them a no-go during good times. He urged them to research potential projects and customers and encouraged them to confirm customers&rsquo; ability to pay. <br /><br />&ldquo;There is no good business with bad people,&rdquo; Finan said.<br /><br />He told the audience that by identifying areas within the growth niches that align with their companies capabilities,&nbsp; and by marketing through the recession, they would come out of the downturn stronger and faster. <br /><br />Other speakers on the panel were George Biderman account manager &ndash; St. Louis for McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, who presented the McGraw Hill forecast, and Richard Mark of Ameren, who shared Ameren&rsquo;s green power initiatives.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1107,409,2,2,1233308027,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"409\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"EBMI Asks:Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:17:\"wheres_the_growth\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:31:\"EBMI Asks: Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:332:\"The title of an Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois (EBMI)  panel presentation: \\\"2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?\\\" was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets,  and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"Growth, Electrical Board, panel\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3882:\"<p>The title of an Electrical Board Missouri and Illinois (EBMI) panel presentation: &ldquo;2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?&rdquo; was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets, and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. <br /><br />Those attending the triennial EBMI&nbsp; economic forecast panel, held this year on Jan. 22 at Ameren UE headquarters, heard a decidedly different story from that presented by panelists three years ago.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Where\\\'s the Growth? \\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />New markets and ways of doing business offer a path of out of the current downturn,&nbsp; the panelists told St. Louis construction management executives. But there are even more pitfalls than usual in a market filled with inexperienced competitors, bad credit, and a desire to find work at any price, they were told. <br /><br />Thomas A. Garrett, assistant vice president, of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis quoted from the December edition of the Fed&rsquo;s &ldquo;Burgundy Book&rdquo;:<br /><br />&ldquo;Economic activity in the St. Louis zone remains weak,&rdquo; Garret said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Retail activity has been down across the board, and retailers are mostly pessimistic about the near future. Declines in manufacturing and services have continued, as firms in many sectors report plans to reduce employment and/or output. Residential real estate remains weak, although commercial real estate markets have been more stable. Bank lending has fallen as lenders report tighter standards. The agricultural sector remains a bright spot, with generally higher yields and good crop conditions.&rdquo;<br /><br />Garrett told those in attendance that the revised St. Louis employment numbers for the current period may reveal a worse employment situation. On the national level, he said, flattening home prices, rising equity prices, better credit conditions, and low energy prices all suggest a rebound in mid-2009 followed by above-trend growth in 2010.<br /><br />Jim Lucy, chief editor of <em>Electrical Wholesaling </em>magazine suggested that the educational and sustainability markets are two bright spots in an another wise grim picture. Demographics are the driver behind the continuing growth in education, particularly in K-12, Lucy said. <br /><br />A variety of factors &ndash; from energy costs, to social consciousness, to incentives offered by utilities &ndash; point in the direction of opportunities in the green/sustainability market, Lucy said. <br /><br />Tom Finan, publisher of <em>St. Louis CNR</em> and director of business development for Paradowski Creative, also touched on the growth opportunities in the sustainability market, as well as the Obama stimulus programs, and the education market. But he urged those in the audience to pay more attention than ever to working within their strengths and to not succumbing to working with companies whose poor business practices and relationships would make them a no-go during good times. He urged them to research potential projects and customers and encouraged them to confirm customers&rsquo; ability to pay. <br /><br />&ldquo;There is no good business with bad people,&rdquo; Finan said.<br /><br />He told the audience that by identifying areas within the growth niches that align with their companies capabilities,&nbsp; and by marketing through the recession, they would come out of the downturn stronger and faster. <br /><br />Other speakers on the panel were George Biderman account manager &ndash; St. Louis for McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, who presented the McGraw Hill forecast, and Richard Mark of Ameren, who shared Ameren&rsquo;s green power initiatives.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1108,416,4,2,1233308086,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"416\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:54:\"Two Heitkamp Masonry Projects Win National Recognition\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"two_heitkamp_masonry_projects_win_national_recognition\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:54:\"Two Heitkamp Masonry Projects Win National Recognition\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:279:\"St. Louis-based Heitkamp Masonry Inc., which is known for its brickwork on many prominent area structures including the new Busch Stadium, has been recognized with two major awards in a national competition sponsored by industry trade publication Masonry Construction Magazine.  \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:40:\"Heitkamp, awards, Ameristar, The Meadows\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2012:\"<p>St. Louis-based Heitkamp Masonry Inc., which is known for its brickwork on many prominent area structures including the new Busch Stadium, has been recognized with two major awards in a national competition sponsored by industry trade publication <em>Masonry Construction Magazine</em>.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Heitkamp&rsquo;s work at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis (Mo.), a $33 million open-air lifestyle center and shopping destination, was named a&nbsp; 2008 &ldquo;Project of the Year,&rdquo; while the firm&rsquo;s work on the Ameristar Hotel and Parking Garage-St. Charles (Mo.) garnered a 2008 &ldquo;High Rise&rdquo; award. Topping out at more than 300 feet, the 25-story luxury hotel, spa and pool complex for Ameristar Casinos Inc. is the tallest structure in St. Charles County.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;Heitkamp&rsquo;s work at The Meadows included the painstaking application of distinctive masonry finishes to a variety of the development&rsquo;s features, including streetscapes, outdoor gathering areas and upscale retail stores.&nbsp; The finishes required the installation of 280 tons of rubble stone; 580,000 modular face brick; 30,000 cubic feet of cut Indiana limestone; cast stone for medallions and address blocks; and architectural precast concrete for planter urns. In addition, 175,000 concrete masonry units were used.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>In an aesthetic nod to its surroundings&mdash;the brick structures and cobblestone streets of historic St. Charles Main Street&mdash;the Ameristar Hotel-St. Charles incorporates hundreds of thousands of bricks, blocks and stones, all carefully set by hand. According to Geoff Hart, project director, Heitkamp Masonry Inc., workers handset more than 550,000 utility-size red brick; 65,000 square feet of glass fiber-reinforced concrete; 15,000 square feet of architectural pre-cast concrete accents; and 150,000 concrete blocks on the hotel.</p>\n<p>Peckham, Guyton, Albers &amp; Viets Inc. was the project architect. Walton Construction Co. was the general contractor.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1109,416,4,2,1233308140,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"416\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:54:\"Two Heitkamp Masonry Projects Win National Recognition\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"two_heitkamp_masonry_projects_win_national_recognition\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:54:\"Two Heitkamp Masonry Projects Win National Recognition\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:279:\"St. Louis-based Heitkamp Masonry Inc., which is known for its brickwork on many prominent area structures including the new Busch Stadium, has been recognized with two major awards in a national competition sponsored by industry trade publication Masonry Construction Magazine.  \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:40:\"Heitkamp, awards, Ameristar, The Meadows\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1998:\"<p>St. Louis-based Heitkamp Masonry Inc., which is known for its brickwork on many prominent area structures including the new Busch Stadium, has been recognized with two major awards in a national competition sponsored by industry trade publication <em>Masonry Construction Magazine</em>.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Masonry on The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis (Mo.), a $33 million open-air lifestyle center and shopping destination, was named a&nbsp; 2008 &ldquo;Project of the Year,&rdquo; while the firm&rsquo;s work on the Ameristar Hotel and Parking Garage-St. Charles (Mo.) garnered a 2008 &ldquo;High Rise&rdquo; award. Topping out at more than 300 feet, the 25-story luxury hotel, spa and pool complex for Ameristar Casinos Inc. is the tallest structure in St. Charles County.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;Heitkamp&rsquo;s work at The Meadows included the painstaking application of distinctive masonry finishes to a variety of the development&rsquo;s features, including streetscapes, outdoor gathering areas and upscale retail stores.&nbsp; The finishes required the installation of 280 tons of rubble stone; 580,000 modular face brick; 30,000 cubic feet of cut Indiana limestone; cast stone for medallions and address blocks; and architectural precast concrete for planter urns. In addition, 175,000 concrete masonry units were used.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>In an aesthetic nod to its surroundings&mdash;the brick structures and cobblestone streets of historic St. Charles Main Street&mdash;the Ameristar Hotel-St. Charles incorporates hundreds of thousands of bricks, blocks and stones, all carefully set by hand. According to Geoff Hart, project director, Heitkamp Masonry Inc., workers handset more than 550,000 utility-size red brick; 65,000 square feet of glass fiber-reinforced concrete; 15,000 square feet of architectural pre-cast concrete accents; and 150,000 concrete blocks on the hotel.</p>\n<p>Peckham, Guyton, Albers &amp; Viets Inc. was the project architect. Walton Construction Co. was the general contractor.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1110,415,4,2,1233308189,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"415\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:04 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:44:\"Kwame Named Site Rep for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"kwame_named_site_rep_for_johnsons_shut_ins\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Kwame Named Site Rep for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:426:\"Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) has been named site representative for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the $50 million reconstruction of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County, Missouri.  Redevelopment of the park began in 2008 and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009.  The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm of Atlanta, GA.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Kwame, Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1439:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildinggroup.com\\\">Kwame Building Group, Inc.</a> (KWAME) has been named site representative for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the $50 million reconstruction of Johnson&rsquo;s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County, Missouri.&nbsp; Redevelopment of the park began in 2008 and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009.&nbsp; The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm of Atlanta, GA.<br />&nbsp;<br />As site representative for the park&rsquo;s redevelopment, KWAME is responsible for monitoring the reconstruction and providing design reviews of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and civil engineering drawings.&nbsp; KWAME also is in charge of reporting progress to the Department of Natural Resources.<br />&nbsp;<br />The design plan includes moving the campsite from the main valley to the Goggin&rsquo;s Mountain area.&nbsp; This new campground will feature an equestrian camp area, camper parking areas, walk-in camp sites, chalets, comfort stations, a camp store, a group shelter and trails. The original park site features a new Orientation Center and will include First Aid and Ranger stations, a park office, day-use pavilions and a playground.&nbsp; The boardwalk to the shut-ins will be replaced and widened, and will be more accessible to people with disabilities.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1111,414,4,2,1233308245,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"414\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:57 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"Wildwood Moves Into New City Hall\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:33:\"wildwood_moves_into_new_city_hall\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:33:\"Wildwood Moves Into New City Hall\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:459:\"Koman Properties and the City of Wildwood today announced that the new Wildwood City Hall is set to open in the heart of the Wildwood Town Center development on Feb. 2. City officials are using the coming weeks to move their operations at 16962 Manchester Road to their new home at 183 Plaza Drive within the thriving Wildwood Town Center, which has been developed over the past several years by Koman Properties, a Clayton-based real estate development firm.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:37:\"Wildwood, Koman, Wildwood Town Center\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2073:\"<p>Koman Properties and the City of Wildwood today announced that the new Wildwood City Hall is set to open in the heart of the Wildwood Town Center development on Feb. 2. City officials are using the coming weeks to move their operations at 16962 Manchester Road to their new home at 183 Plaza Drive within the thriving Wildwood Town Center, which has been developed over the past several years by Koman Properties, a Clayton-based real estate development firm.<br /><br />The City of Wildwood will operate all city functions within 13,000 square feet, comprised of the entire second floor and part of the first floor of the fully-leased, two-story, mixed-use building positioned along Hwy 100 within the center of the development. The new space features an expansive council chamber with available seating for up to 250, as well as much needed office space, and more functional service counters for many departments operating in the City Hall.&nbsp;&nbsp; Koman Properties, Inc. was hired to complete the build-out on behalf of the City.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The full occupancy of the building housing the new City Hall, as well as the addition of a new fountain, completes the eastern portion of the&nbsp; $50 million development. <br /><br />The first Phase was completed in the fall of 2005 and includes a Walgreens, Starbucks Coffee, Amante Jewelers, Hair Saloon for Men, U.S. Cellular, and Cold Stone Creamery. Later Phases consisted of two new, two-story mixed-use structures. The first was a 40,000 square-foot premier, mixed-use office/retail building that was completed in late 2006, which is home to Pure by Jen, a very popular boutique, as well as several second-floor office users. In addition, the building features a corner restaurant space overlooking the building&rsquo;s terraced, landscaped plaza flanked by a tiered fountain. It will open this spring as Table Three. The outer end cap is occupied by Indigo Joe&rsquo;s Sports Pub &amp; Restaurant. A 112-room, 80,000-square foot, Clarion Collection hotel/conference center rounds out the development.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1112,413,4,2,1233308336,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"413\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:42 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Labor Relations Event Here Focuses on Economy\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:39:\"labor_relations_here_focuses_on_economy\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:39:\"Labor Relations Here Focuses on Economy\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:431:\"The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on February 24, 2009, “Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions.â€  Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:31:\"labor conference, LERA, program\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2674:\"<p>The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on Feb. 24, &ldquo;Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions.&rdquo;&nbsp; Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.<br /><br />Dr. John Navin, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, will present an economic overview describing events that led to our current situation and what he believes is needed for recovery.&nbsp; Nationally recognized speakers will compose the panel addressing the economics of bargaining and critical issues and trends: <strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Tom Schneider, CEO/ founder, Restructuring Associates, Inc. in Washington, DC.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Schneider was the design and implementation consultant for the first unionized high performance work system in North America, the first joint union-management strategic visioning process, and the largest labor-management partnership in history.<br />&nbsp;<strong><br />Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld, University of Illinois, School of Labor and Employment Relations and president-elect of LERA. </strong>He is the author of five books and over eighty articles, book chapters and policy monographs that address new work systems, labor-management relations, negotiations, conflict resolution, organizational learning and change, and public policy. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Steve Sleigh, principal, Yucaipa Companies and former director, Strategic Resources, Machinists Union.</strong> Dr. Sleigh is a past president of the Industrial Relations Research Association. Previously, he was the Research Director for the Teamsters Union and Deputy Director of the Center for Labor-Management Policy Studies at the City University of New York. He is the author of two books and numerous articles and policy reports.<br /><br />The conference, which is open to the public, will be held at Genesis Banquet Center, 2651 Telegraph Rd. in South County.&nbsp; Admission is free for co-sponsor members and $50 for nonmembers.&nbsp; The registration deadline for the conference is Feb. 18th.&nbsp; Registration for the conference is available by phone, fax, email or mail.&nbsp; The conference brochure and registration form may be downloaded from the LERA website:&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\\\"http://www.lera-gateway.org\\\">www.lera-gateway.org</a>.&nbsp; For registration information, call 618.259.7011 or email <a href=\\\"mailto:athomason@district9.org\\\">athomason@district9.org</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1113,410,4,2,1233308407,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"410\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:23 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"NAHB Says Housing Hits All-Time Low\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"nahb_says_housing_hits_all_time_low\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"NAHB Says Housing Hits All-Time Low\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:240:\"In the latest clear evidence of worsening distress in the housing market, the U.S. Commerce Department today reported that sales of newly built single-family homes slid 14.7 percent to the lowest monthly pace on record in December of 2008. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:21:\"housing, all-time low\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3298:\"<p>In the latest clear evidence of worsening distress in the housing market, the U.S. Commerce Department today reported that sales of newly built single-family homes slid 14.7 percent to the lowest monthly pace on record in December of 2008. This double-digit decline, on top of substantial downward revisions to home sales data for the previous three months, brought the seasonally adjusted annual rate of new home sales to just 331,000 units for December, representing a 76 percent decline from the market peak in 2005.<br /><br />\\\"What more proof do you need that the housing downturn is accelerating -- bringing the economy with it -- and that the government must take<br />substantive action to get qualified buyers back in the market?\\\" said Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. and newly elected 2009 Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).<br /><br />\\\"We need a significant stimulus on the demand side, because otherwise, home sales will only continue downward, dragging down home values, consumer confidence and consumer spending, which in turn creates further downward pressure on sales,\\\" Robson continued. \\\"Because this vicious, self-perpetuating cycle can only be curtailed by offering a real incentive to those on the sidelines, NAHB is urging Congress to substantially enhance and extend the $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit as part of the economic stimulus package that it plans to send to the President\\\'s desk within the next two weeks. Doing so would go a long way toward putting a floor under declining home values that are at the core of the current economic crisis.\\\"<br /><br />\\\"Clearly the housing downswing is worsening, and even historically low mortgage rates have not provided sufficient support to the marketplace,\\\"<br />noted NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe.&nbsp; \\\"Even the recent uptick in existing home sales is no source of comfort, since this movement is driven by distressed and foreclosed homes that continue to flood the market at fire sale prices, resulting in further deterioration in home values.<br /><br />\\\"The only positive note in today\\\'s report is that, due to prudent home builder action to restrain production, the number of new homes for sale<br />continues to decline,\\\" said Crowe. \\\"But even as this happens, the months\\\' supply of homes on the market continues to rise, due to further slowing of sales activity. Basically every number in this report further bolsters theargument that substantive government action must be taken to stimulate housing demand, restore home values and revive the U.S. economy and job market.\\\"<br /><br />The inventory of new homes for sale declined for the 20th consecutive month in December to 357,000, while the months\\\' supply at the current sales pace increased for a third consecutive month to 12.9.<br /><br />New-home sales were down across every region in December, with a 28.2 percent decline registered in the Northeast, a 5.6 percent decline in the Midwest, a 12.1 percent decline in the South and a 20.2 percent decline in<br />the West.<br /><br />For the year as a whole, sales were down 38 percent across the United States in 2008, falling 50 percent in the Northeast, 31 percent in the Midwest, 46 percent in the South and 47.4 percent in the West.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1114,411,5,2,1233308549,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"411\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:29 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"38\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"5\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:24:\"Tax Tips for Contractors\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:24:\"tax_tips_for_contractors\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Tax Tips for Contractors\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:417:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has developed 10 tax tips for contractors.  Now more than ever, contractors face complex tax issues that can strain resources and drain what may be already-shrinking profits. Especially during a recessionary period, contractors need to do what they can to minimize spending by effectively managing their tax burden and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:37:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, tax tips\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3911:\"<p>The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has developed 10 tax tips for contractors.&nbsp; Now more than ever, contractors face complex tax issues that can strain resources and drain what may be already-shrinking profits. Especially during a recessionary period, contractors need to do what they can to minimize spending by effectively managing their tax burden and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2009 ushering in new tax changes and the economic situation worsening, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips:<br />&nbsp;<br />Nail down &ldquo;bonus&rdquo; depreciation deductions. All contractors should be aware by now that bonus depreciation deductions were revived for investments made in calendar year 2008. As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2008 qualifying property in the first year of use, and then depreciate the remaining half of the asset over its normal useful life. For five year equipment, this results in a deduction of 60 percent of the asset&rsquo;s cost. If you invested in this property in 2008, make sure to take this bonus depreciation. And keep your eye on Congress in 2009. Legislators are already talking about extending this provision for calendar year 2009. <br /><br />Maximize capital asset expensing deductions. Rules originally intended for small businesses were significantly expanded in 2008 to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of fixed asset cost, provided less than $800,000 of assets are placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. Look for this provision again in 2009. Congress is expected to extend it. <br /><br />Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases. Under current law, capital gains and qualified dividends are taxed at a favorable 15 percent federal income tax rate. This preferential treatment is scheduled to expire at the end of 2010, however, the presidential election may significantly change the taxation landscape. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions will want to work with tax advisers to determine if the tax positions of the new president and Congress merit acceleration of these items into 2009. <br /><br />Revisit the tax rebate. Most taxpayers who qualified for an Economic Stimulus rebate have already received a check, however there are situations where taxpayers may claim an additional credit, even though they have already received a check. The tax stimulus rebate actually is an advance rebate on 2008 tax liabilities, so if income or dependency changes from 2007 to 2008, taxpayers may be able to claim additional credits when they file their 2008 income tax returns this filing season. <br /><br />Look out for the expanded &ldquo;Kiddie tax.&rdquo; Most contractors are family-owned businesses and many have used a variety of tax planning techniques to shift income from one family member to another. The kiddie tax has been expanded to require excess unearned income of full-time students under age 24 to be taxed at their parents&rsquo; marginal rate, unless the student&rsquo;s earned income equals one-half of his or her support. Thoroughly review estate planning and gifting strategies to avoid higher income taxes on dependent children over age 18. <br /><br />&ldquo;To learn how these tax tips may apply to your contracting business, please contact your tax advisor,&rdquo; said Todd Taggart, Tax partner and practice leader of Grant Thornton&rsquo;s Construction practice. <br />&nbsp;<br />Grant Thornton&rsquo;s Construction Real Estate and Hospitality Industry Group has developed 10 tax tips for contractors. To read all of the tax tips, go to <a href=\\\"http://www.GrantThornton.com/CRHtaxtips\\\">www.GrantThornton.com/CRHtaxtips</a>&nbsp; or email <a href=\\\"mailto:CRH@gt.com\\\">CRH@gt.com</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1115,415,4,2,1233394105,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"415\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:04 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:60:\"Kwame Provides Technical Assistance for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:57:\"kwame_provides_technical_assistance_for_johnsons_shut-ins\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Kwame Named Site Rep for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:426:\"Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) has been named site representative for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the $50 million reconstruction of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County, Missouri.  Redevelopment of the park began in 2008 and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009.  The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm of Atlanta, GA.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Kwame, Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:930:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildinggroup.com\\\">Kwame Building Group, Inc.</a>&nbsp; (KWAME) has been selected to provide construction management services for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on the redevelopment of Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />The park was damaged by the breach of the Taum Sauk Reservoir in December 2005. Following cleanup and the planning and design process, redevelopment began in 2008. The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm from Atlanta, Ga. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />KWAME has been selected to provide technical assistance to the department by monitoring the reconstruction progress and providing reviews of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and civil engineering drawings and specifications for construction compliance. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1116,415,4,2,1233394128,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"415\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:04 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:59:\"Kwame Provides Technical Assistance for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:57:\"kwame_provides_technical_assistance_for_johnsons_shut_ins\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Kwame Named Site Rep for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:426:\"Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) has been named site representative for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the $50 million reconstruction of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County, Missouri.  Redevelopment of the park began in 2008 and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009.  The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm of Atlanta, GA.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Kwame, Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:930:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildinggroup.com\\\">Kwame Building Group, Inc.</a>&nbsp; (KWAME) has been selected to provide construction management services for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on the redevelopment of Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />The park was damaged by the breach of the Taum Sauk Reservoir in December 2005. Following cleanup and the planning and design process, redevelopment began in 2008. The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm from Atlanta, Ga. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />KWAME has been selected to provide technical assistance to the department by monitoring the reconstruction progress and providing reviews of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and civil engineering drawings and specifications for construction compliance. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1117,415,4,2,1233394177,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"415\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:04 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:59:\"Kwame Provides Technical Assistance for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:57:\"kwame_provides_technical_assistance_for_johnsons_shut_ins\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:59:\"Kwame Provides Technical Assistance for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:426:\"Kwame Building Group, Inc. (KWAME) has been named site representative for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the $50 million reconstruction of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County, Missouri.  Redevelopment of the park began in 2008 and is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009.  The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm of Atlanta, GA.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Kwame, Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:930:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildinggroup.com\\\">Kwame Building Group, Inc.</a>&nbsp; (KWAME) has been selected to provide construction management services for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on the redevelopment of Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />The park was damaged by the breach of the Taum Sauk Reservoir in December 2005. Following cleanup and the planning and design process, redevelopment began in 2008. The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm from Atlanta, Ga. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />KWAME has been selected to provide technical assistance to the department by monitoring the reconstruction progress and providing reviews of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and civil engineering drawings and specifications for construction compliance. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1118,411,5,2,1233394415,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"411\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:29 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"38\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"5\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:24:\"Tax Tips for Contractors\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:24:\"tax_tips_for_contractors\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Tax Tips for Contractors\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:417:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has developed 10 tax tips for contractors.  Now more than ever, contractors face complex tax issues that can strain resources and drain what may be already-shrinking profits. Especially during a recessionary period, contractors need to do what they can to minimize spending by effectively managing their tax burden and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:37:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, tax tips\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3995:\"<p><em>by Jeff Kane<br />Tax Partner, St. Louis Office<br />Grant Thornton</em></p>\n<p>The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has developed 10 tax tips for contractors.&nbsp; Now more than ever, contractors face complex tax issues that can strain resources and drain what may be already-shrinking profits. Especially during a recessionary period, contractors need to do what they can to minimize spending by effectively managing their tax burden and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2009 ushering in new tax changes and the economic situation worsening, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips:<br />&nbsp;<br />Nail down &ldquo;bonus&rdquo; depreciation deductions. All contractors should be aware by now that bonus depreciation deductions were revived for investments made in calendar year 2008. As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2008 qualifying property in the first year of use, and then depreciate the remaining half of the asset over its normal useful life. For five year equipment, this results in a deduction of 60 percent of the asset&rsquo;s cost. If you invested in this property in 2008, make sure to take this bonus depreciation. And keep your eye on Congress in 2009. Legislators are already talking about extending this provision for calendar year 2009. <br /><br />Maximize capital asset expensing deductions. Rules originally intended for small businesses were significantly expanded in 2008 to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of fixed asset cost, provided less than $800,000 of assets are placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. Look for this provision again in 2009. Congress is expected to extend it. <br /><br />Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases. Under current law, capital gains and qualified dividends are taxed at a favorable 15 percent federal income tax rate. This preferential treatment is scheduled to expire at the end of 2010, however, the presidential election may significantly change the taxation landscape. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions will want to work with tax advisers to determine if the tax positions of the new president and Congress merit acceleration of these items into 2009. <br /><br />Revisit the tax rebate. Most taxpayers who qualified for an Economic Stimulus rebate have already received a check, however there are situations where taxpayers may claim an additional credit, even though they have already received a check. The tax stimulus rebate actually is an advance rebate on 2008 tax liabilities, so if income or dependency changes from 2007 to 2008, taxpayers may be able to claim additional credits when they file their 2008 income tax returns this filing season. <br /><br />Look out for the expanded &ldquo;Kiddie tax.&rdquo; Most contractors are family-owned businesses and many have used a variety of tax planning techniques to shift income from one family member to another. The kiddie tax has been expanded to require excess unearned income of full-time students under age 24 to be taxed at their parents&rsquo; marginal rate, unless the student&rsquo;s earned income equals one-half of his or her support. Thoroughly review estate planning and gifting strategies to avoid higher income taxes on dependent children over age 18. <br /><br />&ldquo;To learn how these tax tips may apply to your contracting business, please contact your tax advisor,&rdquo; said Todd Taggart, Tax partner and practice leader of Grant Thornton&rsquo;s Construction practice. <br />&nbsp;<br />Grant Thornton&rsquo;s Construction Real Estate and Hospitality Industry Group has developed 10 tax tips for contractors. To read all of the tax tips, go to <a href=\\\"http://www.GrantThornton.com/CRHtaxtips\\\">www.GrantThornton.com/CRHtaxtips</a>&nbsp; or email <a href=\\\"mailto:CRH@gt.com\\\">CRH@gt.com</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1119,417,4,2,1233566322,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-01 10:13 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:32:\"Green Building Standard Approved\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"green_building_standard_approved\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:32:\"Green Building Standard Approved\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:444:\"The National Green Building  Standard, known as ICC-700, was approved Jan. 29 as an  American National Standard. The new Standard provides guidance for safe and sustainable  building practices for residential construction, including both new and  renovated single-family to high-rise residential buildings. This is  the first and only green standard that is consistent and coordinated with the  Code Council’s family of I-Codes and standards.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"National Green Standard, ICC-700\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:6267:\"<p>The National Green Building&nbsp; Standard, known as ICC-700, was approved Jan. 29 as an&nbsp; American National Standard. The new Standard provides guidance for safe and sustainable&nbsp; building practices for residential construction, including both new and&nbsp; renovated single-family to high-rise residential buildings. This is&nbsp; the first and only green standard that is consistent and coordinated with the&nbsp; Code Council&rsquo;s family of I-Codes and standards.</p>\n<p>Code Council Board President Adolf Zubia said, &ldquo;this is an enormous step forward&nbsp; in bringing focus to green practices for the built environment. ICC-700&nbsp; provides a benchmark for green building in the residential market, serving as a&nbsp; new and needed starting point for comprehensive approaches to green residential&nbsp; construction. This is the result of many months of hard work by our members and&nbsp; our partners around the country.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;Code Council CEO Richard P.&nbsp; Weiland said, &ldquo;the development of high performance &lsquo;greener&rsquo; housing can have a&nbsp; tangible and positive impact on our environment and communities. This new tool&nbsp; for state and local governments fills an important gap to provide a measurable&nbsp; framework for efforts to produce green and sustainable housing. In concert with&nbsp; energy codes such as the International&nbsp; Energy Conservation Code, and rating systems such as the LEED Green&nbsp; Building Rating System, Energy Star, the CHPS Criteria, Green Globes or similar&nbsp; programs, application of ICC-700 can contribute to greater energy, water and&nbsp; resource efficiency along with reduced long-term costs to consumers and to our&nbsp; planet.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>The International Code Council&nbsp; and National Association of Home Builders developed the Standard with broad input from several&nbsp; thousand stakeholders, ranging from code officials and other building&nbsp; professionals to the entire spectrum of the green building community. This&nbsp; new standard provides a practical route to green, sustainable and high-performance&nbsp; construction, especially in communities with little if any green/sustainable&nbsp; buildings or guidelines to build green. The standard also promotes homeowner&nbsp; education for the maintenance and operation of green residential buildings in&nbsp; order to ensure long-term benefits.<br />&nbsp;The standard&rsquo;s rating system&nbsp; allows builders, designers and communities to choose the levels of high-performance&nbsp; green buildings that best suit their needs. Key provisions include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Land conservation</li>\n<li>Rainwater collection</li>\n<li>Construction of smaller homes to&nbsp; conserve resources</li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Energy performance starting at&nbsp; 15% above the baseline requirements of the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code<br />The use of low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) materials and detached garages or&nbsp; carports to improve indoor environmental quality<br />Homeowner education on proper maintenance&nbsp; and operation to maintain its green status throughout its life cycle <br />ICC-700 is available along with related ICC&nbsp; publications through the <a href=\\\"http://www.iccsafe.org/700 \\\">Code Council website</a> .</p>\n<p>Training on ICC-700 already is available, including&nbsp; a special session March 23-26 at Codes Forum in New Orleans. Additional training is also&nbsp; available on related topics such as current green building practices and their&nbsp; relationship to the International Codes, overview of the LEED green building&nbsp; rating systems, and developing green building ordinances to help governmental&nbsp; departments and agencies tasked with establishing sustainable building&nbsp; programs. <br />&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The Code Council is finalizing its Green Building&nbsp; Technologies Certification program for building officials, inspectors,&nbsp; planners, zoning personnel, mayors, city council members, developers and other&nbsp; interested parties. The exams will be available in March. These certifications&nbsp; will demonstrate the ability to understand the application of green building&nbsp; technology and assess adherence with green building programs. <br />&nbsp;In addition, the International Code Council Board&nbsp; has approved the creation of a Sustainable Building Technology Committee to&nbsp; support the Council&rsquo;s many ongoing efforts in green, sustainable and safe&nbsp; construction.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;A Code Council subsidiary,&nbsp; ICC-Evaluation Service, has developed the Sustainable Attributes Verification and Evaluation&nbsp; (SAVE) program to provide independent confirmation that&nbsp; evaluated building products are sustainable and may qualify for points under&nbsp; ICC-700 as well as major green rating systems such as LEED or Green Globes. A SAVE evaluation involves both&nbsp; inspection of the manufacturer&rsquo;s production process and reviews of independent&nbsp; product testing, where required. Manufacturers that successfully complete the&nbsp; evaluation process receive a Verification of Attributes Report in one or more of nine key categories. Design professionals will be able to use the&nbsp; reports as evidence that products or systems they select qualify for points&nbsp; under those programs.</p>\n<p>Another Code&nbsp; Council subsidiary, the International Accreditation Service (IAS), offers&nbsp; accreditation to testing laboratories, inspection agencies and product certifiers&nbsp; in several fields related to energy and sustainability to support manufacturers&nbsp; and regulators involved in green building development and approval. IAS also&nbsp; accredits curriculum developers and training agencies focused on green&nbsp; initiatives.</p>\n<p>The International Code Council, a membership&nbsp; association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the&nbsp; codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes&nbsp; and schools. Most U.S.&nbsp; cities, counties and states choose the International Codes, building safety&nbsp; codes developed by the International Code Council.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1120,418,10,2,1233567133,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-01 10:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"Sustainability in Today’s Market Place \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"sustainability_in_todays_market_place\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:40:\"Sustainability in Today’s Market Place\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:268:\"Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today’s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, “sustainabilityâ€.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Sustainability, panel, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:72:\"Schlafly Tap Room – Eliot Room 2100 Locust Street St. Louis,  MO 63103\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:20:\"2009-02-11  11:30 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:65:\"Networking 11:30 AM  - 12:00 PM Lunch  Program 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:6246:\"<p>Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today&rsquo;s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, &ldquo;sustainability&rdquo;. Discussions will include, implemented initiatives undertaken at Washington University, sustainable design&nbsp; construction practices, as well as sustainable developments in the market place.<br /><br />This is a great opportunity to network with local SMPS members and learn more from our panel of experts.<br /><br />Submit your questions when you register to make sure you get the answers you&rsquo;re looking for!<br /><br /><a href=\\\"&lt;http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,P1,5BF50CE9-768F-4866-AD1C-E8F53EA2E9BC&gt; \\\">Register by clicking this link</a>. <br /><br />Moderated by <strong>Emily Andrews</strong>, USGBC<br /><br />Panelists include:<br /><br /><strong>Mathew Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br /><br /><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy Consultant</p>\n<p><strong>Christopher Hulse</strong>, LEED AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br /><br /><strong>EMILY ANDREWS</strong> <br />Executive Director of U.S. Green Building Council &ndash; St. Louis Regional Chapter<br />Emily Andrews is the executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council-St. Louis Regional Chapter. She joined USGBC-STL as their first full time staff person January 2006 and hit the ground running, stopping only to marvel that the interest in all things green continues to grow and grow and grow. Previously, Emily managed the St. Louis Community Air Project for the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO), an EPA-funded project promoting healthier air quality in the community. She has worked for non-profits her entire career, including a community gardening organization in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. <br /><br />Emily has a degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Latin American Studies from Grinnell College in Iowa. She currently serves on the board of the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group. As a native St. Louisan, Emily is sure that she probably knows someone that you know. Emily lives in South St. Louis where she&nbsp; her husband implement as many green building upgrades in their nearly 90-year old home as is practical.</p>\n<p><strong>CHRIS HULSE</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br />Hulse has been active in the commercial real estate industry since 2002. In 2008 Chris was part of the founding team at Green Street Realty and Green Street Properties. The mission at Green Street is to develop LEED certified buildings on in fill sites and on third party tenant&nbsp; landlord representation. His role at Green Street is to identify potential redevelopment opportunities and to identify tenants in the market for those developments. Hulse is passionate about sustainability and its important role in the real estate market. Hulse believes that LEED buildings will play an important role in making the U.S. energy independent and the people that occupy them happier, more productive and healthier. Chris is a graduate of the University of Missouri &ndash;Columbia where he received his B.A. in History. Hulse is also a LEED accredited professional. In his spare time he enjoys racing his bike, reading about urban planning and the history of St Louis, and spending time with his Polish wife.</p>\n<p><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy<br />Lantham joined Vertegy in February 2008 and serves as Operations Specialist. He has been employed by Vertegy&rsquo;s parent company, Alberici, since 2004, working as a facility manager and he has nearly fifteen years experience in operations and facility management. His prior background experience includes serving as logistics manager at Ryder Integrated Logistics, where he was in charge of the company&rsquo;s standard operating procedures, facilities management and safety administration. In his position with Vertegy, Lantham provides support to the project teams to ensure compliance with sustainable design and construction practices for each client and he also assists in business development and acquisition efforts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in architecture from Drury University. He is a member of the St. Louis Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and is a LEED Accredited Professional.</p>\n<p><strong>Matthew B. Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED&reg; AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br />Matt Malten was appointed the first assistant vice chancellor for sustainability at Washington University in St. Louis in July 2007. As the campus sustainability officer, Malten provides the vision, organizational strategy and focus for advancing operational sustainability efforts and coordinates those efforts with related academic, research and community engagement efforts. From 2005 to 2007 Malten served as the first sustainability coordinator at the University of Illinois. Prior to that, he worked as the first Mark Ginsberg Sustainability Fellow with the U.S. Green Building Council. From 1998 to 2004, Malten was a senior environmental specialist with Wisconsin Energy Corporation where he also studied as an inaugural Kinship Conservation Institute Fellow with the Property and Environment Research Center in Bozeman, Montana. Malten has also worked as an environmental scientist with Duke Energy Corporation and IBM&rsquo;s Engineering Center for Environmentally Conscious Products. Malten is a LEED Accredited Professional and earned his bachelors degree in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois and a masters of environmental management in environmental economics and policy from Duke University.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;Member<br />$30.00<br />&nbsp;Nonmember<br />$40.00<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; View Event Summary <br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;RSVPWednesday, February 4, 2009<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p>\";}');
