(2007,747,4,4,1262196344,'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:\"2009-12-30 07:00 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:\"79\";}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:47:\"Coldwell Banker Announces Downtown Transactions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"coldwell_banker_announces_downtown_transactions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:47:\"Coldwell Banker Announces Downtown Transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:95:\"Coldwell Banker announced a number of real estate transactions in the Downtown St. Louis area. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:24:\"Symsack, Coldwell Banker\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:6558:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-size: 16pt;\\\"><strong><span style=\\\"text-decoration: underline;\\\"></span></strong></span>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 16pt;\\\"><strong><span style=\\\"text-decoration: underline;\\\"></span></strong></span>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"></span><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell Banker\nCommercial CRA LLC</span><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\"> has announced that Stephen Symsack of Coldwell Banker Commercial CRA LLC has\nrecently completed the following transactions for space in Downtown St. Louis:</span></p>\n</p>\n</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented Curlee Dorsa Master Tenant, LP in the lease of\n3,212 square feet of office space at the Curlee Building located at 611 N.\nTenth Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 to TMG Real Estate &amp; Financial Services,\nLLC d/b/a First Omni Mortgage Lending, represented by CB Richard Ellis.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented Curlee Dorsa Master Tenant, LP in the lease of\n1,560 square feet of office space at the Curlee Building located at 611 N.\nTenth Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 to Cooper &amp; Brooke, PC.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented Curlee Dorsa Master Tenant, LP in the lease of\n1,751 square feet of office space at the Curlee Building located at 611 N.\nTenth Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 to Confluence Academy, represented by Jones\nLange LaSalle.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented Curlee Dorsa Master Tenant, LP in the lease of\n3,169 square feet of office space at the Curlee Building located at 611 N.\nTenth Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 to Red Eye, Inc., d/b/a Erker Opticals.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented Mark Twain Hotel Partners, LP in the lease of 2,000\nsquare feet of office space at 903 Pine Street, St. Louis, MO 63101 to Somying\nFox d/b/a Basil Spice.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented Frisco Associates, LP in the lease of 1,590\nsquare feet of office space at The Frisco Building, 906 Olive, St. Louis, MO\n63101 to M.I.T. World Wide Marketing Group, LLC.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented Frisco Associates, LP in the lease of 1,158\nsquare feet of office space at The Frisco Building, 906 Olive, St. Louis, MO\n63101 to The Robbins Law Firm.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented Frisco Associates, LP in the lease of 1,444\nsquare feet of office space at The Frisco Building, 906 Olive, St. Louis, MO\n63101 to VN Travel, LLC.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\">Coldwell\nBanker Commercial represented The Lammert Building Limited Partnership in the\nlease of 655 square feet of office space at The Lammert Building, 911\nWashington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63101 to The Alicia Campbell Law Firm, LLC.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p><!--EndFragment-->&nbsp;\n<span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"><!--[endif]--></span> <span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <br /></span></p>\n<p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: left;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Helvetica;\\\"><!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<!--EndFragment--></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"79\";}'),(2008,748,4,4,1262197297,'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:\"2009-12-30 07:16 AM\";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:\"79\";}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:43:\"Vertegy to Develop National AGC LEED Course\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"vertegy_to_develop_national_agc_leed_course\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Vertegy to Develop National AGC LEED Course\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:224:\"Vertegy was recently recruited by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) to develop and update a course aimed at training individuals in the construction industry on the new LEED guidelines for new construction.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:20:\"Vertegy, Taylor, AGC\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3427:\"<p>Vertegy was recently recruited by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) to develop and update a course aimed at training individuals in the construction industry on the new LEED guidelines for new construction.</p>\n<p>The second edition of the class, \\\"Building to LEED-NC: Overview and Impact on Construction Practices,\\\" will specifically focus on how the newest version of LEED - LEED 2009 - impacts the Contractor. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched its LEED Version 3.0 program earlier this year, which included the release of the revamped LEED 2009 Rating Systems. Thomas Taylor, general manager of the St. Louis-based sustainable consulting firm and long-time AGC member, is currently working in partnership with the AGC to finalize the class so it can be available to professionals by June 2010.</p>\n<p>Vertegy is in charge of developing the curriculum for this eight-hour course, as well as revising a course participant\\\'s manual, instructor\\\'s guide and course assessment. The course\\\'s goal will be to train construction professionals on pertinent LEED topics, such as:</p>\n<p>&bull; sustainability and green building; <br />&bull; the differences between the old LEED-NC Version 2.2 and the new LEED 2009 program, including <br />o the prerequisites and credits within the LEED categories,<br />o the creation and function of the Green Building Certification Institute (GCBI), and<br />o the new professional credentialing process; <br />&bull; the significance of design and construction submittals; and <br />&bull; the impact of LEED on the construction process.</p>\n<p>\\\"Growing up as a contractor and always having a love for the construction industry, I realize how important it is that contractors and other construction professionals are well-prepared for the future,\\\" noted Taylor. \\\"The new curriculum outlined in the revised &lsquo;Building to LEED-NC\\\' course will ensure that these individuals are well-versed on sustainability in new construction as defined by the recently-modified guidelines so that they can successfully focus on achieving their or their clients\\\' sustainability goals.\\\"</p>\n<p>Taylor and the AGC are currently running advanced pilot programs to make sure the course exceeds the expectations of individuals in the construction industry, and so far, they have received positive feedback. More than 50 participants took part in a recent advance pilot session at Greenbuild Phoenix in November, and on Dec. 15, Taylor presented a webinar describing the course in detail to more than 100 professionals across the country. The pilot version is also scheduled to be implemented at the national AGC Convention, which is taking place in Orlando in March 2010. Feedback received on the pilot version will be factored into the final course, which is expected to be utilized by hundreds of industry professionals in the coming year, helping them remain competitive in the increasingly green market.</p>\n<p>This collaboration is not the first time the AGC has turned to Taylor. Taylor, who chairs the AGC National Environmental Steering committee, was a part of the original course\\\'s research advisory board and was invited by the AGC in 2008 to edit and write the foreword for Thomas E. Glavinich\\\'s book entitled <em>Contractor\\\'s Guide to Green Building Construction: Management, Project Delivery, Documentation, and Risk Reduction.</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"79\";}'),(2009,749,4,4,1262197679,'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:\"2009-12-30 05:26 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:\"79\";}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:30:\"AIA Billings Dip Substantially\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:30:\"aia_billings_dip_substantially\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:30:\"AIA Billings Dip Substantially\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:127:\"Following its highest mark since August 2008, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped more than three points in November.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:19:\"AIA, billings index\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1354:\"<p>Following its highest mark since August 2008, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped more than three points in November. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the November ABI rating was 42.8, down from 46.1 in October. This score indicates a continued decline in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry score was 58.5, the same mark as in October.</p>\n<p>\\\"There continues to be a lot of uncertainty in the construction industry that likely will delay new projects in the near future,\\\" said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. \\\"Perhaps the President\\\'s plan calling for loans for small business, funding for infrastructure projects and rebates for homeowners making energy efficient improvements will help speed a recovery in the construction industry.\\\"</p>\n<p>Key November ABI highlights:</p>\n<p>Regional averages: South (46.4), Northeast (45.0), Midwest (43.7), West (41.1)<br />Sector index breakdown: institutional (47.0), multi-family residential (45.8), mixed practice (42.8), commercial / industrial (40.7),<br />Project inquiries index: 58.5</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"79\";}'),(2010,750,4,4,1262243875,'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:\"2009-12-30 08:12 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:\"79\";}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:43:\"Hilliker Corporation Announces Transactions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"hilliker_corporation_announces_transactions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Hilliker Corporation Announces Transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:73:\"Hilliker Corporation announced a number recent real estate transactions. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"Hilliker, transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1920:\"<p>Hilliker Corporation announced a number recent real estate transactions.</p>\n<p>Scott Martin of Hilliker represented Meeco Real Estate in the lease of 2,285 sq.ft. of office/warehouse space located at 4666 McRee in the City of St. Louis to Bill Hall represented by John Hoofman of Hilliker Corporation.</p>\n<p><br />Will Aschinger of Hilliker represented both parties in the lease of $4,475 sq.ft. of office/warehouse space located at 4808 Fairview Avenue in the City of St. Louis to AME Constructors Inc.  by MCC Enterprises LLC.</p>\n<p><br />Jeff Altvater and Powell Kalish of Hilliker represented John G. and Katherine G. Anderson in the sale of the 4,100 sq.ft. office/retail building located at 3520 Hampton Avenue in the City of St. Louis to Ozik Home Care, Inc. represented by Realty Exchange.</p>\n<p><br />Will Aschinger and Brian O\\\'Connell of Hilliker represented Control Supply Company LLC in leasing the 3,000 sq.ft. office/warehouse space located at 1700 S. Hanley Rd. in Brentwood by WCS South Hanley 1 LLC represented by Bob Hagen of Hagen Properties.</p>\n<p><br />Dan Johnson of Hilliker represented 4195 Shoreline Court LLC in the purchase of the 26,802 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 4195 Shoreline Court in Earth City from Shoreline Court Investors LLC represented by Bob Flynn of Flynn &amp; Associates.</p>\n<p><br />Scott Martin of Hilliker represented Partners Financial Services, Inc. in the purchase of the 27,337 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 10623 Baur Boulevard in St. Louis County  from Lucas Building Partners represented by Sprung Properties LLC.</p>\n<p><br />Dan Johnson of Hilliker represented 3728 Market Street LLC in the purchase of the 1,062,483 sq.ft. warehouse building located at 3728 Market Street in the City of St. Louis from Macy\\\'s Retail Holdings Inc. represented by Terry Stieve of Colliers Turley Martin Tucker.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"79\";}'),(2011,751,4,4,1262253076,'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:\"2009-12-30 10:33 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:\"79\";}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:43:\"$38i Million Waterloo High School Completed\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"38i_million_waterloo_high_school_completed\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"$38i Million Waterloo High School Completed\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:170:\"Work on the the technologically advanced, $38 million, 227,000-square-foot Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 High School in Waterloo, Ill. has been completed.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:19:\"Guarantee, Waterloo\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1255:\"<p>Work on the the technologically advanced, $38 million, 227,000-square-foot Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 High School in Waterloo, Ill. has been completed. The facility features 57 classrooms, three gymnasiums, a 462-seat auditorium, three vocational shops and a central courtyard with a pond and fountain.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Waterloo Auditorium\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"315\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Waterloo Auditorium 10_2009.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />S.M. Wilson &amp; Co. was the construction manager. Guarantee Electrical was the electrical contractor. The project showcases the advantages delivered to school districts through Guarantee\\\'s innovative preconstruction planning. For example, to conserve energy and reduce long-term costs, Guarantee specified occupancy sensors in classrooms and gyms to automatically turn overhead lights off and on. It achieved further long-term savings by installing 54-watt T-5 fixtures with instant-on control panels in more than 20,000 square feet of gym space rather than the originally specified 400-watt bi-level fixtures.</p>\n<p>Guarantee also installed the facility\\\'s central power system as well as pro-sound and lighting systems in the auditorium.<br /><br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"79\";}'),(2012,751,4,4,1262253109,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"751\";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:\"2009-12-30 10:33 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:\"79\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:42:\"$38 Million Waterloo High School Completed\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"38i_million_waterloo_high_school_completed\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:42:\"$38 Million Waterloo High School Completed\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:170:\"Work on the the technologically advanced, $38 million, 227,000-square-foot Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 High School in Waterloo, Ill. has been completed.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:19:\"Guarantee, Waterloo\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1249:\"<p>Work on the the technologically advanced, $38 million, 227,000-square-foot Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 High School in Waterloo, Ill. has been completed. The facility features 57 classrooms, three gymnasiums, a 462-seat auditorium, three vocational shops and a central courtyard with a pond and fountain.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Waterloo Auditorium\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"315\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Waterloo Auditorium 10_2009.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />S.M. Wilson &amp; Co. was the construction manager. Guarantee Electrical was the electrical contractor. The project showcases the advantages delivered to school districts through Guarantee\\\'s innovative preconstruction planning. For example, to conserve energy and reduce long-term costs, Guarantee specified occupancy sensors in classrooms and gyms to automatically turn overhead lights off and on. It achieved further long-term savings by installing 54-watt T-5 fixtures with instant-on control panels in more than 20,000 square feet of gym space rather than the originally specified 400-watt bi-level fixtures.</p>\n<p>Guarantee also installed the facility\\\'s central power system as well as pro-sound and lighting systems in the auditorium.<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"79\";}'),(2013,751,4,4,1262253417,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"751\";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:\"2009-12-30 10:33 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:\"79\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:42:\"$38 Million Waterloo High School Completed\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"38i_million_waterloo_high_school_completed\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:42:\"$38 Million Waterloo High School Completed\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:170:\"Work on the the technologically advanced, $38 million, 227,000-square-foot Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 High School in Waterloo, Ill. has been completed.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:19:\"Guarantee, Waterloo\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1243:\"<p>Work on the the technologically advanced, $38 million, 227,000-square-foot Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 High School in Waterloo, Ill. has been completed. The facility features 57 classrooms, three gymnasiums, a 462-seat auditorium, three vocational shops and a central courtyard with a pond and fountain.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Waterloo Auditorium\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"315\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Waterloo Auditorium 10_2009.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />S.M. Wilson &amp; Co. was the construction manager. Guarantee Electrical was the electrical contractor. The project showcases the advantages delivered to school districts through Guarantee\\\'s innovative preconstruction planning. For example, to conserve energy and reduce long-term costs, Guarantee specified occupancy sensors in classrooms and gyms to automatically turn overhead lights off and on. It achieved further long-term savings by installing 54-watt T-5 fixtures with instant-on control panels in more than 20,000 square feet of gym space rather than the originally specified 400-watt bi-level fixtures.