INSERT INTO `exp_entry_versioning` VALUES (1121,387,10,2,1233567203,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"387\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-14 11:09 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-28  9:32 PM\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"on_the_riverfront_st_louis_and_the_gateway_arch\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:50:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:221:\"From Jan. 30 to March 9 the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium titled On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:45:\"Gateway Arch, Washington University, Saarinen\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:74:\" Steinberg Hall, near the intersection of Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-01-30 10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:19:\"2009-03-09 10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:122:\"Opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; on view through March 9.  Symposium:  9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:9849:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: medium;\\\"><span class=\\\"black\\\"><strong><em></em></strong></span> </span><em><span class=\\\"black\\\">Exhibition and symposium presented by Sam Fox School in conjunction with Eero Saarinen retrospective</span></em> <br /> <img height=\\\"4\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/images/spacer.gif\\\" width=\\\"5\\\" /><br /></span><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial &mdash; popularly known as the St.\nLouis Gateway Arch &mdash; is the tallest monument in the United States and\nan icon of modern architecture, its great stainless steel arc embodying\nstrength, elegance and simplicity. Yet creation of the Arch was\nanything but simple. Indeed, it is a story of frequent uncertainty and\nsometime bitter controversy, as planning, design and construction\nstretched across more than three decades. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">From Jan. 30 to March 9\nthe Sam Fox School of Design &amp; Visual Arts at Washington University\nin St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium\ntitled <em><strong>On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch. </strong></em>Curated by <strong>Peter MacKeith</strong>, associate dean of the Sam Fox School and associate professor of architecture; and by<strong> Eric Mumford</strong>, associate professor of architecture,<em> On the Riverfront</em> will profile the people, events and conditions that culminated in the\n1947-48 competition from which Eero Saarinen\\\'s design was chosen, as\nwell as the monument\\\'s subsequent construction and its place in\nAmerican architecture. </span></p>\n<table align=\\\"left\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"margin: 0px 10px 5px 0px;\\\" width=\\\"250\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\"><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"><img align=\\\"left\\\" alt=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" height=\\\"153\\\" hspace=\\\"0\\\" id=\\\"Saarinen 11\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/pub/libs/images/usr/7830.jpg\\\" title=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" vspace=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"250\\\" /></a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\\\"photoCaption\\\">\n<h4><span class=\\\"photocaption\\\">Eero Saarinen, with\nJ. Henderson Barr (renderer), Dan Kiley (landscape architect),\nAlexander Hayden Girard, and Lilly Swann Saarinen. Detail from\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial, First Stage Competition entry,\n1947. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Archives, National Park\nService.</span></h4>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"right\\\" class=\\\"photoDownload\\\"><a class=\\\"photodownload\\\" href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"> </a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"The significance of the\nGateway Arch in Saarinen\\\'s career, as well as in the development of St.\nLouis\\\' post-war identity, is unquestionable,\\\" says MacKeith, who also\nserves as St. Louis coordinator for <em><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/12971.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.\\\">Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.</span></a></em> (That exhibition &mdash; the first major museum retrospective dedicated to\nthe architect &mdash; will be on view at the university\\\'s Mildred Lane Kemper\nArt Museum Jan. 30 to April 27.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"There is a degree of\nattention given to the Arch within the retrospective,\\\" MacKeith\nexplains. \\\"But the Arch is such an icon of St. Louis, condensing\nhistories of place and purpose and civic pride, that we felt this would\nbe a good opportunity to explore the broad civic vision that ultimately\nbrought the Arch into being. It is a not a story of which people are\nreally aware.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><em>On the Riverfront</em> begins with a condensed history of the St. Louis region, from the time\nof the Cahokia Indians, though Spanish settlement, the Louisiana\nPurchase and the Lewis &amp; Clark expedition, to statehood and\nindustrialization. Yet by the early 20th century much of the riverfront\nhad fallen into disrepair and local leaders were beginning to explore\nstrategies for revitalization. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Chief among these was\nLuther Ely Smith, a St. Louis lawyer now known as \\\"the father of the\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial.\\\" Smith first conceived the idea\nof constructing a memorial on the banks of the Mississippi in 1933 and\nthe following year, with the help of Mayor Bernard Dickmann, co-founded\nthe nonprofit Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (JNEM) Association\nto enlist Federal support. In 1935 Franklin Roosevelt designated the\nproposed 90-acre site as a national park and the city, having passed a\nbond proposal and armed with the power of eminent domain, began\nleveling 40 blocks in preparation for a national architecture\ncompetition. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The site was cleared by\n1942 but the JNEM Competition was delayed by the onset of World War II.\nYet when it did begin, in 1947, the competition proved a massive\nsuccess, drawing 176 entries &mdash; many of which will be on view &mdash; by\nimportant St. Louis figures such as Harris Armstrong, Charles Eames and\nGyo Obata, as well as by international modernists such as Louis Kahn,\nIsamu Noguchi and Eliel Saarinen, Eero\\\'s father. (Famously, when jurors\nannounced the five finalists, a telegram was sent to \\\"E. Saarinen,\\\" and\nfor a few hours the family mistakenly assumed that Eliel had advanced.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"These are all visions of\nwhat the riverfront could have looked like if any other entry had been\nchosen,\\\" MacKeith points out. \\\"In many ways they provide a snapshot of\npost-war architectural concerns. The issue of the day was what we now\ncall the \\\'new monumentality.\\\' How do you make architecture after the\nSecond World War? How does one memorialize anything after the\nholocaust, or in the shadow of nuclear warfare?\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The final section\nhighlights Eero Saarinen\\\'s winning design, a gracefully inverted\ncatenary arch &mdash; calculated with the help of structural engineer\nHannskarl Bandel &mdash; that bears little resemblance to pre-war memorials.\nAlso on view are a number of Saarinen\\\'s subsequent drawings and models,\nwhich chart subtle changes and modifications in the years leading up to\nconstruction (which, delayed by the Korean War, did not begin until\n1963.) For example, while the original proposal called for a structure\n590 feet tall and located on the banks of the Mississippi, the final\nplan was lengthened to 630 feet and moved to slightly higher ground. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"This is a city of great\nbeauty, which approached its riverfront with great purpose and\ndeliberation,\\\" MacKeith concludes. \\\"Yes, there are tangled and\ndifficult histories prior to 1947, and subsequent to the Arch\\\'s\ncompletion. But there was also this astonishing moment of the\ncompetition. It\\\'s a moment that seemed to encapsulate St. Louis\\\' past\nand present, and one that remains intertwined with our civic future.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><strong>INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM</strong> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">In conjunction with the exhibition <em>On the Riverfront</em>,\nthe Sam Fox School will host a daylong symposium of the same title\nbeginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Topics of discussion will\ninclude \\\"The River and St. Louis,\\\" \\\"The JNEM Competition and the Design\nof the Gateway Arch,\\\" \\\"The Era of the Arch\\\" and \\\"The Riverfront and the\nArch.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Participants will include <strong>Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen</strong>, chief researcher and co-editor of the exhibition catalog for <em>Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future</em>; architect <strong>Robert Burley</strong>, who led the Arch design team for Eero Saarinen and Associates; and <strong>Charles Birnbaum</strong>,\nfounder of The Cultural Landscape Foundation and former coordinator of\nthe National Park Service Historic Landscape Initiative. Also\nparticipating will be landscape architect <strong>Susan Saarinen </strong>(Eero\\\'s daughter) and former Finnish ambassador <strong>Matti H&auml;kk&auml;nen</strong> (Eero\\\'s second cousin), as well as architects, historians, critics and scholars from St. Louis and abroad. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Formal proceedings will be\npublished and distributed following the symposium. For participant bios\nand a complete schedule of events,<a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/web/page/normal/13223.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to click here\\\"> click here</span></a>. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">On the Riverfront: The Gateway Arch and St. Louis <em>will\nopen from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 30 and will remain on view through March 9\nin the Sam Fox School\\\'s Steinberg Hall, located near the intersection\nof Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. The gallery is open during regular\nbusiness hours Monday through Friday. For more information, call (314)\n935-9300 or <a href=\\\"http://www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu\\\">www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu.</a></em> </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<table align=\\\"center\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"height: 10px;\\\" width=\\\"174\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#dddddd\\\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1122,387,10,2,1233567245,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"387\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-01 11:09 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-28 09:32 PM\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"on_the_riverfront_st_louis_and_the_gateway_arch\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:50:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:221:\"From Jan. 30 to March 9 the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium titled On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:45:\"Gateway Arch, Washington University, Saarinen\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:74:\" Steinberg Hall, near the intersection of Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-01-30 10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:19:\"2009-03-09 10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:122:\"Opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; on view through March 9.  Symposium:  9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:9849:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: medium;\\\"><span class=\\\"black\\\"><strong><em></em></strong></span> </span><em><span class=\\\"black\\\">Exhibition and symposium presented by Sam Fox School in conjunction with Eero Saarinen retrospective</span></em> <br /> <img height=\\\"4\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/images/spacer.gif\\\" width=\\\"5\\\" /><br /></span><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial &mdash; popularly known as the St.\nLouis Gateway Arch &mdash; is the tallest monument in the United States and\nan icon of modern architecture, its great stainless steel arc embodying\nstrength, elegance and simplicity. Yet creation of the Arch was\nanything but simple. Indeed, it is a story of frequent uncertainty and\nsometime bitter controversy, as planning, design and construction\nstretched across more than three decades. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">From Jan. 30 to March 9\nthe Sam Fox School of Design &amp; Visual Arts at Washington University\nin St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium\ntitled <em><strong>On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch. </strong></em>Curated by <strong>Peter MacKeith</strong>, associate dean of the Sam Fox School and associate professor of architecture; and by<strong> Eric Mumford</strong>, associate professor of architecture,<em> On the Riverfront</em> will profile the people, events and conditions that culminated in the\n1947-48 competition from which Eero Saarinen\\\'s design was chosen, as\nwell as the monument\\\'s subsequent construction and its place in\nAmerican architecture. </span></p>\n<table align=\\\"left\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"margin: 0px 10px 5px 0px;\\\" width=\\\"250\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\"><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"><img align=\\\"left\\\" alt=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" height=\\\"153\\\" hspace=\\\"0\\\" id=\\\"Saarinen 11\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/pub/libs/images/usr/7830.jpg\\\" title=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" vspace=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"250\\\" /></a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\\\"photoCaption\\\">\n<h4><span class=\\\"photocaption\\\">Eero Saarinen, with\nJ. Henderson Barr (renderer), Dan Kiley (landscape architect),\nAlexander Hayden Girard, and Lilly Swann Saarinen. Detail from\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial, First Stage Competition entry,\n1947. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Archives, National Park\nService.</span></h4>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"right\\\" class=\\\"photoDownload\\\"><a class=\\\"photodownload\\\" href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"> </a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"The significance of the\nGateway Arch in Saarinen\\\'s career, as well as in the development of St.\nLouis\\\' post-war identity, is unquestionable,\\\" says MacKeith, who also\nserves as St. Louis coordinator for <em><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/12971.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.\\\">Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.</span></a></em> (That exhibition &mdash; the first major museum retrospective dedicated to\nthe architect &mdash; will be on view at the university\\\'s Mildred Lane Kemper\nArt Museum Jan. 30 to April 27.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"There is a degree of\nattention given to the Arch within the retrospective,\\\" MacKeith\nexplains. \\\"But the Arch is such an icon of St. Louis, condensing\nhistories of place and purpose and civic pride, that we felt this would\nbe a good opportunity to explore the broad civic vision that ultimately\nbrought the Arch into being. It is a not a story of which people are\nreally aware.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><em>On the Riverfront</em> begins with a condensed history of the St. Louis region, from the time\nof the Cahokia Indians, though Spanish settlement, the Louisiana\nPurchase and the Lewis &amp; Clark expedition, to statehood and\nindustrialization. Yet by the early 20th century much of the riverfront\nhad fallen into disrepair and local leaders were beginning to explore\nstrategies for revitalization. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Chief among these was\nLuther Ely Smith, a St. Louis lawyer now known as \\\"the father of the\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial.\\\" Smith first conceived the idea\nof constructing a memorial on the banks of the Mississippi in 1933 and\nthe following year, with the help of Mayor Bernard Dickmann, co-founded\nthe nonprofit Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (JNEM) Association\nto enlist Federal support. In 1935 Franklin Roosevelt designated the\nproposed 90-acre site as a national park and the city, having passed a\nbond proposal and armed with the power of eminent domain, began\nleveling 40 blocks in preparation for a national architecture\ncompetition. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The site was cleared by\n1942 but the JNEM Competition was delayed by the onset of World War II.\nYet when it did begin, in 1947, the competition proved a massive\nsuccess, drawing 176 entries &mdash; many of which will be on view &mdash; by\nimportant St. Louis figures such as Harris Armstrong, Charles Eames and\nGyo Obata, as well as by international modernists such as Louis Kahn,\nIsamu Noguchi and Eliel Saarinen, Eero\\\'s father. (Famously, when jurors\nannounced the five finalists, a telegram was sent to \\\"E. Saarinen,\\\" and\nfor a few hours the family mistakenly assumed that Eliel had advanced.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"These are all visions of\nwhat the riverfront could have looked like if any other entry had been\nchosen,\\\" MacKeith points out. \\\"In many ways they provide a snapshot of\npost-war architectural concerns. The issue of the day was what we now\ncall the \\\'new monumentality.\\\' How do you make architecture after the\nSecond World War? How does one memorialize anything after the\nholocaust, or in the shadow of nuclear warfare?\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The final section\nhighlights Eero Saarinen\\\'s winning design, a gracefully inverted\ncatenary arch &mdash; calculated with the help of structural engineer\nHannskarl Bandel &mdash; that bears little resemblance to pre-war memorials.\nAlso on view are a number of Saarinen\\\'s subsequent drawings and models,\nwhich chart subtle changes and modifications in the years leading up to\nconstruction (which, delayed by the Korean War, did not begin until\n1963.) For example, while the original proposal called for a structure\n590 feet tall and located on the banks of the Mississippi, the final\nplan was lengthened to 630 feet and moved to slightly higher ground. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"This is a city of great\nbeauty, which approached its riverfront with great purpose and\ndeliberation,\\\" MacKeith concludes. \\\"Yes, there are tangled and\ndifficult histories prior to 1947, and subsequent to the Arch\\\'s\ncompletion. But there was also this astonishing moment of the\ncompetition. It\\\'s a moment that seemed to encapsulate St. Louis\\\' past\nand present, and one that remains intertwined with our civic future.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><strong>INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM</strong> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">In conjunction with the exhibition <em>On the Riverfront</em>,\nthe Sam Fox School will host a daylong symposium of the same title\nbeginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Topics of discussion will\ninclude \\\"The River and St. Louis,\\\" \\\"The JNEM Competition and the Design\nof the Gateway Arch,\\\" \\\"The Era of the Arch\\\" and \\\"The Riverfront and the\nArch.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Participants will include <strong>Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen</strong>, chief researcher and co-editor of the exhibition catalog for <em>Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future</em>; architect <strong>Robert Burley</strong>, who led the Arch design team for Eero Saarinen and Associates; and <strong>Charles Birnbaum</strong>,\nfounder of The Cultural Landscape Foundation and former coordinator of\nthe National Park Service Historic Landscape Initiative. Also\nparticipating will be landscape architect <strong>Susan Saarinen </strong>(Eero\\\'s daughter) and former Finnish ambassador <strong>Matti H&auml;kk&auml;nen</strong> (Eero\\\'s second cousin), as well as architects, historians, critics and scholars from St. Louis and abroad. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Formal proceedings will be\npublished and distributed following the symposium. For participant bios\nand a complete schedule of events,<a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/web/page/normal/13223.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to click here\\\"> click here</span></a>. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">On the Riverfront: The Gateway Arch and St. Louis <em>will\nopen from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 30 and will remain on view through March 9\nin the Sam Fox School\\\'s Steinberg Hall, located near the intersection\nof Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. The gallery is open during regular\nbusiness hours Monday through Friday. For more information, call (314)\n935-9300 or <a href=\\\"http://www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu\\\">www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu.</a></em> </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<table align=\\\"center\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"height: 10px;\\\" width=\\\"174\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#dddddd\\\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1123,387,10,2,1233567340,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"387\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-12-01 11:09 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-28 09:32 PM\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"35\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"on_the_riverfront_st_louis_and_the_gateway_arch\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:50:\"On the Riverfront: St. Louis and the Gateway Arch \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:221:\"From Jan. 30 to March 9 the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium titled On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:45:\"Gateway Arch, Washington University, Saarinen\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:74:\" Steinberg Hall, near the intersection of Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-01-30 10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:19:\"2009-01-30 10:09 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:122:\"Opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; on view through March 9.  Symposium:  9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:9849:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: medium;\\\"><span class=\\\"black\\\"><strong><em></em></strong></span> </span><em><span class=\\\"black\\\">Exhibition and symposium presented by Sam Fox School in conjunction with Eero Saarinen retrospective</span></em> <br /> <img height=\\\"4\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/images/spacer.gif\\\" width=\\\"5\\\" /><br /></span><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial &mdash; popularly known as the St.\nLouis Gateway Arch &mdash; is the tallest monument in the United States and\nan icon of modern architecture, its great stainless steel arc embodying\nstrength, elegance and simplicity. Yet creation of the Arch was\nanything but simple. Indeed, it is a story of frequent uncertainty and\nsometime bitter controversy, as planning, design and construction\nstretched across more than three decades. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">From Jan. 30 to March 9\nthe Sam Fox School of Design &amp; Visual Arts at Washington University\nin St. Louis will explore that history with an exhibition and symposium\ntitled <em><strong>On the Riverfront: St. Louis and The Gateway Arch. </strong></em>Curated by <strong>Peter MacKeith</strong>, associate dean of the Sam Fox School and associate professor of architecture; and by<strong> Eric Mumford</strong>, associate professor of architecture,<em> On the Riverfront</em> will profile the people, events and conditions that culminated in the\n1947-48 competition from which Eero Saarinen\\\'s design was chosen, as\nwell as the monument\\\'s subsequent construction and its place in\nAmerican architecture. </span></p>\n<table align=\\\"left\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"margin: 0px 10px 5px 0px;\\\" width=\\\"250\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"left\\\"><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"><img align=\\\"left\\\" alt=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" height=\\\"153\\\" hspace=\\\"0\\\" id=\\\"Saarinen 11\\\" src=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/pub/libs/images/usr/7830.jpg\\\" title=\\\"First Stage Competition entry, 1947\\\" vspace=\\\"0\\\" width=\\\"250\\\" /></a></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\\\"photoCaption\\\">\n<h4><span class=\\\"photocaption\\\">Eero Saarinen, with\nJ. Henderson Barr (renderer), Dan Kiley (landscape architect),\nAlexander Hayden Girard, and Lilly Swann Saarinen. Detail from\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial, First Stage Competition entry,\n1947. Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Archives, National Park\nService.</span></h4>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td align=\\\"right\\\" class=\\\"photoDownload\\\"><a class=\\\"photodownload\\\" href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/asset/page/normal/7830.html\\\"> </a></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"The significance of the\nGateway Arch in Saarinen\\\'s career, as well as in the development of St.\nLouis\\\' post-war identity, is unquestionable,\\\" says MacKeith, who also\nserves as St. Louis coordinator for <em><a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/news/page/normal/12971.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.\\\">Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future.</span></a></em> (That exhibition &mdash; the first major museum retrospective dedicated to\nthe architect &mdash; will be on view at the university\\\'s Mildred Lane Kemper\nArt Museum Jan. 30 to April 27.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"There is a degree of\nattention given to the Arch within the retrospective,\\\" MacKeith\nexplains. \\\"But the Arch is such an icon of St. Louis, condensing\nhistories of place and purpose and civic pride, that we felt this would\nbe a good opportunity to explore the broad civic vision that ultimately\nbrought the Arch into being. It is a not a story of which people are\nreally aware.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><em>On the Riverfront</em> begins with a condensed history of the St. Louis region, from the time\nof the Cahokia Indians, though Spanish settlement, the Louisiana\nPurchase and the Lewis &amp; Clark expedition, to statehood and\nindustrialization. Yet by the early 20th century much of the riverfront\nhad fallen into disrepair and local leaders were beginning to explore\nstrategies for revitalization. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Chief among these was\nLuther Ely Smith, a St. Louis lawyer now known as \\\"the father of the\nJefferson National Expansion Memorial.\\\" Smith first conceived the idea\nof constructing a memorial on the banks of the Mississippi in 1933 and\nthe following year, with the help of Mayor Bernard Dickmann, co-founded\nthe nonprofit Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (JNEM) Association\nto enlist Federal support. In 1935 Franklin Roosevelt designated the\nproposed 90-acre site as a national park and the city, having passed a\nbond proposal and armed with the power of eminent domain, began\nleveling 40 blocks in preparation for a national architecture\ncompetition. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The site was cleared by\n1942 but the JNEM Competition was delayed by the onset of World War II.\nYet when it did begin, in 1947, the competition proved a massive\nsuccess, drawing 176 entries &mdash; many of which will be on view &mdash; by\nimportant St. Louis figures such as Harris Armstrong, Charles Eames and\nGyo Obata, as well as by international modernists such as Louis Kahn,\nIsamu Noguchi and Eliel Saarinen, Eero\\\'s father. (Famously, when jurors\nannounced the five finalists, a telegram was sent to \\\"E. Saarinen,\\\" and\nfor a few hours the family mistakenly assumed that Eliel had advanced.) </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"These are all visions of\nwhat the riverfront could have looked like if any other entry had been\nchosen,\\\" MacKeith points out. \\\"In many ways they provide a snapshot of\npost-war architectural concerns. The issue of the day was what we now\ncall the \\\'new monumentality.\\\' How do you make architecture after the\nSecond World War? How does one memorialize anything after the\nholocaust, or in the shadow of nuclear warfare?\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">The final section\nhighlights Eero Saarinen\\\'s winning design, a gracefully inverted\ncatenary arch &mdash; calculated with the help of structural engineer\nHannskarl Bandel &mdash; that bears little resemblance to pre-war memorials.\nAlso on view are a number of Saarinen\\\'s subsequent drawings and models,\nwhich chart subtle changes and modifications in the years leading up to\nconstruction (which, delayed by the Korean War, did not begin until\n1963.) For example, while the original proposal called for a structure\n590 feet tall and located on the banks of the Mississippi, the final\nplan was lengthened to 630 feet and moved to slightly higher ground. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">\\\"This is a city of great\nbeauty, which approached its riverfront with great purpose and\ndeliberation,\\\" MacKeith concludes. \\\"Yes, there are tangled and\ndifficult histories prior to 1947, and subsequent to the Arch\\\'s\ncompletion. But there was also this astonishing moment of the\ncompetition. It\\\'s a moment that seemed to encapsulate St. Louis\\\' past\nand present, and one that remains intertwined with our civic future.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\"><strong>INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM</strong> </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">In conjunction with the exhibition <em>On the Riverfront</em>,\nthe Sam Fox School will host a daylong symposium of the same title\nbeginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31. Topics of discussion will\ninclude \\\"The River and St. Louis,\\\" \\\"The JNEM Competition and the Design\nof the Gateway Arch,\\\" \\\"The Era of the Arch\\\" and \\\"The Riverfront and the\nArch.\\\" </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Participants will include <strong>Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen</strong>, chief researcher and co-editor of the exhibition catalog for <em>Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future</em>; architect <strong>Robert Burley</strong>, who led the Arch design team for Eero Saarinen and Associates; and <strong>Charles Birnbaum</strong>,\nfounder of The Cultural Landscape Foundation and former coordinator of\nthe National Park Service Historic Landscape Initiative. Also\nparticipating will be landscape architect <strong>Susan Saarinen </strong>(Eero\\\'s daughter) and former Finnish ambassador <strong>Matti H&auml;kk&auml;nen</strong> (Eero\\\'s second cousin), as well as architects, historians, critics and scholars from St. Louis and abroad. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">Formal proceedings will be\npublished and distributed following the symposium. For participant bios\nand a complete schedule of events,<a href=\\\"http://news-info.wustl.edu/web/page/normal/13223.html\\\"><span class=\\\"red\\\" title=\\\"Go to click here\\\"> click here</span></a>. </span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;\\\">On the Riverfront: The Gateway Arch and St. Louis <em>will\nopen from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 30 and will remain on view through March 9\nin the Sam Fox School\\\'s Steinberg Hall, located near the intersection\nof Skinker and Forsyth boulevards. The gallery is open during regular\nbusiness hours Monday through Friday. For more information, call (314)\n935-9300 or <a href=\\\"http://www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu\\\">www.samfoxschool.wustl.edu.</a></em> </span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<table align=\\\"center\\\" border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"height: 10px;\\\" width=\\\"174\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"#dddddd\\\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"35\";}'),(1124,418,10,2,1233567481,'a:31:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"418\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-01 10:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:39:\"Sustainability in Today\\\'s Market Place\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"sustainability_in_todays_market_place\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:39:\"Sustainability in Today\\\'s Market Place\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:268:\"Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today’s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, “sustainabilityâ€.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Sustainability, panel, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:72:\"Schlafly Tap Room – Eliot Room 2100 Locust Street St. Louis,  MO 63103\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 11:30 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:65:\"Networking 11:30 AM  - 12:00 PM Lunch  Program 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:6246:\"<p>Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today&rsquo;s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, &ldquo;sustainability&rdquo;. Discussions will include, implemented initiatives undertaken at Washington University, sustainable design&nbsp; construction practices, as well as sustainable developments in the market place.<br /><br />This is a great opportunity to network with local SMPS members and learn more from our panel of experts.<br /><br />Submit your questions when you register to make sure you get the answers you&rsquo;re looking for!<br /><br /><a href=\\\"&lt;http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,P1,5BF50CE9-768F-4866-AD1C-E8F53EA2E9BC&gt; \\\">Register by clicking this link</a>. <br /><br />Moderated by <strong>Emily Andrews</strong>, USGBC<br /><br />Panelists include:<br /><br /><strong>Mathew Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br /><br /><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy Consultant</p>\n<p><strong>Christopher Hulse</strong>, LEED AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br /><br /><strong>EMILY ANDREWS</strong> <br />Executive Director of U.S. Green Building Council &ndash; St. Louis Regional Chapter<br />Emily Andrews is the executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council-St. Louis Regional Chapter. She joined USGBC-STL as their first full time staff person January 2006 and hit the ground running, stopping only to marvel that the interest in all things green continues to grow and grow and grow. Previously, Emily managed the St. Louis Community Air Project for the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO), an EPA-funded project promoting healthier air quality in the community. She has worked for non-profits her entire career, including a community gardening organization in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. <br /><br />Emily has a degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Latin American Studies from Grinnell College in Iowa. She currently serves on the board of the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group. As a native St. Louisan, Emily is sure that she probably knows someone that you know. Emily lives in South St. Louis where she&nbsp; her husband implement as many green building upgrades in their nearly 90-year old home as is practical.</p>\n<p><strong>CHRIS HULSE</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br />Hulse has been active in the commercial real estate industry since 2002. In 2008 Chris was part of the founding team at Green Street Realty and Green Street Properties. The mission at Green Street is to develop LEED certified buildings on in fill sites and on third party tenant&nbsp; landlord representation. His role at Green Street is to identify potential redevelopment opportunities and to identify tenants in the market for those developments. Hulse is passionate about sustainability and its important role in the real estate market. Hulse believes that LEED buildings will play an important role in making the U.S. energy independent and the people that occupy them happier, more productive and healthier. Chris is a graduate of the University of Missouri &ndash;Columbia where he received his B.A. in History. Hulse is also a LEED accredited professional. In his spare time he enjoys racing his bike, reading about urban planning and the history of St Louis, and spending time with his Polish wife.</p>\n<p><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy<br />Lantham joined Vertegy in February 2008 and serves as Operations Specialist. He has been employed by Vertegy&rsquo;s parent company, Alberici, since 2004, working as a facility manager and he has nearly fifteen years experience in operations and facility management. His prior background experience includes serving as logistics manager at Ryder Integrated Logistics, where he was in charge of the company&rsquo;s standard operating procedures, facilities management and safety administration. In his position with Vertegy, Lantham provides support to the project teams to ensure compliance with sustainable design and construction practices for each client and he also assists in business development and acquisition efforts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in architecture from Drury University. He is a member of the St. Louis Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and is a LEED Accredited Professional.</p>\n<p><strong>Matthew B. Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED&reg; AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br />Matt Malten was appointed the first assistant vice chancellor for sustainability at Washington University in St. Louis in July 2007. As the campus sustainability officer, Malten provides the vision, organizational strategy and focus for advancing operational sustainability efforts and coordinates those efforts with related academic, research and community engagement efforts. From 2005 to 2007 Malten served as the first sustainability coordinator at the University of Illinois. Prior to that, he worked as the first Mark Ginsberg Sustainability Fellow with the U.S. Green Building Council. From 1998 to 2004, Malten was a senior environmental specialist with Wisconsin Energy Corporation where he also studied as an inaugural Kinship Conservation Institute Fellow with the Property and Environment Research Center in Bozeman, Montana. Malten has also worked as an environmental scientist with Duke Energy Corporation and IBM&rsquo;s Engineering Center for Environmentally Conscious Products. Malten is a LEED Accredited Professional and earned his bachelors degree in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois and a masters of environmental management in environmental economics and policy from Duke University.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;Member<br />$30.00<br />&nbsp;Nonmember<br />$40.00<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; View Event Summary <br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;RSVPWednesday, February 4, 2009<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p>\";}'),(1125,418,10,2,1233567536,'a:31:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"418\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-01 10:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:39:\"Sustainability in Today\\\'s Market Place\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"sustainability_in_todays_market_place\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:39:\"Sustainability in Today\\\'s Market Place\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:268:\"Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today’s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, “sustainabilityâ€.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Sustainability, panel, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:68:\"Schlafly Tap Room Eliot Room 2100 Locust Street St. Louis,  MO 63103\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 11:30 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:65:\"Networking 11:30 AM  - 12:00 PM Lunch  Program 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:6246:\"<p>Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today&rsquo;s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, &ldquo;sustainability&rdquo;. Discussions will include, implemented initiatives undertaken at Washington University, sustainable design&nbsp; construction practices, as well as sustainable developments in the market place.<br /><br />This is a great opportunity to network with local SMPS members and learn more from our panel of experts.<br /><br />Submit your questions when you register to make sure you get the answers you&rsquo;re looking for!<br /><br /><a href=\\\"&lt;http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,P1,5BF50CE9-768F-4866-AD1C-E8F53EA2E9BC&gt; \\\">Register by clicking this link</a>. <br /><br />Moderated by <strong>Emily Andrews</strong>, USGBC<br /><br />Panelists include:<br /><br /><strong>Mathew Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br /><br /><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy Consultant</p>\n<p><strong>Christopher Hulse</strong>, LEED AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br /><br /><strong>EMILY ANDREWS</strong> <br />Executive Director of U.S. Green Building Council &ndash; St. Louis Regional Chapter<br />Emily Andrews is the executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council-St. Louis Regional Chapter. She joined USGBC-STL as their first full time staff person January 2006 and hit the ground running, stopping only to marvel that the interest in all things green continues to grow and grow and grow. Previously, Emily managed the St. Louis Community Air Project for the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO), an EPA-funded project promoting healthier air quality in the community. She has worked for non-profits her entire career, including a community gardening organization in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. <br /><br />Emily has a degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Latin American Studies from Grinnell College in Iowa. She currently serves on the board of the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group. As a native St. Louisan, Emily is sure that she probably knows someone that you know. Emily lives in South St. Louis where she&nbsp; her husband implement as many green building upgrades in their nearly 90-year old home as is practical.</p>\n<p><strong>CHRIS HULSE</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br />Hulse has been active in the commercial real estate industry since 2002. In 2008 Chris was part of the founding team at Green Street Realty and Green Street Properties. The mission at Green Street is to develop LEED certified buildings on in fill sites and on third party tenant&nbsp; landlord representation. His role at Green Street is to identify potential redevelopment opportunities and to identify tenants in the market for those developments. Hulse is passionate about sustainability and its important role in the real estate market. Hulse believes that LEED buildings will play an important role in making the U.S. energy independent and the people that occupy them happier, more productive and healthier. Chris is a graduate of the University of Missouri &ndash;Columbia where he received his B.A. in History. Hulse is also a LEED accredited professional. In his spare time he enjoys racing his bike, reading about urban planning and the history of St Louis, and spending time with his Polish wife.</p>\n<p><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy<br />Lantham joined Vertegy in February 2008 and serves as Operations Specialist. He has been employed by Vertegy&rsquo;s parent company, Alberici, since 2004, working as a facility manager and he has nearly fifteen years experience in operations and facility management. His prior background experience includes serving as logistics manager at Ryder Integrated Logistics, where he was in charge of the company&rsquo;s standard operating procedures, facilities management and safety administration. In his position with Vertegy, Lantham provides support to the project teams to ensure compliance with sustainable design and construction practices for each client and he also assists in business development and acquisition efforts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in architecture from Drury University. He is a member of the St. Louis Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and is a LEED Accredited Professional.</p>\n<p><strong>Matthew B. Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED&reg; AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br />Matt Malten was appointed the first assistant vice chancellor for sustainability at Washington University in St. Louis in July 2007. As the campus sustainability officer, Malten provides the vision, organizational strategy and focus for advancing operational sustainability efforts and coordinates those efforts with related academic, research and community engagement efforts. From 2005 to 2007 Malten served as the first sustainability coordinator at the University of Illinois. Prior to that, he worked as the first Mark Ginsberg Sustainability Fellow with the U.S. Green Building Council. From 1998 to 2004, Malten was a senior environmental specialist with Wisconsin Energy Corporation where he also studied as an inaugural Kinship Conservation Institute Fellow with the Property and Environment Research Center in Bozeman, Montana. Malten has also worked as an environmental scientist with Duke Energy Corporation and IBM&rsquo;s Engineering Center for Environmentally Conscious Products. Malten is a LEED Accredited Professional and earned his bachelors degree in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois and a masters of environmental management in environmental economics and policy from Duke University.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;Member<br />$30.00<br />&nbsp;Nonmember<br />$40.00<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; View Event Summary <br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;RSVPWednesday, February 4, 2009<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p>\";}'),(1126,419,1,1,1233567561,'a:21:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-04-15 10:01 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:9:\"pages_uri\";s:19:\"/example/pages/uri/\";s:17:\"pages_template_id\";s:2:\"22\";s:5:\"title\";s:29:\"Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:20:\"newsletter_subscribe\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_4\";s:29:\"Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter\";s:10:\"field_ft_4\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_2\";s:663:\"<p>Thank you for your interest in the St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate e-newsletter. By completing the form below, you will be subscribed to our weekly e-newsletter and occasional special announcements. St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate is committed to protecting your privacy. Your e-mail address\nnot be disclosed, added to a mailing list, or used for any other\npurpose without your consent.</p>\n<p><strong>*Note: To make sure you receive the St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</strong><strong> e-newsletter, please add the domain \\\"stlouiscnr.com\\\" to your your spam catcher\\\'s \\\"white list\\\" or allowed senders.</strong></p>\";s:10:\"field_id_1\";s:84:\"<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate e-newsletter subscription form.</p>\";}'),(1127,418,10,2,1233567581,'a:31:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"418\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-01 10:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:39:\"Sustainability in Today\\\'s Market Place\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"sustainability_in_todays_market_place\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:39:\"Sustainability in Today\\\'s Market Place\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:268:\"Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today’s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, “sustainabilityâ€.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Sustainability, panel, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:70:\"Schlafly Tap Room Eliot Room, 2100 Locust Street, St. Louis,  MO 63103\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 11:30 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:65:\"Networking 11:30 AM  - 12:00 PM Lunch  Program 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:6246:\"<p>Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today&rsquo;s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, &ldquo;sustainability&rdquo;. Discussions will include, implemented initiatives undertaken at Washington University, sustainable design&nbsp; construction practices, as well as sustainable developments in the market place.<br /><br />This is a great opportunity to network with local SMPS members and learn more from our panel of experts.<br /><br />Submit your questions when you register to make sure you get the answers you&rsquo;re looking for!<br /><br /><a href=\\\"&lt;http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,P1,5BF50CE9-768F-4866-AD1C-E8F53EA2E9BC&gt; \\\">Register by clicking this link</a>. <br /><br />Moderated by <strong>Emily Andrews</strong>, USGBC<br /><br />Panelists include:<br /><br /><strong>Mathew Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br /><br /><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy Consultant</p>\n<p><strong>Christopher Hulse</strong>, LEED AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br /><br /><strong>EMILY ANDREWS</strong> <br />Executive Director of U.S. Green Building Council &ndash; St. Louis Regional Chapter<br />Emily Andrews is the executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council-St. Louis Regional Chapter. She joined USGBC-STL as their first full time staff person January 2006 and hit the ground running, stopping only to marvel that the interest in all things green continues to grow and grow and grow. Previously, Emily managed the St. Louis Community Air Project for the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO), an EPA-funded project promoting healthier air quality in the community. She has worked for non-profits her entire career, including a community gardening organization in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. <br /><br />Emily has a degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Latin American Studies from Grinnell College in Iowa. She currently serves on the board of the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group. As a native St. Louisan, Emily is sure that she probably knows someone that you know. Emily lives in South St. Louis where she&nbsp; her husband implement as many green building upgrades in their nearly 90-year old home as is practical.</p>\n<p><strong>CHRIS HULSE</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br />Hulse has been active in the commercial real estate industry since 2002. In 2008 Chris was part of the founding team at Green Street Realty and Green Street Properties. The mission at Green Street is to develop LEED certified buildings on in fill sites and on third party tenant&nbsp; landlord representation. His role at Green Street is to identify potential redevelopment opportunities and to identify tenants in the market for those developments. Hulse is passionate about sustainability and its important role in the real estate market. Hulse believes that LEED buildings will play an important role in making the U.S. energy independent and the people that occupy them happier, more productive and healthier. Chris is a graduate of the University of Missouri &ndash;Columbia where he received his B.A. in History. Hulse is also a LEED accredited professional. In his spare time he enjoys racing his bike, reading about urban planning and the history of St Louis, and spending time with his Polish wife.</p>\n<p><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy<br />Lantham joined Vertegy in February 2008 and serves as Operations Specialist. He has been employed by Vertegy&rsquo;s parent company, Alberici, since 2004, working as a facility manager and he has nearly fifteen years experience in operations and facility management. His prior background experience includes serving as logistics manager at Ryder Integrated Logistics, where he was in charge of the company&rsquo;s standard operating procedures, facilities management and safety administration. In his position with Vertegy, Lantham provides support to the project teams to ensure compliance with sustainable design and construction practices for each client and he also assists in business development and acquisition efforts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in architecture from Drury University. He is a member of the St. Louis Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and is a LEED Accredited Professional.</p>\n<p><strong>Matthew B. Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED&reg; AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br />Matt Malten was appointed the first assistant vice chancellor for sustainability at Washington University in St. Louis in July 2007. As the campus sustainability officer, Malten provides the vision, organizational strategy and focus for advancing operational sustainability efforts and coordinates those efforts with related academic, research and community engagement efforts. From 2005 to 2007 Malten served as the first sustainability coordinator at the University of Illinois. Prior to that, he worked as the first Mark Ginsberg Sustainability Fellow with the U.S. Green Building Council. From 1998 to 2004, Malten was a senior environmental specialist with Wisconsin Energy Corporation where he also studied as an inaugural Kinship Conservation Institute Fellow with the Property and Environment Research Center in Bozeman, Montana. Malten has also worked as an environmental scientist with Duke Energy Corporation and IBM&rsquo;s Engineering Center for Environmentally Conscious Products. Malten is a LEED Accredited Professional and earned his bachelors degree in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois and a masters of environmental management in environmental economics and policy from Duke University.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;Member<br />$30.00<br />&nbsp;Nonmember<br />$40.00<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; View Event Summary <br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;RSVPWednesday, February 4, 2009<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p>\";}'),(1128,419,1,1,1233567778,'a:21:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"419\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-04-15 10:01 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:9:\"pages_uri\";s:19:\"/example/pages/uri/\";s:17:\"pages_template_id\";s:2:\"22\";s:5:\"title\";s:29:\"Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:20:\"newsletter_subscribe\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_4\";s:29:\"Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter\";s:10:\"field_ft_4\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_2\";s:670:\"<p>Thank you for your interest in the St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate e-newsletter. By completing the form below, you will be subscribed to our weekly e-newsletter and occasional special announcements.</p>\n<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate is committed to protecting your privacy. Your e-mail address\nnot be disclosed, added to a mailing list, or used for any other\npurpose without your consent.</p>\n<p><strong>*Note: To make sure you receive the St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</strong><strong> e-newsletter, please add the domain \\\"stlouiscnr.com\\\" to your your spam catcher\\\'s \\\"white list\\\" or allowed senders.</strong></p>\";s:10:\"field_id_1\";s:84:\"<p>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate e-newsletter subscription form.</p>\";}'),(1129,420,1,1,1233568038,'a:21:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"1\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2008-04-15 10:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:9:\"pages_uri\";s:19:\"/example/pages/uri/\";s:17:\"pages_template_id\";s:2:\"22\";s:5:\"title\";s:25:\"Thank you for subscribing\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:25:\"thank_you_for_subscribing\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_4\";s:25:\"Thank You for Subscribing\";s:10:\"field_ft_4\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_2\";s:97:\"<p>Thank you for subscribing to the St. Louis Construction News and Real Estate e-newsletter.</p>\";s:10:\"field_id_1\";s:0:\"\";}'),(1130,413,4,2,1233611773,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"413\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:42 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Labor Relations Event Here Focuses on Economy\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:39:\"labor_relations_here_focuses_on_economy\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:39:\"Labor Relations Here Focuses on Economy\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:429:\"The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on February 24, 2009, \\\"Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions.\\\"  Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:31:\"labor conference, LERA, program\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2664:\"<p>The Gateway Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association (LERA) will host a half-day program on Feb. 24, \\\"Economic Shockwaves: Impact on Employers and Unions.\\\"&nbsp; Presenters will address how the fundamental changes in the structure and performance of our economy is affecting labor-management relations and the impact of the bailouts, stock market collapse and housing foreclosures upon labor negotiations.<br /><br />Dr. John Navin, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, will present an economic overview describing events that led to our current situation and what he believes is needed for recovery.&nbsp; Nationally recognized speakers will compose the panel addressing the economics of bargaining and critical issues and trends: <strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Tom Schneider, CEO/ founder, Restructuring Associates, Inc. in Washington, DC.</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp; Dr. Schneider was the design and implementation consultant for the first unionized high performance work system in North America, the first joint union-management strategic visioning process, and the largest labor-management partnership in history.<br />&nbsp;<strong><br />Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld, University of Illinois, School of Labor and Employment Relations and president-elect of LERA. </strong>He is the author of five books and over eighty articles, book chapters and policy monographs that address new work systems, labor-management relations, negotiations, conflict resolution, organizational learning and change, and public policy. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Steve Sleigh, principal, Yucaipa Companies and former director, Strategic Resources, Machinists Union.</strong> Dr. Sleigh is a past president of the Industrial Relations Research Association. Previously, he was the Research Director for the Teamsters Union and Deputy Director of the Center for Labor-Management Policy Studies at the City University of New York. He is the author of two books and numerous articles and policy reports.<br /><br />The conference, which is open to the public, will be held at Genesis Banquet Center, 2651 Telegraph Rd. in South County.&nbsp; Admission is free for co-sponsor members and $50 for nonmembers.&nbsp; The registration deadline for the conference is Feb. 18th.&nbsp; Registration for the conference is available by phone, fax, email or mail.&nbsp; The conference brochure and registration form may be downloaded from the LERA website:&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\\\"http://www.lera-gateway.org\\\">www.lera-gateway.org</a>.&nbsp; For registration information, call 618.259.7011 or email <a href=\\\"mailto:athomason@district9.org\\\">athomason@district9.org</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1131,415,4,2,1233613735,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"415\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 10:04 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"37\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:59:\"Kwame Provides Technical Assistance for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:57:\"kwame_provides_technical_assistance_for_johnsons_shut_ins\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:59:\"Kwame Provides Technical Assistance for Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:221:\"Kwame Building Group, Inc.  (KWAME) has been selected to provide construction management services for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on the redevelopment of Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Kwame, Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:918:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.kwamebuildinggroup.com\\\">Kwame Building Group, Inc.</a>&nbsp; (KWAME) has been selected to provide construction management services for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources on the redevelopment of Johnson\\\'s Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County. <br />&nbsp;<br />The park was damaged by the breach of the Taum Sauk Reservoir in December 2005. Following cleanup and the planning and design process, redevelopment began in 2008. The designer and builder is MACTEC, an engineering, environmental and remedial construction firm from Atlanta, GA. <br />&nbsp;<br />KWAME has been selected to provide technical assistance to the department by monitoring the reconstruction progress and providing reviews of the architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection and civil engineering drawings and specifications for construction compliance. <br />&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"37\";}'),(1132,418,10,2,1233904614,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"418\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-01 10:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:39:\"Sustainability in Today\\\'s Market Place\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"sustainability_in_todays_market_place\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:39:\"Sustainability in Today\\\'s Market Place\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:268:\"Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today’s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, “sustainabilityâ€.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Sustainability, panel, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:70:\"Schlafly Tap Room Eliot Room, 2100 Locust Street, St. Louis,  MO 63103\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 11:30 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:65:\"Networking 11:30 AM  - 12:00 PM Lunch  Program 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:6246:\"<p>Join SMPS St. Louis and our panel of experts on February 11th for a discussion on sustainability in today&rsquo;s marketplace. One way to respond to dramatic changes in the market place is to adhere to principles that keep you focused on an end goal, &ldquo;sustainability&rdquo;. Discussions will include, implemented initiatives undertaken at Washington University, sustainable design&nbsp; construction practices, as well as sustainable developments in the market place.<br /><br />This is a great opportunity to network with local SMPS members and learn more from our panel of experts.<br /><br />Submit your questions when you register to make sure you get the answers you&rsquo;re looking for!<br /><br /><a href=\\\"&lt;http://guest.cvent.com/i.aspx?5S,P1,5BF50CE9-768F-4866-AD1C-E8F53EA2E9BC&gt; \\\">Register by clicking this link</a>. <br /><br />Moderated by <strong>Emily Andrews</strong>, USGBC<br /><br />Panelists include:<br /><br /><strong>Mathew Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br /><br /><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy Consultant</p>\n<p><strong>Christopher Hulse</strong>, LEED AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br /><br /><strong>EMILY ANDREWS</strong> <br />Executive Director of U.S. Green Building Council &ndash; St. Louis Regional Chapter<br />Emily Andrews is the executive director of the U.S. Green Building Council-St. Louis Regional Chapter. She joined USGBC-STL as their first full time staff person January 2006 and hit the ground running, stopping only to marvel that the interest in all things green continues to grow and grow and grow. Previously, Emily managed the St. Louis Community Air Project for the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO), an EPA-funded project promoting healthier air quality in the community. She has worked for non-profits her entire career, including a community gardening organization in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. <br /><br />Emily has a degree in Anthropology with a concentration in Latin American Studies from Grinnell College in Iowa. She currently serves on the board of the Old North St. Louis Restoration Group. As a native St. Louisan, Emily is sure that she probably knows someone that you know. Emily lives in South St. Louis where she&nbsp; her husband implement as many green building upgrades in their nearly 90-year old home as is practical.</p>\n<p><strong>CHRIS HULSE</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Vice President, Green Street Properties<br />Hulse has been active in the commercial real estate industry since 2002. In 2008 Chris was part of the founding team at Green Street Realty and Green Street Properties. The mission at Green Street is to develop LEED certified buildings on in fill sites and on third party tenant&nbsp; landlord representation. His role at Green Street is to identify potential redevelopment opportunities and to identify tenants in the market for those developments. Hulse is passionate about sustainability and its important role in the real estate market. Hulse believes that LEED buildings will play an important role in making the U.S. energy independent and the people that occupy them happier, more productive and healthier. Chris is a graduate of the University of Missouri &ndash;Columbia where he received his B.A. in History. Hulse is also a LEED accredited professional. In his spare time he enjoys racing his bike, reading about urban planning and the history of St Louis, and spending time with his Polish wife.</p>\n<p><strong>Grant Lanham</strong>, LEED&reg; AP<br />Operations Specialist, Vertegy<br />Lantham joined Vertegy in February 2008 and serves as Operations Specialist. He has been employed by Vertegy&rsquo;s parent company, Alberici, since 2004, working as a facility manager and he has nearly fifteen years experience in operations and facility management. His prior background experience includes serving as logistics manager at Ryder Integrated Logistics, where he was in charge of the company&rsquo;s standard operating procedures, facilities management and safety administration. In his position with Vertegy, Lantham provides support to the project teams to ensure compliance with sustainable design and construction practices for each client and he also assists in business development and acquisition efforts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with an emphasis in architecture from Drury University. He is a member of the St. Louis Regional Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and is a LEED Accredited Professional.</p>\n<p><strong>Matthew B. Malten</strong>, MEM, LEED&reg; AP<br />Asst. Vice Chancellor for Sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis<br />Matt Malten was appointed the first assistant vice chancellor for sustainability at Washington University in St. Louis in July 2007. As the campus sustainability officer, Malten provides the vision, organizational strategy and focus for advancing operational sustainability efforts and coordinates those efforts with related academic, research and community engagement efforts. From 2005 to 2007 Malten served as the first sustainability coordinator at the University of Illinois. Prior to that, he worked as the first Mark Ginsberg Sustainability Fellow with the U.S. Green Building Council. From 1998 to 2004, Malten was a senior environmental specialist with Wisconsin Energy Corporation where he also studied as an inaugural Kinship Conservation Institute Fellow with the Property and Environment Research Center in Bozeman, Montana. Malten has also worked as an environmental scientist with Duke Energy Corporation and IBM&rsquo;s Engineering Center for Environmentally Conscious Products. Malten is a LEED Accredited Professional and earned his bachelors degree in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois and a masters of environmental management in environmental economics and policy from Duke University.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;Member<br />$30.00<br />&nbsp;Nonmember<br />$40.00<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; View Event Summary <br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;RSVPWednesday, February 4, 2009<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1499,541,2,2,1241280256,'a:28:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-05-02 06:00 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes  for Bucks\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:55:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes  for Bucks\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:55:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes  for Bucks\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:199:\"Urban and rural interests continue to be at loggerheads, as traditional road building supporters vie with advocates of rail, bus, bike greenways and other modes of transportation for scarce dollars. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:48:\"transportation, Missouri Transportation Alliance\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:12948:\"<p>Missouri&rsquo;s Great Transportation Debate entered Round Two recently with\nMissouri Transportation Alliance spokesman Jewel Patek saying that the\nchallenges of arriving at a consensus plan for transportation were\ngreater in urban areas. As if to illustrate that point, the two\ndistrict chairpeople of the Missouri Transportation Alliance found\ntheir call for better roads fall a little flat when they brought it to\nSt. Louis in March. A cross section of citizens representing everyone\nfrom service workers to CEOs responded that transportation means more\nthan roads and a transportation plan is more than a list of projects.<br /><br />The\nMissouri Transportation Alliance was founded last autumn to develop and\nrecommend a statewide transportation program for the next decade to\nenhance road safety, replace failing bridges, grow the economy, and\ncreate &ldquo;quality&rdquo; jobs. It was founded because the road construction\nmade possible by voter approval of Amendment 3 in 2004 is coming to an\nend and new funding must be found to continue the same level of highway\nwork. Construction groups, such as the Associated General Contractors,\nSITE Improvement Association, the Eastern Missouri Laborers&rsquo; District\nCouncil, and the St. Louis Building &amp; Construction Trades Council\nare among the group&rsquo;s core &ldquo;stakeholders.&rdquo;<br /><br />The Missouri\nTransportation Alliance was founded just in time to face the recession\nand get caught in the crossfire of a dispute over the spending of extra\nfederal highway money made available by the &ldquo;stimulus&rdquo; act &ndash; the\nAmerican Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. So, when Bill McKenna\nand Susan Stauder opened up the transportation alliance&rsquo;s second round\nof public hearings with a meeting in the student government chambers at\nthe University of Missouri-St. Louis, they encountered some push back.<br /><br />At\na meeting in the Student Government Chamber at the University of\nMissouri &ndash; St. Louis on St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day, McKenna and Stauder\ndisplayed maps showing how little road construction is planned for the\nMissouri Department of Transportation&rsquo;s (MoDOT) District 6 in the\n2009-2013 period compared to how much construction took place from\n1999-2008. District 6 consists of St. Louis city and county, and St.\nCharles, Jefferson, and Franklin counties. <br /><br />McKenna also\ndisplayed graphics showing how much truck traffic has increased on\nroads in the state in the last ten years, and said Missouri could\nbecome a regional distribution hub if the state could maintain and\nimprove its roads. According to McKenna, Missouri is within a 10-hour\ndrive of half of the country\\\'s population. With improvements to the\nstate\\\'s highway system, river ports and railways, &ldquo;it could become the\nnation\\\'s premier central distribution point and bring tens of thousands\nof additional jobs to the state,&rdquo; he said. But if Missouri does not\ninvest more in its infrastructure, it could lose the competitive battle\nfor distribution center jobs to Kansas or Illinois, he added.<br /><br />Many\npeople in the audience of about 55 expressed more interest in moving\npeople than in moving products, however, and they expressed more\ninterest in alternatives to the use of private autos on public roads\nthan they did in building more roads.<br /><br />Garry Earls, chief\noperating officer of St. Louis County, said the county&rsquo;s top goal is\nexpanding the region&rsquo;s light rail system, MetroLink. Representatives of\nthe Service Employees International Union said bus service is crucial.\nBob Baer, president and CEO of Metro, said his agency wants money to\noperate buses and the light rail system.<br /><br />&nbsp;&ldquo;We should be talking\nabout growth goals and revitalizing the built cores,&rdquo; said Thomas\nShrout, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. &ldquo;We need\ndensity at transit stops. Your report has to include how zoning and\nlaws have to encourage that vision. A bridge in Tuscumbia is not part\nof a vision. It is just a project,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Bicycle enthusiasts\nalso criticized the highway department for focusing only on cars and\ncalled for incorporating bicycle lanes in highway and bridge designs.<br /><br />But\nthe torrent of demands also raised concerns about cost. &ldquo;The cost of\nroad transportation is tremendous. Then add in mass transit, ports, and\nrailroads and the tax needed to fund it all is exorbitant. How will you\ndecide what is to be included,&rdquo; asked Steve Hoven, corporate vice\npresident &ndash; public affairs of SSM Health Care?<br /><br />But Bill McKenna,\nstatewide chairman and District 6 co-chair of the Missouri\nTransportation Alliance is an old hand at dealing with those sorts of\nquestions and controversies. As chairman of the Missouri Highway and\nTransportation Commission, he faced tugs-of-war every time funding came\nup, said Tom Stevener, vice president of business development at Horner\n&amp; Shifrin, Inc. &ldquo;There is always contention over how much money\ngoes to rural areas and how much goes to urban areas,&rdquo; Stevener said.\n&ldquo;Outstate people always feel they are getting the short end of the\nstick and mobilize behind the Farm Bureau to get more,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Patek\nis familiar with those controversies, too. In 2004, he successfully\nmanaged a campaign to amendment the Missouri Constitution to dedicate\nall state motor fuel taxes and vehicle user fees to roads and bridges,\neffectively taking about $130 million out of the general fund and\nredirecting it to road construction and maintenance. The promise of\nAmendment 3, as it was called, was that the money would be used to make\nroads safer and smoother and to fix failing bridges. The\nnewly-dedicated tax stream leveraged bonds that financed a $1.7 billion\ngusher of projects that quickly raised that quality of Missouri&rsquo;s state\nroads from among the worst in the nation to among the best, and also\nreduced traffic deaths, but little of the money was directed towards\nfixing failing bridges. All the bond money will have been spent by the\nend of this year, however, and Amendment 3 revenue will be unavailable\nfor any new projects for many more years to come as it is dedicated to\npaying off that bond. It is the exhaustion of the Amendment 3 bond that\nprompted the formation of the Missouri Transportation Alliance.<br /><br />Listening\nto county and municipal agencies and finding compromises between local\nagencies and a common ground on which to erect a transportation plan is\nthe task that McKenna and the transportation alliance have set for\nthemselves. McKenna displayed the skills that will help him do that at\nthe meeting at the University of Missouri &ndash; St. Louis. Over the course\nof the forum, it became clear that there was broad and deep support for\nmass transit among the St. Louis attendees. <br /><br />Susan Stauder,\nco-chair of District 6 and vice president - infrastructure and public\npolicy for the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association\n(RCGA), expressed that support when she said, &ldquo;There is a very great\nneed to look at mass transportation. It is one of the things we need in\nour toolbox to get people around&hellip;We have a very successful mass transit\nsystem, but we&rsquo;re losing about 1/3 of the service at the end of the\nmonth. We need to fix it. It is a real jewel. We need to preserve and\nexpand it.&rdquo;<br /><br />McKenna first explained that the Missouri Department\nof Transportation and the Missouri Highway and Transportation\nCommission, despite their names, cannot fund transit. &ldquo;The problem with\nthe existing system is that the transportation department is funded\nlike a highway department: taxes go into a road fund and the\nconstitution says that money cannot be used for anything but roads and\nbridges,&rdquo; McKenna said.<br /><br />When Earls pushed back, saying that if\nthe purpose of the forum was to find out what were local priorities for\ntransportation, then St. Louis County&rsquo;s priority is expanding Metrolink\nto double revenue miles and reach 95 percent of the county&rsquo;s\npopulation. McKenna shot back: &ldquo;It has to be something that is saleable\nstatewide.&rdquo;<br /><br />But after several more speakers weighed in to back\nMetrolink, McKenna accepted that for metro St. Louis, transit has to be\npart of a statewide transportation plan. &ldquo;Obviously, mass transit is\nimportant to St. Louis. That is a sea change. We&rsquo;ve never had state\nfunding for mass transit before,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; <br /><br />St. Louis&rsquo;s\ncommitment to a multimodal transportation system is more than just\nverbal. A multimodal system does not just include mass transit as an\noption, but it also provides connections between different types of\ntransportation. The Gateway Transportation Center, which opened in\nNovember 2008, is an example of that commitment. The project was funded\nby federal, state and local government agencies, with participation\nfrom Amtrak, Greyhound and MetroLink. Construction on the project began\nin 2006 with construction of a MetroBus station at 14th and Spruce\nStreets that links MetroLink riders to the downtown bus system and vice\nversa. That was followed by the construction of a 37,000-square-foot\nMultimodal Center at 15th and Spruce Streets. <br /><br />The Multimodal\nCenter houses Amtrak train and Greyhound bus operations, a food court\nand concourse linkage between Greyhound, Amtrak and MetroLink. Don\nKoppy, vice president and director of architecture at KAI Design &amp;\nBuild, said the $27 million Multimodal Center was designed and built\nwith an eye on the future. Koppy, who began working with an earlier\ndesign of the project in 1996, said that Amtrak&rsquo;s current service does\nnot justify the expense of connecting it to the Multimodal Center, &ldquo;but\nthe city decided to put infrastructure in place for when commuter rail\ncomes into the city, and commuter rail makes sense if people are going\nto go out to the exurbs. So it was planned for long term.&rdquo; <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Transportation Debate\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/transport_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />&ldquo;We\ninvested in a multimodal system,&rdquo; Koppy said. &ldquo;The Multimodal Center is\nat a centralized location and from there you can go to the airport or\nget on a train, a bus, or a cab, and in the future you will be able to\nget on commuter rail. I don&rsquo;t know what else we could have, except we\ndon&rsquo;t have bikes,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Joining KAI on the project were:\nK&amp;S Associates as the general contractor, Jacobs Civil Engineering,\nlandscape architect SWT Design Inc., and St. Louis-based Kiku Obata\n&amp; Company. <br /><br />Transit is important in many areas of the\nstate, not just St. Louis, Stevener said. &ldquo;Kansas City operates a bus\nsystem and they have the same problems we do,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Places like\nCape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, Columbia and Jefferson City also\nhave transit systems. There are a lot of OATS (Older Adult\nTransportation Service) systems out-state, and in southeast Missouri\nthere is MTS based in Fredericksburg. There are more and more folks out\nthere who are becoming dependent on transit of some form or other, if\njust because people are getting older. I think there is demand even\nout-state for something more than roads and bridges,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I\nthink the guys at the state understand that. For years I&rsquo;ve heard the\ncommission (Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission) talk about\ntotal transportation, now called multimodal, but the difficulty is\nwhere the money comes from. Most funding comes from fuel tax and it is\ndedicated by the constitution to roads and bridges, so they can&rsquo;t spend\nit on anything else,&rdquo; he added. And when it comes to going to the\nlegislature for funding from general revenue, &ldquo;you&rsquo;re in competition\nwith everything else. That is real fisticuffs,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Finding\na plan that has broad support throughout the state is just the first\npart of the process. The second part if figuring out to fund it to\navoid fisticuffs in the general assembly.<br /><br />&ldquo;The motor fuel tax is\nprobably the silliest way to collect a tax there has ever been, because\nit can&rsquo;t keep up with inflation,&rdquo; Stevener said. &ldquo;If you apply an\ninflation factor of three percent a year, we&rsquo;re collecting the same\namount of money now as when we first put in a tax in the 1920s to go\nfrom dirt roads to macadam.<br /><br />&ldquo;We have to do away with this\narchaic motor fuel tax and go to something more universally based, and\nget away from a dedication to roads and bridges make funding available\nfor all transportation. Lots and lots of other states do that as normal\nbusiness,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1213,444,4,2,1235120063,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-19 09:33 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"41\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"Three Energy/Sustainability Firms Form Consortium\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"three_energy_sustainability_firms_form_consortium\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Three Energy/Sustainability Firms Form Consortium\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:96:\"Three established players in the sustainablilty/energy efficiency field have formed a consortium\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:78:\"Salian, Architectural Design Guild, Energy Solutions, EDG, Energy Design Group\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2834:\"<p>Energy Design Group (EDG) was recently formed in response to the growing demand for energy efficient buildings. The group is a consortium of firms made up of Architectural Design Guild, Energy Solutions, Inc. and Salian Commercial, LLC.</p>\n<p>Architectural Design Guild has LEED accredited professionals in the areas of architecture, mechanical/electrical/plumbing engineering and interior design. Their role on the team is to provide a range of services from design to construction administration. By integrating engineering with architectural functions inhouse, there are fewer discrepancies and the work can be performed in less time and with less cost.</p>\n<p>Energy Solutions started doing energy work in the mid 1970&rsquo;s.&nbsp; The firm performs energy audits and analysis to make sure that clients achieve maximum energy savings and return on investment. They approach each project as a unique set of circumstances and take a comprehensive view of what energy conservation measures can be best employed to accomplish our client&rsquo;s goals.</p>\n<p>Salian provides construction management, LEED consulting, and cost estimating services. They work as part of the EDG team to implement the retrofit of existing facilities and build out new construction in an environmentally responsible manner.</p>\n<p>\\\"In the United States, 48% of energy and 76% of electricity is used by buildings. Energy Star estimates that at least 30% of that is wasted or not used efficiently,\\\" Karen Duree, LEED AP,&nbsp; sustainable construction manager for Salian, said.&nbsp; \\\"EDG will familiarize clients with the process of implementing energy conservation measures in existing and new facilities.</p>\n<p>\\\"Energy Design Group can work with building owners to accomplish this goal with zero impact to the existing budget,\\\" she stated. What EDG is offering is similar to an Energy Service Company (ESCO) in the services they provide. However, Duree explained, Energy Design Group is more appropriately called an ESCO-OP or Energy Service Cooperative.</p>\n<p>\\\"A main difference between EDG and an ESCO is that we don&rsquo;t limit our clients to just energy savings projects. With money saved from reduced energy use, and with \\\'net zero\\\' financing options, companies can invest in other infrastructure improvements. There are opportunities for governmental agencies and private facility owners to build and operate more sustainable or LEED certified buildings. Besides reducing your carbon footprint and saving energy costs, clients can create a healthier and more productive environment for their staff,\\\" Duree said.</p>\n<p>For additional information on EDG or their offerings, please contact Karen Duree, Salian Commercial, LLC,<br />telephone 314-524-5846, or email at <a href=\\\"mailto:kduree@salian.com\\\">kduree@salian.com</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"41\";}'),(1147,421,5,2,1233907771,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 09:02 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"13\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:29:\"Cutting Office Rent Overhead \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"cutting_office_rent_overhead\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:29:\"Cutting Office Rent Overhead \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:282:\"Every company is feeling the effects of this current economic cycle and every prudent business leader is reviewing budgets to find potential savings. What about looking at your office rent expense? If you’re willing to be flexible, you might be surprised to see some real savings.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:24:\"sublease, office expense\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3290:\"<p><br /><em>by David Morris, CCIM, SIOR<br /></em><br />Every company is feeling the effects of this current economic cycle and every prudent business leader is reviewing budgets to find potential savings. What about looking at your office rent expense? If you&rsquo;re willing to be flexible, you might be surprised to see some real savings.<br />&nbsp;<br />To illustrate this further, the charts below compare rent payments for a 5,000 SF office tenant considering a three year term across three popular submarkets. The rental rates used in this example are the Average Asking Rents for Class A, B and sublease* spaces according to Grubb &amp; Ellis|Gundaker Commercial&rsquo;s Research Department.<br /><img alt=\\\"Office Rental Chart\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"511\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/rental-charts.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"542\\\" /><br /><br /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Flexibility</strong><br />If a company can be flexible for the purpose of achieving optimal savings, there could be some significant savings. For example, according to these charts, a company occupying 5,000 SF of office space in a Class A office building in Clayton with the flexibility to relocate to a sublease space in Downtown would have a savings of $166,800 over three years. Even factoring in moving costs, these are still some real savings.<br />&nbsp;<br />In shorter term leases (terms less than 3 years), don&rsquo;t expect to get much (or any) tenant finish dollars from the landlord and sublessors rarely offer any. Being flexible to lease a space &ldquo;as-is&rdquo; is key to getting your best deal. Not reflected in the savings above is your company&rsquo;s ability to occupy less space. If you&rsquo;re feeling the economic pinch, chances are you can shed a few square feet as well, which would result in even greater savings.<br /><br /><strong>Sublease</strong><br />It is widely believed that the St. Louis office market will see a great deal of companies of all sizes closing their doors and offering their space for sublease. Many of these are great opportunities for tenants looking to:<br />&bull; Save money on rent<br />&bull; Move up in quality of space without paying more in rent<br />&bull; Walk into turn-key spaces which frequently include the existing furniture<br />&nbsp;<br />There are some precautions about subletting space (see reference to article below) but if you get around those issues, it can turn out very well and allow you to weather this storm. There are other related articles and research on my website,<br />www.Morris-CommercialSource.com &lt;http://www.Morris-CommercialSource.com&gt; .<br />&nbsp;<br />&bull; &ldquo;Got too much Space? Sublease It&rdquo;<br />&bull; &ldquo;A Tenant&rsquo;s Guide to Restructuring a Lease&rdquo;<br />&bull; &ldquo;Tips and Techniques for Office Leasing&rdquo;<br />&bull; 2009 St. Louis Office Market Report<br /><em>&nbsp;<br />David Morris is senior vice president of Grubb &amp; Ellis|Gundaker Commercial. He can be reached at 314.719.2050 or dmorris@gundakercommercial.com.</em></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"13\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1881,689,4,4,1255455372,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-10-13 07:20 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"71\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Video: AGC Gives Consumers Chance to Recycle Materials \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"video_agc_gives_consumers_chance_to_recycle_materials\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Video: AGC Gives Consumers Chance to Recycle Materials \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:195:\"The Associated General Contractors of St. Louis have decided to be proactive in driving home the message of sustainable construction to the consumer level by enlisting homeowners in the practice.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Recycle, Reuse, AGC, event\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2092:\"<p>The Associated General Contractors of St. Louis have decided to be proactive in driving home the message of sustainable construction to the consumer level by enlisting homeowners in the practice.</p>\n<h4><a href=\\\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHEUjUuhM7o\\\"><img alt=\\\"Honey\\\'s Birthday Surprise\\\" height=\\\"207\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/honey.jpg\\\" width=\\\"225\\\" /></a></h4>\n<h4>A young couple really gets into the spirit of Agc\\\'s recycle/reuse event in this promotional YouTube video. <br /></h4>\n<p>Sustainable construction practices are being used every day by AGC of St. Louis members in constructing St. Louis\\\' commercial and industrial facilities. The AGC wants to bring that sustainable practice to the general public by sponsoring the (AGC)2 event -<br />Associated General Contractors Advocating Green Construction\\\".</p>\n<p>\\\"Just as many construction firms have learned to recycle and reuse construction<br />materials, this event will allow homeowners from the region to recycle construction materials that they have previously not been able to recycle,\\\" an AGC release said.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The general public is invited to bring residential asphalt roofi ng shingles and untreated/unpainted drywall, lumber, brick and landscaping blocks to be recycled. ONLY these products listed will be accepted. Any materials not listed above are considered trash and disposal fees will apply.</p>\n<p>Only homeowners will be allowed to participate in this event. Normal customers of Peerless Resource Recovery, Inc. or commercial/residential contractors will not be permitted to dump. There is a one ton limit on recycled material accepted.</p>\n<p>Directions: From I-44, take the exit for Highway 141 north. At the fi rst stop<br />light turn west on Elam Ave. and immediately turn south on S. Elam Ave.<br />Peerless Resource Recovery, Inc. is located at the very end of S. Elam<br />Ave. about half a mile. Look for (AGC)2 event signs along the way.<br />Sponsored by AGC of St. Louis in conjunction with<br />AGC of St. Louis &bull; www.agcstl.org &bull; (314) 781-2356</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"71\";}'),(1150,422,2,2,1233908797,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 09:24 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"Holland/Dunn Begin $83 Million Saluki Sports Project \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:51:\"holland_dunn_begin_83_million_saluki_sports_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:52:\"Holland/Dunn Begin $83 Million Saluki Sports Project\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:165:\"Site development has begun on the $83 million expansion and renovation of athletic facilities at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) in Carbondale, IL.  \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:28:\"SIU-C, Dunn, Holland, sports\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2475:\"<p>Site development has begun on the $83 million expansion and\nrenovation of athletic facilities at Southern Illinois\nUniversity-Carbondale (SIU-C) in Carbondale, IL.&nbsp;&nbsp; A joint venture\ncomprised of Holland Construction Services of Swansea, Ill. and JE Dunn\nConstruction of Kansas City, Mo. is handling the project.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"SIU-C sports complex\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/siuc.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The\ntwin centerpieces of the multi-phase initiative are a new 12,000-seat\nfootball stadium with capacity for up to 15,000 fans and a renovated\nSaluki Arena, an 8,460-seat basketball venue.&nbsp; Both facilities are to\nbe completed in time to host the home-opening games of the 2010\nfootball and basketball seasons.</p>\n<p>The final major component\nis a 53,000-square-foot, two-story addition that will emanate from the\nnortheast face of Saluki Arena.&nbsp; Designed by 360 Architecture, the\n$11.5 million multi-purpose structure will serve as the new main\nentrance to the arena and host its ticket office, football and\nbasketball team facilities, an auditorium and administrative space.&nbsp;\nThe fa&ccedil;ade will combine brick veneer with a glass curtain wall. <br />The new, yet-to-be-named football stadium will replace McAndrew Stadium, built in 1939.</p>\n<p>Budgeted\nat $25.3 million, the 37,000-square-foot U-shaped facility designed by\nImage Architects, Inc., will have 12,000 fixed seats plus lawn seating\nand a lower concourse with concessions areas, restrooms and storage.&nbsp;\nIt will also feature a press box and club area with eight private,\nenclosed luxury suites.&nbsp; The field will be artificial grass turf.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The\n$29.9 million renovation to Saluki Arena, built in 1964, will include\nnew seating throughout, greatly improved accessibility with entrances\nthat comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new scoreboard,\nnew concession areas, additional restrooms and other fan amenities.&nbsp;\nThe renovation is being staged in two phases so that the 2009-10\nbasketball Salukis can compete in the venue as work proceeds.</p>\n<p>Funding\nfor the project is coming from public and private sources. The city of\nCarbondale has committed $20 million to it ($1 million over 20 years)\nwhile SIU-C has boosted student fees and launched a targeted\nfund-raising program. Revenues generated from the lease of the eight\nprivate suites will also be applied to debt service.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:24:\"/images/uploads/siuc.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1238,452,5,2,1235725805,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-26 10:02 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"11\";i:1;s:2:\"42\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:14:\"Hard Hat Zone \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"hard_hat_zone\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:13:\"Hard Hat Zone\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"4\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:544:\"Part of the annual Christmas ritual for my family is a game of “Rob Your Neighborâ€. The object of the game is to stick someone else with a particularly unattractive item that has been darkening a corner of  your closet. My six siblings, our many kids, and grandkids all get into the spirit. I once unloaded a plaster copy of Michelangelo’s nude statue “Davidâ€ – only to have it reappear for the next five years dressed in increasingly bizarre outfits.\n\nThis year was different for me: I actually WANTED the item I wound up getting. \";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:39:\"hard hat, stimulus, green, make it work\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:5491:\"<p>Part of the annual Christmas ritual for my family is a game of &ldquo;Rob Your Neighbor&rdquo;. The object of the game is to stick someone else with a particularly unattractive item that has been darkening a corner of&nbsp; your closet. My six siblings, our many kids, and grandkids all get into the spirit. I once unloaded a plaster copy of Michelangelo&rsquo;s nude statue &ldquo;David&rdquo; &ndash; only to have it reappear for the next five years dressed in increasingly bizarre outfits.<br /><br />This year was different for me: I actually WANTED the item I wound up getting. My youngest brother had brought an old hard hat.&nbsp; But it was a hard hat fraught with meaning for me. It has a Day-Glo orange band, an old PRIDE logo in the same orange hue, and &ndash; Scotch-taped to the side &ndash; the original logo for St. Louis CNR. It was my Dad&rsquo;s hard hat, the same one that he wore for many years in the &ldquo;Perspective&rdquo; column that he wrote for CNR.<br /><br />The hard hat then, as now, had symbolic value beyond its role as protective gear. The hard hat represents the risk, hard work, and uncertainty that are an inherent part of the construction industry. Ours is an industry that gets things done.&nbsp; At New York&rsquo;s Center for Architecture the current exhibit is called &ldquo;Make It Work: Engineering Possibilities.&rdquo;&nbsp; The exhibit examines new technologies, materials, and building designs that will shape the future. &ldquo;Make It Work&rdquo; might be the mission statement for our construction industry.<br /><br />When we discussing the theme for this month&rsquo;s CNR cover, Art Director Scott Tripp came up with the idea for the &ldquo;stimulus drink&rdquo; that appears in the photo illustration. Originally the idea was to have the model wearing a hard hat holding the can. <br /><br />I&rsquo;m glad that the final image focuses only on the can and that there&rsquo;s no hard hat in sight. Because our industry&rsquo;s role is not to create the environment in which things are built. The Stimulus Package is not something we have created &ndash; it just part of the environment in which we operate. The role of our construction industry is to take the conditions and resources as they come and to &ldquo;make it work.&rdquo;&nbsp; Making it work is the kind of job that requires rolling up your sleeves and putting on a hard hat. <br /><br />Freeing the chokehold that financial institutions have on cash for projects will make a difference. The infusion of federal dollars &ndash; at no small cost to the future &ndash; for shovel-ready stimulus projects will also make a difference.&nbsp; <br /><br />But our industry can a BIG difference by fearlessly championing new ideas and technologies, by stretching resources to the breaking point. This month Dan Galvin, public information manager, Gateway Constructors and the public face of&nbsp; &ldquo;The New I-64&rdquo;, spoke before the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association. Galvin pointed out the daring thinking that allowed MoDot and its contractors to shave four years off the project schedule. Their faith that it could be done &ndash; and their ability to get the public to embrace that idea&nbsp; &ndash; has created a model that is being studied for other projects around the country.<br /><br />At the Society for Marketing of Professional Services (SMPS) meeting in February, Emily Andrews, executive director, U.S. Green Building Council - St. Louis Regional Chapter, moderated a &ldquo;sustainability panel&rdquo;comprised of Mathew Malten, MEM, LEED AP, assistant vice chancellor for sustainability, Washington University in St. Louis; Grant Lanham, LEED AP/operations specialist, Vertegy Consultants; and <br />Christopher Hulse, LEED AP, vice president, Green Street Properties.<br /><br />Malten told how the university&rsquo;s desire to&nbsp; &ldquo;do the right thing,&rdquo; coupled with the construction expertise of its own facilities management team and outside construction experts was creating a steady stream of projects at Wash U. with incredibly quick ROI. <br /><br />Lanham stressed the need to &ldquo;be more sophisticated. We need to be really careful in how we market what it is to be sustainable. Don&rsquo;t just push the idea of &lsquo;green&rsquo;.&rdquo; <br /><br />Hulse said that Green Street, a developer focusing on sustainable projects, is experiencing strong interest even in these times because owners are recognizing the difference that an environmentally healthy building can make in worker productivity. <br /><br />This March/April of CNR addresses some of the ways in which various segments of our industry are making a difference in current economic times.&nbsp; One article takes a measured look at green/sustainable construction and what it means in the future. In another, we examine at the ways in which the area&rsquo;s equipment dealers are sharing the pain of their cash-strapped contractor customers.&nbsp; Electrical contractors are applying more and more of their engineering expertise to help customers save energy and expedite installations, as yet another feature explains. <br /><br />The construction industry doesn&rsquo;t dictate the state of the economy or the mood of public sentiment&hellip; and we certainly don&rsquo;t control the whims of government. Our job, whatever the situation, is to roll up our sleeves, put on our thinking caps (hard hats) and &ldquo;make it work&rdquo;.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"11\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"42\";}'),(1162,429,4,2,1233913276,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 10:15 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"In Down Economy Pace, Lawrence Step Up\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"in_down_economy_pace_lawrence_step_up\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"In Down Economy Pace, Lawrence Step Up\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:154:\"Even as financial markets continue their choke hold on area construction, St. Louis construction industry companies are stepping up to help those in need.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"Gilda\\\'s Club, Pace, Lawrence Group\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1441:\"<p>Even as financial markets continue their choke hold on area construction, St. Louis construction industry companies are stepping up to help those in need.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Pace Construction Check\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"200\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Pace-Construction.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></p>\n<p>Pace Construction held a golf tournament for their clients and raised over $12,800 in honor of friends who have experienced cancer.&nbsp; The company matched all contributions dollar for dollar, and Pace Construction Customer Relations Coordinator Jessica Swick presented a check to Yvette Hartsfield, CEO of Gilda\\\'s Club.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Named after the late Gilda Radner, St. Loui<strong>s Gilda\\\'s club is a f</strong>ree support community for men, women and children whose lives have been touched by cancer, and their families and friends.</p>\n<p>Lawrence Group held an American Red Cross blood drive in its headquarters in the Security Building downtown on February 4,&nbsp; and invited all its neighbors in the Fourth Street/Broadway neighborhood to participate. Donna J. Gamache, director of communications said that Lawrence Group employees and those of neighboring businesses had responded warmly despite the frigid weather.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>If your company, or one you know of is going above and beyond in tough times, send an email to <a href=\\\"mailto:tom@stlouiscnr.com\\\">CNR Publisher Tom Finan</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1172,433,2,2,1234511369,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 08:40 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:42:\"How Much of a Boost Will Washington Give? \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"how_much_of_a_boost_will_washington_give\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:41:\"How Much of a Boost Will Washington Give?\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:355:\"With the economy deteriorating faster than anyone had expected, construction and engineering associations are among the most vocal in calling for Congress to invest in infrastructure. Various agencies busily made lists of projects to do in anticipation of federal aid, checked them twice, and earnestly hoped that Congress would be less naughty than nice.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:58:\"infrastructure, stimulus, AGC, Congress, funding, projects\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:12316:\"<p>With the economy deteriorating faster than anyone had expected, construction and engineering associations are among the most vocal in calling for Congress to invest in infrastructure. Various agencies busily made lists of projects to do in anticipation of federal aid, checked them twice, and earnestly hoped that Congress would be less naughty than nice.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Economic Stimulus\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/economic-stimulus.