</p>\n<p>Guarantee also installed the facility\\\'s central power system as well as pro-sound and lighting systems in the auditorium.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"79\";}'),(2014,752,4,4,1262800424,'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:\"2010-01-06 06:48 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"80\";}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:37:\"KCI Wins $21 Million Barracks Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"kci_wins_21_million_barracks_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:37:\"KCI Wins $21 Million Barracks Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:155:\"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has notified KCI Construction that the firm has been awarded the Trainee Barracks Upgrade Project at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"Fort Leonard Wood, KCI\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1044:\"<p>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has notified KCI Construction that the firm has been awarded the Trainee Barracks Upgrade Project at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The contract of $20,680,000 is a design-build project on which KCI teamed with International Architects Atlier, based on their team success on the recently completed design-build Mid Campus Housing project at University of Missouri &ndash; Columbia.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The 18 month project will start immediately, and includes remodel of and addition to three three-story dormitories, renovation of a dining hall and battalion headquarters.&nbsp; The dorms will be reconfigured from existing squad bays to open troop layouts and are intended to be similar to dormitory space in the nearby private sector community.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The dining hall project will provide food service for soldiers and is intended to be similar to cafeterias and restaurants in the surrounding community. Battalion headquarters will provide classroom space and administrative services for soldiers.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2015,753,4,4,1262801037,'a:27:{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:\"2010-01-06 06:59 AM\";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:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:55:\"Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial Announces Transaction\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:52:\"grubb_ellisgundaker_commercial_announces_transaction\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial Announces Transaction\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:80:\"Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial announced a recent real estate property sale. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:34:\"Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial \";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:356:\"<p>Grubb &amp; Ellis|Gundaker Commercial announced that Vernon Martens and Faith Martens, along with Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, represented STL Craigshire, LLC (Seller) in the sale-leaseback of 36,561 square feet of industrial space at 1940 Craigshire Rd in St. Louis, Missouri from Net Lease Holdings, LLC (Buyer). Total consideration: $2,725,000.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2158,810,4,4,1267044898,'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:\"2010-02-24 09:49 AM\";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:\"87\";}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:64:\"Freeman Brings Field Experience to McCarthy Business Development\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:64:\"freeman_brings_field_experience_to_mccarthy_business_development\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:64:\"Freeman Brings Field Experience to McCarthy Business Development\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:133:\"McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. recently promoted Ryan Freeman to serve as the firm\\\'s director of business development, St. Louis.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:17:\"Freeman, McCarthy\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2023:\"<p>McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. recently promoted Ryan Freeman to serve as the firm\\\'s director of business development, St. Louis.  In this role, Freeman is responsible for generating building opportunities for McCarthy in the St. Louis metro area and developing strong relationships with industry and community partners throughout the region.</p>\n<p>\\\"Ryan began his career with McCarthy working on the job site as a project superintendent and then later project manager,\\\" commented McCarthy Central Division President Scott Wittkop. \\\"He now brings this hands-on operations knowledge to his new role as St. Louis director of business development.\\\"</p>\n<p>Freeman has more than a decade of experience working on commercial, healthcare, education and industrial projects in the St. Louis area. Most recently he served as McCarthy\\\'s project manager on a $108 million South Campus expansion project for Edward Jones. Located on the investment firm\\\'s existing 13-acre campus on Manchester Road, the 312,000-square-foot, 7-level building, which connects directly to the existing 3-story atrium and basement, offers new open office space, training facilities with high-tech AV capabilities, a 600-seat auditorium, and a new cafeteria complete with pizza oven and caf&eacute;-style dining. Also constructed was a 900-car precast, 4-level concrete parking structure.</p>\n<p>\\\"In his role as project manager, Ryan managed the client and designer relationships, construction staff, budget and schedule activities to ensure safe and high-quality performance,\\\" explained McCarthy Senior Vice President Paul Hartwig. \\\"This depth of understanding of the building process will provide future clients and partners with valuable insight as they begin to plan their projects.\\\"</p>\n<p>Freeman is an active volunteer with the St. Louis Construction Careers Center helping develop the construction work force of tomorrow. He holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"87\";}'),(2018,745,10,4,1262802624,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"745\";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:\"2009-12-30 06:19 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:47:\"Keeping It In the Family: Financial Engineering\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"keeping_it_in_the_family_financial_engineering\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:47:\"Keeping It In the Family: Financial Engineering\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:105:\"You\\\'ve thought about making sure that your business and family are protected and now is the time to act.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:52:\"St. Louis Masonry Center, 1429 S. Big Bend Boulevard\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2010-01-12 03:00 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:16:\"3:00 - 6:00 p.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:3569:\"<p><strong>PLACE:</strong>&nbsp; St. Louis Masonry Center<br />1429 S. Big Bend Boulevard<br />(1 block South of Hwy. 40/Dale)<br />St. Louis, MO 6311</p>\n<p><strong>TIME:</strong> 3:00 p..m. - 6:00 p.m.<br />(Dinner &amp; Cocktails Included)<br /><strong>FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION AFTER SEMINAR OR JANUARY 13</strong></p>\n<p><strong>SPEAKERS:</strong> Leon &amp; Terrance Resnick, Resnick Associates and Jason Giorgio, Pacific Advisors</p>\n<p><strong>ABOUT THE PROGRAM</strong>:</p>\n<p>You work too hard to ultimately lose the bulk of your assets to taxation.  Unfortunately, statistics show us that you have a greater chance of losing your business than passing it down to the next generation.  You\\\'ve thought about making sure that your business and family are protected and now is the time to act.  Even if you have a plan in place, A LOT has changed in the tax code and there are anticipated changes that could make your current plan obsolete.  Join us for a discussion about:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Preparing for Retirement</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Distribution Planning:  the proper order to play your chess pieces</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Maximizing retirement accumulation for owners and key employees through discriminatory non-qualified retirement plans</li>\n<li>Establishing guard rails for volatile market-based investments</li>\n<li>Tax Strategy</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Dealing with increasing tax liabilities on business owners</li>\n<li>Commonly missed opportunities within the tax code</li>\n<li>Creation of exit strategies for highly appreciated assets and deferred retirement accounts</li>\n<li>Estate &amp; Succession Planning</li>\n<li>Wills/Trusts</li>\n<li>Buy-Sell agreements</li>\n<li>Proper due diligence of life insurance</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>The Presenters:</strong></p>\n<p><strong>Leon B. Resnick</strong> and <strong>Terrance K. Resnick</strong>, identical twins, are partners in Resnick Associates, a nationally recognized estate, business succession and life insurance planning firm with offices in Kansas City and Harrisburg, PA.</p>\n<p>The Resnicks have spoken at both the 2009 ASA National Conference in Nashville and the 2009 MCAA Mid-Year meeting in San Diego.  