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />St. Louisan Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., participated in nationwide press conferences for the Associated General Contractors to drum up support for stimulus spending. Hart took a broad-minded view of what spending was necessary by pointing out that local governmental agencies needed money to operate transportation infrastructure as well as build it. She specifically highlighted Metro&rsquo;s need for funds to operate its light rail system. At press time, however, it looked like Congress would not embrace her view and would not allocate operating funds to complement construction funds.<br /><br />Meanwhile, even without knowing how much money would eventually be available, state and local agencies lined up projects to do with whatever money came down from Washington.<br /><br />The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) got a jump on other agencies and issued its first list of stimulus projects in November &ldquo;and we&rsquo;ve been adding to it ever since,&rdquo; Highway Commissioner Pete Rahn said in a February 6 interview. The East-West Gateway Council of Governments, the transportation planning agency for metropolitan St. Louis, gave its member local governments until February 13 to submit transportation projects for possible funding with stimulus funds. St. Louis City and St. Louis County compiled their own lists of possible projects in the interim.<br /><br />How much stimulus money would be available for construction activities was unclear at press time. The Design-Build Institute of America estimated that the House plan contained $114 billion for construction: $19 billion for clean water and flood control; $31 billion to modernize federal and public infrastructure; $30 billion for highway construction; $10 billion for transit and rail; $10 billion for science facilities, research and instrumentation, and $14 billion for educational facilities. <br /><br />To the dismay of many construction industry associations, the Senate eliminated the $14 billion for schools, a cut that House leaders agreed to when resolving differences between the House and Senate bills. The Associated General Contractors, for example decried the elimination of school funds and $10 million in other construction spending. &ldquo;Our analysis shows that without these funds the total number of jobs that would be created or saved by this bill will decline by over 340,000,&rdquo; said Stephen Sandherr, the chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America. The American Institute of Architects and 57 other industry associations said that $14 billion for fixing schools &ldquo;would create nearly 400,000 private sector jobs in the design and construction industries.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Roads and Bridges</strong><br /><br />The slimming down of the stimulus bill meant that federal construction dollars would go more narrowly to traditional infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, sewers and flood control. Rahn said both House and Senate versions allocated about $30 billion for bridge and highway construction. He estimated that Missouri&rsquo;s share would come to about $693 million. Although the House and Senate versions distributed the money differently, metropolitan St. Louis would get at least 32 percent of Missouri&rsquo;s money &ndash; about $230 million &ndash; because of the highway commission&rsquo;s own formula for distributing money within the state, he said. East-West Gateway&rsquo;s estimates are somewhat lower.<br /><br />However much it winds up being, &ldquo;if they actually start spending money on infrastructure, that will help our business,&rdquo; said Jeff Budrovich, president of Budrovich Inc., a crane and excavator rental company.<br /><br />MoDOT&rsquo;s initial list of projects consisted of 34 projects that could be built at an estimated cost of $510 million. That includes $137 million of work on Interstates 70, 44, 55, 35 and 29 and approximately $60 million of work on the state\\\'s lettered routes in rural Missouri. Four projects already have been put out for bid, none of them in the St. Louis area. Rahn acknowledged a bias towards rural projects, &ldquo;because those are the easiest to get going quickly,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Rahn said the increased federal money for road and bridge construction would help cushion the industry from falling state spending. &ldquo;At our peak of Prop A spending, we were at $1.7 billion a year,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re at $1.2 billion going down to $800 million and down to $467 million the following year. The stimulus money will mean that instead of going off a cliff we&rsquo;ll be going down a steep hill.&rdquo;<br /><br />Rahn said he suspects that many agencies will have trouble spending their stimulus money because of many &ldquo;use it or lose it&rdquo; provisions. &ldquo;The House bill requires us to have 50 percent of monies obligated to projects within 90 days, and it has a clawback provision so that those states that don&rsquo;t meet that requirement lose money and it is redistributed to other state,&rdquo; Rahn said. &ldquo;The overriding factor in the bill is spend money quickly,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />However, MoDOT is ready to spend the money, Rahn said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve gambled that Congress will pass a stimulus bill,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve bought up rights of way, completed environmental studies, and spent money to design projects so that when the money becomes available we can get these projects out the door as quickly as we can,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Urban areas have to spend money even more quickly under the bill. Jim Wild, development manager, planning and programs, for East-West Gateway, said the House bill requires urban planning agencies to commit 50 percent of their stimulus funds within 75 days, although they have a year to spend the rest. &ldquo;And we can&rsquo;t use the money on projects that are already in the Transportation Improvement Plan,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;They have to be new projects that aren&rsquo;t budgeted, and that is just not realistic,&rdquo; he said. Wild added that planners at East-West Gateway hope that the 75-day deadline gets stripped out of the final bill.<br /><br />St. Louis City&rsquo;s $2.4 billion stimulus list included $178.5 million for 18 street projects. The largest is $35 million to replace the Tucker Avenue bridge from Cass to Washington. St. Louis County&rsquo;s $1.8 billion stimulus wish list includes 17 road projects costing an estimated $463 million. Almost half of the county&rsquo;s road money, $200 million, would go to finish Route 141. Neither area is likely to get as much money as it hoped for.<br /><br />Rahn said that one area where quick &ldquo;use it or lose it&rdquo; deadlines definitely don&rsquo;t work is in transit. The House approved $12 billion for transit &ndash; &ldquo;a huge amount,&rdquo; said Rahn &ndash; but it is for capital purposes only. St. Louis Rep. Lacy Clay was a leader in pushing for a large bundle for transit and St. Louis City wants $900 million to build a north-south extension of Metrolink through the city.<br /><br />&ldquo;You don&rsquo;t get these projects designed and out the door in 90 days,&rdquo; Rahn said. Diane Williams, Metro&rsquo;s director of communications, said the north-south city extension project &ldquo;is not shovel ready.&rdquo; East-West Gateway would be responsible for the project&rsquo;s design. That project has not been designed yet, and Les Sterman, executive director of East-West Gateway, said he hopes Congress leaves room for &ldquo;legacy projects&rdquo; in the stimulus package. &ldquo;There is a trade-off between fast and good,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Anytime you start shoveling money out the door you will waste a lot of it. I hope there will be provisions in the package that allow for longer lead time projects,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;If you have to obligate transit money fast, you put it into buses, and I fear that what we will see [from that money] is a five-year backlog of bus orders,&rdquo; Rahn said.&nbsp; He added that what Metro really needs is not capital funds, but operating funds.<br /><br />Rahn also estimated that Missouri would get $30 million of the $3 billion that the House allocated for airports. St. Louis City&rsquo;s stimulus wish list includes 12 projects at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport with estimated costs totaling over $80 million. <br /><strong><br />Water and Wastewater</strong><br /><br />MSD and the St. Louis City Water Department also are prepared to use whatever money they can get from the $19 billion allocated for water and flood control projects in the stimulus package. The city&rsquo;s stimulus list includes 12 water projects they can do for $100 million, including $35 million for a Harlem-Baden relief detention system, $20 million for repairs and enhancements to the St. Louis floodwall, and $30 million for &ldquo;green&rdquo; alleys. MSD has a list of 59 projects to do at a cost of $163.7 million.<br /><br />MSD spokesman Lance Lecomb said only $6 billion in the House bill was specifically allocated for wastewater projects, although $17 billion in projects were identified across the country. &ldquo;We still don&rsquo;t know how the money will be distributed. The devil will be in the details of the formula,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />United Rentals&rsquo; Trench Safety Division is one business pinning hopes for a good year on the stimulus package. &ldquo;We rent underground safety equipment, so a lot of the impact of the legislation for us will depend on how much is allocated for water work,&rdquo; said Branch Manager Joe Wise.<br /><br />Bi-State Utilities is another company that could benefit if more sewer and water work flows from the stimulus legislation. Bi-State Utilities recent added equipment for &ldquo;pipe bursting,&rdquo; a method for replacing or enlarging underground pipes where open trench methods are practical. The company recently used pipe bursting to enlarge sewers for MSD in a neighborhood near Lambert Airport, replacing an 8-inch diameter pipe with a 12-inch diameter. The pipe bursting equipment acts by pulling larger pipe through the smaller pipe, forcing the smaller pipe to split apart and pushing it aside into the soil. The machine that pulls the pipe can exert a force of 125,000 psi, said Bi-State Utilities&rsquo; President Mike Jerome.<br /><br />Among St. Louis area Congressmen, Reps. Lacy Clay and Russ Carnahan voted for the House&rsquo;s stimulus bill. Rep. Todd Akin voted against it. Missouri&rsquo;s Senators also split on the bill.<br /><br />Steve Taylor, a spokesman for Akin, said that Akin strongly supports allocating money for rebuilding infrastructure, but felt that the overall bill was weighted down with so many unrelated items and so much pork that it could cause the national debt to balloon to levels that &ldquo;could crash our economy permanently.&rdquo;<br /><br />Regardless of how much money Congress ultimately approves for construction, many people believe that quick deadlines for spending will almost require agencies to turn to the design-build project delivery method to get things done. According to the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA), the stimulus legislation will &ldquo;present the design and construction community with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of our nation, particularly in the water and transportation arenas.&rdquo; DBIA will present a Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference this March in Denver and include a panel on how the stimulus legislation affects the industry. It will present similar information at its Design-Build in Transportation Conference this April in Baltimore</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/economic-stimulus.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1151,409,2,2,1233908819,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"409\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-01-29 09:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"EBMI Asks:Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:17:\"wheres_the_growth\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:31:\"EBMI Asks: Where\\\'s the Growth?\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:332:\"The title of an Electrical Board of Missouri and Illinois (EBMI)  panel presentation: \\\"2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?\\\" was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets,  and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"Growth, Electrical Board, panel\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:3882:\"<p>The title of an Electrical Board Missouri and Illinois (EBMI) panel presentation: &ldquo;2009-2012: Where Is the Growth?&rdquo; was enough to raise eyebrows on its own. But the presenters further challenged the audience to take risks in new markets, and in some cases to turn down work in order to stay true to sound business practices. <br /><br />Those attending the triennial EBMI&nbsp; economic forecast panel, held this year on Jan. 22 at Ameren UE headquarters, heard a decidedly different story from that presented by panelists three years ago.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Where\\\'s the Growth? \\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />New markets and ways of doing business offer a path of out of the current downturn,&nbsp; the panelists told St. Louis construction management executives. But there are even more pitfalls than usual in a market filled with inexperienced competitors, bad credit, and a desire to find work at any price, they were told. <br /><br />Thomas A. Garrett, assistant vice president, of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis quoted from the December edition of the Fed&rsquo;s &ldquo;Burgundy Book&rdquo;:<br /><br />&ldquo;Economic activity in the St. Louis zone remains weak,&rdquo; Garret said.&nbsp; &ldquo;Retail activity has been down across the board, and retailers are mostly pessimistic about the near future. Declines in manufacturing and services have continued, as firms in many sectors report plans to reduce employment and/or output. Residential real estate remains weak, although commercial real estate markets have been more stable. Bank lending has fallen as lenders report tighter standards. The agricultural sector remains a bright spot, with generally higher yields and good crop conditions.&rdquo;<br /><br />Garrett told those in attendance that the revised St. Louis employment numbers for the current period may reveal a worse employment situation. On the national level, he said, flattening home prices, rising equity prices, better credit conditions, and low energy prices all suggest a rebound in mid-2009 followed by above-trend growth in 2010.<br /><br />Jim Lucy, chief editor of <em>Electrical Wholesaling </em>magazine suggested that the educational and sustainability markets are two bright spots in an another wise grim picture. Demographics are the driver behind the continuing growth in education, particularly in K-12, Lucy said. <br /><br />A variety of factors &ndash; from energy costs, to social consciousness, to incentives offered by utilities &ndash; point in the direction of opportunities in the green/sustainability market, Lucy said. <br /><br />Tom Finan, publisher of <em>St. Louis CNR</em> and director of business development for Paradowski Creative, also touched on the growth opportunities in the sustainability market, as well as the Obama stimulus programs, and the education market. But he urged those in the audience to pay more attention than ever to working within their strengths and to not succumbing to working with companies whose poor business practices and relationships would make them a no-go during good times. He urged them to research potential projects and customers and encouraged them to confirm customers&rsquo; ability to pay. <br /><br />&ldquo;There is no good business with bad people,&rdquo; Finan said.<br /><br />He told the audience that by identifying areas within the growth niches that align with their companies capabilities,&nbsp; and by marketing through the recession, they would come out of the downturn stronger and faster. <br /><br />Other speakers on the panel were George Biderman account manager &ndash; St. Louis for McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, who presented the McGraw Hill forecast, and Richard Mark of Ameren, who shared Ameren&rsquo;s green power initiatives.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1152,422,2,2,1233909043,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"422\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 09:24 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:59:\"Holland /J.E. Dunn Begin $83 Million Saluki Sports Project \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"holland_je_dunn_begin_83_million_saluki_sports_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:58:\"Holland/ J.E. Dunn Begin $83 Million Saluki Sports Project\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:165:\"Site development has begun on the $83 million expansion and renovation of athletic facilities at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) in Carbondale, IL.  \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:28:\"SIU-C, Dunn, Holland, sports\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2475:\"<p>Site development has begun on the $83 million expansion and\nrenovation of athletic facilities at Southern Illinois\nUniversity-Carbondale (SIU-C) in Carbondale, IL.&nbsp;&nbsp; A joint venture\ncomprised of Holland Construction Services of Swansea, Ill. and JE Dunn\nConstruction of Kansas City, Mo. is handling the project.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"SIU-C sports complex\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/siuc.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The\ntwin centerpieces of the multi-phase initiative are a new 12,000-seat\nfootball stadium with capacity for up to 15,000 fans and a renovated\nSaluki Arena, an 8,460-seat basketball venue.&nbsp; Both facilities are to\nbe completed in time to host the home-opening games of the 2010\nfootball and basketball seasons.</p>\n<p>The final major component\nis a 53,000-square-foot, two-story addition that will emanate from the\nnortheast face of Saluki Arena.&nbsp; Designed by 360 Architecture, the\n$11.5 million multi-purpose structure will serve as the new main\nentrance to the arena and host its ticket office, football and\nbasketball team facilities, an auditorium and administrative space.&nbsp;\nThe fa&ccedil;ade will combine brick veneer with a glass curtain wall. <br />The new, yet-to-be-named football stadium will replace McAndrew Stadium, built in 1939.</p>\n<p>Budgeted\nat $25.3 million, the 37,000-square-foot U-shaped facility designed by\nImage Architects, Inc., will have 12,000 fixed seats plus lawn seating\nand a lower concourse with concessions areas, restrooms and storage.&nbsp;\nIt will also feature a press box and club area with eight private,\nenclosed luxury suites.&nbsp; The field will be artificial grass turf.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The\n$29.9 million renovation to Saluki Arena, built in 1964, will include\nnew seating throughout, greatly improved accessibility with entrances\nthat comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new scoreboard,\nnew concession areas, additional restrooms and other fan amenities.&nbsp;\nThe renovation is being staged in two phases so that the 2009-10\nbasketball Salukis can compete in the venue as work proceeds.</p>\n<p>Funding\nfor the project is coming from public and private sources. The city of\nCarbondale has committed $20 million to it ($1 million over 20 years)\nwhile SIU-C has boosted student fees and launched a targeted\nfund-raising program. Revenues generated from the lease of the eight\nprivate suites will also be applied to debt service.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:24:\"/images/uploads/siuc.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1153,423,4,2,1233909248,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 09:31 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Mueller Joins Vertegy as Project Specialist\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"mueller_joins_vertegy_as_project_specialist\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Mueller Joins Vertegy as Project Specialist\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:163:\"Susutainability consultant Vertegy announced it has recently expanded its staff to keep pace with the growing demand for green and sustainable consulting services.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:16:\"Mueller, Vertegy\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1393:\"<p>Susutainability consultant Vertegy announced it has recently expanded its staff to keep pace with the growing demand for green and sustainable consulting services. The company, which also helps clients attain LEED (Leadership in Energy &amp; Environmental Design) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), has added Greg Mueller as project specialist. <br /><br />Mueller joins Vertegy after spending 25 years as a project manager with Vertegy&rsquo;s parent company, Alberici. While at Alberici, he served as a project manager on many multi-million dollar projects, including the $81 million construction of the C-5 Hangar Facility for the 164th Airlift Wing in Memphis, TN. Mueller has also played roles in numerous construction and expansion projects in the St. Louis area, including work with Station Casinos, Inc., The Boeing Company, Centocor Biologics, St. Mary&rsquo;s Health Center, DaimlerChrysler Corporation and the Ford Motor Company. In his new position as project specialist,</p>\n<p>Mueller will use his construction background to assist him in providing hands-on support for the clients and project teams who are seeking the benefits of sustainable design and construction. <br /><br />He is currently studying for his LEED Accredited Professional examination and holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1154,424,4,2,1233909859,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 09:38 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"5\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Mark Bussen Honored for Heroism, Leadership\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"mark_bussen_honored_for_heroism_leadership\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Mark Bussen Honored for Heroism, Leadership\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:280:\"Mark Bussen, president, Bussen Quarries, has received the SITE Improvement Association’s President’s Award for his contributions to the association and the construction industry. Bussen is also noted for civic contributions, including a recent act of notable personal heroism.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Bussen, SITE, president\\\'s award\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2576:\"<p>Mark Bussen, president, Bussen Quarries, has received the SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s President&rsquo;s Award for his contributions to the association and the construction industry. Bussen is also noted for civic contributions, including a recent act of notable personal heroism. The award was presented by SITE&rsquo;s past president, Joe Hoette, president, Hoette Concrete Construction, at the organization&rsquo;s Jan. 14 membership meeting.</p>\n<p>Bussen is just the sixth recipient of the President&rsquo;s Award and the first associate member receiving such an award since the inception of the President&rsquo;s Award in 1991. Commenting on the honor, Jay Schultehenrich, SITE&rsquo;s executive director, said, &ldquo;Mark has provided outstanding guidance and foresight in helping our organization grow. He has selflessly given of his time and energy to help SITE Improvement Association reach and maintain its role as a leader within the construction industry.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />Bussen Quarries was a charter member of SITE, and Mark Bussen served on the board from 1985 to 1995. He also served as chairman of the program committee for 28 years. Through his efforts, SITE&rsquo;s board initiated a scholarship program in 2001, which has awarded $111,500 to 67 students since its inception. Bussen has served on the scholarships committee since then and is co-chair of SITE&rsquo;s Barge Party committee. He also has served on the board of directors of the Associated General Contractors-St. Louis, AGC of Missouri, the St. Louis Concrete Council and the St. Louis Coal Club. This past fall he was inducted into the Concrete Council Hall of Fame for his significant involvement with St. Louis&rsquo; concrete industry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;The president of Bussen Quarries is perhaps just as well known for his good deeds as he is for his work in the industry. In November, Bussen was awarded the Grand Jury Association&rsquo;s Good Citizen of the Year Award for stopping a violent crime in downtown St. Louis and saving the lives of a woman and her daughter. He also has been affiliated with the Special Olympics since 1999, coaching 40 boys and girls ages 14-24, and won the 2005 Special Olympics Coach of the Year Award. In 2002, the South County Chamber of Commerce named him Citizen of the Year.</p>\n<p>SITE represents contractors involved in jobsite preparation work, including concrete, earthmoving, landscaping, asphalt paving, highway/bridge, sewer/utility and various specialty trades.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1155,425,4,2,1233910210,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 09:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Gray Design Awarded Phase II Monsanto Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:45:\"gray_design_awarded_phase_ii_monsanto_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Gray Design Awarded Phase II Monsanto Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:182:\"Gray Design Group has been awarded architectural and interior design services for the second phase of Monsanto Co.’s new corporate offices at Lakeside Crossing in Maryland Heights.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:31:\"Gray Design, Monsanto, Phase II\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:724:\"<p>Gray Design Group has been awarded architectural and interior design services for the second phase of Monsanto Co.&rsquo;s new corporate offices at Lakeside Crossing in Maryland Heights. Phase two is a 122,000-square-foot, four-story building complete with an 11,000-square-foot full-service cafeteria overlooking the lake and a glass walkway connecting it to Building 1, which Gray completed seven months ago. Together, the combined projects will encompass 255,000 square feet.<br />&nbsp;<br />Working on Gray&rsquo;s team will be Toby Heddinghaus, LEED AP principal; Kent Wagster, project manager; and Jessica Frey, associate project manager. Duke Construction is the developer and general contractor. <br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1156,426,4,2,1233910759,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 09:57 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:36:\"Tschannen Joins Wiegmann Associates \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"tschannen_joins_wiegmann_associates\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"Tschannen Joins Wiegmann Associates\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:149:\"Herb Tschannen has joined Wiegmann Associates as vice president, focusing on increasing the visibility and growth of Wiegmann’s business segments. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:19:\"Tschannen, Wiegmann\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:819:\"<p>Herb Tschannen has joined Wiegmann Associates as vice president, focusing on increasing the visibility and growth of Wiegmann&rsquo;s business segments.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Services offered by the firm include mechanical contracting, engineering, design/build, service, maintenance, energy management and controls. Tschannen joins Wiegmann with extensive experience in managing and growing engineering, construction and facility management capabilities in large national corporate organizations.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>He most recently transitioned from Macy&rsquo;s after completing his involvement in the merger of the engineering functions from the May Department Stores Company.&nbsp;&nbsp; He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla and an MBA from Lindenwood University.&nbsp; <br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1157,427,4,2,1233911202,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 10:03 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Clayco Completes St. Luke\\\'s Rehab Hospital\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"clayco_completes_st_lukes_rehab_hospital\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Clayco Completes St. Luke\\\'s Rehab Hospital\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:231:\"Clayco Inc. recently completed construction on the St. Luke\\\'s Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. The new $7.4 million facility was a joint venture project with RehabCare Group Inc. and St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Clayco, St. Luke\\\'s, rehab\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2006:\"<p>Clayco Inc. recently completed construction on the St. Luke\\\'s Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. The new $7.4 million facility was a joint venture project with RehabCare Group Inc. and St. Luke&rsquo;s Hospital in Chesterfield.<br /><br />Completed in one year, the 29,600-square-foot facility provides medical and therapy services for patients requiring inpatient physical rehabilitation, and allows St. Louis and surrounding communities access to superior medical and rehabilitative care. As part of the joint venture agreement, RehabCare and St. Luke&rsquo;s will collaborate to provide management and staffing services including defined ancillary needs, laboratory and diagnostic services and support services.<br />&nbsp;<br />Located in west St. Louis County, the new 33-bed building features 25 private and five semi-private suites, an occupational and physical therapy gym, exam rooms, office space, dining room, support area and a formal entry and lobby area. Clayco used a less traditional wood-framing method as a cost and time savings to the client. With the wood frame method, Clayco&rsquo;s project team constructed the frame walls at an off-site location preserving assembly time on the job site.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;Our team was excited to work on such a unique healthcare facility. The St. Luke&rsquo;s Rehabilitation Hospital is a great asset to residents in the surrounding St. Louis County region,&rdquo; said Steve Street, Project Executive at Clayco and on the rehab hospital project. &ldquo;This facility enhances the quality of in-patient rehabilitation care by uniting two of the region&rsquo;s best health care providers.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />Clayco&rsquo;s project team included Kirk Warden, project executive, Steve Street, project director; and Rob Bruce, project superintendent.&nbsp; Joining Clayco on the project were Mackey Mitchell, as architect; Stock &amp; Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc., as civil engineer; and KPFF, as structural engineer.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1158,428,4,2,1233912412,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 10:03 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Clayco Completes St. Luke\\\'s Rehab Hospital\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"clayco_completes_st_lukes_rehab_hospital\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Clayco Completes St. Luke\\\'s Rehab Hospital\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:231:\"Clayco Inc. recently completed construction on the St. Luke\\\'s Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. The new $7.4 million facility was a joint venture project with RehabCare Group Inc. and St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Clayco, St. Luke\\\'s, rehab\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2006:\"<p>Clayco Inc. recently completed construction on the St. Luke\\\'s Rehabilitation Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. The new $7.4 million facility was a joint venture project with RehabCare Group Inc. and St. Luke&rsquo;s Hospital in Chesterfield.<br /><br />Completed in one year, the 29,600-square-foot facility provides medical and therapy services for patients requiring inpatient physical rehabilitation, and allows St. Louis and surrounding communities access to superior medical and rehabilitative care. As part of the joint venture agreement, RehabCare and St. Luke&rsquo;s will collaborate to provide management and staffing services including defined ancillary needs, laboratory and diagnostic services and support services.<br />&nbsp;<br />Located in west St. Louis County, the new 33-bed building features 25 private and five semi-private suites, an occupational and physical therapy gym, exam rooms, office space, dining room, support area and a formal entry and lobby area. Clayco used a less traditional wood-framing method as a cost and time savings to the client. With the wood frame method, Clayco&rsquo;s project team constructed the frame walls at an off-site location preserving assembly time on the job site.<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;Our team was excited to work on such a unique healthcare facility. The St. Luke&rsquo;s Rehabilitation Hospital is a great asset to residents in the surrounding St. Louis County region,&rdquo; said Steve Street, Project Executive at Clayco and on the rehab hospital project. &ldquo;This facility enhances the quality of in-patient rehabilitation care by uniting two of the region&rsquo;s best health care providers.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />Clayco&rsquo;s project team included Kirk Warden, project executive, Steve Street, project director; and Rob Bruce, project superintendent.&nbsp; Joining Clayco on the project were Mackey Mitchell, as architect; Stock &amp; Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc., as civil engineer; and KPFF, as structural engineer.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1325,476,4,2,1237009765,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-13 07:46 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";i:1;s:2:\"45\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"Coldwell Banker Announces Transactions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"coldwell_banker_announces_transactions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"Coldwell Banker Announces Transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:82:\" Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA LLC has announced the following new transactions:\n\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:29:\"Coldwell Banker, transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1554:\"<p>&nbsp;Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA LLC has announced the following new transactions:<br /><strong><br />Stephen Gwinnup</strong>, CCIM of Coldwell Banker Commercial represented Maryland Plaza Corp. in the sale of a 115,000 square foot industrial building located at 5240 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 to Paraquad, Inc.<br /><br /><strong>Carl Conceller</strong>, SIOR of Coldwell Banker Commercial represented Bradlie Business Services in the lease renewal of 13,871 square feet of office space at 231 S. Bemiston Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105 from Bemiston Tower Clayton LLC, represented by Colliers Turley Martin Tucker.<br /><strong><br />Michael Jersa</strong> of Coldwell Banker Commercial represented Harvey G. Kessler, Trustee of the Harvey G. Kessler Revocable Living Trust dated August 16, 2000 in the sale of a 2,000 square foot office located at 2875 Patterson Road, Florissant, MO 63031 to Dawn R. Berry, represented by Alexander Realty.<br /><br /><strong>Noel Fehr,</strong> CCIM of Coldwell Banker Commercial represented Zarahemia, Inc., d/b/a Chem-Dry of Greater St. Louis in the lease of 3,317 square feet of industrial space located at 9425 Dielman Rock Island Industrial Drive, Olivette, MO 63132 from Hynek Properties, LLC, represented by Hilliker Corporation.<br /><strong><br />Michael J. Wolken</strong>, SIOR of Coldwell Banker Commercial represented Prime Diam, LLC in the purchase of a 1,300 square foot office located at 7711Bonhomme Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105 from MDC Bonhomme, LLC, represented by CB Richard Ellis.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"45\";}'),(1163,429,4,2,1233913335,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"429\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 10:15 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"In Down Economy Pace, Lawrence Step Up\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"in_down_economy_pace_lawrence_step_up\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"In Down Economy Pace, Lawrence Step Up\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:154:\"Even as financial markets continue their choke hold on area construction, St. Louis construction industry companies are stepping up to help those in need.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"Gilda\\\'s Club, Pace, Lawrence Group\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1437:\"<p>Even as financial markets continue their choke hold on area construction, St. Louis construction industry companies are stepping up to help those in need.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Pace Construction Check\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"200\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Pace-Construction.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></p>\n<p>Pace Construction held a golf tournament for their clients and raised over $12,800 in honor of friends who have experienced cancer.&nbsp; The company matched all contributions dollar for dollar, and Pace Construction Customer Relations Coordinator Jessica Swick presented a check to Yvette Hartsfield, CEO of Gilda\\\'s Club.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Named after the late Gilda Radner, St. Loui<strong>s Gilda\\\'s club is a f</strong>ree support community for men, women and children whose lives have been touched by cancer, and their families and friends.</p>\n<p>Lawrence Group held an American Red Cross blood drive in its headquarters in the Security Building downtown on Feb. 4,&nbsp; and invited all its neighbors in the Fourth Street/Broadway neighborhood to participate. Donna J. Gamache, director of communications said that Lawrence Group employees and those of neighboring businesses had responded warmly despite the frigid weather.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>If your company, or one you know of is going above and beyond in tough times, send an email to <a href=\\\"mailto:tom@stlouiscnr.com\\\">CNR Publisher Tom Finan</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1164,429,4,2,1233913771,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"429\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 10:15 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"In Down Economy Pace, Lawrence Step Up\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"in_down_economy_pace_lawrence_step_up\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"In Down Economy Pace, Lawrence Step Up\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:154:\"Even as financial markets continue their choke hold on area construction, St. Louis construction industry companies are stepping up to help those in need.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"Gilda\\\'s Club, Pace, Lawrence Group\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1437:\"<p>Even as financial markets continue their choke hold on area construction, St. Louis construction industry companies are stepping up to help those in need.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Pace Construction Check\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"200\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Pace-Construction.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></p>\n<p>Pace Construction held a golf tournament for their clients and raised over $12,800 in honor of friends who have experienced cancer.&nbsp; The company matched all contributions dollar for dollar, and Pace Construction Customer Relations Coordinator Jessica Swick presented a check to Yvette Hartsfield, CEO of Gilda\\\'s Club.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Named after the late Gilda Radner, St. Louis Gilda\\\'s Club is a f<strong></strong>ree support community for men, women and children whose lives have been touched by cancer, and their families and friends.</p>\n<p>Lawrence Group held an American Red Cross blood drive in its headquarters in the Security Building downtown on Feb. 4,&nbsp; and invited all its neighbors in the Fourth Street/Broadway neighborhood to participate. Donna J. Gamache, director of communications said that Lawrence Group employees and those of neighboring businesses had responded warmly despite the frigid weather.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>If your company, or one you know of is going above and beyond in tough times, send an email to <a href=\\\"mailto:tom@stlouiscnr.com\\\">CNR Publisher Tom Finan</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1165,430,2,2,1233915005,'a:28:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-03 10:56 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:37:\"HQ IQ: Smart Owner Makes a Difference\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"hq_iq_smart_owner_makes_a_difference\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:37:\"HQ IQ: Smart Owner Makes a Difference\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:173:\"Delve into the design and construction of Safety National Casualty Corp.’s new corporate headquarters and a simple, important lesson emerges: the owner makes a difference.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:25:\"Safety National, owners, \";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:12411:\"<p><strong>Owners Matter</strong></p>\n<p>Delve into the design and construction of Safety National Casualty Corp.&rsquo;s new corporate headquarters and a simple, important lesson emerges: the owner makes a difference.</p>\n<p>The most striking features of the new 138,000-square-foot Class A office building in Maryland Heights, MO, are the rich finishes. The exterior, which features glass, granite, and precast concrete, is not as impressive as the interior. Visitors enter through a two-story atrium lobby with granite flooring, cherry wood paneling and specialty lighting. Perimeter offices on every floor sport 7-foot cherry finished doors in hollow metal painted frames with frosted glass sidelights and clerestory glass above to let natural light shine into the central work areas. Elevator bays are similarly impressive, with granite flooring and accents, while conference rooms include smart boards and the latest audio-visual technology.</p>\n<p>The five-story building includes a lower level with a data center, training rooms, and a multipurpose that can be divided into three areas, including a large dining area with multiple dishwashers and microwave ovens, all backed up with an emergency electrical generator.<br />&ldquo;In today&rsquo;s market, you don&rsquo;t see a lot of people building a Class A building like this,&rdquo; said Keith Cohen, director of preconstruction for Duke Construction, the general contractor. &ldquo;It has very nice finishes, including wood panels and granite, which we typically don&rsquo;t see today.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Yet, they didn&rsquo;t an excessive amount of money to do it. Built at a cost of $19 million, &ldquo;they got great value,&rdquo; said Bruce Brophy, principal at CRA Development LLC, a company of Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA LLC, which was the development manager for the project. &ldquo;Safety National created a first-class facility without going over the top. This corporate headquarters features quality design and amenities that will stand the test of time,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p><strong>The Client was Prepared</strong><br /><br />It was the owner&rsquo;s involvement that made the project so extraordinarily successful, Brophy said. &ldquo;Safety National had engaged in enough planning ahead of time to give us time on the design to plan with them and worked through scenarios for the best product,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Safety National senior management were heavily involved throughout the process,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;They were great listeners and great participators. We were able to present a lot of ideas to them and get and get quick responses, which allowed us to get great opportunities. A lot of times, what adds to the cost of a building is the time involved in getting decisions made. You present an idea and the owner takes a month to think it over and then you&rsquo;ve lost that opportunity. That didn&rsquo;t happen here,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Because we could be creative in the design/build process, we saved them money which they could put into finishes,&rdquo; he added.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Our planning process was not unusual, but the beauty in this case is that Safety National understood their growth needs. They really knew what they wanted and where they needed to be,&rdquo; said Rick Clawson, principal at ACI Boland, the architectural firm on the project. &ldquo;When we asked them questions, they had already spent time thinking about them. Having an educated and prepared client is great for an architect,&rdquo; he said.<br />Clawson explained that there were two distinct planning processes. One was when Safety National bought the 16-acre site from the Special School District. &ldquo;Their goal was to start a future campus. There was a lot of land planning for four buildings: 300,000 square feet of office space and a parking garage,&rdquo; he said. After the city approved new zoning and the land plan, &ldquo;then we went into planning interiors of the new building with Safety National and Coldwell Banker. We spent a lot of time looking at their projected growth and at how departments interact, then we brought in ColorArt to work with us on furniture,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>Roger Oertli, chief operating officer and project manager for Guarantee Electrical Co., said Guarantee got more time up front to design the electrical, voice, and data systems that Safety National wanted, too. &ldquo;We were brought in very early to work on the design, before they had decided what to do on the data room or with the phones. That gave the owners more time to decide what they really wanted,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Safety National 1\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/safety-national-1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"179\\\" />&ldquo;We worked closely with the design team on their plans. As Safety National&rsquo;s facility manager, we had a good feeling for what they wanted and what worked with their culture, but we brought their people in to make sure that at the end of the day it was functional,&rdquo; said Brophy of Coldwell Banker.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;&ldquo;This building was designed with a view to the future of Safety National,&rdquo; said Duane Hercules, Safety National&rsquo;s chief financial officer and executive vice president of mergers and acquisitions. Two specific concerns were prominent in the design of the building: ensuring the company&rsquo;s ability to operate in an emergency and keeping employees comfortable.</p>\n<p><strong>Emergency Back-up</strong></p>\n<p>The lower level, which houses the file system, the building operations center, the data center, training rooms wired with Cat 6A cabling, and the multipurpose room, is backed up with a generator.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;The data facility is more than most people would put in, and it has a lot of back up, a generator and UPS,&rdquo; Oertli said. &ldquo;The light and safety systems are on the emergency generator, too, which is really unusual,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;That is so they can continue to <br />work if they lose power again for three or more days.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>As part of planning for a power outage, the kitchen and multipurpose room have &ldquo;quite a bit of voice and data wiring,&rdquo; said Colin Quinn, the project manager for GECO Systems, which installed the voice and data systems. That is so the lower level can serve as a fully functioning emergency headquarters if another storm knocks AmerenUE for loop. &ldquo;They can relocate employees downstairs and still function and provide everything for their clients. It is way over and above what the typical office has,&rdquo; Clawson said.<br />Safety National opted for Cat 6A low voltage wiring, which is still a rarity in St. Louis, because &ldquo;they are trying to get to the point where all their systems: computers, HVAC, security cameras, and fire protection, can be monitored off site,&rdquo; said Oertli. They have a dozen conference rooms with smart boards and large screen audio/video systems &ndash; &ldquo;most buildings only have one,&rdquo; he said. The phone system uses VOIP (voice over internet protocol), and every sink has a water sensor. &ldquo;They even have sensors in the janitor&rsquo;s closet,&rdquo; Quinn said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We got premium systems,&rdquo; Brophy agreed, &ldquo;but it was cost effective. All the systems were designed before the final plan was done. I think that is why we were able to keep the price under control,&rdquo; he said.<br /><strong></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Keeping Employee Comfort in Mind</strong></p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Safety National 2\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"195\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/safety-national-2.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Safety National&rsquo;s consideration for its employees was expressed in numerous details throughout the design. &ldquo;They were more concerned with keeping people comfortable, with what would keep them happy, with what would attract and keep good employees, than you usually see,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;For example, revolving doors aren&rsquo;t unusual, but you typically don&rsquo;t see them in a single user building. They have a receptionist, who is going to be sitting in the lobby. They wanted to make sure that she was not going to be hit with constant shots of cold air. They wanted a revolving door so as to maintain comfort for her. That is an example of their thought process. You don&rsquo;t hear about anybody else doing stuff like that in today&rsquo;s market,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>Brophy pointed to other examples. The computer room was built with a lower floor than the rest of the lower level so that when the raised floor was installed it would be level with the rest of the floors on that level. The private offices were designed perpendicular to the perimeter wall. &ldquo;That gained them 36 percent more offices,&rdquo; Brophy said, and the dividers between those offices and the interior of the building are glass &ldquo;so that natural light flows to the interior,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>The chief challenge to the project was the site itself, Cohen said. &ldquo;It is a long linear site that slopes to the back, and they are setting back their first building, and the lower level is half in grade, and that becomes a challenge,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;All the rain we had and the volume of water it created coming down the hill &ndash; that was the main challenge,&rdquo; Brophy said. &ldquo;We had to put a drainage system in front of the site to channel water away to the stormwater system,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>About the stormwater system &ndash; the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District issued new water quality rules in the middle of the project. &ldquo;That was a big deal. We just missed getting grandfathered in,&rdquo; said Clawson. The new rules meant Safety National had to allocate additional ground for stormwater detention and the cost involved went up substantially.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;This was the first project to meet MSD&rsquo;s new clean water standards,&rdquo; Brophy said. But Safety National turned the lemon into lemonade. &ldquo;Stock and Associates came up with creative solutions that involved plantings and putting a walking trail around the detention pond, which made it into an attractive amenity,&rdquo; Clawson said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;These regulations are going in across the country, not just in St. Louis,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;When you are not used to them, they seem a challenge. Yeah, there are some costs, but in the end, it worked out the best for everyone. It turned into a real amenity,&rdquo; he said.<br />Safety National Casualty Corp. is a leading provider of excess workers\\\' compensation coverage to self-insured employers and self-insured groups nationwide, many of them in the construction industry. Safety National is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delphi Financial Group Inc., a $5.5 billion insurance holding company.<br /><br /><br /><strong>SNI Headquarters</strong><br /><br /><strong>Project Team</strong><br /><br /><strong>Owner:</strong> Safety National Casualty Corp.<br /><strong>Developer:</strong> CRA Development LLC, a company of Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA<br />Architects &amp; Engineers: ACI Boland; Geotechnology; Heidemann Associates; KPFF Consulting Engineers; Loomis &amp; Associates; Stock &amp; Associates<br /><strong>General Contractor:</strong> Duke Construction<br /><strong>Major Subcontractors</strong>:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Affton Fabricating</li>\n<li>Allied Waterproofing</li>\n<li>ASC Insulation</li>\n<li>Baxter Farms</li>\n<li>Bick Group</li>\n<li>Cabinet Masters</li>\n<li>Charles E. Jarrell Contracting</li>\n<li>Collins &amp; Hermann</li>\n<li>Edward Simon Painting</li>\n<li>Fabri-Tech Sheet Metal</li>\n<li>Fenix Construction</li>\n<li>Ford Asphalt</li>\n<li>Friend Acoustical</li>\n<li>General Signs</li>\n<li>Gershenson Construction</li>\n<li>Guarantee Electrical</li>\n<li>Hydro Dynamics</li>\n<li>JDS Masonry</li>\n<li>John Bender Inc.</li>\n<li>Kehrer Brothers</li>\n<li>Kelpe Contracting </li>\n<li>Kirkwood Excavating</li>\n<li>O.J. Laughlin Plumbing </li>\n<li>McDaniel Fire Systems</li>\n<li>Mid-America Precast</li>\n<li>MJ Products</li>\n<li>Murphy Co.</li>\n<li>Otis Elevator</li>\n<li>Roberts Loading Dock</li>\n<li>Sebco Cos.</li>\n<li>Signature Craft</li>\n<li>Subsurface Constructors</li>\n<li>Warren Signs</li>\n<li>West St. Louis Glass</li>\n<li>Zumwalt Corp.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1166,430,2,2,1233915085,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"430\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-03 10:56 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:37:\"HQ IQ: Smart Owner Makes a Difference\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"hq_iq_smart_owner_makes_a_difference\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:37:\"HQ IQ: Smart Owner Makes a Difference\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:173:\"Delve into the design and construction of Safety National Casualty Corp.’s new corporate headquarters and a simple, important lesson emerges: the owner makes a difference.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:25:\"Safety National, owners, \";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:12411:\"<p><strong>Owners Matter</strong></p>\n<p>Delve into the design and construction of Safety National Casualty Corp.&rsquo;s new corporate headquarters and a simple, important lesson emerges: the owner makes a difference.</p>\n<p>The most striking features of the new 138,000-square-foot Class A office building in Maryland Heights, MO, are the rich finishes. The exterior, which features glass, granite, and precast concrete, is not as impressive as the interior. Visitors enter through a two-story atrium lobby with granite flooring, cherry wood paneling and specialty lighting. Perimeter offices on every floor sport 7-foot cherry finished doors in hollow metal painted frames with frosted glass sidelights and clerestory glass above to let natural light shine into the central work areas. Elevator bays are similarly impressive, with granite flooring and accents, while conference rooms include smart boards and the latest audio-visual technology.</p>\n<p>The five-story building includes a lower level with a data center, training rooms, and a multipurpose that can be divided into three areas, including a large dining area with multiple dishwashers and microwave ovens, all backed up with an emergency electrical generator.<br />&ldquo;In today&rsquo;s market, you don&rsquo;t see a lot of people building a Class A building like this,&rdquo; said Keith Cohen, director of preconstruction for Duke Construction, the general contractor. &ldquo;It has very nice finishes, including wood panels and granite, which we typically don&rsquo;t see today.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Yet, they didn&rsquo;t an excessive amount of money to do it. Built at a cost of $19 million, &ldquo;they got great value,&rdquo; said Bruce Brophy, principal at CRA Development LLC, a company of Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA LLC, which was the development manager for the project. &ldquo;Safety National created a first-class facility without going over the top. This corporate headquarters features quality design and amenities that will stand the test of time,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p><strong>The Client was Prepared</strong><br /><br />It was the owner&rsquo;s involvement that made the project so extraordinarily successful, Brophy said. &ldquo;Safety National had engaged in enough planning ahead of time to give us time on the design to plan with them and worked through scenarios for the best product,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Safety National senior management were heavily involved throughout the process,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;They were great listeners and great participators. We were able to present a lot of ideas to them and get and get quick responses, which allowed us to get great opportunities. A lot of times, what adds to the cost of a building is the time involved in getting decisions made. You present an idea and the owner takes a month to think it over and then you&rsquo;ve lost that opportunity. That didn&rsquo;t happen here,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Because we could be creative in the design/build process, we saved them money which they could put into finishes,&rdquo; he added.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Our planning process was not unusual, but the beauty in this case is that Safety National understood their growth needs. They really knew what they wanted and where they needed to be,&rdquo; said Rick Clawson, principal at ACI Boland, the architectural firm on the project. &ldquo;When we asked them questions, they had already spent time thinking about them. Having an educated and prepared client is great for an architect,&rdquo; he said.<br />Clawson explained that there were two distinct planning processes. One was when Safety National bought the 16-acre site from the Special School District. &ldquo;Their goal was to start a future campus. There was a lot of land planning for four buildings: 300,000 square feet of office space and a parking garage,&rdquo; he said. After the city approved new zoning and the land plan, &ldquo;then we went into planning interiors of the new building with Safety National and Coldwell Banker. We spent a lot of time looking at their projected growth and at how departments interact, then we brought in ColorArt to work with us on furniture,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>Roger Oertli, chief operating officer and project manager for Guarantee Electrical Co., said Guarantee got more time up front to design the electrical, voice, and data systems that Safety National wanted, too. &ldquo;We were brought in very early to work on the design, before they had decided what to do on the data room or with the phones. That gave the owners more time to decide what they really wanted,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Safety National 1\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/safety-national-1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"179\\\" />&ldquo;We worked closely with the design team on their plans. As Safety National&rsquo;s facility manager, we had a good feeling for what they wanted and what worked with their culture, but we brought their people in to make sure that at the end of the day it was functional,&rdquo; said Brophy of Coldwell Banker.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;&ldquo;This building was designed with a view to the future of Safety National,&rdquo; said Duane Hercules, Safety National&rsquo;s chief financial officer and executive vice president of mergers and acquisitions. Two specific concerns were prominent in the design of the building: ensuring the company&rsquo;s ability to operate in an emergency and keeping employees comfortable.</p>\n<p><strong>Emergency Back-up</strong></p>\n<p>The lower level, which houses the file system, the building operations center, the data center, training rooms wired with Cat 6A cabling, and the multipurpose room, is backed up with a generator.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;The data facility is more than most people would put in, and it has a lot of back up, a generator and UPS,&rdquo; Oertli said. &ldquo;The light and safety systems are on the emergency generator, too, which is really unusual,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;That is so they can continue to <br />work if they lose power again for three or more days.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>As part of planning for a power outage, the kitchen and multipurpose room have &ldquo;quite a bit of voice and data wiring,&rdquo; said Colin Quinn, the project manager for GECO Systems, which installed the voice and data systems. That is so the lower level can serve as a fully functioning emergency headquarters if another storm knocks AmerenUE for loop. &ldquo;They can relocate employees downstairs and still function and provide everything for their clients. It is way over and above what the typical office has,&rdquo; Clawson said.<br />Safety National opted for Cat 6A low voltage wiring, which is still a rarity in St. Louis, because &ldquo;they are trying to get to the point where all their systems: computers, HVAC, security cameras, and fire protection, can be monitored off site,&rdquo; said Oertli. They have a dozen conference rooms with smart boards and large screen audio/video systems &ndash; &ldquo;most buildings only have one,&rdquo; he said. The phone system uses VOIP (voice over internet protocol), and every sink has a water sensor. &ldquo;They even have sensors in the janitor&rsquo;s closet,&rdquo; Quinn said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We got premium systems,&rdquo; Brophy agreed, &ldquo;but it was cost effective. All the systems were designed before the final plan was done. I think that is why we were able to keep the price under control,&rdquo; he said.<br /><strong></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Keeping Employee Comfort in Mind</strong></p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Safety National 2\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"195\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/safety-national-2.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Safety National&rsquo;s consideration for its employees was expressed in numerous details throughout the design. &ldquo;They were more concerned with keeping people comfortable, with what would keep them happy, with what would attract and keep good employees, than you usually see,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;For example, revolving doors aren&rsquo;t unusual, but you typically don&rsquo;t see them in a single user building. They have a receptionist, who is going to be sitting in the lobby. They wanted to make sure that she was not going to be hit with constant shots of cold air. They wanted a revolving door so as to maintain comfort for her. That is an example of their thought process. You don&rsquo;t hear about anybody else doing stuff like that in today&rsquo;s market,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>Brophy pointed to other examples. The computer room was built with a lower floor than the rest of the lower level so that when the raised floor was installed it would be level with the rest of the floors on that level. The private offices were designed perpendicular to the perimeter wall. &ldquo;That gained them 36 percent more offices,&rdquo; Brophy said, and the dividers between those offices and the interior of the building are glass &ldquo;so that natural light flows to the interior,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>The chief challenge to the project was the site itself, Cohen said. &ldquo;It is a long linear site that slopes to the back, and they are setting back their first building, and the lower level is half in grade, and that becomes a challenge,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;All the rain we had and the volume of water it created coming down the hill &ndash; that was the main challenge,&rdquo; Brophy said. &ldquo;We had to put a drainage system in front of the site to channel water away to the stormwater system,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>About the stormwater system &ndash; the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District issued new water quality rules in the middle of the project. &ldquo;That was a big deal. We just missed getting grandfathered in,&rdquo; said Clawson. The new rules meant Safety National had to allocate additional ground for stormwater detention and the cost involved went up substantially.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;This was the first project to meet MSD&rsquo;s new clean water standards,&rdquo; Brophy said. But Safety National turned the lemon into lemonade. &ldquo;Stock and Associates came up with creative solutions that involved plantings and putting a walking trail around the detention pond, which made it into an attractive amenity,&rdquo; Clawson said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;These regulations are going in across the country, not just in St. Louis,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;When you are not used to them, they seem a challenge. Yeah, there are some costs, but in the end, it worked out the best for everyone. It turned into a real amenity,&rdquo; he said.<br />Safety National Casualty Corp. is a leading provider of excess workers\\\' compensation coverage to self-insured employers and self-insured groups nationwide, many of them in the construction industry. Safety National is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delphi Financial Group Inc., a $5.5 billion insurance holding company.<br /><br /><br /><strong>SNI Headquarters</strong><br /><br /><strong>Project Team</strong><br /><br /><strong>Owner:</strong> Safety National Casualty Corp.<br /><strong>Developer:</strong> CRA Development LLC, a company of Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA<br />Architects &amp; Engineers: ACI Boland; Geotechnology; Heidemann Associates; KPFF Consulting Engineers; Loomis &amp; Associates; Stock &amp; Associates<br /><strong>General Contractor:</strong> Duke Construction<br /><strong>Major Subcontractors</strong>:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Affton Fabricating</li>\n<li>Allied Waterproofing</li>\n<li>ASC Insulation</li>\n<li>Baxter Farms</li>\n<li>Bick Group</li>\n<li>Cabinet Masters</li>\n<li>Charles E. Jarrell Contracting</li>\n<li>Collins &amp; Hermann</li>\n<li>Edward Simon Painting</li>\n<li>Fabri-Tech Sheet Metal</li>\n<li>Fenix Construction</li>\n<li>Ford Asphalt</li>\n<li>Friend Acoustical</li>\n<li>General Signs</li>\n<li>Gershenson Construction</li>\n<li>Guarantee Electrical</li>\n<li>Hydro Dynamics</li>\n<li>JDS Masonry</li>\n<li>John Bender Inc.</li>\n<li>Kehrer Brothers</li>\n<li>Kelpe Contracting </li>\n<li>Kirkwood Excavating</li>\n<li>O.J. Laughlin Plumbing </li>\n<li>McDaniel Fire Systems</li>\n<li>Mid-America Precast</li>\n<li>MJ Products</li>\n<li>Murphy Co.</li>\n<li>Otis Elevator</li>\n<li>Roberts Loading Dock</li>\n<li>Sebco Cos.</li>\n<li>Signature Craft</li>\n<li>Subsurface Constructors</li>\n<li>Warren Signs</li>\n<li>West St. Louis Glass</li>\n<li>Zumwalt Corp.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1167,430,2,2,1233915182,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"430\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-03 10:56 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:37:\"HQ IQ: Smart Owner Makes a Difference\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"hq_iq_smart_owner_makes_a_difference\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:37:\"HQ IQ: Smart Owner Makes a Difference\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:173:\"Delve into the design and construction of Safety National Casualty Corp.’s new corporate headquarters and a simple, important lesson emerges: the owner makes a difference.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:25:\"Safety National, owners, \";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:12419:\"<p><strong>Owners Matter</strong></p>\n<p>Delve into the design and construction of Safety National Casualty Corp.&rsquo;s new corporate headquarters and a simple, important lesson emerges: the owner makes a difference.</p>\n<p>The most striking features of the new 138,000-square-foot Class A office building in Maryland Heights, MO, are the rich finishes. The exterior, which features glass, granite, and precast concrete, is not as impressive as the interior. Visitors enter through a two-story atrium lobby with granite flooring, cherry wood paneling and specialty lighting. Perimeter offices on every floor sport 7-foot cherry finished doors in hollow metal painted frames with frosted glass sidelights and clerestory glass above to let natural light shine into the central work areas. Elevator bays are similarly impressive, with granite flooring and accents, while conference rooms include smart boards and the latest audio-visual technology.</p>\n<p>The five-story building includes a lower level with a data center, training rooms, and a multipurpose that can be divided into three areas, including a large dining area with multiple dishwashers and microwave ovens, all backed up with an emergency electrical generator.<br />&ldquo;In today&rsquo;s market, you don&rsquo;t see a lot of people building a Class A building like this,&rdquo; said Keith Cohen, director of preconstruction for Duke Construction, the general contractor. &ldquo;It has very nice finishes, including wood panels and granite, which we typically don&rsquo;t see today.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Yet, they didn&rsquo;t an excessive amount of money to do it. Built at a cost of $19 million, &ldquo;they got great value,&rdquo; said Bruce Brophy, principal at CRA Development LLC, a company of Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA LLC, which was the development manager for the project. &ldquo;Safety National created a first-class facility without going over the top. This corporate headquarters features quality design and amenities that will stand the test of time,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p><strong>The Client was Prepared</strong><br /><br />It was the owner&rsquo;s involvement that made the project so extraordinarily successful, Brophy said. &ldquo;Safety National had engaged in enough planning ahead of time to give us time on the design to plan with them and worked through scenarios for the best product,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Safety National senior management were heavily involved throughout the process,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;They were great listeners and great participators. We were able to present a lot of ideas to them and get and get quick responses, which allowed us to get great opportunities. A lot of times, what adds to the cost of a building is the time involved in getting decisions made. You present an idea and the owner takes a month to think it over and then you&rsquo;ve lost that opportunity. That didn&rsquo;t happen here,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Because we could be creative in the design/build process, we saved them money which they could put into finishes,&rdquo; he added.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Our planning process was not unusual, but the beauty in this case is that Safety National understood their growth needs. They really knew what they wanted and where they needed to be,&rdquo; said Rick Clawson, principal at ACI Boland, the architectural firm on the project. &ldquo;When we asked them questions, they had already spent time thinking about them. Having an educated and prepared client is great for an architect,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Clawson explained that there were two distinct planning processes. One was when Safety National bought the 16-acre site from the Special School District. &ldquo;Their goal was to start a future campus. There was a lot of land planning for four buildings: 300,000 square feet of office space and a parking garage,&rdquo; he said. After the city approved new zoning and the land plan, &ldquo;then we went into planning interiors of the new building with Safety National and Coldwell Banker. We spent a lot of time looking at their projected growth and at how departments interact, then we brought in ColorArt to work with us on furniture,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>Roger Oertli, chief operating officer and project manager for Guarantee Electrical Co., said Guarantee got more time up front to design the electrical, voice, and data systems that Safety National wanted, too. &ldquo;We were brought in very early to work on the design, before they had decided what to do on the data room or with the phones. That gave the owners more time to decide what they really wanted,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Safety National 1\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"270\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/safety-national-1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"179\\\" />&ldquo;We worked closely with the design team on their plans. As Safety National&rsquo;s facility manager, we had a good feeling for what they wanted and what worked with their culture, but we brought their people in to make sure that at the end of the day it was functional,&rdquo; said Brophy of Coldwell Banker.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;&ldquo;This building was designed with a view to the future of Safety National,&rdquo; said Duane Hercules, Safety National&rsquo;s chief financial officer and executive vice president of mergers and acquisitions. Two specific concerns were prominent in the design of the building: ensuring the company&rsquo;s ability to operate in an emergency and keeping employees comfortable.</p>\n<p><strong>Emergency Back-up</strong></p>\n<p>The lower level, which houses the file system, the building operations center, the data center, training rooms wired with Cat 6A cabling, and the multipurpose room, is backed up with a generator.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;The data facility is more than most people would put in, and it has a lot of back up, a generator and UPS,&rdquo; Oertli said. &ldquo;The light and safety systems are on the emergency generator, too, which is really unusual,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;That is so they can continue to&nbsp; work if they lose power again for three or more days.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>As part of planning for a power outage, the kitchen and multipurpose room have &ldquo;quite a bit of voice and data wiring,&rdquo; said Colin Quinn, the project manager for GECO Systems, which installed the voice and data systems. That is so the lower level can serve as a fully functioning emergency headquarters if another storm knocks AmerenUE for loop. &ldquo;They can relocate employees downstairs and still function and provide everything for their clients. It is way over and above what the typical office has,&rdquo; Clawson said.</p>\n<p>Safety National opted for Cat 6A low voltage wiring, which is still a rarity in St. Louis, because &ldquo;they are trying to get to the point where all their systems: computers, HVAC, security cameras, and fire protection, can be monitored off site,&rdquo; said Oertli. They have a dozen conference rooms with smart boards and large screen audio/video systems &ndash; &ldquo;most buildings only have one,&rdquo; he said. The phone system uses VOIP (voice over internet protocol), and every sink has a water sensor. &ldquo;They even have sensors in the janitor&rsquo;s closet,&rdquo; Quinn said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We got premium systems,&rdquo; Brophy agreed, &ldquo;but it was cost effective. All the systems were designed before the final plan was done. I think that is why we were able to keep the price under control,&rdquo; he said.<br /><strong></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Keeping Employee Comfort in Mind</strong></p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Safety National 2\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"195\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/safety-national-2.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Safety National&rsquo;s consideration for its employees was expressed in numerous details throughout the design. &ldquo;They were more concerned with keeping people comfortable, with what would keep them happy, with what would attract and keep good employees, than you usually see,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;For example, revolving doors aren&rsquo;t unusual, but you typically don&rsquo;t see them in a single user building. They have a receptionist, who is going to be sitting in the lobby. They wanted to make sure that she was not going to be hit with constant shots of cold air. They wanted a revolving door so as to maintain comfort for her. That is an example of their thought process. You don&rsquo;t hear about anybody else doing stuff like that in today&rsquo;s market,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>Brophy pointed to other examples. The computer room was built with a lower floor than the rest of the lower level so that when the raised floor was installed it would be level with the rest of the floors on that level. The private offices were designed perpendicular to the perimeter wall. &ldquo;That gained them 36 percent more offices,&rdquo; Brophy said, and the dividers between those offices and the interior of the building are glass &ldquo;so that natural light flows to the interior,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>The chief challenge to the project was the site itself, Cohen said. &ldquo;It is a long linear site that slopes to the back, and they are setting back their first building, and the lower level is half in grade, and that becomes a challenge,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;All the rain we had and the volume of water it created coming down the hill &ndash; that was the main challenge,&rdquo; Brophy said. &ldquo;We had to put a drainage system in front of the site to channel water away to the stormwater system,&rdquo; he said.</p>\n<p>About the stormwater system &ndash; the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District issued new water quality rules in the middle of the project. &ldquo;That was a big deal. We just missed getting grandfathered in,&rdquo; said Clawson. The new rules meant Safety National had to allocate additional ground for stormwater detention and the cost involved went up substantially.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;This was the first project to meet MSD&rsquo;s new clean water standards,&rdquo; Brophy said. But Safety National turned the lemon into lemonade. &ldquo;Stock and Associates came up with creative solutions that involved plantings and putting a walking trail around the detention pond, which made it into an attractive amenity,&rdquo; Clawson said.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;These regulations are going in across the country, not just in St. Louis,&rdquo; Cohen said. &ldquo;When you are not used to them, they seem a challenge. Yeah, there are some costs, but in the end, it worked out the best for everyone. It turned into a real amenity,&rdquo; he said.<br />Safety National Casualty Corp. is a leading provider of excess workers\\\' compensation coverage to self-insured employers and self-insured groups nationwide, many of them in the construction industry. Safety National is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delphi Financial Group Inc., a $5.5 billion insurance holding company.<br /><br /><br /><strong>SNI Headquarters</strong><br /><br /><strong>Project Team</strong><br /><br /><strong>Owner:</strong> Safety National Casualty Corp.<br /><strong>Developer:</strong> CRA Development LLC, a company of Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA<br />Architects &amp; Engineers: ACI Boland; Geotechnology; Heidemann Associates; KPFF Consulting Engineers; Loomis &amp; Associates; Stock &amp; Associates<br /><strong>General Contractor:</strong> Duke Construction<br /><strong>Major Subcontractors</strong>:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Affton Fabricating</li>\n<li>Allied Waterproofing</li>\n<li>ASC Insulation</li>\n<li>Baxter Farms</li>\n<li>Bick Group</li>\n<li>Cabinet Masters</li>\n<li>Charles E. Jarrell Contracting</li>\n<li>Collins &amp; Hermann</li>\n<li>Edward Simon Painting</li>\n<li>Fabri-Tech Sheet Metal</li>\n<li>Fenix Construction</li>\n<li>Ford Asphalt</li>\n<li>Friend Acoustical</li>\n<li>General Signs</li>\n<li>Gershenson Construction</li>\n<li>Guarantee Electrical</li>\n<li>Hydro Dynamics</li>\n<li>JDS Masonry</li>\n<li>John Bender Inc.</li>\n<li>Kehrer Brothers</li>\n<li>Kelpe Contracting </li>\n<li>Kirkwood Excavating</li>\n<li>O.J. Laughlin Plumbing </li>\n<li>McDaniel Fire Systems</li>\n<li>Mid-America Precast</li>\n<li>MJ Products</li>\n<li>Murphy Co.</li>\n<li>Otis Elevator</li>\n<li>Roberts Loading Dock</li>\n<li>Sebco Cos.</li>\n<li>Signature Craft</li>\n<li>Subsurface Constructors</li>\n<li>Warren Signs</li>\n<li>West St. Louis Glass</li>\n<li>Zumwalt Corp.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1168,431,4,2,1233915434,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-01 11:15 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"39\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"Paric Completes South Side Senior Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"paric_completes_south_side_senior_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:41:\"Paric Completes South Side Senior Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:145:\"Paric Corp.has completed a $7.8 million mixed-use and senior living development for Minneapolis-based Dominium Development and Acquisition, LLC. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Paric, South Grand, senior\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:742:\"<p>Paric Corp.has completed a $7.8 million mixed-use and senior living development for Minneapolis-based Dominium Development and Acquisition, LLC.&nbsp; <br /><br />The development serves those 55 years and older and combines 87 senior apartments with the convenience of ground floor retail.&nbsp; Services include a computer center, multi-purpose room, dining hall, exercise room, recreational activities and a courtyard.&nbsp; <br /><br />The project, located on South Grand Boulevard in the City of St. Louis, utilized Low Income Housing Tax Credits and funds from MHDC.<br /><br />Paric served as general contractor on the three-level, 76,000-square-foot wood frame and brick building, completing the project ahead of schedule.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"39\";}'),(1169,432,4,2,1234157934,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-08 06:37 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:40:\"Tim Carey has joined Burns & McDonnell  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"tim_carey_has_joined_burns_mcdonnell\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:39:\"Tim Carey has joined Burns & McDonnell \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:93:\"Tim Carey has joined Burns & McDonnell as a mechanical engineer for energy-related projects. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:28:\"Tim Carey, Burns & McDonnell\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:539:\"<p><img src=\\\"file:///Users/tom/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.jpg\\\" />Tim Carey has joined Burns &amp; McDonnell as a mechanical engineer for energy-related projects. &nbsp;<br />Carey has more than seven years experience in project management and power plant design.&nbsp; He received his bachelor&rsquo;s degree in mechanical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology &ndash; Rolla and his master&rsquo;s of business administration degree from&nbsp; Washington University in St. Louis.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(1184,434,4,2,1234513496,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 09:13 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:44:\"USGBC \\\"Growing Green\\\" Nominations Extended\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"usgbc_growing_green_nominations_extended\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:44:\"USGBC \\\"Growing Green\\\" Nominations Extended\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:171:\"The United States Green Building Council of St. Louis (USGBC-STL) has extended the nomination deadline for nominations to its first \\\"Growing Green Awards\\\" until Feb. 23.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1374:\"<p>The United States Green Building Council of St. Louis (USGBC-STL) has extended the nomination deadline for nominations to its first \\\"Growing Green Awards\\\" until Feb. 23. Through the awards USGBC-STL hopes \\\"to recognize and celebrate the people, organizations and companies that are transforming the St. Louis region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to work and play.\\\"</p>\n<p>Award catgegories include commecial, education, government, innovator, quietly green and residential. Nomination criteria and forms are available for download at&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\\\"http://chapters.usgbc.org/stlouis/GrowingGreenAwards.html\\\">http://chapters.usgbc.org/stlouis/GrowingGreenAwards.html</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<h4 style=\\\"margin-top: 0pt;\\\"><br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<table border=\\\"1\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"height: 60px;\\\" width=\\\"1\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<td width=\\\"167\\\"></td>\n<td width=\\\"384\\\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<td></td>\n<td></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<table border=\\\"1\\\" cellpadding=\\\"3\\\" cellspacing=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"height: 60px;\\\" width=\\\"1\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr valign=\\\"top\\\">\n</tr>\n<tr valign=\\\"top\\\">\n<td width=\\\"384\\\"></td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1173,422,2,2,1234511413,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"422\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-05 09:24 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:58:\"Holland /J.E. Dunn Begin $83 Million Saluki Sports Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"holland_je_dunn_begin_83_million_saluki_sports_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:58:\"Holland/ J.E. Dunn Begin $83 Million Saluki Sports Project\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:165:\"Site development has begun on the $83 million expansion and renovation of athletic facilities at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIU-C) in Carbondale, IL.  \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:28:\"SIU-C, Dunn, Holland, sports\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2475:\"<p>Site development has begun on the $83 million expansion and\nrenovation of athletic facilities at Southern Illinois\nUniversity-Carbondale (SIU-C) in Carbondale, IL.&nbsp;&nbsp; A joint venture\ncomprised of Holland Construction Services of Swansea, Ill. and JE Dunn\nConstruction of Kansas City, Mo. is handling the project.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"SIU-C sports complex\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/siuc.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The\ntwin centerpieces of the multi-phase initiative are a new 12,000-seat\nfootball stadium with capacity for up to 15,000 fans and a renovated\nSaluki Arena, an 8,460-seat basketball venue.&nbsp; Both facilities are to\nbe completed in time to host the home-opening games of the 2010\nfootball and basketball seasons.</p>\n<p>The final major component\nis a 53,000-square-foot, two-story addition that will emanate from the\nnortheast face of Saluki Arena.&nbsp; Designed by 360 Architecture, the\n$11.5 million multi-purpose structure will serve as the new main\nentrance to the arena and host its ticket office, football and\nbasketball team facilities, an auditorium and administrative space.&nbsp;\nThe fa&ccedil;ade will combine brick veneer with a glass curtain wall. <br />The new, yet-to-be-named football stadium will replace McAndrew Stadium, built in 1939.</p>\n<p>Budgeted\nat $25.3 million, the 37,000-square-foot U-shaped facility designed by\nImage Architects, Inc., will have 12,000 fixed seats plus lawn seating\nand a lower concourse with concessions areas, restrooms and storage.&nbsp;\nIt will also feature a press box and club area with eight private,\nenclosed luxury suites.&nbsp; The field will be artificial grass turf.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The\n$29.9 million renovation to Saluki Arena, built in 1964, will include\nnew seating throughout, greatly improved accessibility with entrances\nthat comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new scoreboard,\nnew concession areas, additional restrooms and other fan amenities.&nbsp;\nThe renovation is being staged in two phases so that the 2009-10\nbasketball Salukis can compete in the venue as work proceeds.</p>\n<p>Funding\nfor the project is coming from public and private sources. The city of\nCarbondale has committed $20 million to it ($1 million over 20 years)\nwhile SIU-C has boosted student fees and launched a targeted\nfund-raising program. Revenues generated from the lease of the eight\nprivate suites will also be applied to debt service.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:24:\"/images/uploads/siuc.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1344,484,4,2,1237610893,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 06:45 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"46\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:27:\"Valmik Thakore Joins Cannon\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:27:\"valmik_thakore_joins_cannon\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:27:\"Valmik Thakore Joins Cannon\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:163:\" Cannon Design, an architectural, engineering and planning firm announced that Valmik Thakore has joined the firm as vice president and senior healthcare provider.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"Thakore, Cannon\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1802:\"<p>&nbsp;Cannon Design, an architectural, engineering and planning firm announced that Valmik Thakore has joined the firm as vice president and senior healthcare provider.<br /><br />Prior to joining Cannon Design, Thakore served as senior healthcare planner and project manager for Christner, Inc. for over 23 years. He has more than 38 years of architectural and design experience, including 20 years in healthcare planning and programming.&nbsp; <br /><br />Current projects for Cannon include: the Center for Cancer and Liver Diseases for King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a 300-bed hospital and ambulatory facility with over 1 million square feet of new construction.<br /><br />Thakore is a graduate of The School of Architecture at CEPT University in Ahmedabad, India, and has a Master of Architecture and Urban Design from Washington University. He has served as visiting Professor at the School of Architecture and School of Urban Design at CEPT University. Thakore has presented <br /><br />-more-<br />at seminars for the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), the Indian Institute of Architects and at other professional venues. <br />He belongs to numerous professional organizations including the American Institute of Architects, The Indian Institute of Architects and the Council of Architects in New Delhi, India.&nbsp; Thakore lives in Clayton, Mo.<br /><br />Cannon Design is ranked among the leading international firms in planning and design for healthcare, science &amp; technology, education, sports &amp; recreation and government clients.&nbsp; At present, the firm employs a staff of 800, delivering services in 17 offices throughout North America, as well as abroad in Shanghai, China, and Mumbai, India.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"46\";}'),(1212,443,4,2,1235118713,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-19 09:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"41\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:18:\"Sign of the Times?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:17:\"sign_of_the_times\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:17:\"Sign of the Times\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:204:\"In a move reflecting new economic realities, here’s an announcement from a concrete precaster that they are now requiring payment of one-third the purchase price in advance on all custom precast orders.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:36:\"economic, concrete, precast, Contech\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:931:\"<p>In a move reflecting new economic realities, here&rsquo;s an announcement from a concrete precaster that they are now requiring payment of one-third the purchase price in advance on all custom precast orders.</p>\n<p>Effective Feb. 1, Westchester, OH-based Contech Construction Products Inc. requires a deposit on all custom products.&nbsp; The deposit is one-third down at the time of order. The remaining two-thirds is due 30 days from the date of invoice. &nbsp;<br /><br />&ldquo;This new deposit policy allows CONTECH to continue to provide the best service to our customers and to ensure that we can continue to meet and exceed their needs,&rdquo; said Steve Spanagel, president of Sales for CONTECH.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br /><br /><br />The policy affects non standard products which include but are not limited to: bridge products, detention systems, large diameter pipe, slotted drain, stormwater units and ArmorFlex.<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"41\";}'),(1218,437,10,2,1235121950,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"437\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 10:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"41\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"2009_sior_st_louis_metro_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:41:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:209:\" The 25th anniversary of St. Louis’ largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:21:\"SIOR, Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:57:\"The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-03-25 07:15 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:14:\"7:15 to 9 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:932:\"<p>&nbsp;The 25th anniversary of St. Louis&rsquo; largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail. The event attracts more than 700 attendees annually. This year&rsquo;s specialty topic will be capital markets.<br /><br />Speakers:<br />National President &ndash; Craig S. Meyer, SIOR, Jones Lang LaSalle<br />Office &ndash; Glenn Guenther, SIOR, Discovery Group L.L.C.<br />Industrial &ndash; J. Patrick Reilly, SIOR, Gateway Commercial<br />Retail &ndash; Alan Bornstein, THF Realty Inc.<br />Capital Markets &ndash; Joseph P. Monteleone, Q10 | Triad Capital Advisors Inc.<br /><br />Cost:<br />&nbsp;$50 at the door, $40 in advance.<br />&nbsp;<br />RSVP:<br />&nbsp;Lauren Gallagher, Hughes, 314.571.6313 (office) or<a href=\\\"mailto:PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.\\\"> PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.</a><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"41\";}'),(1185,435,4,2,1234515762,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 09:40 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Nominations Extended\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"growing_green_nominations_extended\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"\\\"Growlng Green\\\" Nominations Extended\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:159:\"The United States Green Building Council of St. Louis (USGBC-STL) has extended the deadline for nominations in its first \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards until Feb. 23\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:20:\"Growing Green, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1073:\"<p>The United States Green Building Council of St. Louis (USGBC-STL) has extended the deadline for nominations in its first \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards until Feb. 23. The awards were established to \\\"celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to work and play.\\\"</p>\n<p>Awards will be presented in the categories of Commercial, Education, Government, Innovator, Quietyly Green, and Residential.&nbsp; The awards will be presented at an awards event March 31 at the Coronado Hotel, March 31 at the Coronado Ballroom, 3701 Lindell. For more information and to download criteria and application forms, go to<a href=\\\"http://chapters.usgbc.org/stlouis/GrowingGreenAwards.html\\\"> http://chapters.usgbc.org/stlouis/GrowingGreenAwards.html</a></p>\n<p><br />To make reservations for the event, call Rachel McCalla at 314.210.7764 or go to <a href=\\\"http://www.growinggreenawards/eventbrite.com\\\">www.growinggreenawards/eventbrite.com</a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1186,436,5,2,1234515958,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 10:04 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"12\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:11:\"Fear Itself\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:11:\"fear_itself\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:11:\"Fear Itself\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:203:\"President Roosevelt was right, we really only have fear to fear.  With markets getting severely competitive many firms are getting soft on the underside.  They are allowing clients to walk all over them.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:30:\"Fear, markets, sales, negative\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4820:\"<p>President Roosevelt was right, we really only have fear to fear.&nbsp; With markets getting severely competitive many firms are getting soft on the underside.&nbsp; They are allowing clients to walk all over them. <br /><br />People are refusing to educate their customers on the pitfalls of driving price down so forcefully. Most customers think they&rsquo;re generating the best financial opportunity for their own companies. In reality they are backing themselves into a dangerous corner.&nbsp; We have the responsibility to inform them of the negative consequences of taking an inferior bid or sub standard contractor.&nbsp; We worry that we&rsquo;ll anger them or make them uncomfortable so we give in and perform pricing contortions to try and win the bid.&nbsp; Estimators are turning into mathematical acrobats as opposed to trained bidding experts.<br /><br />I&rsquo;ve sat through so many seminars that instruct you not to &ldquo;negative&rdquo; sell, but to sing your own praise and virtues as a supplier. Are you nuts? You need to educate your customer on the failings, pricing schemes, and cost cutting techniques used by inferior bidders. Just avoid speaking of the competitor by name.&nbsp; If you are not letting your customer know that the extremely low bid they received virtually guarantees an endless line of change orders, extras, and inferior workmanship, you are missing the boat.<br /><br />Let me put this very simply, when someone lowers a price unreasonably they must take their focus off the customer and put it on their own costs! This is fact! Ever hear the statement &ldquo;you get what you pay for&rdquo;? It&rsquo;s true!&nbsp; You know your trade or industry. <br /><br />What corners do inferior or desperate competitors cut?&nbsp; Cheaper materials, untrained or unlicensed labor, compromising safety, or even poor project management?&nbsp; What will this cost the customer overall? The sweetness of a low bid quickly disappears when the change orders start flying or a delay occurs on the project due to poor workmanship.&nbsp; This goes back to the old snake oil salesman days.&nbsp; Pulling the old &ldquo;switcheroo&rdquo;.&nbsp; Us sales guys have known this technique for decades. Contractors fall into the trap so easily because they&rsquo;re not traditional sales people and don&rsquo;t always know how to convey these truths. <br /><br />If you are allowing the customer to dictate what is a good value in your trade you&rsquo;re not doing your job very well. Being aggressive in this fashion takes some guts, but usually gains respect. Your motive is having your client properly informed. Then if they decide to go with what will probably be a nightmare of a low bid, it lies in their lap when the first change order comes that&rsquo;s equal to the difference between the first and second bids.&nbsp; <br /><br />Project owners are learning everyday that a price that&rsquo;s too good to be true is just that.&nbsp; It amazes me how some clients throw common sense out the window due to their insane focus on price, price, price.&nbsp; Really, is this an intelligent way to buy?&nbsp; Then why would you not convey the negative that could occur? If you get an inferior roof, it leaks. If you get inferior plumbing, it floods. If you get inferior electrical work, it could catch fire! Why risk this at all? <br /><br />I&rsquo;d be incredibly suspicious in this economic climate of anyone having a ridiculously low bid. There are so many potential pitfalls. The company could go under during the project as they&rsquo;re just trying to make payroll or they&rsquo;re hiring sub standard labor.&nbsp; Just pick one. Sanity must prevail. <br /><br />A good, fair bid with a complete scope and a desire for partnership with a reputable supplier should prevail.&nbsp; Unfortunately, some just don&rsquo;t get it. Your job is to make sure they do. Do so tactfully but firmly. Don&rsquo;t wimp out! You probably wouldn&rsquo;t get the project anyway if you didn&rsquo;t ask if they understood the risks of the sub standard bid. <br /><br />When you lower your price from your original bid, what was the first price? Let me tell you: a lie! Is that who they want to do business with? Someone who would lie about the bid price it would take to do the project. Doesn&rsquo;t really evoke trust now does it?&nbsp; Build the value, educate the customer and be persistent in your approach. Don&rsquo;t fear the client&rsquo;s reaction. Be brave and steadfast in what you know is true.&nbsp; Soft selling is for a booming economy. Uuh, we don&rsquo;t have one currently.&nbsp; So go for broke and sell the existing value of your company. Stop shaking your head and telling your customers you&rsquo;ll sharpen your pencil next time. There may not be a &ldquo;next time&rdquo;!<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1187,436,5,2,1234515992,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"436\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 10:04 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"12\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"5\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:11:\"Fear Itself\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:11:\"fear_itself\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:11:\"Fear Itself\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:203:\"President Roosevelt was right, we really only have fear to fear.  With markets getting severely competitive many firms are getting soft on the underside.  They are allowing clients to walk all over them.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:30:\"Fear, markets, sales, negative\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4814:\"<p>President Roosevelt was right, we really only have fear to fear.&nbsp; With markets getting severely competitive many firms are getting soft on the underside.&nbsp; They are allowing clients to walk all over them. <br /><br />People are refusing to educate their customers on the pitfalls of driving price down so forcefully. Most customers think they&rsquo;re generating the best financial opportunity for their own companies. In reality they are backing themselves into a dangerous corner.&nbsp; We have the responsibility to inform them of the negative consequences of taking an inferior bid or sub standard contractor.&nbsp; We worry that we&rsquo;ll anger them or make them uncomfortable so we give in and perform pricing contortions to try and win the bid.&nbsp; Estimators are turning into mathematical acrobats as opposed to trained bidding experts.<br /><br />I&rsquo;ve sat through so many seminars that instruct you not to &ldquo;negative&rdquo; sell, but to sing your own praise and virtues as a supplier. Are you nuts? You need to educate your customer on the failings, pricing schemes, and cost cutting techniques used by inferior bidders. Just avoid speaking of the competitor by name.&nbsp; If you are not letting your customer know that the extremely low bid they received virtually guarantees an endless line of change orders, extras, and inferior workmanship, you are missing the boat.<br /><br />Let me put this very simply, when someone lowers a price unreasonably they must take their focus off the customer and put it on their own costs! This is fact! Ever hear the statement &ldquo;you get what you pay for&rdquo;? It&rsquo;s true!&nbsp; You know your trade or industry. <br /><br />What corners do inferior or desperate competitors cut?&nbsp; Cheaper materials, untrained or unlicensed labor, compromising safety, or even poor project management?&nbsp; What will this cost the customer overall? The sweetness of a low bid quickly disappears when the change orders start flying or a delay occurs on the project due to poor workmanship.&nbsp; This goes back to the old snake oil salesman days.&nbsp; Pulling the old &ldquo;switcheroo&rdquo;.&nbsp; Us sales guys have known this technique for decades. Contractors fall into the trap so easily because they&rsquo;re not traditional sales people and don&rsquo;t always know how to convey these truths. <br /><br />If you are allowing the customer to dictate what is a good value in your trade you&rsquo;re not doing your job very well. Being aggressive in this fashion takes some guts, but usually gains respect. Your motive is having your client properly informed. Then if they decide to go with what will probably be a nightmare of a low bid, it lies in their lap when the first change order comes that&rsquo;s equal to the difference between the first and second bids.&nbsp; <br /><br />Project owners are learning everyday that a price that&rsquo;s too good to be true is just that.&nbsp; It amazes me how some clients throw common sense out the window due to their insane focus on price, price, price.&nbsp; Really, is this an intelligent way to buy?&nbsp; Then why would you not convey the negative that could occur? If you get an inferior roof, it leaks. If you get inferior plumbing, it floods. If you get inferior electrical work, it could catch fire! Why risk this at all? <br /><br />I&rsquo;d be incredibly suspicious in this economic climate of anyone having a ridiculously low bid. There are so many potential pitfalls. The company could go under during the project as they&rsquo;re just trying to make payroll or they&rsquo;re hiring sub standard labor.