They have worked extensively with a large number of business and construction trade association and their members throughout the United States as well as companies such as Coke and Pepsi.</p>\n<p><strong>Jason G. Giorgio</strong>, MBA, CLU is a senior partner at Pacific Advisors, a finalcial planning firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.  Jason deftly motivates people to take action to better their present and future financial situation with strong focus on protection from risk.  Jason holds a finance degree from Millersville University, MBA from Lebanon Valley College, and is 1 of 65 in the U.S. certified as a Charitable Planning Specialist (CPS).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"http://www.rapidenewsletter.com//attachments/2001_84/Succession%20Planning%20Seminar%201-12-10.pdf  \\\">See flyer at this link</a> to sign up, or contact Reba Gillick with attendees names and email addresses at reba@asamidwest.com, telephone 314.214.1664, <br /> fax 314.214.1665<br /> <br /><strong>Reservations are&nbsp; due before January 7, 2010</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cost:</strong> $40/Attendee ASA or MCA Members; each additional attendee $10<br />$50/Attendee Non-Members<br /><strong><br />NO SHOWS WILL BE BILLED!</strong><br /><br />Make check payable to:<br />ASA Midwest Council<br />P.O. Box 270<br />Union, MO 63084<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2019,755,5,4,1262857441,'a:23:{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:\"2010-01-06 10:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";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:13:\"Among Friends\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"among_friends\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:13:\"Among Friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:146:\"Shortly before Christmas an old friend called  to let me know that she had once again  watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a\nWonderful Life.\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:31:\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life, Stewart\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3152:\"<p>Shortly before Christmas an old friend called&nbsp; to let me know that she had once again&nbsp; watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a&nbsp; Wonderful Life.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that movie had been a touchstone.</p>\n<p>I took over the reins of this magazine when&nbsp; my father died suddenly - as had the father of&nbsp; George Bailey in the movie. And like George, I felt the burden of being there for all the people who depended on me. At least that\\\'s&nbsp; the way I thought it was. In the last 10 years I\\\'ve watched as the other magazines in which I was involved in addition to CNR were sold and the people associated with them had to ï¬nd&nbsp; other work. And through it all I\\\'ve learned that <br />the people who I thought I was carrying were&nbsp; actually carrying me. <br /></p>\n<p>Over the past year the economic forces that all of us in the construction industry have felt have caused painful layoï¬€s at companies <br />deeply rooted in the St. Louis construction industry. The beginning of 2010 sees us beginning to climb out of the worst drop in construction since the Great Depression. All of us have struggled and many of us have seen good friends hurt. But we\\\'ve also seen moments of grace; as friend reaches out to friend, and the network of those of us who make our living in our industry ï¬nd something bigger than ourselves, creating opportunities where none seemed to exist.</p>\n<p>Our industry is not going to be the same one that we\\\'ve known going forward. But this is as it always was. Of the ï¬ve contractors in St. Louis\\\' top ï¬ve in 1969 when CNR was founded, only one is still in that elite. And the number of great names in the industry that have gone by the wayside in the four decades that this magazine has been around is large. As I think back on those companies, it\\\'s not so much the projects they did or the position they held in the market. What I remember is the people &mdash; the people who steered the direction of the companies, made their livings in them, and <br />crossed paths with me in the process.</p>\n<p>At the end of \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life,\\\" George Bailey reads an inscription written in a book that his guardian angel Clarence has left for him. The inscription reads: \\\"Dear George: Remember - No man is a failure who has friends.\\\" Ours is an industry - more so than many of others - where people make the diï¬€erence, where relationships are paramount. As we work to repair the damage that\\\'s occurred over the past year, one of the most important things we can do is to reach out to <br />those who have been most aï¬€ected by what has happened.</p>\n<p>St. Paul told us to \\\"bear one another\\\'s burdens\\\". That doesn\\\'t mean coming up with solutions or ï¬xing things. That\\\'s not within our control. But picking up the phone to touch base on a regular basis with an out-of-work friend, or taking one another away from the grind of business to focus on family and <br />friendship and balance in life over a cup of coï¬€ee or a beer is something that we can and should do for one another. Times are hard, but we\\\'re among friends.</p>\";}'),(2020,755,5,4,1262858093,'a:24:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"755\";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:\"2010-01-06 10:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:13:\"Among Friends\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"among_friends\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:13:\"Among Friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:146:\"Shortly before Christmas an old friend called  to let me know that she had once again  watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a\nWonderful Life.\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:31:\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life, Stewart\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:5426:\"<p>\n<meta name=\\\"Title\\\" />\n<meta name=\\\"Keywords\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"text/html; charset=utf-8\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Word.Document\\\" name=\\\"ProgId\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Microsoft Word 10\\\" name=\\\"Generator\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Microsoft Word 10\\\" name=\\\"Originator\\\" />\n<link href=\\\"file:///Users/tom/Library/Preferences/Microsoft/Clipboard/msoclip1/01/clip_clip_filelist.xml\\\" rel=\\\"File-List\\\" />\n<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>869</o:Words> <o:Characters>4955</o:Characters> <o:Company>PGD</o:Company> <o:Lines>41</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>9</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>6085</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>10.265</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin /> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->\n<style>\n&lt;!--\n /* Font Definitions */\n@font-face\n	{font-family:\\\"Times New Roman\\\";\n	panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3;\n	mso-font-charset:0;\n	mso-generic-font-family:auto;\n	mso-font-pitch:variable;\n	mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;}\n /* Style Definitions */\np.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal\n	{mso-style-parent:\\\"\\\";\n	margin:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.0001pt;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:12.0pt;\n	font-family:Times;}\np.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText\n	{margin:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.0001pt;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:12.0pt;\n	font-family:Courier;}\n@page Section1\n	{size:8.5in 11.0in;\n	margin:1.0in 17.95pt 1.0in 17.95pt;\n	mso-header-margin:.5in;\n	mso-footer-margin:.5in;\n	mso-paper-source:0;}\ndiv.Section1\n	{page:Section1;}\n--&gt;\n</style>\n<!--StartFragment--></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know\nthat she had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life.\\\"\nFor many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that movie had been a\ntouchstone.</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">I took over the reins of this magazine when my father died\nsuddenly - as had the father of George Bailey in the movie. And like George, I felt\nthe burden of being there for all the people who depended on me. At least that\\\'s\nthe way I thought it was. In the last 10 years I\\\'ve watched as the other magazines\nin which I was involved in addition to CNR were sold and the people associated with\nthem had to Ëšnd other work. And through it all I\\\'ve learned that</p>\n<p>the people who I thought I was carrying were actually carrying\nme.Over the past year the economic forces\nthat all of us in the construction industry have felt have caused painful layoËšs\nat companies</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">deeply rooted in the St. Louis construction industry. The\nbeginning of 2010 sees us beginning to climb out of the worst drop in construction\nsince the Great Depression. All of us have struggled and many of us have seen good\nfriends hurt. But we\\\'ve also seen moments of grace; as friend reaches out to friend,\nand the network of those of us who make our living in our industry Ëšnd something\nbigger than ourselves, creating opportunities where none seemed to exist.