&nbsp; Just pick one. Sanity must prevail. <br /><br />A good, fair bid with a complete scope and a desire for partnership with a reputable supplier should prevail.&nbsp; Unfortunately, some just don&rsquo;t get it. Your job is to make sure they do. Do so tactfully but firmly. Don&rsquo;t wimp out! You probably wouldn&rsquo;t get the project anyway if you didn&rsquo;t ask if they understood the risks of the sub standard bid. <br /><br />When you lower your price from your original bid, what was the first price? Let me tell you: a lie! Is that who they want to do business with? Someone who would lie about the bid price it would take to do the project. Doesn&rsquo;t really evoke trust now does it?&nbsp; Build the value, educate the customer and be persistent in your approach. Don&rsquo;t fear the client&rsquo;s reaction. Be brave and steadfast in what you know is true.&nbsp; Soft selling is for a booming economy. Uuh, we don&rsquo;t have one currently.&nbsp; So go for broke and sell the existing value of your company. Stop shaking your head and telling your customers you&rsquo;ll sharpen your pencil next time. There may not be a &ldquo;next time&rdquo;!</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1188,437,10,2,1234516600,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 10:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"2009_sior_st_louis_metro_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:40:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecas\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:209:\" The 25th anniversary of St. Louis’ largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:21:\"SIOR, Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:56:\"The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayto\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:18:\"2009-03-25 7:15 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:14:\"7:15 to 9 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:932:\"<p>&nbsp;The 25th anniversary of St. Louis&rsquo; largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail. The event attracts more than 700 attendees annually. This year&rsquo;s specialty topic will be capital markets.<br /><br />Speakers:<br />National President &ndash; Craig S. Meyer, SIOR, Jones Lang LaSalle<br />Office &ndash; Glenn Guenther, SIOR, Discovery Group L.L.C.<br />Industrial &ndash; J. Patrick Reilly, SIOR, Gateway Commercial<br />Retail &ndash; Alan Bornstein, THF Realty Inc.<br />Capital Markets &ndash; Joseph P. Monteleone, Q10 | Triad Capital Advisors Inc.<br /><br />COST:<br />&nbsp;$50 at the door, $40 in advance.<br />&nbsp;<br />RSVP:<br />&nbsp;Lauren Gallagher, Hughes, 314.571.6313 (office) or<a href=\\\"mailto:PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.\\\"> PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.</a><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1189,437,10,2,1234516640,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"437\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 10:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"2009_sior_st_louis_metro_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:41:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:209:\" The 25th anniversary of St. Louis’ largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:21:\"SIOR, Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:57:\"The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-03-25 07:15 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:14:\"7:15 to 9 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:932:\"<p>&nbsp;The 25th anniversary of St. Louis&rsquo; largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail. The event attracts more than 700 attendees annually. This year&rsquo;s specialty topic will be capital markets.<br /><br />Speakers:<br />National President &ndash; Craig S. Meyer, SIOR, Jones Lang LaSalle<br />Office &ndash; Glenn Guenther, SIOR, Discovery Group L.L.C.<br />Industrial &ndash; J. Patrick Reilly, SIOR, Gateway Commercial<br />Retail &ndash; Alan Bornstein, THF Realty Inc.<br />Capital Markets &ndash; Joseph P. Monteleone, Q10 | Triad Capital Advisors Inc.<br /><br />COST:<br />&nbsp;$50 at the door, $40 in advance.<br />&nbsp;<br />RSVP:<br />&nbsp;Lauren Gallagher, Hughes, 314.571.6313 (office) or<a href=\\\"mailto:PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.\\\"> PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.</a><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1190,438,4,2,1234516919,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-09 10:17 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:44:\"KAI Provides Administrative Services at SEMO\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:44:\"kai_provides_administrative_services_at_semo\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:44:\"KAI Provides Administrative Services at SEMO\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:221:\"KAI Design & Build is providing construction administration services, as a subconsultant to Jacobs Engineering Inc., on a project to build a new residence hall at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:56:\"KAI, Southeast Missouri State University, residence hall\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1376:\"<p>KAI Design &amp; Build is providing construction administration services, as a subconsultant to Jacobs Engineering Inc., on a project to build a new residence hall at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, MO.The new hall is expected to be ready for occupancy by the fall of 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The $24.6 million residence hall is under construction adjacent to Myers Hall and Vandiver Hall near the campus&rsquo; main entrance at Broadway and Henderson streets. Designs for the new 82,000-square-foot, L-shaped hall include double occupancy student rooms connected by shared bathrooms, multiple small living rooms throughout, and large game and laundry rooms.</p>\n<p>Each of the structure&rsquo;s three upper floors will have a study lounge, and a dining facility will be located on the first floor. The hall is expected to house 306 beds.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Part of the new hall&rsquo;s ground level will open to Houck Field and be used as a locker room for the university&rsquo;s football and soccer programs. An outdoor eating area and a series of paved courtyards are planned for the open area between the new residence hall and Vandiver Hall.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Jacobs Engineering Group, in partnership with Treanor Architects, is providing architectural services on the project. Kiefner Brothers Inc. is the main building package contractor.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1191,439,4,2,1234517425,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-10 10:23 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:28:\"Audiffred Named McCarthy CFO\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"audiffred_named_mccarthy_cfo\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:28:\"Audiffred Named McCarthy CFO\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:171:\"Doug Audiffred has been named chief financial officer of McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. , one of the nation\\\'s oldest and largest privately-held construction companies.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:27:\"Audiffred, McCarthy, Sherer\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2831:\"<p>Doug Audiffred has been named chief financial officer of <a href=\\\"http://www.mccarthy.com\\\">McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.</a> , one of the nation\\\'s oldest and largest privately-held construction companies.&nbsp;&nbsp; He assumes this new position following a year-long transition period with former CFO George Scherer.&nbsp; Scherer, 63, retired on December 31, 2008, after 26 years with the firm.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Audiffred\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"366\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Doug-Audiffred.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />Audiffred, 42, has more than 20 years of experience in accounting and finance, having worked for a large public accounting firm and a<br />manufacturing company prior to joining McCarthy as corporate controller in 1994.&nbsp; A member of the McCarthy executive committee since 2007, he most recently served as vice president of finance, responsible for all company accounting and financial reporting.<br /><br />\\\"Over the past decade, our company has undergone a number of important changes, the most significant of which was our long-planned transition from a family-owned company to 100% employee ownership,\\\" said Mike Bolen, McCarthy\\\'s chief executive officer/chairman.&nbsp; \\\"Doug played an instrumental role in this conversion and has continued to enhance the sophistication of McCarthy\\\'s finance function as our company has evolved.\\\"&nbsp; Audiffred has also played a significant role in the advancement of the company\\\'s modeling and forecasting capabilities; the creation of stand-alone internal treasury and risk management functions; and management and implementation of the McCarthy employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). He will be based at McCarthy\\\'s corporate headquarters in St. Louis.<br /><br />During Scherer\\\'s tenure as corporate chief financial officer, the company experienced significant growth.&nbsp; He played a key role in managing the growing business and served as the company\\\'s first true corporate controller. \\\"George created reporting and tracking mechanisms to assist in short-term and long-term business planning; led the company transition from family to employee ownership, including a 2008 transition to 100% ESOP; and oversaw the transition from a C-Corp to S-Corp structure,\\\" Bolen said.&nbsp; \\\"His unique blend of strong accounting knowledge and business acumen has been instrumental in the company\\\'s success for more than two decades.&nbsp; He will be<br />greatly missed.\\\"<br /><br />\\\"I am honored to have been chosen to follow in George\\\'s footsteps,\\\" commented Audiffred. \\\"In addition to continuing to build and maintain<br />relationships with our financial stakeholders, I remain committed to protecting and enhancing an already strong balance sheet to build<br />shareholder value for our employee owners.\\\"</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1192,440,2,2,1234517958,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 10:32 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:48:\"“Monsterâ€ Project Heads Towards Finish Line \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"monster_project_heads_towards_finish_line\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:47:\"“Monsterâ€ Project Heads Towards Finish Line\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:248:\"As work progresses on the new Holcim cement plant in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, one fact stands out: the job is immense. Successfully completing such a big job takes more than big construction equipment; it takes ingenuity, determination, and grit.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:41:\"Holcim, cement, PayneCrest, MC Industrial\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:11346:\"<p>As work progresses on the new Holcim cement plant in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, one fact stands out: the job is immense. Successfully completing such a big job takes more than big construction equipment; it takes ingenuity, determination, and grit.<br /><br />&ldquo;I will probably never see anything like it again in my career,&rdquo; Will Chipley, project director for MC Industrial, said of the mammoth industrial project. &ldquo;It is an absolute monster,&rdquo; agreed David Payne, president of PayneCrest Electric. &ldquo;It is just so enormous it is breathtaking,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Holcim\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"285\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/holcim_8896.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"300\\\" />Once complete, Holcim\\\'s Ste. Genevieve plant will be the largest single-kiln cement factory in the world, capable of producing 12,000 metric tons of clinker per day and 4 million metric tons of cement a year. The production line stretches for over a mile from the limestone quarry and ending at a harbor on the banks of the Mississippi. In between, a system of conveyors carries limestone to the raw meal silos, the mill, the kiln, the clinker cooler, clinker silos, the finish mill, and cement silos. The total facility uses 1,700 acres of a 3,900-acre site.<br /><br />The general contractor is a joint venture of the Washington Group and Alberici called WGA. Site development began in 2005; construction of the facility began in 2006, and WGA is scheduled to turn the facility over to Holcim in December 2009. <br /><br />Bloomsdale Excavating, the designer-builder of the site, began excavating in August 2005. Their first order of business was the harbor. Bloomsdale was responsible for digging and dredging the harbor, building an earthen dam to hold materials from the harbor construction, excavating and developing 70-acres for the plant to sit on, building the quarry development roads, and building an access road to the plant site. By the time Bloomsdale Excavating finished site work in July 2006, they had moved an estimated 7 million cubic yards of rock and earth. To clear the plant site, they had to drill through as much as 125 feet of limestone and blast as much as 60,000 yards at a time.<br /><br /><strong>Award-Winning Silos</strong><br /><br />A joint venture of MC Industrial (MCI), a McCarthy company, and T.E. Ibberson Co., came on site next as the design-build contractor for 13 silos concrete silos: two, 275-foot tall raw meal silos; two, 207-foot tall clinker silos and one off-spec silo; eight, 275-foot tall cement silos. Later on, two more 155-foot tall cement silos at the harbor were added to their contract. MCI also won a contract to build a limestone reclaim tunnel and the material handling conveyors from the clinker silos to the cement mills.<br /><br />MCI self-performed 99 percent of the work on the silos, Chipley said. &ldquo;It was the largest self-performed labor project McCarthy ever performed,&rdquo; he said. Constructing the material handling equipment between clinker silos and the cement mills, in which MCI self-performed 65 percent of the work, was probably second largest self-perform labor project McCarthy ever performed, he said.<br /><br />MCI built the silo walls with a process called slipforming, by which the tubular shape of a silo can be seamlessly cast in continuous process that uses a short section of formwork that moves upward with the pouring process. The form essentially rises into the air on the back of the concrete just cast. Computer-controlled hydraulic jacks raised the form one inch at a time on jack rods, at nearly nine inches an hour, said Chipley. &ldquo;The rate is determined by how fast ironworkers can install the rebar,&rdquo; he said. The jack rods consisted of 10-foot lengths of three-inch pipe. Workers would insert a new section of rod as the form reached the end of the previous section.<br /><br />&ldquo;Slipforming is quite a challenge because once you get started you can&rsquo;t change anything,&rdquo; Chipley said. MCI worked two, 12-hour shifts when forming each silo. When forming the first two silos, two crews of 85 trades people worked continuously for 16 consecutive days to slip the 275-foot tall structures. Another 83 people worked in support positions on the site. Most of the crew consisted of ironworkers, who installed 2 million pounds of rebar in 16 days while riding the forms. Three thousand, three hundred cubic yards of concrete went into each of the two silos.<br /><br />&ldquo;You get ten weeks to set up the form and you better have every single thing you need: every piece of equipment and every tool, and back-up equipment in case anything breaks down. A lot planning goes into it, and if you do not have a good plan, your chances of success are slim to none,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;Once you start a slip, you can&rsquo;t stop. Luckily, we had a partner who does these all over the world,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />MCI took 18 months to build 13 silos, and only 72 days were actually consumed with slipforming. The two clinker and one off spec silos were formed in 14 days using 8,000 cubic yards of concrete and 3 million pounds of rebar. Each clinker silo is 150-feet in diameter and the form for it weighed close to a million pounds, Chipley said. &ldquo;It is half the length of a football field and it is basically jacking itself up to 210 feet in the air on little 3-inch pipes,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />The eight concrete silos, slipped as two &ldquo;four packs&rdquo; shaped almost like four-leaf clovers, were the biggest challenge. &ldquo;It was hellish,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;It was in June, but the daytime temperatures went into the 90s,&rdquo; he said. With the sun beating down and heat coming off the concrete, the temperatures on the form were even worse. Chipley couldn&rsquo;t stop the slip once it started, so he had to plan for extra breaks, and extra workers to give breaks or replace anyone who might get sick from the heat. The planning paid off. Each four pack took 16 days to form, and used over 20,000 cubic yards of concrete, 5.6 million pounds of rebar, and 400 miles of post-tension cable. &ldquo;We had about 500 workers on the forms and probably another 150 working on the ground. With all the overtime, our weekly payroll approached $3 million,&rdquo; Chipley said.<br /><br />In completing the first 13 silos, MCI workers logged more than 700,000 hours and placed 66,000 cubic yards of concrete and 20.5 million pounds of rebar.&nbsp; <br /><br />Slipforming, although intense and impressive, was just the beginning. Post-tensioning the silos took even longer &ndash; post-tensioning the cement silos took three months, Chipley said. Conduit for the post-tensioning cable was installed during forming. Later, a kind of &ldquo;gun&rdquo; shoots the cable through the conduit. It took a special kind of ironworker to work on the post-tensioning at night. &ldquo;They worked off of galleys hanging from the tops of the silos, and these would sway as the wind whistled by. Of course we lit the job up at night, but when you look down at the lights, everything behind them is black,&rdquo; Chipley said. Not everyone is comfortable working on a hanging platform swinging over a seemingly endless void. &ldquo;I know I couldn&rsquo;t do it,&rdquo; Chipley said. <br /><br />MCI also had to install cone-shaped domes inside each cement silo as part of the system for distributing cement. Each dome is made up of 24 pie-shaped pieces of precast concrete, weighing 65,000 pounds each. The pieces are designed to be locked together with rebar and a strip of poured concrete over the rebar at each joint. As with any dome, however, the problem is how to support the individual pieces until the whole is completed and the various parts support each other. MCI used a single 2-inch cable attached to a turnbuckle to hold each piece in position at the proper 60-degree angle until it could be locked to its neighbors. &ldquo;We lowered them into position by crane, but the crane operator was working blind, because he was outside the silo,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;It was hard to get the 4-point rigging system right to get the 60-degree angle,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />Post-tensioning preceded construction of the dome-shaped bin bottoms, which preceded the installation of the roof, which preceded the installation of conveyors. MCI will finally finish the cement silos almost two years after forming them.<br /><br />The silos are probably the most stunning part of the Holcim project and MCI already has won four awards for building them.<br /><strong><br />Big Electrical Job<br /></strong><br />Holcim also is the largest project ever for PayneCrest Electric. &ldquo;It is positively the biggest self-perform job we&rsquo;ve ever done,&rdquo; said PayneCrest President David Payne. &ldquo;We have 400 electricians there. We are responsible for all of the electrical work from the incoming power feeds &ndash; which are 345,000 volts, which is highly unusual &ndash; lighting, all of the power feeds to all of the substation electric rooms, and wiring all of the motors and all of the control devices,&rdquo; he said. PayneCrest is performing the job for a fee with a time and materials contract.<br /><br />&ldquo;A lot of the work is very unique. The machinery comes from several different companies. Some of it is 450 feet in the air, some of it is out over the harbor,&rdquo; Payne said. He said the Holcim project accounted for about half of the company&rsquo;s revenues in 2008.<br /><br />Like PayneCrest Electric, Coatings Unlimited is working along almost the entire length of the project. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re painting everything structural from the primary crusher all the way to the harbor,&rdquo; said Steve Phillip, Jr., project manager for Coatings Unlimited. <br /><br />The painting is mostly touch-up work &ndash; most of the structural steel comes with an anti-corrosion zinc coating applied at the factory and Coatings Unlimited is painting the seams, welds and bolts where pieces were joined together in the field. Phillip said 90 percent of the job consists of applying anti-corrosion zinc coatings from St. Louis-based Carboline Co. The other 10 percent consists of epoxy coatings for handrails or concrete floor coatings.<br /><br />Even as mainly a touch-up job, it is a large project. When the weather is good, &ldquo;we have 56 men and six company trucks on site,&rdquo; Phillip said. He estimated that the job would run to 100,000 hours before it was done.<br /><br />The painting work at Holcim involves a lot of high work. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re using Spider baskets and 134-foot tall lifts,&rdquo; Phillip said. The toughest part was the 500-foot tall preheat tower, said site superintendent Billy Myers. &ldquo;We had to climb around on that like ironworkers,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Although less than halfway through their job, Coatings Unlimited has already won a Finishing Touch Award for their work on Holcim from the Painting &amp; Decorating Foundation.<br /><br />PayneCrest and Coatings Unlimited are subcontractors to WGA.<br /><br />&ldquo;This is one of the neatest projects going on in the country,&rdquo; Phillip said. &ldquo;Holcim and WGA have been excellent to work with.&rdquo;<br /></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1193,440,2,2,1234517986,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"440\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-10 10:32 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:47:\"“Monsterâ€ Project Heads Towards Finish Line\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"monster_project_heads_towards_finish_line\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:47:\"“Monsterâ€ Project Heads Towards Finish Line\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:248:\"As work progresses on the new Holcim cement plant in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, one fact stands out: the job is immense. Successfully completing such a big job takes more than big construction equipment; it takes ingenuity, determination, and grit.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:41:\"Holcim, cement, PayneCrest, MC Industrial\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:11340:\"<p>As work progresses on the new Holcim cement plant in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, one fact stands out: the job is immense. Successfully completing such a big job takes more than big construction equipment; it takes ingenuity, determination, and grit.<br /><br />&ldquo;I will probably never see anything like it again in my career,&rdquo; Will Chipley, project director for MC Industrial, said of the mammoth industrial project. &ldquo;It is an absolute monster,&rdquo; agreed David Payne, president of PayneCrest Electric. &ldquo;It is just so enormous it is breathtaking,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Holcim\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"285\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/holcim_8896.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"300\\\" />Once complete, Holcim\\\'s Ste. Genevieve plant will be the largest single-kiln cement factory in the world, capable of producing 12,000 metric tons of clinker per day and 4 million metric tons of cement a year. The production line stretches for over a mile from the limestone quarry and ending at a harbor on the banks of the Mississippi. In between, a system of conveyors carries limestone to the raw meal silos, the mill, the kiln, the clinker cooler, clinker silos, the finish mill, and cement silos. The total facility uses 1,700 acres of a 3,900-acre site.<br /><br />The general contractor is a joint venture of the Washington Group and Alberici called WGA. Site development began in 2005; construction of the facility began in 2006, and WGA is scheduled to turn the facility over to Holcim in December 2009. <br /><br />Bloomsdale Excavating, the designer-builder of the site, began excavating in August 2005. Their first order of business was the harbor. Bloomsdale was responsible for digging and dredging the harbor, building an earthen dam to hold materials from the harbor construction, excavating and developing 70-acres for the plant to sit on, building the quarry development roads, and building an access road to the plant site. By the time Bloomsdale Excavating finished site work in July 2006, they had moved an estimated 7 million cubic yards of rock and earth. To clear the plant site, they had to drill through as much as 125 feet of limestone and blast as much as 60,000 yards at a time.<br /><br /><strong>Award-Winning Silos</strong><br /><br />A joint venture of MC Industrial (MCI), a McCarthy company, and T.E. Ibberson Co., came on site next as the design-build contractor for 13 silos concrete silos: two, 275-foot tall raw meal silos; two, 207-foot tall clinker silos and one off-spec silo; eight, 275-foot tall cement silos. Later on, two more 155-foot tall cement silos at the harbor were added to their contract. MCI also won a contract to build a limestone reclaim tunnel and the material handling conveyors from the clinker silos to the cement mills.<br /><br />MCI self-performed 99 percent of the work on the silos, Chipley said. &ldquo;It was the largest self-performed labor project McCarthy ever performed,&rdquo; he said. Constructing the material handling equipment between clinker silos and the cement mills, in which MCI self-performed 65 percent of the work, was probably second largest self-perform labor project McCarthy ever performed, he said.<br /><br />MCI built the silo walls with a process called slipforming, by which the tubular shape of a silo can be seamlessly cast in continuous process that uses a short section of formwork that moves upward with the pouring process. The form essentially rises into the air on the back of the concrete just cast. Computer-controlled hydraulic jacks raised the form one inch at a time on jack rods, at nearly nine inches an hour, said Chipley. &ldquo;The rate is determined by how fast ironworkers can install the rebar,&rdquo; he said. The jack rods consisted of 10-foot lengths of three-inch pipe. Workers would insert a new section of rod as the form reached the end of the previous section.<br /><br />&ldquo;Slipforming is quite a challenge because once you get started you can&rsquo;t change anything,&rdquo; Chipley said. MCI worked two, 12-hour shifts when forming each silo. When forming the first two silos, two crews of 85 trades people worked continuously for 16 consecutive days to slip the 275-foot tall structures. Another 83 people worked in support positions on the site. Most of the crew consisted of ironworkers, who installed 2 million pounds of rebar in 16 days while riding the forms. Three thousand, three hundred cubic yards of concrete went into each of the two silos.<br /><br />&ldquo;You get ten weeks to set up the form and you better have every single thing you need: every piece of equipment and every tool, and back-up equipment in case anything breaks down. A lot planning goes into it, and if you do not have a good plan, your chances of success are slim to none,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;Once you start a slip, you can&rsquo;t stop. Luckily, we had a partner who does these all over the world,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />MCI took 18 months to build 13 silos, and only 72 days were actually consumed with slipforming. The two clinker and one off spec silos were formed in 14 days using 8,000 cubic yards of concrete and 3 million pounds of rebar. Each clinker silo is 150-feet in diameter and the form for it weighed close to a million pounds, Chipley said. &ldquo;It is half the length of a football field and it is basically jacking itself up to 210 feet in the air on little 3-inch pipes,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />The eight concrete silos, slipped as two &ldquo;four packs&rdquo; shaped almost like four-leaf clovers, were the biggest challenge. &ldquo;It was hellish,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;It was in June, but the daytime temperatures went into the 90s,&rdquo; he said. With the sun beating down and heat coming off the concrete, the temperatures on the form were even worse. Chipley couldn&rsquo;t stop the slip once it started, so he had to plan for extra breaks, and extra workers to give breaks or replace anyone who might get sick from the heat. The planning paid off. Each four pack took 16 days to form, and used over 20,000 cubic yards of concrete, 5.6 million pounds of rebar, and 400 miles of post-tension cable. &ldquo;We had about 500 workers on the forms and probably another 150 working on the ground. With all the overtime, our weekly payroll approached $3 million,&rdquo; Chipley said.<br /><br />In completing the first 13 silos, MCI workers logged more than 700,000 hours and placed 66,000 cubic yards of concrete and 20.5 million pounds of rebar.&nbsp; <br /><br />Slipforming, although intense and impressive, was just the beginning. Post-tensioning the silos took even longer &ndash; post-tensioning the cement silos took three months, Chipley said. Conduit for the post-tensioning cable was installed during forming. Later, a kind of &ldquo;gun&rdquo; shoots the cable through the conduit. It took a special kind of ironworker to work on the post-tensioning at night. &ldquo;They worked off of galleys hanging from the tops of the silos, and these would sway as the wind whistled by. Of course we lit the job up at night, but when you look down at the lights, everything behind them is black,&rdquo; Chipley said. Not everyone is comfortable working on a hanging platform swinging over a seemingly endless void. &ldquo;I know I couldn&rsquo;t do it,&rdquo; Chipley said. <br /><br />MCI also had to install cone-shaped domes inside each cement silo as part of the system for distributing cement. Each dome is made up of 24 pie-shaped pieces of precast concrete, weighing 65,000 pounds each. The pieces are designed to be locked together with rebar and a strip of poured concrete over the rebar at each joint. As with any dome, however, the problem is how to support the individual pieces until the whole is completed and the various parts support each other. MCI used a single 2-inch cable attached to a turnbuckle to hold each piece in position at the proper 60-degree angle until it could be locked to its neighbors. &ldquo;We lowered them into position by crane, but the crane operator was working blind, because he was outside the silo,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;It was hard to get the 4-point rigging system right to get the 60-degree angle,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />Post-tensioning preceded construction of the dome-shaped bin bottoms, which preceded the installation of the roof, which preceded the installation of conveyors. MCI will finally finish the cement silos almost two years after forming them.<br /><br />The silos are probably the most stunning part of the Holcim project and MCI already has won four awards for building them.<br /><strong><br />Big Electrical Job<br /></strong><br />Holcim also is the largest project ever for PayneCrest Electric. &ldquo;It is positively the biggest self-perform job we&rsquo;ve ever done,&rdquo; said PayneCrest President David Payne. &ldquo;We have 400 electricians there. We are responsible for all of the electrical work from the incoming power feeds &ndash; which are 345,000 volts, which is highly unusual &ndash; lighting, all of the power feeds to all of the substation electric rooms, and wiring all of the motors and all of the control devices,&rdquo; he said. PayneCrest is performing the job for a fee with a time and materials contract.<br /><br />&ldquo;A lot of the work is very unique. The machinery comes from several different companies. Some of it is 450 feet in the air, some of it is out over the harbor,&rdquo; Payne said. He said the Holcim project accounted for about half of the company&rsquo;s revenues in 2008.<br /><br />Like PayneCrest Electric, Coatings Unlimited is working along almost the entire length of the project. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re painting everything structural from the primary crusher all the way to the harbor,&rdquo; said Steve Phillip, Jr., project manager for Coatings Unlimited. <br /><br />The painting is mostly touch-up work &ndash; most of the structural steel comes with an anti-corrosion zinc coating applied at the factory and Coatings Unlimited is painting the seams, welds and bolts where pieces were joined together in the field. Phillip said 90 percent of the job consists of applying anti-corrosion zinc coatings from St. Louis-based Carboline Co. The other 10 percent consists of epoxy coatings for handrails or concrete floor coatings.<br /><br />Even as mainly a touch-up job, it is a large project. When the weather is good, &ldquo;we have 56 men and six company trucks on site,&rdquo; Phillip said. He estimated that the job would run to 100,000 hours before it was done.<br /><br />The painting work at Holcim involves a lot of high work. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re using Spider baskets and 134-foot tall lifts,&rdquo; Phillip said. The toughest part was the 500-foot tall preheat tower, said site superintendent Billy Myers. &ldquo;We had to climb around on that like ironworkers,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Although less than halfway through their job, Coatings Unlimited has already won a Finishing Touch Award for their work on Holcim from the Painting &amp; Decorating Foundation.<br /><br />PayneCrest and Coatings Unlimited are subcontractors to WGA.<br /><br />&ldquo;This is one of the neatest projects going on in the country,&rdquo; Phillip said. &ldquo;Holcim and WGA have been excellent to work with.&rdquo;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1194,441,4,2,1234518215,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-08 10:41 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:68:\"Geotechnology\\\'s Bulloch Completes Certification, Receives Promotion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:65:\"geotechnologys_bulloch_completes_certification_receives_promotion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:68:\"Geotechnology\\\'s Bulloch Completes Certification, Receives Promotion\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:312:\"Geotechnology, Inc., a  provider of geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling, announced that Zach Bulloch completed the process to earn his Level III certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) for Soils, Concrete and Asphalt.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:48:\"Bulloch, certification, promotion, Geotechnology\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:490:\"<p>Geotechnology, Inc., a&nbsp; provider of geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling, announced that Zach Bulloch completed the process to earn his Level III certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) for Soils, Concrete and Asphalt.&nbsp; The company also announced that Bulloch was promoted from Supervisor to Manager of Geotechnology&rsquo;s Construction Materials Testing Laboratory.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1195,442,4,2,1234518447,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 10:44 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"Is “Greenâ€ Losing Steam?  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"is_green_losing_steam\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:28:\"Is “Greenâ€ Losing Steam?\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:294:\"Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. “When construction comes back,â€ she said, “it will be green.â€\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:45:\"green, sustainable, Hart, Sammartano, Merrill\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:10775:\"<p>Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. &ldquo;When construction comes back,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;it will be green.&rdquo;<br /><br />The green building movement will not only survive, it will thrive, said Charlie Pavalec, president of Bell Electrical Contractors. Backed by a combination of government spending, tax credits, and new regulations, the green building movement &ldquo;may help to pull us out of recession,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I had a concern that 2009 would be very tight, but what I&rsquo;m finding now is that the few projects that are going forward are green,&rdquo; said Thomas Taylor, general manager of Vertegy Consultants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Green building still has legs,&rdquo; agreed Paul Todd Merrill, Clayco&rsquo;s director of sustainable construction. &ldquo;Nine out of 10 RFPs (requests for proposals) we see out there want to know what green features we can bring to the table. Customers are looking at reducing other aspects, such as square footage or schedule, before they give up pursuit of sustainability measures,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Amidst all that opportunity, however, there lay challenges. One of the central tenets of green building is energy efficiency. Or is it?<br /><br />&ldquo;If you are trying to automatically say that a sustainable building is more energy efficient, I would not agree. We have seen sustainable buildings that aren&rsquo;t that great from an energy standpoint,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;And you can have a highly energy efficient building where the designers and builders did not pay attention to the site or to water or air quality, so I don&rsquo;t think the two go hand in hand,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Dan Sammartano, general manager of Salian Commercial, disagreed. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t be &ldquo;green&rdquo; if you don&rsquo;t save energy,&rdquo; he said. And saving energy is a big part of why companies want green buildings, Merrill added. &ldquo;It makes good business sense, both in terms of hard dollars and in terms of differentiating the company. Depending on the market and utility rates, energy efficiency measures pay for themselves in three to eight years,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;Everybody wants energy efficiency. It is easy to do and it pays you back, so you would be idiotic not to do it,&rdquo; said Bob Leonard, a senior project manager at Paric Corp.<br /><strong><br />LEED 2009</strong><br /><br />Bowing to customers&rsquo; expectations, the U.S. Green Building Council is issuing a new version of LEED this year, called LEED 2009, which &ldquo;raises the bar on energy efficiency,&rdquo; said Emily Andrews, executive director of the St. Louis chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. &ldquo;Up to now, LEED products have required you to use ASHRAE 90.1 as the baseline standard for energy efficiency. The new LEED requires you to go beyond it by a certain percentage,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />Energy efficiency in LEED is the predicted energy efficiency. Building designers use energy models to predict how much energy a building will save and incorporate those predictions into the application for LEED certification. <br /><br />The problem with that, Sammartano said, is that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;ve had studies where people have gone back and measured the energy use in LEED buildings, and there is no correspondence with the models. Some buildings have performed better, but some buildings have performed much worse. Results have shown that even some gold and platinum buildings (the highest LEED &ndash;rated buildings) fall significantly below the ASHRAE standard in energy efficiency.&rdquo;<br /><br />Sammartano warned that if a significant number of LEED buildings fail to achieve energy savings, much less the predicted energy savings, &ldquo;the bubble could burst&rdquo; for LEED and green buildings.<br /><br />&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t blame the rating system,&rdquo; Andrews said. &ldquo;You as building owner are responsible. It is your bottom line, your money. If a building isn&rsquo;t performing to how it was supposed to perform there are tweaks you have to make,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are glitches in every system,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;You are only using a rating system as a guide to get you to a better building, not as an end-all-be-all,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The Green Building Council has recognized the need for measurement, said Andrews, so the new LEED provides an incentive for measurement and verification by giving two more points for measurement than it gives for just modeling. &ldquo;And the other thing in LEED is that there is a basic commissioning requirement to make sure all the energy systems in a building are functioning properly,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />Sammartano, however, questioned whether the Green Building Council really cares about how well a building actually performs. He cited one study of 121 LEED-certified buildings in which 40 percent obtained points for measurement and verification, but at the end of the mandatory one-year measurement and verification process only three of the projects could produce information generated by the measurement and verification process.<br /><br />Merrill, however, said the problem is not with modeling, it &ldquo;is with people who bend rules when energy modeling and LEED is correcting that,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At issue is more than just confidence in the LEED building rating system, however. If a building owner discovers that a building is not delivering the energy savings that the architect said it would, &ldquo;there could be a liability issue,&rdquo; said Andrew Manuel, shareholder, Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, PC.<br /><strong><br />That Which Gets Measured Will Succeed</strong><br /><br />&ldquo;LEED has been a fantastic learning tool,&rdquo; said Tim Gaidis, sustainable design director for HOK&rsquo;s St. Louis office, but &ldquo;the initiatives that will succeed going forward are the initiatives that can be measured, such as energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions The softer types of things that can&rsquo;t be measured will fall away, unless, like solar panels, they look good in PR to show that companies are making an effort at sustainability.&rdquo; Gaidis predicted that LEED would continue to evolve to remain useful and relevant.<br /><br />Sammartano is not alone is seeking to measure performance. Better measurements topped the list of green construction needs produced by the first annual BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, which was held in Boston, MA in November.&nbsp; The forum brought together 30 senior architects, including a representative from HOK, to talk about challenges in sustainable construction. It was sponsored by BASF Corp., which makes chemicals used in many construction products.<br /><br />BASF spokesman Bill Pagano said the number one conclusion of the forum was, &ldquo;We need better tools to measure performance and justify first-cost for energy-efficient and more durable products.&rdquo; <br /><br />Merrill said that Clayco accepts the need for better data. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve gone back and taken a look at buildings we built. We are tracking and trending information and one thing we&rsquo;re really seeing is that physical layout and natural illumination make a big difference,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At the same time, modeling has a lot of value, he said. &ldquo;We never used to model buildings in Missouri, because we don&rsquo;t have an energy code. Just the fact that we are doing models leapfrogs in front of where we&rsquo;ve been. For example, we used to be doing R-30 roofs. We started doing models and found out we can get by with an R-20 roof without increasing use. Modeling is a tool for evaluating our practices that we didn&rsquo;t have before,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Preceding the BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, BASF commissioned research firm BuildingInsight LLC to conduct a focused survey on green building issues. Respondents said that clients were willing to spend up to five percent more on first costs to improve energy efficiency. Those surveyed also said that on 35 percent of their projects clients wanted improvements in energy efficiency of at least 20 percent beyond standard requirements.<br /><br />Efforts to document building energy performance already are making their way into state and local regulations. Washington, DC, and California have adopted regulations that require benchmarking of energy use for commercial buildings through the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Minnesota has made it a goal to earn the Energy Star label on 1,000 commercial buildings in the next two years. New York City is considering standard benchmarking legislation for commercial buildings. Ohio and Denver have pledged to benchmark government buildings. &ldquo;Soon these energy data will be made public, and those which achieve high rates of energy efficiency will be able to leverage this premium in ways LEED may not,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />&lsquo;The marketplace is saying, &ldquo;Show me the money.&rdquo; It is not enough to say it will be there, you have to demonstrate it,&rdquo; Taylor said. As more data becomes available, however, it will also help improve modeling and improve LEED. &ldquo;I personally think this will have a very positive affect on people who truly practice sustainability. There are more people in marketplace who say they do it than truly know how to do it,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are challenges, but the opportunities outweigh them. Everything on the landscape leans towards green,&rdquo; Taylor added.<br /><br />&ldquo;There is a huge building stock in the United States and huge opportunities to make it more efficient,&rdquo; Gaidis said. &ldquo;One challenge is knowing how codes will evolve to require sustainable practices. We need more political and regulatory guidance,&rdquo; he said. The measurement challenge is not insurmountable, he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;The great thing about Kennedy&rsquo;s challenge to put a man on the moon was that it was a huge challenge and people rose to the occasion. When regulatory agencies or our clients ask us to go all the way to moon, we can do it; we just need to be challenged,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Merrill also is confident that issues of documenting energy performance soon will be resolved. &ldquo;We share the feeling that the future is green, that it will be the mainstream. We liken it to ADA requirements &ndash; it will become normal part of business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1196,440,2,2,1234519292,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"440\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-10 10:32 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"\\\"Monster\\\" Project Heads Towards Finish Line\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"monster_project_heads_towards_finish_line\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:45:\"\\\"Monster\\\" Project Heads Towards Finish Line\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:248:\"As work progresses on the new Holcim cement plant in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, one fact stands out: the job is immense. Successfully completing such a big job takes more than big construction equipment; it takes ingenuity, determination, and grit.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:41:\"Holcim, cement, PayneCrest, MC Industrial\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:11340:\"<p>As work progresses on the new Holcim cement plant in Ste. Genevieve County, MO, one fact stands out: the job is immense. Successfully completing such a big job takes more than big construction equipment; it takes ingenuity, determination, and grit.<br /><br />&ldquo;I will probably never see anything like it again in my career,&rdquo; Will Chipley, project director for MC Industrial, said of the mammoth industrial project. &ldquo;It is an absolute monster,&rdquo; agreed David Payne, president of PayneCrest Electric. &ldquo;It is just so enormous it is breathtaking,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Holcim\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"285\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/holcim_8896.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"300\\\" />Once complete, Holcim\\\'s Ste. Genevieve plant will be the largest single-kiln cement factory in the world, capable of producing 12,000 metric tons of clinker per day and 4 million metric tons of cement a year. The production line stretches for over a mile from the limestone quarry and ending at a harbor on the banks of the Mississippi. In between, a system of conveyors carries limestone to the raw meal silos, the mill, the kiln, the clinker cooler, clinker silos, the finish mill, and cement silos. The total facility uses 1,700 acres of a 3,900-acre site.<br /><br />The general contractor is a joint venture of the Washington Group and Alberici called WGA. Site development began in 2005; construction of the facility began in 2006, and WGA is scheduled to turn the facility over to Holcim in December 2009. <br /><br />Bloomsdale Excavating, the designer-builder of the site, began excavating in August 2005. Their first order of business was the harbor. Bloomsdale was responsible for digging and dredging the harbor, building an earthen dam to hold materials from the harbor construction, excavating and developing 70-acres for the plant to sit on, building the quarry development roads, and building an access road to the plant site. By the time Bloomsdale Excavating finished site work in July 2006, they had moved an estimated 7 million cubic yards of rock and earth. To clear the plant site, they had to drill through as much as 125 feet of limestone and blast as much as 60,000 yards at a time.<br /><br /><strong>Award-Winning Silos</strong><br /><br />A joint venture of MC Industrial (MCI), a McCarthy company, and T.E. Ibberson Co., came on site next as the design-build contractor for 13 silos concrete silos: two, 275-foot tall raw meal silos; two, 207-foot tall clinker silos and one off-spec silo; eight, 275-foot tall cement silos. Later on, two more 155-foot tall cement silos at the harbor were added to their contract. MCI also won a contract to build a limestone reclaim tunnel and the material handling conveyors from the clinker silos to the cement mills.<br /><br />MCI self-performed 99 percent of the work on the silos, Chipley said. &ldquo;It was the largest self-performed labor project McCarthy ever performed,&rdquo; he said. Constructing the material handling equipment between clinker silos and the cement mills, in which MCI self-performed 65 percent of the work, was probably second largest self-perform labor project McCarthy ever performed, he said.<br /><br />MCI built the silo walls with a process called slipforming, by which the tubular shape of a silo can be seamlessly cast in continuous process that uses a short section of formwork that moves upward with the pouring process. The form essentially rises into the air on the back of the concrete just cast. Computer-controlled hydraulic jacks raised the form one inch at a time on jack rods, at nearly nine inches an hour, said Chipley. &ldquo;The rate is determined by how fast ironworkers can install the rebar,&rdquo; he said. The jack rods consisted of 10-foot lengths of three-inch pipe. Workers would insert a new section of rod as the form reached the end of the previous section.<br /><br />&ldquo;Slipforming is quite a challenge because once you get started you can&rsquo;t change anything,&rdquo; Chipley said. MCI worked two, 12-hour shifts when forming each silo. When forming the first two silos, two crews of 85 trades people worked continuously for 16 consecutive days to slip the 275-foot tall structures. Another 83 people worked in support positions on the site. Most of the crew consisted of ironworkers, who installed 2 million pounds of rebar in 16 days while riding the forms. Three thousand, three hundred cubic yards of concrete went into each of the two silos.