</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">Our industry is not going to be the same one that we\\\'ve known\ngoing forward. But this is as it always was. Of the Ëšve contractors in St. Louis\\\'\ntop Ëšve in 1969 when CNR was founded, only one is still in that elite. And the number\nof great names in the industry that have gone by the wayside in the four decades\nthat this magazine has been around is large. As I think back on those companies,\nit\\\'s not so much the projects they did or the position they held in the market.\nWhat I remember is the people - the people who steered the direction of the companies,\nmade their livings in them, and</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">crossed paths with me in the process.</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">At the end of \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life,\\\" George Bailey\nreads an inscription written in a book that his guardian angel Clarence has left\nfor him. The inscription reads: \\\"Dear George: Remember - No man is a failure\nwho has friends.\\\" Ours is an industry - more so than many of others - where\npeople make the diËšerence, where relationships are paramount. As we work to repair\nthe damage that\\\'s occurred over the past year, one of the most important things\nwe can do is to reach out to</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">those who have been most aËšected by what has happened.</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">St. Paul told us to \\\"bear one another\\\'s burdens\\\".\nThat doesn\\\'t mean coming up with solutions or Ëšxing things. That\\\'s not within our\ncontrol. But picking up the phone to touch base on a regular basis with an out-of-work\nfriend, or taking one another away from the grind of business to focus on family\nand</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">friendship and balance in life over a cup of coËšee or a beer\nis something that we can and should do for one another. Times are hard, but we\\\'re\namong friends</p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--> .</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";}'),(2021,755,5,4,1262858164,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"755\";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:\"2010-01-06 10:27 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:13:\"Among Friends\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"among_friends\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:13:\"Among Friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:146:\"Shortly before Christmas an old friend called  to let me know that she had once again  watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a\nWonderful Life.\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:31:\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life, Stewart\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:5434:\"<p>\n<meta name=\\\"Title\\\" />\n<meta name=\\\"Keywords\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"text/html; charset=utf-8\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Word.Document\\\" name=\\\"ProgId\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Microsoft Word 10\\\" name=\\\"Generator\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Microsoft Word 10\\\" name=\\\"Originator\\\" />\n<link href=\\\"file:///Users/tom/Library/Preferences/Microsoft/Clipboard/msoclip1/01/clip_clip_filelist.xml\\\" rel=\\\"File-List\\\" />\n<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>869</o:Words> <o:Characters>4955</o:Characters> <o:Company>PGD</o:Company> <o:Lines>41</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>9</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>6085</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>10.265</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:UseMarginsForDrawingGridOrigin /> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->\n<style>\n&amp;lt;!--\n /* Font Definitions */\n@font-face\n	{font-family:\\\"Times New Roman\\\";\n	panose-1:0 2 2 6 3 5 4 5 2 3;\n	mso-font-charset:0;\n	mso-generic-font-family:auto;\n	mso-font-pitch:variable;\n	mso-font-signature:50331648 0 0 0 1 0;}\n /* Style Definitions */\np.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal\n	{mso-style-parent:\\\"\\\";\n	margin:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.0001pt;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:12.0pt;\n	font-family:Times;}\np.MsoPlainText, li.MsoPlainText, div.MsoPlainText\n	{margin:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.0001pt;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:12.0pt;\n	font-family:Courier;}\n@page Section1\n	{size:8.5in 11.0in;\n	margin:1.0in 17.95pt 1.0in 17.95pt;\n	mso-header-margin:.5in;\n	mso-footer-margin:.5in;\n	mso-paper-source:0;}\ndiv.Section1\n	{page:Section1;}\n--&amp;gt;\n</style>\n<!--StartFragment--></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know\nthat she had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life.\\\"\nFor many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that movie had been a\ntouchstone.</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">I took over the reins of this magazine when my father died\nsuddenly - as had the father of George Bailey in the movie. And like George, I felt\nthe burden of being there for all the people who depended on me. At least that\\\'s\nthe way I thought it was. In the last 10 years I\\\'ve watched as the other magazines\nin which I was involved in addition to CNR were sold and the people associated with\nthem had to Ëšnd other work. And through it all I\\\'ve learned that</p>\n<p>the people who I thought I was carrying were actually carrying\nme.Over the past year the economic forces\nthat all of us in the construction industry have felt have caused painful layoËšs\nat companies</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">deeply rooted in the St. Louis construction industry. The\nbeginning of 2010 sees us beginning to climb out of the worst drop in construction\nsince the Great Depression. All of us have struggled and many of us have seen good\nfriends hurt. But we\\\'ve also seen moments of grace; as friend reaches out to friend,\nand the network of those of us who make our living in our industry Ëšnd something\nbigger than ourselves, creating opportunities where none seemed to exist.</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">Our industry is not going to be the same one that we\\\'ve known\ngoing forward. But this is as it always was. Of the Ëšve contractors in St. Louis\\\'\ntop Ëšve in 1969 when CNR was founded, only one is still in that elite. And the number\nof great names in the industry that have gone by the wayside in the four decades\nthat this magazine has been around is large. As I think back on those companies,\nit\\\'s not so much the projects they did or the position they held in the market.\nWhat I remember is the people - the people who steered the direction of the companies,\nmade their livings in them, and</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">crossed paths with me in the process.</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">At the end of \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life,\\\" George Bailey\nreads an inscription written in a book that his guardian angel Clarence has left\nfor him. The inscription reads: \\\"Dear George: Remember - No man is a failure\nwho has friends.\\\" Ours is an industry - more so than many of others - where\npeople make the diËšerence, where relationships are paramount. As we work to repair\nthe damage that\\\'s occurred over the past year, one of the most important things\nwe can do is to reach out to</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">those who have been most aËšected by what has happened.</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">St. Paul told us to \\\"bear one another\\\'s burdens\\\".\nThat doesn\\\'t mean coming up with solutions or Ëšxing things. That\\\'s not within our\ncontrol. But picking up the phone to touch base on a regular basis with an out-of-work\nfriend, or taking one another away from the grind of business to focus on family\nand</p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoPlainText\\\">friendship and balance in life over a cup of coËšee or a beer\nis something that we can and should do for one another. Times are hard, but we\\\'re\namong friends</p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--> .</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2022,756,5,4,1262881270,'a:23:{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:\"2010-01-07 05:20 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";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:13:\"Among Friends\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"among_friends\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:13:\"Among Friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:237:\"Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know that she had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that movie had been a touchstone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:32:\"Wonderful Life, Stewart, friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3181:\"<p>Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know that\nshe had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful\nLife.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that\nmovie had been a touchstone.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Wonderful Life\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"188\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wonderful-life.jpg\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />I\ntook over the reins of this magazine when my father died suddenly - as\nhad the father of George Bailey in the movie. And like George, I felt\nthe burden of being there for all the people who depended on me. At\nleast that\\\'s the way I thought it was. In the last 10 years I\\\'ve\nwatched as the other magazines in which I was involved in addition to\nCNR were sold and the people associated with them had to find other\nwork. And through it all I\\\'ve learned that the people who I thought I\nwas carrying were actually carrying me.