<br /><br />&ldquo;You get ten weeks to set up the form and you better have every single thing you need: every piece of equipment and every tool, and back-up equipment in case anything breaks down. A lot planning goes into it, and if you do not have a good plan, your chances of success are slim to none,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;Once you start a slip, you can&rsquo;t stop. Luckily, we had a partner who does these all over the world,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />MCI took 18 months to build 13 silos, and only 72 days were actually consumed with slipforming. The two clinker and one off spec silos were formed in 14 days using 8,000 cubic yards of concrete and 3 million pounds of rebar. Each clinker silo is 150-feet in diameter and the form for it weighed close to a million pounds, Chipley said. &ldquo;It is half the length of a football field and it is basically jacking itself up to 210 feet in the air on little 3-inch pipes,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />The eight concrete silos, slipped as two &ldquo;four packs&rdquo; shaped almost like four-leaf clovers, were the biggest challenge. &ldquo;It was hellish,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;It was in June, but the daytime temperatures went into the 90s,&rdquo; he said. With the sun beating down and heat coming off the concrete, the temperatures on the form were even worse. Chipley couldn&rsquo;t stop the slip once it started, so he had to plan for extra breaks, and extra workers to give breaks or replace anyone who might get sick from the heat. The planning paid off. Each four pack took 16 days to form, and used over 20,000 cubic yards of concrete, 5.6 million pounds of rebar, and 400 miles of post-tension cable. &ldquo;We had about 500 workers on the forms and probably another 150 working on the ground. With all the overtime, our weekly payroll approached $3 million,&rdquo; Chipley said.<br /><br />In completing the first 13 silos, MCI workers logged more than 700,000 hours and placed 66,000 cubic yards of concrete and 20.5 million pounds of rebar.&nbsp; <br /><br />Slipforming, although intense and impressive, was just the beginning. Post-tensioning the silos took even longer &ndash; post-tensioning the cement silos took three months, Chipley said. Conduit for the post-tensioning cable was installed during forming. Later, a kind of &ldquo;gun&rdquo; shoots the cable through the conduit. It took a special kind of ironworker to work on the post-tensioning at night. &ldquo;They worked off of galleys hanging from the tops of the silos, and these would sway as the wind whistled by. Of course we lit the job up at night, but when you look down at the lights, everything behind them is black,&rdquo; Chipley said. Not everyone is comfortable working on a hanging platform swinging over a seemingly endless void. &ldquo;I know I couldn&rsquo;t do it,&rdquo; Chipley said. <br /><br />MCI also had to install cone-shaped domes inside each cement silo as part of the system for distributing cement. Each dome is made up of 24 pie-shaped pieces of precast concrete, weighing 65,000 pounds each. The pieces are designed to be locked together with rebar and a strip of poured concrete over the rebar at each joint. As with any dome, however, the problem is how to support the individual pieces until the whole is completed and the various parts support each other. MCI used a single 2-inch cable attached to a turnbuckle to hold each piece in position at the proper 60-degree angle until it could be locked to its neighbors. &ldquo;We lowered them into position by crane, but the crane operator was working blind, because he was outside the silo,&rdquo; Chipley said. &ldquo;It was hard to get the 4-point rigging system right to get the 60-degree angle,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />Post-tensioning preceded construction of the dome-shaped bin bottoms, which preceded the installation of the roof, which preceded the installation of conveyors. MCI will finally finish the cement silos almost two years after forming them.<br /><br />The silos are probably the most stunning part of the Holcim project and MCI already has won four awards for building them.<br /><strong><br />Big Electrical Job<br /></strong><br />Holcim also is the largest project ever for PayneCrest Electric. &ldquo;It is positively the biggest self-perform job we&rsquo;ve ever done,&rdquo; said PayneCrest President David Payne. &ldquo;We have 400 electricians there. We are responsible for all of the electrical work from the incoming power feeds &ndash; which are 345,000 volts, which is highly unusual &ndash; lighting, all of the power feeds to all of the substation electric rooms, and wiring all of the motors and all of the control devices,&rdquo; he said. PayneCrest is performing the job for a fee with a time and materials contract.<br /><br />&ldquo;A lot of the work is very unique. The machinery comes from several different companies. Some of it is 450 feet in the air, some of it is out over the harbor,&rdquo; Payne said. He said the Holcim project accounted for about half of the company&rsquo;s revenues in 2008.<br /><br />Like PayneCrest Electric, Coatings Unlimited is working along almost the entire length of the project. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re painting everything structural from the primary crusher all the way to the harbor,&rdquo; said Steve Phillip, Jr., project manager for Coatings Unlimited. <br /><br />The painting is mostly touch-up work &ndash; most of the structural steel comes with an anti-corrosion zinc coating applied at the factory and Coatings Unlimited is painting the seams, welds and bolts where pieces were joined together in the field. Phillip said 90 percent of the job consists of applying anti-corrosion zinc coatings from St. Louis-based Carboline Co. The other 10 percent consists of epoxy coatings for handrails or concrete floor coatings.<br /><br />Even as mainly a touch-up job, it is a large project. When the weather is good, &ldquo;we have 56 men and six company trucks on site,&rdquo; Phillip said. He estimated that the job would run to 100,000 hours before it was done.<br /><br />The painting work at Holcim involves a lot of high work. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re using Spider baskets and 134-foot tall lifts,&rdquo; Phillip said. The toughest part was the 500-foot tall preheat tower, said site superintendent Billy Myers. &ldquo;We had to climb around on that like ironworkers,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Although less than halfway through their job, Coatings Unlimited has already won a Finishing Touch Award for their work on Holcim from the Painting &amp; Decorating Foundation.<br /><br />PayneCrest and Coatings Unlimited are subcontractors to WGA.<br /><br />&ldquo;This is one of the neatest projects going on in the country,&rdquo; Phillip said. &ldquo;Holcim and WGA have been excellent to work with.&rdquo;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1197,435,4,2,1234519346,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"435\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 09:40 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Nominations Extended\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"growing_green_nominations_extended\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Nominations Extended\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:159:\"The United States Green Building Council of St. Louis (USGBC-STL) has extended the deadline for nominations in its first \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards until Feb. 23\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:20:\"Growing Green, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1073:\"<p>The United States Green Building Council of St. Louis (USGBC-STL) has extended the deadline for nominations in its first \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards until Feb. 23. The awards were established to \\\"celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to work and play.\\\"</p>\n<p>Awards will be presented in the categories of Commercial, Education, Government, Innovator, Quietyly Green, and Residential.&nbsp; The awards will be presented at an awards event March 31 at the Coronado Hotel, March 31 at the Coronado Ballroom, 3701 Lindell. For more information and to download criteria and application forms, go to<a href=\\\"http://chapters.usgbc.org/stlouis/GrowingGreenAwards.html\\\"> http://chapters.usgbc.org/stlouis/GrowingGreenAwards.html</a></p>\n<p><br />To make reservations for the event, call Rachel McCalla at 314.210.7764 or go to <a href=\\\"http://www.growinggreenawards/eventbrite.com\\\">www.growinggreenawards/eventbrite.com</a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1198,442,4,2,1234519394,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"442\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 10:44 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"is_green_losing_steam\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:27:\"Is \\\"Greenâ€ Losing Steam?\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:294:\"Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. “When construction comes back,â€ she said, “it will be green.â€\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:45:\"green, sustainable, Hart, Sammartano, Merrill\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:10775:\"<p>Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. &ldquo;When construction comes back,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;it will be green.&rdquo;<br /><br />The green building movement will not only survive, it will thrive, said Charlie Pavalec, president of Bell Electrical Contractors. Backed by a combination of government spending, tax credits, and new regulations, the green building movement &ldquo;may help to pull us out of recession,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I had a concern that 2009 would be very tight, but what I&rsquo;m finding now is that the few projects that are going forward are green,&rdquo; said Thomas Taylor, general manager of Vertegy Consultants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Green building still has legs,&rdquo; agreed Paul Todd Merrill, Clayco&rsquo;s director of sustainable construction. &ldquo;Nine out of 10 RFPs (requests for proposals) we see out there want to know what green features we can bring to the table. Customers are looking at reducing other aspects, such as square footage or schedule, before they give up pursuit of sustainability measures,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Amidst all that opportunity, however, there lay challenges. One of the central tenets of green building is energy efficiency. Or is it?<br /><br />&ldquo;If you are trying to automatically say that a sustainable building is more energy efficient, I would not agree. We have seen sustainable buildings that aren&rsquo;t that great from an energy standpoint,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;And you can have a highly energy efficient building where the designers and builders did not pay attention to the site or to water or air quality, so I don&rsquo;t think the two go hand in hand,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Dan Sammartano, general manager of Salian Commercial, disagreed. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t be &ldquo;green&rdquo; if you don&rsquo;t save energy,&rdquo; he said. And saving energy is a big part of why companies want green buildings, Merrill added. &ldquo;It makes good business sense, both in terms of hard dollars and in terms of differentiating the company. Depending on the market and utility rates, energy efficiency measures pay for themselves in three to eight years,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;Everybody wants energy efficiency. It is easy to do and it pays you back, so you would be idiotic not to do it,&rdquo; said Bob Leonard, a senior project manager at Paric Corp.<br /><strong><br />LEED 2009</strong><br /><br />Bowing to customers&rsquo; expectations, the U.S. Green Building Council is issuing a new version of LEED this year, called LEED 2009, which &ldquo;raises the bar on energy efficiency,&rdquo; said Emily Andrews, executive director of the St. Louis chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. &ldquo;Up to now, LEED products have required you to use ASHRAE 90.1 as the baseline standard for energy efficiency. The new LEED requires you to go beyond it by a certain percentage,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />Energy efficiency in LEED is the predicted energy efficiency. Building designers use energy models to predict how much energy a building will save and incorporate those predictions into the application for LEED certification. <br /><br />The problem with that, Sammartano said, is that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;ve had studies where people have gone back and measured the energy use in LEED buildings, and there is no correspondence with the models. Some buildings have performed better, but some buildings have performed much worse. Results have shown that even some gold and platinum buildings (the highest LEED &ndash;rated buildings) fall significantly below the ASHRAE standard in energy efficiency.&rdquo;<br /><br />Sammartano warned that if a significant number of LEED buildings fail to achieve energy savings, much less the predicted energy savings, &ldquo;the bubble could burst&rdquo; for LEED and green buildings.<br /><br />&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t blame the rating system,&rdquo; Andrews said. &ldquo;You as building owner are responsible. It is your bottom line, your money. If a building isn&rsquo;t performing to how it was supposed to perform there are tweaks you have to make,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are glitches in every system,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;You are only using a rating system as a guide to get you to a better building, not as an end-all-be-all,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The Green Building Council has recognized the need for measurement, said Andrews, so the new LEED provides an incentive for measurement and verification by giving two more points for measurement than it gives for just modeling. &ldquo;And the other thing in LEED is that there is a basic commissioning requirement to make sure all the energy systems in a building are functioning properly,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />Sammartano, however, questioned whether the Green Building Council really cares about how well a building actually performs. He cited one study of 121 LEED-certified buildings in which 40 percent obtained points for measurement and verification, but at the end of the mandatory one-year measurement and verification process only three of the projects could produce information generated by the measurement and verification process.<br /><br />Merrill, however, said the problem is not with modeling, it &ldquo;is with people who bend rules when energy modeling and LEED is correcting that,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At issue is more than just confidence in the LEED building rating system, however. If a building owner discovers that a building is not delivering the energy savings that the architect said it would, &ldquo;there could be a liability issue,&rdquo; said Andrew Manuel, shareholder, Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, PC.<br /><strong><br />That Which Gets Measured Will Succeed</strong><br /><br />&ldquo;LEED has been a fantastic learning tool,&rdquo; said Tim Gaidis, sustainable design director for HOK&rsquo;s St. Louis office, but &ldquo;the initiatives that will succeed going forward are the initiatives that can be measured, such as energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions The softer types of things that can&rsquo;t be measured will fall away, unless, like solar panels, they look good in PR to show that companies are making an effort at sustainability.&rdquo; Gaidis predicted that LEED would continue to evolve to remain useful and relevant.<br /><br />Sammartano is not alone is seeking to measure performance. Better measurements topped the list of green construction needs produced by the first annual BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, which was held in Boston, MA in November.&nbsp; The forum brought together 30 senior architects, including a representative from HOK, to talk about challenges in sustainable construction. It was sponsored by BASF Corp., which makes chemicals used in many construction products.<br /><br />BASF spokesman Bill Pagano said the number one conclusion of the forum was, &ldquo;We need better tools to measure performance and justify first-cost for energy-efficient and more durable products.&rdquo; <br /><br />Merrill said that Clayco accepts the need for better data. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve gone back and taken a look at buildings we built. We are tracking and trending information and one thing we&rsquo;re really seeing is that physical layout and natural illumination make a big difference,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At the same time, modeling has a lot of value, he said. &ldquo;We never used to model buildings in Missouri, because we don&rsquo;t have an energy code. Just the fact that we are doing models leapfrogs in front of where we&rsquo;ve been. For example, we used to be doing R-30 roofs. We started doing models and found out we can get by with an R-20 roof without increasing use. Modeling is a tool for evaluating our practices that we didn&rsquo;t have before,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Preceding the BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, BASF commissioned research firm BuildingInsight LLC to conduct a focused survey on green building issues. Respondents said that clients were willing to spend up to five percent more on first costs to improve energy efficiency. Those surveyed also said that on 35 percent of their projects clients wanted improvements in energy efficiency of at least 20 percent beyond standard requirements.<br /><br />Efforts to document building energy performance already are making their way into state and local regulations. Washington, DC, and California have adopted regulations that require benchmarking of energy use for commercial buildings through the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Minnesota has made it a goal to earn the Energy Star label on 1,000 commercial buildings in the next two years. New York City is considering standard benchmarking legislation for commercial buildings. Ohio and Denver have pledged to benchmark government buildings. &ldquo;Soon these energy data will be made public, and those which achieve high rates of energy efficiency will be able to leverage this premium in ways LEED may not,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />&lsquo;The marketplace is saying, &ldquo;Show me the money.&rdquo; It is not enough to say it will be there, you have to demonstrate it,&rdquo; Taylor said. As more data becomes available, however, it will also help improve modeling and improve LEED. &ldquo;I personally think this will have a very positive affect on people who truly practice sustainability. There are more people in marketplace who say they do it than truly know how to do it,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are challenges, but the opportunities outweigh them. Everything on the landscape leans towards green,&rdquo; Taylor added.<br /><br />&ldquo;There is a huge building stock in the United States and huge opportunities to make it more efficient,&rdquo; Gaidis said. &ldquo;One challenge is knowing how codes will evolve to require sustainable practices. We need more political and regulatory guidance,&rdquo; he said. The measurement challenge is not insurmountable, he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;The great thing about Kennedy&rsquo;s challenge to put a man on the moon was that it was a huge challenge and people rose to the occasion. When regulatory agencies or our clients ask us to go all the way to moon, we can do it; we just need to be challenged,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Merrill also is confident that issues of documenting energy performance soon will be resolved. &ldquo;We share the feeling that the future is green, that it will be the mainstream. We liken it to ADA requirements &ndash; it will become normal part of business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1199,437,10,2,1234540263,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"437\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 10:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"2009_sior_st_louis_metro_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:41:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:209:\" The 25th anniversary of St. Louis’ largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:21:\"SIOR, Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:57:\"The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-03-25 07:15 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:14:\"7:15 to 9 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:932:\"<p>&nbsp;The 25th anniversary of St. Louis&rsquo; largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail. The event attracts more than 700 attendees annually. This year&rsquo;s specialty topic will be capital markets.<br /><br />Speakers:<br />National President &ndash; Craig S. Meyer, SIOR, Jones Lang LaSalle<br />Office &ndash; Glenn Guenther, SIOR, Discovery Group L.L.C.<br />Industrial &ndash; J. Patrick Reilly, SIOR, Gateway Commercial<br />Retail &ndash; Alan Bornstein, THF Realty Inc.<br />Capital Markets &ndash; Joseph P. Monteleone, Q10 | Triad Capital Advisors Inc.<br /><br />Cost:<br />&nbsp;$50 at the door, $40 in advance.<br />&nbsp;<br />RSVP:<br />&nbsp;Lauren Gallagher, Hughes, 314.571.6313 (office) or<a href=\\\"mailto:PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.\\\"> PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.</a><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1200,437,10,2,1234540281,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"437\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 10:10 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"2009_sior_st_louis_metro_market_forecast\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:41:\"2009 SIOR St. Louis Metro Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:209:\" The 25th anniversary of St. Louis’ largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:21:\"SIOR, Market Forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:57:\"The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis, 100 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-03-25 07:15 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:14:\"7:15 to 9 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:932:\"<p>&nbsp;The 25th anniversary of St. Louis&rsquo; largest commercial real estate forecast, providing a professional perspective on the St. Louis commercial real estate market in the areas of office, industrial and retail. The event attracts more than 700 attendees annually. This year&rsquo;s specialty topic will be capital markets.<br /><br />Speakers:<br />National President &ndash; Craig S. Meyer, SIOR, Jones Lang LaSalle<br />Office &ndash; Glenn Guenther, SIOR, Discovery Group L.L.C.<br />Industrial &ndash; J. Patrick Reilly, SIOR, Gateway Commercial<br />Retail &ndash; Alan Bornstein, THF Realty Inc.<br />Capital Markets &ndash; Joseph P. Monteleone, Q10 | Triad Capital Advisors Inc.<br /><br />Cost:<br />&nbsp;$50 at the door, $40 in advance.<br />&nbsp;<br />RSVP:<br />&nbsp;Lauren Gallagher, Hughes, 314.571.6313 (office) or<a href=\\\"mailto:PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.\\\"> PRIntern@hughes-stl.com.</a><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1201,441,4,2,1234554192,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"441\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-08 10:41 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:68:\"Geotechnology\\\'s Bullock Completes Certification, Receives Promotion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:65:\"geotechnologys_bullock_completes_certification_receives_promotion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:68:\"Geotechnology\\\'s Bullock Completes Certification, Receives Promotion\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:312:\"Geotechnology, Inc., a  provider of geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling, announced that Zach Bulloch completed the process to earn his Level III certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) for Soils, Concrete and Asphalt.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:48:\"Bulloch, certification, promotion, Geotechnology\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:490:\"<p>Geotechnology, Inc., a&nbsp; provider of geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling, announced that Zach Bulloch completed the process to earn his Level III certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) for Soils, Concrete and Asphalt.&nbsp; The company also announced that Bulloch was promoted from Supervisor to Manager of Geotechnology&rsquo;s Construction Materials Testing Laboratory.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1202,442,4,2,1234554327,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"442\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 10:44 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"is_green_losing_steam\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:294:\"Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. “When construction comes back,â€ she said, “it will be green.â€\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:45:\"green, sustainable, Hart, Sammartano, Merrill\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:10775:\"<p>Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. &ldquo;When construction comes back,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;it will be green.&rdquo;<br /><br />The green building movement will not only survive, it will thrive, said Charlie Pavalec, president of Bell Electrical Contractors. Backed by a combination of government spending, tax credits, and new regulations, the green building movement &ldquo;may help to pull us out of recession,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I had a concern that 2009 would be very tight, but what I&rsquo;m finding now is that the few projects that are going forward are green,&rdquo; said Thomas Taylor, general manager of Vertegy Consultants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Green building still has legs,&rdquo; agreed Paul Todd Merrill, Clayco&rsquo;s director of sustainable construction. &ldquo;Nine out of 10 RFPs (requests for proposals) we see out there want to know what green features we can bring to the table. Customers are looking at reducing other aspects, such as square footage or schedule, before they give up pursuit of sustainability measures,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Amidst all that opportunity, however, there lay challenges. One of the central tenets of green building is energy efficiency. Or is it?<br /><br />&ldquo;If you are trying to automatically say that a sustainable building is more energy efficient, I would not agree. We have seen sustainable buildings that aren&rsquo;t that great from an energy standpoint,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;And you can have a highly energy efficient building where the designers and builders did not pay attention to the site or to water or air quality, so I don&rsquo;t think the two go hand in hand,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Dan Sammartano, general manager of Salian Commercial, disagreed. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t be &ldquo;green&rdquo; if you don&rsquo;t save energy,&rdquo; he said. And saving energy is a big part of why companies want green buildings, Merrill added. &ldquo;It makes good business sense, both in terms of hard dollars and in terms of differentiating the company. Depending on the market and utility rates, energy efficiency measures pay for themselves in three to eight years,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;Everybody wants energy efficiency. It is easy to do and it pays you back, so you would be idiotic not to do it,&rdquo; said Bob Leonard, a senior project manager at Paric Corp.<br /><strong><br />LEED 2009</strong><br /><br />Bowing to customers&rsquo; expectations, the U.S. Green Building Council is issuing a new version of LEED this year, called LEED 2009, which &ldquo;raises the bar on energy efficiency,&rdquo; said Emily Andrews, executive director of the St. Louis chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. &ldquo;Up to now, LEED products have required you to use ASHRAE 90.1 as the baseline standard for energy efficiency. The new LEED requires you to go beyond it by a certain percentage,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />Energy efficiency in LEED is the predicted energy efficiency. Building designers use energy models to predict how much energy a building will save and incorporate those predictions into the application for LEED certification. <br /><br />The problem with that, Sammartano said, is that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;ve had studies where people have gone back and measured the energy use in LEED buildings, and there is no correspondence with the models. Some buildings have performed better, but some buildings have performed much worse. Results have shown that even some gold and platinum buildings (the highest LEED &ndash;rated buildings) fall significantly below the ASHRAE standard in energy efficiency.&rdquo;<br /><br />Sammartano warned that if a significant number of LEED buildings fail to achieve energy savings, much less the predicted energy savings, &ldquo;the bubble could burst&rdquo; for LEED and green buildings.<br /><br />&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t blame the rating system,&rdquo; Andrews said. &ldquo;You as building owner are responsible. It is your bottom line, your money. If a building isn&rsquo;t performing to how it was supposed to perform there are tweaks you have to make,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are glitches in every system,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;You are only using a rating system as a guide to get you to a better building, not as an end-all-be-all,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The Green Building Council has recognized the need for measurement, said Andrews, so the new LEED provides an incentive for measurement and verification by giving two more points for measurement than it gives for just modeling. &ldquo;And the other thing in LEED is that there is a basic commissioning requirement to make sure all the energy systems in a building are functioning properly,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />Sammartano, however, questioned whether the Green Building Council really cares about how well a building actually performs. He cited one study of 121 LEED-certified buildings in which 40 percent obtained points for measurement and verification, but at the end of the mandatory one-year measurement and verification process only three of the projects could produce information generated by the measurement and verification process.<br /><br />Merrill, however, said the problem is not with modeling, it &ldquo;is with people who bend rules when energy modeling and LEED is correcting that,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At issue is more than just confidence in the LEED building rating system, however. If a building owner discovers that a building is not delivering the energy savings that the architect said it would, &ldquo;there could be a liability issue,&rdquo; said Andrew Manuel, shareholder, Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, PC.<br /><strong><br />That Which Gets Measured Will Succeed</strong><br /><br />&ldquo;LEED has been a fantastic learning tool,&rdquo; said Tim Gaidis, sustainable design director for HOK&rsquo;s St. Louis office, but &ldquo;the initiatives that will succeed going forward are the initiatives that can be measured, such as energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions The softer types of things that can&rsquo;t be measured will fall away, unless, like solar panels, they look good in PR to show that companies are making an effort at sustainability.&rdquo; Gaidis predicted that LEED would continue to evolve to remain useful and relevant.<br /><br />Sammartano is not alone is seeking to measure performance. Better measurements topped the list of green construction needs produced by the first annual BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, which was held in Boston, MA in November.&nbsp; The forum brought together 30 senior architects, including a representative from HOK, to talk about challenges in sustainable construction. It was sponsored by BASF Corp., which makes chemicals used in many construction products.<br /><br />BASF spokesman Bill Pagano said the number one conclusion of the forum was, &ldquo;We need better tools to measure performance and justify first-cost for energy-efficient and more durable products.&rdquo; <br /><br />Merrill said that Clayco accepts the need for better data. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve gone back and taken a look at buildings we built. We are tracking and trending information and one thing we&rsquo;re really seeing is that physical layout and natural illumination make a big difference,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At the same time, modeling has a lot of value, he said. &ldquo;We never used to model buildings in Missouri, because we don&rsquo;t have an energy code. Just the fact that we are doing models leapfrogs in front of where we&rsquo;ve been. For example, we used to be doing R-30 roofs. We started doing models and found out we can get by with an R-20 roof without increasing use. Modeling is a tool for evaluating our practices that we didn&rsquo;t have before,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Preceding the BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, BASF commissioned research firm BuildingInsight LLC to conduct a focused survey on green building issues. Respondents said that clients were willing to spend up to five percent more on first costs to improve energy efficiency. Those surveyed also said that on 35 percent of their projects clients wanted improvements in energy efficiency of at least 20 percent beyond standard requirements.<br /><br />Efforts to document building energy performance already are making their way into state and local regulations. Washington, DC, and California have adopted regulations that require benchmarking of energy use for commercial buildings through the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Minnesota has made it a goal to earn the Energy Star label on 1,000 commercial buildings in the next two years. New York City is considering standard benchmarking legislation for commercial buildings. Ohio and Denver have pledged to benchmark government buildings. &ldquo;Soon these energy data will be made public, and those which achieve high rates of energy efficiency will be able to leverage this premium in ways LEED may not,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />&lsquo;The marketplace is saying, &ldquo;Show me the money.&rdquo; It is not enough to say it will be there, you have to demonstrate it,&rdquo; Taylor said. As more data becomes available, however, it will also help improve modeling and improve LEED. &ldquo;I personally think this will have a very positive affect on people who truly practice sustainability. There are more people in marketplace who say they do it than truly know how to do it,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are challenges, but the opportunities outweigh them. Everything on the landscape leans towards green,&rdquo; Taylor added.<br /><br />&ldquo;There is a huge building stock in the United States and huge opportunities to make it more efficient,&rdquo; Gaidis said. &ldquo;One challenge is knowing how codes will evolve to require sustainable practices. We need more political and regulatory guidance,&rdquo; he said. The measurement challenge is not insurmountable, he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;The great thing about Kennedy&rsquo;s challenge to put a man on the moon was that it was a huge challenge and people rose to the occasion. When regulatory agencies or our clients ask us to go all the way to moon, we can do it; we just need to be challenged,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Merrill also is confident that issues of documenting energy performance soon will be resolved. &ldquo;We share the feeling that the future is green, that it will be the mainstream. We liken it to ADA requirements &ndash; it will become normal part of business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1203,442,4,2,1234554385,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"442\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 10:44 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"is_green_losing_steam\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:292:\"Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. \\\"When construction comes back,â€ she said, “it will be green.\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:45:\"green, sustainable, Hart, Sammartano, Merrill\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:10775:\"<p>Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. &ldquo;When construction comes back,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;it will be green.&rdquo;<br /><br />The green building movement will not only survive, it will thrive, said Charlie Pavalec, president of Bell Electrical Contractors. Backed by a combination of government spending, tax credits, and new regulations, the green building movement &ldquo;may help to pull us out of recession,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I had a concern that 2009 would be very tight, but what I&rsquo;m finding now is that the few projects that are going forward are green,&rdquo; said Thomas Taylor, general manager of Vertegy Consultants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Green building still has legs,&rdquo; agreed Paul Todd Merrill, Clayco&rsquo;s director of sustainable construction. &ldquo;Nine out of 10 RFPs (requests for proposals) we see out there want to know what green features we can bring to the table. Customers are looking at reducing other aspects, such as square footage or schedule, before they give up pursuit of sustainability measures,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Amidst all that opportunity, however, there lay challenges. One of the central tenets of green building is energy efficiency. Or is it?<br /><br />&ldquo;If you are trying to automatically say that a sustainable building is more energy efficient, I would not agree. We have seen sustainable buildings that aren&rsquo;t that great from an energy standpoint,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;And you can have a highly energy efficient building where the designers and builders did not pay attention to the site or to water or air quality, so I don&rsquo;t think the two go hand in hand,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Dan Sammartano, general manager of Salian Commercial, disagreed. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t be &ldquo;green&rdquo; if you don&rsquo;t save energy,&rdquo; he said. And saving energy is a big part of why companies want green buildings, Merrill added. &ldquo;It makes good business sense, both in terms of hard dollars and in terms of differentiating the company. Depending on the market and utility rates, energy efficiency measures pay for themselves in three to eight years,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;Everybody wants energy efficiency. It is easy to do and it pays you back, so you would be idiotic not to do it,&rdquo; said Bob Leonard, a senior project manager at Paric Corp.<br /><strong><br />LEED 2009</strong><br /><br />Bowing to customers&rsquo; expectations, the U.S. Green Building Council is issuing a new version of LEED this year, called LEED 2009, which &ldquo;raises the bar on energy efficiency,&rdquo; said Emily Andrews, executive director of the St. Louis chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. &ldquo;Up to now, LEED products have required you to use ASHRAE 90.1 as the baseline standard for energy efficiency. The new LEED requires you to go beyond it by a certain percentage,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />Energy efficiency in LEED is the predicted energy efficiency. Building designers use energy models to predict how much energy a building will save and incorporate those predictions into the application for LEED certification. <br /><br />The problem with that, Sammartano said, is that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;ve had studies where people have gone back and measured the energy use in LEED buildings, and there is no correspondence with the models. Some buildings have performed better, but some buildings have performed much worse. Results have shown that even some gold and platinum buildings (the highest LEED &ndash;rated buildings) fall significantly below the ASHRAE standard in energy efficiency.&rdquo;<br /><br />Sammartano warned that if a significant number of LEED buildings fail to achieve energy savings, much less the predicted energy savings, &ldquo;the bubble could burst&rdquo; for LEED and green buildings.<br /><br />&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t blame the rating system,&rdquo; Andrews said. &ldquo;You as building owner are responsible. It is your bottom line, your money. If a building isn&rsquo;t performing to how it was supposed to perform there are tweaks you have to make,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are glitches in every system,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;You are only using a rating system as a guide to get you to a better building, not as an end-all-be-all,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The Green Building Council has recognized the need for measurement, said Andrews, so the new LEED provides an incentive for measurement and verification by giving two more points for measurement than it gives for just modeling. &ldquo;And the other thing in LEED is that there is a basic commissioning requirement to make sure all the energy systems in a building are functioning properly,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />Sammartano, however, questioned whether the Green Building Council really cares about how well a building actually performs. He cited one study of 121 LEED-certified buildings in which 40 percent obtained points for measurement and verification, but at the end of the mandatory one-year measurement and verification process only three of the projects could produce information generated by the measurement and verification process.<br /><br />Merrill, however, said the problem is not with modeling, it &ldquo;is with people who bend rules when energy modeling and LEED is correcting that,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At issue is more than just confidence in the LEED building rating system, however. If a building owner discovers that a building is not delivering the energy savings that the architect said it would, &ldquo;there could be a liability issue,&rdquo; said Andrew Manuel, shareholder, Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, PC.<br /><strong><br />That Which Gets Measured Will Succeed</strong><br /><br />&ldquo;LEED has been a fantastic learning tool,&rdquo; said Tim Gaidis, sustainable design director for HOK&rsquo;s St. Louis office, but &ldquo;the initiatives that will succeed going forward are the initiatives that can be measured, such as energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions The softer types of things that can&rsquo;t be measured will fall away, unless, like solar panels, they look good in PR to show that companies are making an effort at sustainability.&rdquo; Gaidis predicted that LEED would continue to evolve to remain useful and relevant.<br /><br />Sammartano is not alone is seeking to measure performance. Better measurements topped the list of green construction needs produced by the first annual BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, which was held in Boston, MA in November.&nbsp; The forum brought together 30 senior architects, including a representative from HOK, to talk about challenges in sustainable construction. It was sponsored by BASF Corp., which makes chemicals used in many construction products.<br /><br />BASF spokesman Bill Pagano said the number one conclusion of the forum was, &ldquo;We need better tools to measure performance and justify first-cost for energy-efficient and more durable products.&rdquo; <br /><br />Merrill said that Clayco accepts the need for better data. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve gone back and taken a look at buildings we built. We are tracking and trending information and one thing we&rsquo;re really seeing is that physical layout and natural illumination make a big difference,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At the same time, modeling has a lot of value, he said. &ldquo;We never used to model buildings in Missouri, because we don&rsquo;t have an energy code. Just the fact that we are doing models leapfrogs in front of where we&rsquo;ve been. For example, we used to be doing R-30 roofs. We started doing models and found out we can get by with an R-20 roof without increasing use. Modeling is a tool for evaluating our practices that we didn&rsquo;t have before,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Preceding the BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, BASF commissioned research firm BuildingInsight LLC to conduct a focused survey on green building issues. Respondents said that clients were willing to spend up to five percent more on first costs to improve energy efficiency. Those surveyed also said that on 35 percent of their projects clients wanted improvements in energy efficiency of at least 20 percent beyond standard requirements.<br /><br />Efforts to document building energy performance already are making their way into state and local regulations. Washington, DC, and California have adopted regulations that require benchmarking of energy use for commercial buildings through the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Minnesota has made it a goal to earn the Energy Star label on 1,000 commercial buildings in the next two years. New York City is considering standard benchmarking legislation for commercial buildings. Ohio and Denver have pledged to benchmark government buildings. &ldquo;Soon these energy data will be made public, and those which achieve high rates of energy efficiency will be able to leverage this premium in ways LEED may not,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />&lsquo;The marketplace is saying, &ldquo;Show me the money.&rdquo; It is not enough to say it will be there, you have to demonstrate it,&rdquo; Taylor said. As more data becomes available, however, it will also help improve modeling and improve LEED. &ldquo;I personally think this will have a very positive affect on people who truly practice sustainability. There are more people in marketplace who say they do it than truly know how to do it,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are challenges, but the opportunities outweigh them. Everything on the landscape leans towards green,&rdquo; Taylor added.<br /><br />&ldquo;There is a huge building stock in the United States and huge opportunities to make it more efficient,&rdquo; Gaidis said. &ldquo;One challenge is knowing how codes will evolve to require sustainable practices. We need more political and regulatory guidance,&rdquo; he said. The measurement challenge is not insurmountable, he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;The great thing about Kennedy&rsquo;s challenge to put a man on the moon was that it was a huge challenge and people rose to the occasion. When regulatory agencies or our clients ask us to go all the way to moon, we can do it; we just need to be challenged,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Merrill also is confident that issues of documenting energy performance soon will be resolved. &ldquo;We share the feeling that the future is green, that it will be the mainstream. We liken it to ADA requirements &ndash; it will become normal part of business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1204,442,4,2,1234554437,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"442\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 10:44 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"is_green_losing_steam\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:291:\"Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. \\\"When construction comes back,\\\" she said, “it will be green.\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:45:\"green, sustainable, Hart, Sammartano, Merrill\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:10775:\"<p>Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. &ldquo;When construction comes back,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;it will be green.&rdquo;<br /><br />The green building movement will not only survive, it will thrive, said Charlie Pavalec, president of Bell Electrical Contractors. Backed by a combination of government spending, tax credits, and new regulations, the green building movement &ldquo;may help to pull us out of recession,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I had a concern that 2009 would be very tight, but what I&rsquo;m finding now is that the few projects that are going forward are green,&rdquo; said Thomas Taylor, general manager of Vertegy Consultants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Green building still has legs,&rdquo; agreed Paul Todd Merrill, Clayco&rsquo;s director of sustainable construction. &ldquo;Nine out of 10 RFPs (requests for proposals) we see out there want to know what green features we can bring to the table. Customers are looking at reducing other aspects, such as square footage or schedule, before they give up pursuit of sustainability measures,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Amidst all that opportunity, however, there lay challenges. One of the central tenets of green building is energy efficiency. Or is it?<br /><br />&ldquo;If you are trying to automatically say that a sustainable building is more energy efficient, I would not agree. We have seen sustainable buildings that aren&rsquo;t that great from an energy standpoint,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;And you can have a highly energy efficient building where the designers and builders did not pay attention to the site or to water or air quality, so I don&rsquo;t think the two go hand in hand,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Dan Sammartano, general manager of Salian Commercial, disagreed. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t be &ldquo;green&rdquo; if you don&rsquo;t save energy,&rdquo; he said. And saving energy is a big part of why companies want green buildings, Merrill added. &ldquo;It makes good business sense, both in terms of hard dollars and in terms of differentiating the company. Depending on the market and utility rates, energy efficiency measures pay for themselves in three to eight years,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;Everybody wants energy efficiency. It is easy to do and it pays you back, so you would be idiotic not to do it,&rdquo; said Bob Leonard, a senior project manager at Paric Corp.<br /><strong><br />LEED 2009</strong><br /><br />Bowing to customers&rsquo; expectations, the U.S. Green Building Council is issuing a new version of LEED this year, called LEED 2009, which &ldquo;raises the bar on energy efficiency,&rdquo; said Emily Andrews, executive director of the St. Louis chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. &ldquo;Up to now, LEED products have required you to use ASHRAE 90.1 as the baseline standard for energy efficiency. The new LEED requires you to go beyond it by a certain percentage,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />Energy efficiency in LEED is the predicted energy efficiency. Building designers use energy models to predict how much energy a building will save and incorporate those predictions into the application for LEED certification. <br /><br />The problem with that, Sammartano said, is that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;ve had studies where people have gone back and measured the energy use in LEED buildings, and there is no correspondence with the models. Some buildings have performed better, but some buildings have performed much worse. Results have shown that even some gold and platinum buildings (the highest LEED &ndash;rated buildings) fall significantly below the ASHRAE standard in energy efficiency.&rdquo;<br /><br />Sammartano warned that if a significant number of LEED buildings fail to achieve energy savings, much less the predicted energy savings, &ldquo;the bubble could burst&rdquo; for LEED and green buildings.<br /><br />&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t blame the rating system,&rdquo; Andrews said. &ldquo;You as building owner are responsible. It is your bottom line, your money. If a building isn&rsquo;t performing to how it was supposed to perform there are tweaks you have to make,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are glitches in every system,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;You are only using a rating system as a guide to get you to a better building, not as an end-all-be-all,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The Green Building Council has recognized the need for measurement, said Andrews, so the new LEED provides an incentive for measurement and verification by giving two more points for measurement than it gives for just modeling. &ldquo;And the other thing in LEED is that there is a basic commissioning requirement to make sure all the energy systems in a building are functioning properly,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />Sammartano, however, questioned whether the Green Building Council really cares about how well a building actually performs. He cited one study of 121 LEED-certified buildings in which 40 percent obtained points for measurement and verification, but at the end of the mandatory one-year measurement and verification process only three of the projects could produce information generated by the measurement and verification process.<br /><br />Merrill, however, said the problem is not with modeling, it &ldquo;is with people who bend rules when energy modeling and LEED is correcting that,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At issue is more than just confidence in the LEED building rating system, however. If a building owner discovers that a building is not delivering the energy savings that the architect said it would, &ldquo;there could be a liability issue,&rdquo; said Andrew Manuel, shareholder, Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, PC.