<br /> <br />Over the past year the\neconomic forces that all of us in the construction industry have felt\nhave caused painful layoffs at companies deeply rooted in the St. Louis\nconstruction industry. The beginning of 2010 sees us beginning to climb\nout of the worst drop in construction since the Great Depression. All\nof us have struggled and many of us have seen good friends hurt. But\nwe\\\'ve also seen moments of grace; as friend reaches out to friend, and\nthe network of those of us make our living in our industry find\nsomething bigger than ourselves, creating opportunities where none\nseemed to exist.</p>\n<p>Our industry is not going to be the same one that we\\\'ve known going\nforward. But this is as it always was. Of the five contractors in St.\nLouis\\\' top five in 1969 when CNR was founded, only one is still in that\nelite. And the number of great names in the industry that have gone by\nthe wayside in the four decades that this magazine has been around is\nlarge. As I think back on those companies, it\\\'s not so much the\nprojects they did or the position they held in the market. What I\nremember is the people -- the people who steered the direction of the\ncompanies, made their livings in them, and crossed paths with me in the\nprocess.</p>\n<p>At the end of \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life,\\\" George Bailey reads an\ninscription written in a book that his guardian angel Clarence has left\nfor him. The inscription reads: \\\"Dear George: Remember - No man is a\nfailure who has friends.\\\" Ours is an industry - more so than many of\nothers - where people make the difference, where relationships are\nparamount. As we work to repair the damage that\\\'s occurred over the\npast year, one of the most important things we can do is to reach out\nthose who have been most affected by what has happened.</p>\n<p>St. Paul told us to \\\"bear one another\\\'s burdens\\\". That doesn\\\'t mean\ncoming up with solutions or fixing things. That\\\'s not within our\ncontrol. But picking up the phone to touch base on a regular basis with\nan out-of-work friend, or taking one another away from the grind of\nbusiness to focus on family and friendship and balance in life over a\ncup of coffee or a beer is something that we can and should do for one\nanother.</p>\n<p>Times are hard, but we\\\'re among friends.</p>\";}'),(2023,756,5,4,1262881305,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"756\";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:\"2010-01-07 05:20 AM\";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:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:13:\"Among Friends\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"among_friends\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:13:\"Among Friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:237:\"Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know that she had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that movie had been a touchstone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:32:\"Wonderful Life, Stewart, friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3181:\"<p>Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know that\nshe had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful\nLife.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that\nmovie had been a touchstone.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Wonderful Life\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"188\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wonderful-life.jpg\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />I\ntook over the reins of this magazine when my father died suddenly - as\nhad the father of George Bailey in the movie. And like George, I felt\nthe burden of being there for all the people who depended on me. At\nleast that\\\'s the way I thought it was. In the last 10 years I\\\'ve\nwatched as the other magazines in which I was involved in addition to\nCNR were sold and the people associated with them had to find other\nwork. And through it all I\\\'ve learned that the people who I thought I\nwas carrying were actually carrying me.<br /> <br />Over the past year the\neconomic forces that all of us in the construction industry have felt\nhave caused painful layoffs at companies deeply rooted in the St. Louis\nconstruction industry. The beginning of 2010 sees us beginning to climb\nout of the worst drop in construction since the Great Depression. All\nof us have struggled and many of us have seen good friends hurt. But\nwe\\\'ve also seen moments of grace; as friend reaches out to friend, and\nthe network of those of us make our living in our industry find\nsomething bigger than ourselves, creating opportunities where none\nseemed to exist.</p>\n<p>Our industry is not going to be the same one that we\\\'ve known going\nforward. But this is as it always was. Of the five contractors in St.\nLouis\\\' top five in 1969 when CNR was founded, only one is still in that\nelite. And the number of great names in the industry that have gone by\nthe wayside in the four decades that this magazine has been around is\nlarge. As I think back on those companies, it\\\'s not so much the\nprojects they did or the position they held in the market. What I\nremember is the people -- the people who steered the direction of the\ncompanies, made their livings in them, and crossed paths with me in the\nprocess.</p>\n<p>At the end of \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life,\\\" George Bailey reads an\ninscription written in a book that his guardian angel Clarence has left\nfor him. The inscription reads: \\\"Dear George: Remember - No man is a\nfailure who has friends.\\\" Ours is an industry - more so than many of\nothers - where people make the difference, where relationships are\nparamount. As we work to repair the damage that\\\'s occurred over the\npast year, one of the most important things we can do is to reach out\nthose who have been most affected by what has happened.</p>\n<p>St. Paul told us to \\\"bear one another\\\'s burdens\\\". That doesn\\\'t mean\ncoming up with solutions or fixing things. That\\\'s not within our\ncontrol. But picking up the phone to touch base on a regular basis with\nan out-of-work friend, or taking one another away from the grind of\nbusiness to focus on family and friendship and balance in life over a\ncup of coffee or a beer is something that we can and should do for one\nanother.</p>\n<p>Times are hard, but we\\\'re among friends.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"11\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2024,756,5,4,1262881352,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"756\";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:\"2010-01-07 05:20 AM\";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:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:13:\"Among Friends\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"among_friends\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:13:\"Among Friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:237:\"Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know that she had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that movie had been a touchstone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:32:\"Wonderful Life, Stewart, friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3189:\"<p>Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know that\nshe had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful\nLife.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that\nmovie had been a touchstone.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Wonderful Life\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"188\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wonderful-life.jpg\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" /></p>\n<p>I\ntook over the reins of this magazine when my father died suddenly - as\nhad the father of George Bailey in the movie. And like George, I felt\nthe burden of being there for all the people who depended on me. At\nleast that\\\'s the way I thought it was. In the last 10 years I\\\'ve\nwatched as the other magazines in which I was involved in addition to\nCNR were sold and the people associated with them had to find other\nwork. And through it all I\\\'ve learned that the people who I thought I\nwas carrying were actually carrying me.<br /> <br />Over the past year the\neconomic forces that all of us in the construction industry have felt\nhave caused painful layoffs at companies deeply rooted in the St. Louis\nconstruction industry. The beginning of 2010 sees us beginning to climb\nout of the worst drop in construction since the Great Depression. All\nof us have struggled and many of us have seen good friends hurt. But\nwe\\\'ve also seen moments of grace; as friend reaches out to friend, and\nthe network of those of us make our living in our industry find\nsomething bigger than ourselves, creating opportunities where none\nseemed to exist.</p>\n<p>Our industry is not going to be the same one that we\\\'ve known going\nforward. But this is as it always was. Of the five contractors in St.\nLouis\\\' top five in 1969 when CNR was founded, only one is still in that\nelite. And the number of great names in the industry that have gone by\nthe wayside in the four decades that this magazine has been around is\nlarge. As I think back on those companies, it\\\'s not so much the\nprojects they did or the position they held in the market. What I\nremember is the people -- the people who steered the direction of the\ncompanies, made their livings in them, and crossed paths with me in the\nprocess.</p>\n<p>At the end of \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life,\\\" George Bailey reads an\ninscription written in a book that his guardian angel Clarence has left\nfor him. The inscription reads: \\\"Dear George: Remember - No man is a\nfailure who has friends.\\\" Ours is an industry - more so than many of\nothers - where people make the difference, where relationships are\nparamount. As we work to repair the damage that\\\'s occurred over the\npast year, one of the most important things we can do is to reach out\nthose who have been most affected by what has happened.</p>\n<p>St. Paul told us to \\\"bear one another\\\'s burdens\\\". That doesn\\\'t mean\ncoming up with solutions or fixing things. That\\\'s not within our\ncontrol. But picking up the phone to touch base on a regular basis with\nan out-of-work friend, or taking one another away from the grind of\nbusiness to focus on family and friendship and balance in life over a\ncup of coffee or a beer is something that we can and should do for one\nanother.</p>\n<p>Times are hard, but we\\\'re among friends.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"11\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2025,757,4,4,1262883274,'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:\"2010-01-07 05:30 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:\"80\";}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:60:\"Non-Residential to Drop 13.4 Percent in 2010, AIA Panel Says\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:58:\"non_residential_to_drop_134_percent_in_2010_aia_panel_says\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:60:\"Non-Residential to Drop 13.4 Percent in 2010, AIA Panel Says\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:204:\"Despite signs that the overall U.S. economy is beginning to improve, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 13.4 percent in 2010, the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast predicted\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:24:\"AIA, Consensus, forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2367:\"<p>Despite signs that the overall U.S. economy is beginning to improve, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by 13.4 percent in 2010 with a marginal increase of 1.8 percent in 2011 in inflation adjusted terms. Commercial and industrial projects will continue to see the most significant decrease in activity. Thanks, in part, to federal stimulus spending, institutional building categories will fare better over this period. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation&rsquo;s leading construction forecasters. <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;When economies emerge from this prolonged recession, recovery for nonresidential construction activity typically takes longer,&rdquo; said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. &ldquo;Hardest hit will be the commercial and industrial sectors with projected declines in the 20 percent range for 2010 in most building categories. Led by the healthcare market, the institutional sector will see far less dramatic declines and should help lead the construction industry into recovery in 2011.&rdquo;<br /><strong>&nbsp;<br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Market Segment Consensus Growth Forecasts&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Consensus\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"450\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/consensus.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"423\\\" /><br />&nbsp;<br /></p>\n<h4><br /></h4>\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>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel is conducted twice a year with the leading nonresidential construction forecasters in the United States including, McGraw Hill Construction, Global Insight, Moody&rsquo;s economy.com, Reed Business Information, the Portland Cement Association, and FMI. The purpose of the Consensus Construction Forecast Panel is to project business conditions in the construction industry over the coming 12 to 18 months. The Consensus Construction Forecast Panel has been conducted for 12 years.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2026,752,4,4,1262883337,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"752\";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:18:\"2010-01-07 4:48 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:37:\"KCI Wins $21 Million Barracks Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"kci_wins_21_million_barracks_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:37:\"KCI Wins $21 Million Barracks Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:155:\"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has notified KCI Construction that the firm has been awarded the Trainee Barracks Upgrade Project at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"Fort Leonard Wood, KCI\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1044:\"<p>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has notified KCI Construction that the firm has been awarded the Trainee Barracks Upgrade Project at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The contract of $20,680,000 is a design-build project on which KCI teamed with International Architects Atlier, based on their team success on the recently completed design-build Mid Campus Housing project at University of Missouri &ndash; Columbia.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The 18 month project will start immediately, and includes remodel of and addition to three three-story dormitories, renovation of a dining hall and battalion headquarters.&nbsp; The dorms will be reconfigured from existing squad bays to open troop layouts and are intended to be similar to dormitory space in the nearby private sector community.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The dining hall project will provide food service for soldiers and is intended to be similar to cafeterias and restaurants in the surrounding community. Battalion headquarters will provide classroom space and administrative services for soldiers.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2027,752,4,4,1262883416,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"752\";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:\"2010-01-07 05:35 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:37:\"KCI Wins $21 Million Barracks Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"kci_wins_21_million_barracks_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:37:\"KCI Wins $21 Million Barracks Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:155:\"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has notified KCI Construction that the firm has been awarded the Trainee Barracks Upgrade Project at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"Fort Leonard Wood, KCI\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1044:\"<p>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has notified KCI Construction that the firm has been awarded the Trainee Barracks Upgrade Project at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The contract of $20,680,000 is a design-build project on which KCI teamed with International Architects Atlier, based on their team success on the recently completed design-build Mid Campus Housing project at University of Missouri &ndash; Columbia.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The 18 month project will start immediately, and includes remodel of and addition to three three-story dormitories, renovation of a dining hall and battalion headquarters.&nbsp; The dorms will be reconfigured from existing squad bays to open troop layouts and are intended to be similar to dormitory space in the nearby private sector community.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The dining hall project will provide food service for soldiers and is intended to be similar to cafeterias and restaurants in the surrounding community. Battalion headquarters will provide classroom space and administrative services for soldiers.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2028,758,2,4,1262885737,'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:\"2010-01-07 06:21 AM\";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:\"80\";}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:68:\"Maybe Next Year: Economy Improves, But Won\\\'t Help Construction Yet \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:63:\"maybe_next_year_economy_improves_but_wont_help_construction_yet\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:68:\"Maybe Next Year: Economy Improves, But Won\\\'t Help Construction Yet \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:127:\"Economists say the recovery has begun, but don\\\'t expect it to lift private, nonresidential real estate and construction yet. \n\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:39:\"forecast, banks, commercial, 2010, 2011\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:8672:\"<p>As the country headed out of 2009, the Federal Reserve Banks reported that market conditions for commercial real estate and construction had weakened in nearly all 12 of the Federal Reserve\\\'s districts \\\"with rising vacancy rates, downward pressure on rents, and little, if any, new development.\\\" The various regional banks were not given to optimism. The Boston bank described the outlook for commercial real estate there as \\\"bleak.