<br /><strong><br />That Which Gets Measured Will Succeed</strong><br /><br />&ldquo;LEED has been a fantastic learning tool,&rdquo; said Tim Gaidis, sustainable design director for HOK&rsquo;s St. Louis office, but &ldquo;the initiatives that will succeed going forward are the initiatives that can be measured, such as energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions The softer types of things that can&rsquo;t be measured will fall away, unless, like solar panels, they look good in PR to show that companies are making an effort at sustainability.&rdquo; Gaidis predicted that LEED would continue to evolve to remain useful and relevant.<br /><br />Sammartano is not alone is seeking to measure performance. Better measurements topped the list of green construction needs produced by the first annual BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, which was held in Boston, MA in November.&nbsp; The forum brought together 30 senior architects, including a representative from HOK, to talk about challenges in sustainable construction. It was sponsored by BASF Corp., which makes chemicals used in many construction products.<br /><br />BASF spokesman Bill Pagano said the number one conclusion of the forum was, &ldquo;We need better tools to measure performance and justify first-cost for energy-efficient and more durable products.&rdquo; <br /><br />Merrill said that Clayco accepts the need for better data. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve gone back and taken a look at buildings we built. We are tracking and trending information and one thing we&rsquo;re really seeing is that physical layout and natural illumination make a big difference,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At the same time, modeling has a lot of value, he said. &ldquo;We never used to model buildings in Missouri, because we don&rsquo;t have an energy code. Just the fact that we are doing models leapfrogs in front of where we&rsquo;ve been. For example, we used to be doing R-30 roofs. We started doing models and found out we can get by with an R-20 roof without increasing use. Modeling is a tool for evaluating our practices that we didn&rsquo;t have before,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Preceding the BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, BASF commissioned research firm BuildingInsight LLC to conduct a focused survey on green building issues. Respondents said that clients were willing to spend up to five percent more on first costs to improve energy efficiency. Those surveyed also said that on 35 percent of their projects clients wanted improvements in energy efficiency of at least 20 percent beyond standard requirements.<br /><br />Efforts to document building energy performance already are making their way into state and local regulations. Washington, DC, and California have adopted regulations that require benchmarking of energy use for commercial buildings through the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Minnesota has made it a goal to earn the Energy Star label on 1,000 commercial buildings in the next two years. New York City is considering standard benchmarking legislation for commercial buildings. Ohio and Denver have pledged to benchmark government buildings. &ldquo;Soon these energy data will be made public, and those which achieve high rates of energy efficiency will be able to leverage this premium in ways LEED may not,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />&lsquo;The marketplace is saying, &ldquo;Show me the money.&rdquo; It is not enough to say it will be there, you have to demonstrate it,&rdquo; Taylor said. As more data becomes available, however, it will also help improve modeling and improve LEED. &ldquo;I personally think this will have a very positive affect on people who truly practice sustainability. There are more people in marketplace who say they do it than truly know how to do it,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are challenges, but the opportunities outweigh them. Everything on the landscape leans towards green,&rdquo; Taylor added.<br /><br />&ldquo;There is a huge building stock in the United States and huge opportunities to make it more efficient,&rdquo; Gaidis said. &ldquo;One challenge is knowing how codes will evolve to require sustainable practices. We need more political and regulatory guidance,&rdquo; he said. The measurement challenge is not insurmountable, he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;The great thing about Kennedy&rsquo;s challenge to put a man on the moon was that it was a huge challenge and people rose to the occasion. When regulatory agencies or our clients ask us to go all the way to moon, we can do it; we just need to be challenged,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Merrill also is confident that issues of documenting energy performance soon will be resolved. &ldquo;We share the feeling that the future is green, that it will be the mainstream. We liken it to ADA requirements &ndash; it will become normal part of business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1205,442,4,2,1234554488,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"442\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-11 10:44 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"is_green_losing_steam\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Is \\\"Green\\\" Losing Steam?\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:290:\"Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. \\\"When construction comes back,\\\" she said, \\\"it will be green.\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:45:\"green, sustainable, Hart, Sammartano, Merrill\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:10755:\"<p>Will the green building movement survive the recession? For Tracy Hart, chief executive officer of Tarlton Corp., a St. Louis based commercial general contracting and construction management firm, there is no question of it. \\\"When construction comes back,\\\" she said, \\\"it will be green.\\\"<br /><br />The green building movement will not only survive, it will thrive, said Charlie Pavalec, president of Bell Electrical Contractors. Backed by a combination of government spending, tax credits, and new regulations, the green building movement &ldquo;may help to pull us out of recession,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I had a concern that 2009 would be very tight, but what I&rsquo;m finding now is that the few projects that are going forward are green,&rdquo; said Thomas Taylor, general manager of Vertegy Consultants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Green building still has legs,&rdquo; agreed Paul Todd Merrill, Clayco&rsquo;s director of sustainable construction. &ldquo;Nine out of 10 RFPs (requests for proposals) we see out there want to know what green features we can bring to the table. Customers are looking at reducing other aspects, such as square footage or schedule, before they give up pursuit of sustainability measures,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Amidst all that opportunity, however, there lay challenges. One of the central tenets of green building is energy efficiency. Or is it?<br /><br />&ldquo;If you are trying to automatically say that a sustainable building is more energy efficient, I would not agree. We have seen sustainable buildings that aren&rsquo;t that great from an energy standpoint,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;And you can have a highly energy efficient building where the designers and builders did not pay attention to the site or to water or air quality, so I don&rsquo;t think the two go hand in hand,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Dan Sammartano, general manager of Salian Commercial, disagreed. &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t be &ldquo;green&rdquo; if you don&rsquo;t save energy,&rdquo; he said. And saving energy is a big part of why companies want green buildings, Merrill added. &ldquo;It makes good business sense, both in terms of hard dollars and in terms of differentiating the company. Depending on the market and utility rates, energy efficiency measures pay for themselves in three to eight years,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;Everybody wants energy efficiency. It is easy to do and it pays you back, so you would be idiotic not to do it,&rdquo; said Bob Leonard, a senior project manager at Paric Corp.<br /><strong><br />LEED 2009</strong><br /><br />Bowing to customers&rsquo; expectations, the U.S. Green Building Council is issuing a new version of LEED this year, called LEED 2009, which &ldquo;raises the bar on energy efficiency,&rdquo; said Emily Andrews, executive director of the St. Louis chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. &ldquo;Up to now, LEED products have required you to use ASHRAE 90.1 as the baseline standard for energy efficiency. The new LEED requires you to go beyond it by a certain percentage,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />Energy efficiency in LEED is the predicted energy efficiency. Building designers use energy models to predict how much energy a building will save and incorporate those predictions into the application for LEED certification. <br /><br />The problem with that, Sammartano said, is that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;ve had studies where people have gone back and measured the energy use in LEED buildings, and there is no correspondence with the models. Some buildings have performed better, but some buildings have performed much worse. Results have shown that even some gold and platinum buildings (the highest LEED &ndash;rated buildings) fall significantly below the ASHRAE standard in energy efficiency.&rdquo;<br /><br />Sammartano warned that if a significant number of LEED buildings fail to achieve energy savings, much less the predicted energy savings, &ldquo;the bubble could burst&rdquo; for LEED and green buildings.<br /><br />&ldquo;You can&rsquo;t blame the rating system,&rdquo; Andrews said. &ldquo;You as building owner are responsible. It is your bottom line, your money. If a building isn&rsquo;t performing to how it was supposed to perform there are tweaks you have to make,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are glitches in every system,&rdquo; Taylor said. &ldquo;You are only using a rating system as a guide to get you to a better building, not as an end-all-be-all,&rdquo; he added.<br /><br />The Green Building Council has recognized the need for measurement, said Andrews, so the new LEED provides an incentive for measurement and verification by giving two more points for measurement than it gives for just modeling. &ldquo;And the other thing in LEED is that there is a basic commissioning requirement to make sure all the energy systems in a building are functioning properly,&rdquo; she said.<br /><br />Sammartano, however, questioned whether the Green Building Council really cares about how well a building actually performs. He cited one study of 121 LEED-certified buildings in which 40 percent obtained points for measurement and verification, but at the end of the mandatory one-year measurement and verification process only three of the projects could produce information generated by the measurement and verification process.<br /><br />Merrill, however, said the problem is not with modeling, it &ldquo;is with people who bend rules when energy modeling and LEED is correcting that,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At issue is more than just confidence in the LEED building rating system, however. If a building owner discovers that a building is not delivering the energy savings that the architect said it would, &ldquo;there could be a liability issue,&rdquo; said Andrew Manuel, shareholder, Greensfelder, Hemker and Gale, PC.<br /><strong><br />That Which Gets Measured Will Succeed</strong><br /><br />&ldquo;LEED has been a fantastic learning tool,&rdquo; said Tim Gaidis, sustainable design director for HOK&rsquo;s St. Louis office, but &ldquo;the initiatives that will succeed going forward are the initiatives that can be measured, such as energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions The softer types of things that can&rsquo;t be measured will fall away, unless, like solar panels, they look good in PR to show that companies are making an effort at sustainability.&rdquo; Gaidis predicted that LEED would continue to evolve to remain useful and relevant.<br /><br />Sammartano is not alone is seeking to measure performance. Better measurements topped the list of green construction needs produced by the first annual BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, which was held in Boston, MA in November.&nbsp; The forum brought together 30 senior architects, including a representative from HOK, to talk about challenges in sustainable construction. It was sponsored by BASF Corp., which makes chemicals used in many construction products.<br /><br />BASF spokesman Bill Pagano said the number one conclusion of the forum was, &ldquo;We need better tools to measure performance and justify first-cost for energy-efficient and more durable products.&rdquo; <br /><br />Merrill said that Clayco accepts the need for better data. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve gone back and taken a look at buildings we built. We are tracking and trending information and one thing we&rsquo;re really seeing is that physical layout and natural illumination make a big difference,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />At the same time, modeling has a lot of value, he said. &ldquo;We never used to model buildings in Missouri, because we don&rsquo;t have an energy code. Just the fact that we are doing models leapfrogs in front of where we&rsquo;ve been. For example, we used to be doing R-30 roofs. We started doing models and found out we can get by with an R-20 roof without increasing use. Modeling is a tool for evaluating our practices that we didn&rsquo;t have before,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Preceding the BASF Forum on Sustainable Construction, BASF commissioned research firm BuildingInsight LLC to conduct a focused survey on green building issues. Respondents said that clients were willing to spend up to five percent more on first costs to improve energy efficiency. Those surveyed also said that on 35 percent of their projects clients wanted improvements in energy efficiency of at least 20 percent beyond standard requirements.<br /><br />Efforts to document building energy performance already are making their way into state and local regulations. Washington, DC, and California have adopted regulations that require benchmarking of energy use for commercial buildings through the Energy Star Portfolio Manager. Minnesota has made it a goal to earn the Energy Star label on 1,000 commercial buildings in the next two years. New York City is considering standard benchmarking legislation for commercial buildings. Ohio and Denver have pledged to benchmark government buildings. &ldquo;Soon these energy data will be made public, and those which achieve high rates of energy efficiency will be able to leverage this premium in ways LEED may not,&rdquo; Sammartano said.<br /><br />&lsquo;The marketplace is saying, &ldquo;Show me the money.&rdquo; It is not enough to say it will be there, you have to demonstrate it,&rdquo; Taylor said. As more data becomes available, however, it will also help improve modeling and improve LEED. &ldquo;I personally think this will have a very positive affect on people who truly practice sustainability. There are more people in marketplace who say they do it than truly know how to do it,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;There are challenges, but the opportunities outweigh them. Everything on the landscape leans towards green,&rdquo; Taylor added.<br /><br />&ldquo;There is a huge building stock in the United States and huge opportunities to make it more efficient,&rdquo; Gaidis said. &ldquo;One challenge is knowing how codes will evolve to require sustainable practices. We need more political and regulatory guidance,&rdquo; he said. The measurement challenge is not insurmountable, he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;The great thing about Kennedy&rsquo;s challenge to put a man on the moon was that it was a huge challenge and people rose to the occasion. When regulatory agencies or our clients ask us to go all the way to moon, we can do it; we just need to be challenged,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Merrill also is confident that issues of documenting energy performance soon will be resolved. &ldquo;We share the feeling that the future is green, that it will be the mainstream. We liken it to ADA requirements &ndash; it will become normal part of business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1206,435,4,2,1234561724,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"435\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-12 09:40 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Nominations Extended\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"growing_green_nominations_extended\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Nominations Extended\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:159:\"The United States Green Building Council of St. Louis (USGBC-STL) has extended the deadline for nominations in its first \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards until Feb. 23\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:20:\"Growing Green, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1204:\"<p>The United States Green Building Council of St. Louis (USGBC-STL) has extended the deadline for nominations in its first \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards until Feb. 23. The awards were established to \\\"celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to work and play.\\\"</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"100\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/GrowingGreenAwardsLOGO.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"300\\\" />Awards will be presented in the categories of Commercial, Education, Government, Innovator, Quietyly Green, and Residential.&nbsp; The awards will be presented at an awards event March 31 at the Coronado Hotel, March 31 at the Coronado Ballroom, 3701 Lindell. For more information and to download criteria and application forms, go to<a href=\\\"http://chapters.usgbc.org/stlouis/GrowingGreenAwards.html\\\"> http://chapters.usgbc.org/stlouis/GrowingGreenAwards.html</a></p>\n<p><br />To make reservations for the event, call Rachel McCalla at 314.210.7764 or go to <a href=\\\"http://www.growinggreenawards/eventbrite.com\\\">www.growinggreenawards/eventbrite.com</a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1207,441,4,2,1234596781,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"441\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-08 10:41 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:68:\"Geotechnology\\\'s Bullock Completes Certification, Receives Promotion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:65:\"geotechnologys_bullock_completes_certification_receives_promotion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:68:\"Geotechnology\\\'s Bullock Completes Certification, Receives Promotion\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:312:\"Geotechnology, Inc., a  provider of geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling, announced that Zach Bullock completed the process to earn his Level III certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) for Soils, Concrete and Asphalt.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:48:\"Bulloch, certification, promotion, Geotechnology\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:490:\"<p>Geotechnology, Inc., a&nbsp; provider of geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling, announced that Zach Bullock completed the process to earn his Level III certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) for Soils, Concrete and Asphalt.&nbsp; The company also announced that Bullock was promoted from Supervisor to Manager of Geotechnology&rsquo;s Construction Materials Testing Laboratory.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1208,441,4,2,1234596855,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"441\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-08 10:41 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"40\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:68:\"Geotechnology\\\'s Bullock Completes Certification, Receives Promotion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:65:\"geotechnologys_bullock_completes_certification_receives_promotion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:68:\"Geotechnology\\\'s Bullock Completes Certification, Receives Promotion\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:312:\"Geotechnology, Inc., a  provider of geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling, announced that Zach Bullock completed the process to earn his Level III certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) for Soils, Concrete and Asphalt.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:48:\"Bulloch, certification, promotion, Geotechnology\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:490:\"<p>Geotechnology, Inc., a&nbsp; provider of geotechnical and environmental engineering, materials testing and drilling, announced that Zach Bullock completed the process to earn his Level III certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) for Soils, Concrete and Asphalt.&nbsp; The company also announced that Bullock was promoted from Supervisor to Manager of Geotechnology&rsquo;s Construction Materials Testing Laboratory.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"40\";}'),(1214,445,4,2,1235121120,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-19 09:55 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"41\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:44:\"Frost Electric Celebrates 100th Anniversary \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"frost_electric_celebrates_100th_anniversary\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Frost Electric Celebrates 100th Anniversary\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:179:\"Frost, a local leader in the electrical supply industry celebrated their 100th anniversary with a ribbon cutting and plaque presentation on Feb. 12, inside their new sales center.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Frost, Dooley, 100th Anniversary\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:5035:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.frostelectric.com\\\">Frost</a>, a local leader in the electrical supply industry celebrated their 100th anniversary with a ribbon cutting and plaque presentation on Feb. 12, inside their new sales center.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Dooley and Frost\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"257\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Dooley-and-Frost.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"250\\\" />The event kicked off at 11a.m. with Jeff Frost, executive vice president, speaking about Frost&rsquo;s history and their dedicated service to the St. Louis and metropolitan communities. In recognition of this historic milestone Saint Louis County Executive, Charlie Dooley and Maryland Heights President pro-tem, Dan Johnson congratulated Frost with a proclamation and plaques. The ceremony concluded with Jeff Frost and the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce honoring the grand opening of the new Sales Center with a ribbon cutting.</p>\n<div class=\\\"Normal\\\" id=\\\"dnn_ctr551_HtmlModule_HtmlModule_lblContent\\\">\n<p>During 100th anniversary year,&nbsp; the company marked three generations of the Frost family in the business by building the new sales center and undertaking a rebranding which moved the company from \\\"Frost Electric\\\"&nbsp;&mdash; its name for a century &mdash; to a new brand identity as \\\"Frost\\\".</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Our new branding captures our electrical heritage, but also\nreflects Frost&rsquo;s additional areas of expertise beyond what has\nhistorically been found at an electrical distributor,&rdquo; said Jeff Frost. &ldquo;We are moving forward with the\n&lsquo;Frost&rsquo; name, only, since we offer our customers so much more than just\nelectrical supplies.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Frost has spent the last year researching the industry and evaluating opportunities for future growth.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;It became evident there was an opportunity to become an industry\nleader by evolving the traditional distributor business model to one\nmuch more consultative and service-oriented,&rdquo; said Frost President John\nFrost.</p>\n<p>The new Frost Sales Center, located at the company&rsquo;s Maryland\nHeights headquarters, opened for business on Dec. 1, 2008 and boasts an\nenvironment more typically found at a retail store vs. the traditional\nbranch counter.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We have completely changed the standard of what a branch location\noffers and how products are presented to the customers,&rdquo; said Lori\nMillner, Frost&rsquo;s head of marketing. &ldquo;Our new Sales Center allows\ncustomers to physically see, touch and try our products in action, plus\nbe able to consult with an expert on the premises about any questions\nthat they may have about those products. This unique approach sets a\nnew benchmark for both Frost and the industry.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Another unique aspect of the Sales Center is its new &ldquo;T.E.C.&rdquo; Center\nthat is a separate part of the Sales Center wholly dedicated to\n&ldquo;training, educating and consulting&rdquo; with customers.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We wanted to provide our customers with an area where they could\nreap the full benefits of our in-house experts in areas not usually\nfound at a branch location,&rdquo; said Jeff Frost. &ldquo;This includes the\naddition of a certified lighting consultant, safety, firestop &amp;\nsystems engineers, as well as a Sales Center manager wholly dedicated\nto serving everyone who walks in the door.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>The Frost T.E.C. Center features a state-of-the-art, energy-savings\nlighting plan, industrial and automation controls, voice and data\ndemonstrations, as well as provide a unique environment for customer\ntraining events.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;In the lighting portion of the T.E.C. Center, we can explain and\ndemonstrate the visible differences in how light sources render color,&rdquo;\nsaid Frost&rsquo;s Certified Lighting Consultant &amp; Account Manager\nClaudia Gabay-Jones. &ldquo;We can also demonstrate the visual effects\nproduced by the latest energy efficient lighting products in their\napplications, plus showcase various energy efficient lamp technology\nincluding T8, T5, Ceramic Metal Halide and LED lamps. We also have the\nlatest in emergency and exit sign technology on display, in addition to\nthe newest lighting control systems and occupancy and daylight sensors.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Additionally, Frost has dedicated itself to providing customers with\nthe latest in environmentally friendly products and solutions through\nthe launch of its &ldquo;Green Choice&rdquo; program. Customers will be able to\neasily identify &ldquo;green&rdquo; products displayed at various locations\nthroughout the Sales Center.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We want to make it easy for customers to find the green products\nthat they are looking for, while establishing ourselves as leaders in\nproviding energy efficient solutions,&rdquo; said Jeff Frost.</p>\n<p>Within the next year, Frost plans to apply much of its new Sales\nCenter model to its branch locations in St. Louis City; O&rsquo;Fallon and\nColumbia, MO; and Collinsville and Lebanon, IL.</p>\n</div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"41\";}'),(1215,446,4,2,1235121555,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-19 10:15 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"41\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:39:\"Mo. Highways Commission Awards Projects\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"mo_highways_commission_awards_projects\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:39:\"Mo. Highways Commission Awards Projects\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:266:\" The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) awarded several  St. Louis projects at its February meeting. Approximately $14.6 million was awarded to contractors for various roadway improvement projects. All contracts were awarded to the lowest bidder.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:50:\"MHTC, Missouri, highways, transportation, projects\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3346:\"<p>&nbsp;The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission (MHTC) awarded several&nbsp; St. Louis projects at its February meeting. Approximately $14.6 million was awarded to contractors for various roadway improvement projects. All contracts were awarded to the lowest bidder. The projects include:<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&bull;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Route 141 at Meramec Station Road over Grand Glaize Creek- Thisproject consists of bridge improvements at the Route 141 bridge at Meramec Station Road over Grand Glaize Creek. This project was awarded to Fred Weber Inc. (Maryland Heights, MO) for $239,115. This project is expected to begin in March 2009 and should be completed by June 2009.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Route 94 Outer Road and Route 40 Outer Road to Meadows Parkway-This project consists of resurfacing the Route 94 outer road from Zumbehl Road to Sherman Drive and from west of Zumbehl Road to the end of state maintenance, and on Route 40 outer road from the end of state maintenance to Meadows Parkway- Missouri Research Park roundabout. This project was awarded to N.B. West Contracting (St. Louis, MO) for $266,162.17. This project is expected to begin in March 2009 and should be complete by August 2009.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Route D at Westport Plaza Drive- This project consists of bridge rehabilitation on the Route D (Page Avenue) bridge at Westport Plaza Drive overpass. This project was awarded to R.V. Wagner Inc. (St. Louis, MO) for $332,454.45. This project is expected to begin in March 2009 and should be complete by July 2009.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Route 21 from south of new Route M to old Route M and north of Lake Lorraine to Route A, and Route 21 over Sandy Creek- This project<br />consists of pavement treatment on three disconnected sections on Route 21 from south of new Route M to old Route M and north of Lake Lorraine to Route A, and replacement of the bridge deck on Route 21 over Sandy Creek. This project was awarded to N.B. West Contracting (St. Louis, MO) for $1,165,351.50.&nbsp; This project is expected to begin in March 2009 and should be complete by July 2009.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Route 94 from north of Route 370 to Route B- This project consists of resurfacing and widening for three lanes. This project was awarded to Pace Construction Company (St. Louis, MO) for $891,000.&nbsp; This project is expected to begin in March 2009 and should be complete by August&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2009.<br /><br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp; Route 47 on the Missouri River bridge in Washington- This project consists of bridge rehabilitation. This project was awarded to St. Louis Bridge (Arnold, MO) for $5,183,576.10. This project is expected to begin in March 2009 and should be complete by December 2009.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull;&nbsp; Route MM from east of Geerdes to west of Miller Road and east of Sycamore Springs Road to west of Buckeye Valley Road- This project includes improvements with the vertical and horizontal alignments and adding shoulders and turn lanes at these locations.&nbsp; This project was awarded to Fred Weber Inc. (Maryland Heights, MO) for $6,523,990.&nbsp; This project is expected to begin in March 2009 and should be complete by October 2010.<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"41\";}'),(1506,524,10,2,1241285306,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"524\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:16 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"52\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:21:\"Seal the Deal Seminar\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"seal_the_deal_seminar\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:22:\"Seal the Deal Seminar \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:101:\"Tom Woodcock\\\'s tips and techniques for construction sales and marketing through current conditions. \";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:46:\"Woodcock, Seal the Deal, sales, marketing, ASA\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:106:\"Quality Inn Amphitheatre 2434 Old Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 (next to Syberg’s on Dorsett)\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-05-07 07:16 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:19:\" 8:00 a.m. – Noon\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:2257:\"<p>Continental breakfast included.<br />Cost:&nbsp; $50 ASA Members; $65 Non-Members<br />Reservations due before May 1, 2009<br />NO SHOWS WILL BE BILLED!</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Seal the Deal\\\" height=\\\"170\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/seal-the-deal.jpg\\\" width=\\\"281\\\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br /><strong>1. Cutting Through Tough Economic Conditions</strong><br />We will be discussing techniques in both sales and marketing to combat the practices used in a tough economy.&nbsp; Companies have to contend with ridiculous pricing schemes, unrealistic demands and inexperience with customers.&nbsp; This topic will deal directly with taking hold of your sales dynamic and working it effectively, regardless of where the economy trends.<br /><br /><strong>2. Market Thrifty, Sell Strong</strong><br />Stop blowing money on marketing ideas that don&rsquo;t work!&nbsp; Determine the most effective way to promote to customers while saving money.&nbsp; No need for an expensive campaign, just an intelligent one that&rsquo;s enacted.&nbsp; Properly link the marketing with your sales focus and have them team up to be even more effective.&nbsp; The how to&rsquo;s of doing just that.<br /><br /><strong>3. Educating Your Customer</strong><br />Do you have a strategy, system or format to educate your customers on making the best bidding choice?&nbsp; Probably not.&nbsp; You most likely put more effort into getting your &ldquo;number&rdquo; than getting your customer.&nbsp; An educated customer is the best customer.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s your job to teach them how to make the best choices in your trade.<br /><strong><br />4. Common Errors in Construction Selling</strong><br />Contractor after contractor make the same mistakes day in and day out.&nbsp; Repeating ineffective selling behaviors will contribute to scratching and clawing for every job.&nbsp; Being untrained, nervous or shy should not be a barrier to success.&nbsp; A few good practices can alleviate the pressure.&nbsp; We will point out many regularly made errors and present counter methods to eliminate them.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;For registration, go to&nbsp;<a href=\\\"http://www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com \\\" title=\\\"Seal the Deal\\\"> www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com </a>or call 314-775-9217.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"52\";}'),(1366,493,10,2,1238121370,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"493\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 04:23 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"USGBC-STL Growing Green Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"usgbcstl_growing_green_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:29:\"USGBCSTL Growing Green Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:273:\"Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize and celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live, work, and play.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Growing Green, awards, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:64:\"The Coronado Ballroom,  3701 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-04-31 06:00 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:80:\"6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. program and entertainment,  8:30 awards \";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1382:\"<p>Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize and celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live, work, and play. <br />&nbsp;<br />Cost: $70 per person&nbsp; <br />Includes a networking cocktail hour with hors d&rsquo;oeuvres, valet parking, dinner, open bar, and entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Introductory Speaker:</strong> Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Managing&nbsp; Director of the STL Operation for American Airlines and Board President of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis&nbsp; <br /><strong>&nbsp;<br />Emcee:</strong> Glenda Abney, director of Missouri Botanical Garden&rsquo;s EarthWays Center&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Keynote Speaker:</strong> Kyle Hunsberger, Director of Construction&nbsp; for Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize&nbsp; and celebrate the people, organizations and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a&nbsp; more environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place&nbsp; to live, work, and play.</p>\n<p>For reservations, call Rachel McCalla at 314.210.7764, or register <a href=\\\"http://growinggreenawards.eventbrite.com/\\\">online</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1220,445,4,2,1235122279,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"445\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-19 09:55 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"41\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Frost Electric Celebrates 100th Anniversary\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"frost_electric_celebrates_100th_anniversary\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Frost Electric Celebrates 100th Anniversary\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:179:\"Frost, a local leader in the electrical supply industry celebrated their 100th anniversary with a ribbon cutting and plaque presentation on Feb. 12, inside their new sales center.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Frost, Dooley, 100th Anniversary\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:5111:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.frostelectric.com\\\">Frost</a>, a local leader in the electrical supply industry celebrated their 100th anniversary with a ribbon cutting and plaque presentation on Feb. 12, inside their new sales center.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Dooley and Frost\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"257\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Dooley-and-Frost.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"250\\\" />The event kicked off at 11a.m. with Jeff Frost, executive vice president, speaking about Frost&rsquo;s history and their dedicated service to the St. Louis and metropolitan communities. In recognition of this historic milestone Saint Louis County Executive, Charlie Dooley and Maryland Heights President pro-tem, Dan Johnson congratulated Frost with a proclamation and plaques. The ceremony concluded with Jeff Frost and the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce honoring the grand opening of the new Sales Center with a ribbon cutting.</p>\n<div class=\\\"Normal\\\" id=\\\"dnn_ctr551_HtmlModule_HtmlModule_lblContent\\\">\n<p>During 100th anniversary year,&nbsp; the company marked three generations of the Frost family in the business by building the new sales center and undertaking a rebranding which moved the company from \\\"Frost Electric\\\"&nbsp;&mdash; its name for a century &mdash; to a new brand identity as \\\"Frost\\\".</p>\n<h4>County Executive Charlie Dooley and Jeff Frost<br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&ldquo;Our new branding captures our electrical heritage, but also\nreflects Frost&rsquo;s additional areas of expertise beyond what has\nhistorically been found at an electrical distributor,&rdquo; said Jeff Frost. &ldquo;We are moving forward with the\n&lsquo;Frost&rsquo; name, only, since we offer our customers so much more than just\nelectrical supplies.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Frost has spent the last year researching the industry and evaluating opportunities for future growth.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;It became evident there was an opportunity to become an industry\nleader by evolving the traditional distributor business model to one\nmuch more consultative and service-oriented,&rdquo; said Frost President John\nFrost.</p>\n<p>The new Frost Sales Center, located at the company&rsquo;s Maryland\nHeights headquarters, opened for business on Dec. 1, 2008 and boasts an\nenvironment more typically found at a retail store vs. the traditional\nbranch counter.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We have completely changed the standard of what a branch location\noffers and how products are presented to the customers,&rdquo; said Lori\nMillner, Frost&rsquo;s head of marketing. &ldquo;Our new Sales Center allows\ncustomers to physically see, touch and try our products in action, plus\nbe able to consult with an expert on the premises about any questions\nthat they may have about those products. This unique approach sets a\nnew benchmark for both Frost and the industry.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Another unique aspect of the Sales Center is its new &ldquo;T.E.C.&rdquo; Center\nthat is a separate part of the Sales Center wholly dedicated to\n&ldquo;training, educating and consulting&rdquo; with customers.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We wanted to provide our customers with an area where they could\nreap the full benefits of our in-house experts in areas not usually\nfound at a branch location,&rdquo; said Jeff Frost. &ldquo;This includes the\naddition of a certified lighting consultant, safety, firestop &amp;\nsystems engineers, as well as a Sales Center manager wholly dedicated\nto serving everyone who walks in the door.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>The Frost T.E.C. Center features a state-of-the-art, energy-savings\nlighting plan, industrial and automation controls, voice and data\ndemonstrations, as well as provide a unique environment for customer\ntraining events.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;In the lighting portion of the T.E.C. Center, we can explain and\ndemonstrate the visible differences in how light sources render color,&rdquo;\nsaid Frost&rsquo;s Certified Lighting Consultant &amp; Account Manager\nClaudia Gabay-Jones. &ldquo;We can also demonstrate the visual effects\nproduced by the latest energy efficient lighting products in their\napplications, plus showcase various energy efficient lamp technology\nincluding T8, T5, Ceramic Metal Halide and LED lamps. We also have the\nlatest in emergency and exit sign technology on display, in addition to\nthe newest lighting control systems and occupancy and daylight sensors.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Additionally, Frost has dedicated itself to providing customers with\nthe latest in environmentally friendly products and solutions through\nthe launch of its &ldquo;Green Choice&rdquo; program. Customers will be able to\neasily identify &ldquo;green&rdquo; products displayed at various locations\nthroughout the Sales Center.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We want to make it easy for customers to find the green products\nthat they are looking for, while establishing ourselves as leaders in\nproviding energy efficient solutions,&rdquo; said Jeff Frost.</p>\n<p>Within the next year, Frost plans to apply much of its new Sales\nCenter model to its branch locations in St. Louis City; O&rsquo;Fallon and\nColumbia, MO; and Collinsville and Lebanon, IL.</p>\n</div>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"41\";}'),(1221,448,2,2,1235123209,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-02-19 10:41 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"41\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:43:\"Equipment Dealers Share Contractors\\\' Pain \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"equipment_dealers_share_contractors_pain\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:42:\"Equipment Dealers Share Contractors\\\' Pain\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:562:\"The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, a global trade body comprising manufacturers of heavy equipment, paints a bleak picture of the U.S. and global heavy equipment markets. The overall economic slowdown, coupled with falling prices in the housing market and the collapse of major financial institutions, has affected sales of new construction equipment across all product categories. Local equipment dealers are doing what they can to help contractors survive these tough times. They see themselves as partners with their customers instead of competitors.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:31:\"equipment, dealers, contractors\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:8701:\"<p>The Association of Equipment Manufacturers, a global trade body comprising manufacturers of heavy equipment, paints a bleak picture of the U.S. and global heavy equipment markets. The overall economic slowdown, coupled with falling prices in the housing market and the collapse of major financial institutions, has affected sales of new construction equipment across all product categories. Local equipment dealers are doing what they can to help contractors survive these tough times. They see themselves as partners with their customers instead of competitors.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Eqiupment\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/equipment.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />&ldquo;We&rsquo;re trying to think out of the box,&rdquo; said Scott Clark, sales manager for Erb Equipment. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve designated someone in house at each location to make personal phone calls to our customers. We&rsquo;ve gotten a little liberal on payment terms and we&rsquo;ll work on lowering someone&rsquo;s interest rate.&rdquo;<br /><br />Contractors are not just scaling back equipment purchases, however, some are putting equipment back on the market. Anyone with a fleet of equipment and little work has a bunch of assets that aren&rsquo;t making any money. If a contractor is still making payments on that equipment, he&rsquo;ll have a negative cash flow and he will feel pressure to sell the equipment to remedy that cash flow problem. Clark said the result of that pressure is notable at equipment auctions, which had a 15 percent increase in volume in 2008, mostly from people who needed to unload their equipment.<br /><br />&ldquo;If a contractor wants out (of a contract to buy a piece of equipment), we&rsquo;ll work with him on a case-by-case scenario,&rdquo; Clark said. &ldquo;We can advertise to sell it on our web site, or if we see a market for that piece of equipment, we will go ahead and buy it from him. Sometimes, when we talk to a contractor, we can show him that it makes more sense to sell an older piece of equipment or trade out for something less expensive than what he has, which reduces his payments but allows him to stay in a piece of equipment. <br /><br />&ldquo;We try to tailor our recommendation to a contractor&rsquo;s own circumstances,&rdquo; Clark said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve done quite a few trades and consignments.&rdquo;<br /><br />William Mitchell, general manager of Roland Machinery, said his company also was seeing some customers want to get out of the new equipment they had recently purchased. &ldquo;We help them to try and sell it, but the big problem right now is finding a buyer,&rdquo; he said. What they have to watch out for is selling their equipment for less than its value, he said.<br /><br />More commonly, Mitchell said, he is seeing customers put off decisions to buy equipment while they wait to see if Congress approves a stimulus bill that gets projects going. In the meantime, they&rsquo;ll rent what they need.<br /><br />Ray Jost, branch manager for Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc., said he has seen some contractors cut their capital budgets, but he added that many others are waiting. &ldquo;The U.S. has always recovered from recession, it is just a question of how quickly it will recover this time. Some contractors are delaying making decisions on their capital budgets until they see if something is going to happen with the stimulus package,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. is a full-service equipment dealer that rents, sells, and repairs construction equipment. Business has slowed overall, but it was a needed respite for crane builders, Jost said. &ldquo;Crane manufacturers had such a backlog of orders that they are now just getting caught up,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Jeff Budrovich, president of Budrovich Inc., agreed. &ldquo;A year ago it was hard to get crane equipment. We still have some cranes back ordered,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Rentals are holding strong as some companies turn to long-term rentals as an alternative to buying, Mitchell said. &ldquo;We&rsquo;re seeing people lease at long-term rates, such as six months, because the rates are lower than for a 30-day rental,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />When everything in the economy seemed to be growing, many contractors wanted to own whatever equipment they used because equipment was the only serious physical asset in their business. Acquiring equipment bumped up their borrowing and bonding capacity, so it not only added to their physical ability to take on jobs, it added to their financial ability to take on work, too. <br /><br />Nowadays, smart contractors are evaluating their equipment in terms of what they historically used in order to determine what equipment and how big a fleet they absolutely need and how renting can help them through peaks and special needs &ndash; a strategy made possible by the great availability and quality of rental equipment.<br /><br />Although such strategies maybe buoying the rental market, Dan Martino, St. Louis branch manager for Midwest Aerials, said, &ldquo;I always think it is better to rent than to buy because there is so much you have to do to maintain equipment according to ANSI guidelines and the inspections and recordkeeping.&rdquo;<br /><br />Budrovich&rsquo;s rental business is holding steady on the strength of heavy industrial work in the area. They have cranes at Holcim&rsquo;s new cement plant in Ste. Genevieve, MO and at several energy projects, including ConocoPhillips in Wood River, IL and Peabody&rsquo;s Prairie State Energy Campus in Washington County, IL. Budrovich said his company snags a lot of big industrial work because they can provide bigger cranes than their competitors, all with highly skilled operators.<br /><br />&ldquo;Last year was a record year for us and we&rsquo;re looking to build on it for &rsquo;09,&rdquo; Budrovich said. &ldquo;Our fiscal year starts in September and our revenue in our first quarter was up 20 percent from last year,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />While the rental business remains strong, Martino said he has seen a surge in service work, too. &ldquo;We have a company called MAE Parts and Services that maintains customer-owned equipment and we have seen a big increase in customers&rsquo; wanting to make their equipment last longer, so much so that we don&rsquo;t have a one-day turnaround anymore. <br /><br />&ldquo;People aren&rsquo;t ready to toss a piece out and make it garbage over a few parts anymore,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Contractors have to be careful, however, that they don&rsquo;t hold onto old, obsolete equipment simply because it is paid off. There comes a point where the maintenance can become more expensive than the equipment is worth. In today&rsquo;s market one can get a great deal on a modern piece of equipment of similar size to an old piece, but which will be more efficient and will put a contractor in a better position to bid on a job with emissions criteria. Air pollution regulations here are not as strict as in California, but changes are coming.<br /><br />&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve already seen some bid documents that require that the contractor&rsquo;s equipment must be compliant with Tier III engines, mostly for indoor jobs,&rdquo; Clark said. As tighter regulations and &ldquo;green&rdquo; construction practices spread, &ldquo;we will see more of that,&rdquo; he said. Indeed, contractors on Illinois projects could labor under California-like emissions rules in as little as four years from now.<br /><br />Stricter national rules for new truck and equipment engines &ndash; called Tier IV rules &ndash; are due to take effect in 2011. &ldquo;Deere is requiring us to learn Tier IV engines now,&rdquo; Clark said. &ldquo;Deere is ahead of the game and we&rsquo;ll probably see certain models with Tier IV engines in a year. It will be a slow phase in, but Deere requires that all of a dealer&rsquo;s sales, service, and parts people pass tests, and the dealer stock parts and tools, before it can sell Deere&rsquo;s Tier IV equipment,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />The big question for many companies is: what will happen as current big jobs end if the recession continues into 2010 or 2011?<br /><br />&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve heard so much talk about infrastructure work, if they spend money on roads and bridges, that will help us,&rdquo; said Budrovich. &ldquo;But the biggest thing that would help our industry is getting home sales back on their feet. We have a lot of new competitors from people who used to do residential work. If we could re-inflate the housing market to keep them busy, it would help all of us,&rdquo; he sa</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:29:\"/images/uploads/equipment.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"41\";}'),