\\\"</p>\n<p>The Dallas bank said construction there was at \\\"historically low levels,\\\" and Kansas City characterized commercial real estate and construction as \\\"distressed.\\\" The St. Louis Fed called the commercial real estate market in November \\\"weak,\\\" and noted that lending had declined and credit standards had tightened as industrial and office vacancy rates had risen. The Fed added that the outlook for office space was actually worse than the vacancy rate might suggest, because of the large amount of space available through subleases.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Spilled Milk\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/spilled-milk.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Seth Leadbeater, CEO of the St. Louis region of Commerce Bank, an $18 billion regional bank headquartered in Kansas City, said his bank had more money to lend than a year earlier. \\\"We\\\'re being consistent in our lending practices,\\\" he said, and added that development activity was slow, because \\\"developers are being cautious right now. If the economy gets better, credit will follow.\\\"</p>\n<p>\\\"Liquidity is not the challenge. A lot of banks, including us, have plenty of money to lend,\\\" said Ronald Barnes, chairman of <br />Midwest BankCentre, a $1 billion local bank with two-thirds of its portfolio in commercial and residential real estate. \\\"The greater challenge is finding viable projects to lend to,\\\" he said. Barnes said that Midwest BankCentre has not changed its underwriting principles. \\\"We still value projects in terms of the real equity in the project, pre-leasing, and correct economic assumptions in terms of valuation,\\\" he said. It is just that in today\\\'s market valuing a project correctly is difficult to do.</p>\n<p>The chief challenge is that commercial real estate values are still falling. Barnes explained: \\\"We are in the earlier stages of a general commercial real estate market correction, which will play out throughout 2010 with further recognition of valuation declines. The real challenge is underwriting in the contexts of rising cap rates, rising vacancy rates, and falling rental rates. None of those are going in <br />the right direction to maximize value.</p>\n<p>\\\"There was a bubble in commercial real estate like there was one in housing. The market has to reset at a lower valuation level that is more in line with long-term trends before things come back. I look for movement forward in 2011,\\\" he said. Regional and local banks such as Commerce and Midwest BankCentre, however, represent only a small portion of the financial market. James Bullard, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, said that the 20 largest national financial institutions control 80 percent of the nation\\\'s financial assets. Bullard spoke at Commerce Bank\\\'s annual economic breakfast in November. And the large banks, according to the St. Louis Fed, were still tightening credit standards for commercial real estate loans near the end of the year.</p>\n<p>The issue for banks - and for developers and contractors - is demand. Bullard said economic activity began picking up in the third quarter of 2009 and consumer spending was recovering, but Joel Prakken, CEO of Macroeconomic Advisers, LLC, said the recovery \\\"was well below historic norms following a deep recession.\\\" Prakken spoke at the sixth annual Midwest BankCentre Economic Forecast. Prakken predicted that unemployment would stay high - above nine percent - throughout 2010 and not fall below eight percent until near the end of 2011. High unemployment presages weak demand for many types of private, nonresidential space.</p>\n<p><strong>Private Options Dwindle, Public Options Take Up the Slack </strong></p>\n<p>Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction, predicted that weak demand for space will continue to hamper the commercial and industrial building markets in 2010, but any further decreases will be mild compared to what those markets saw in 2009. Even though private, nonresidential construction markets will continue to retreat, Murray predicted an 11 percent increase in total construction nationwide, due largely to a rebounding housing market and stimulus funding for highways, environmental Murray said the value of construction on commercial buildings will fall another four percent in 2010, something that looks almost like recovery after the precipitous 43 percent drop in commercial building construction in 2009. The value of construction in the manufacturing sector will fall 14 percent, due to slack demand for more space. And the value of work on institutional buildings, which tumbled 23 percent in 2009, will stabilize, advancing just one percent on the strength of military projects and energy efficiency upgrades to federal buildings. <br />\\\"Given the weak outlook for private sector construction, any near-term turn in overall construction activity will be dictated by public construction,\\\" said Edward Sullivan, chief economist for the Portland Cement <br />Association. Sullivan predicted that cement consumption would increase a modest five percent nationally in 2010 on the strength of stimulus spending on public construction. He said cement consumption fell 26.6 percent in 2009 from already weak 2008 levels. Cement consumption peaked in 2006.</p>\n<p>Despite positive projections by Murray and Sullivan, even the highway sector is by no means healthy, said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).</p>\n<p><br /> \\\"It is impossible to overstate how dire the outlook is for [2010],\\\" he said. Describing the results of a survey of highway and transit builders by the Transportation Construction Council, of which the AGC is a member, Simonson said, \\\"75 percent of firms anticipate declining spending, over 76 percent expect state departments of transportation to put out less work to bid; two-thirds of firms laid-off people this year and 87 percent say they don\\\'t have enough work booked to avoid laying off more non-seasonal workers. Only five percent of firms plan to add employees,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>The problem, Simonson said, is that there is nothing coming after the stimulus money \\\"except depleted state and local coffers.\\\" With tax collections falling in 44 states, and bigger budget shortfalls expected next year, state departments of transportation are cutting funding and some states, such as Illinois, are looking at raiding state highway funds to cover deficits elsewhere, he said.</p>\n<p>\\\"The real value of pavement work has been declining every year since 2005, said Alison Premo Black, economist and vice president of policy for the American Road and Transportation Builders Association. \\\"Without the federal investment of stimulus funds, we would have seen the bottom drop out of the transportation construction market. In spite of stimulus funds, the long-term trend in transportation construction is down, so there is no reason for contractors to make new investments that would stimulate other parts of the economy,\\\" she said.</p>\n<p><strong>Green Building </strong><br />One part of the construction economy is booming, however: green building. New buildings, however, account for less than 2.5 percent of the U.S. building market each year, said Harvey Bernstein, vice president of global thought leadership and business development at McGraw-Hill Construction. So the real action, he said, is in retrofits and renovations. Green building retrofits and renovations currently accounts for five-to-nine percent of the value of the retrofit and renovation market, but it is growing rapidly, Bernstein said. <br />McGraw-Hill projected that by 2014, or in less than five years, green building retrofits and renovations would account for 20-30 percent of the money spent on building renovations and retrofits. By 2025, half of all retrofits and renovations could be \\\"green.\\\" <br />Bernstein said the projected demand for green retrofits in 2014 comprises, \\\"a $10-15 billion market opportunity in major projects alone, and it will significantly contribute to the expansion of green products and services, which will have a long-term impact on our future economy.\\\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:32:\"/images/uploads/spilled-milk.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:\"80\";}'),(2029,756,5,4,1262886824,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"756\";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:\"2010-01-07 05:20 AM\";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:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:13:\"Among Friends\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"among_friends\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:13:\"Among Friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"4\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:237:\"Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know that she had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that movie had been a touchstone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:32:\"Wonderful Life, Stewart, friends\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3189:\"<p>Shortly before Christmas an old friend called to let me know that\nshe had once again watched the Jimmy Stewart movie \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful\nLife.\\\" For many years, as I worked to build a publishing company, that\nmovie had been a touchstone.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Wonderful Life\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"188\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wonderful-life.jpg\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" /></p>\n<p>I\ntook over the reins of this magazine when my father died suddenly - as\nhad the father of George Bailey in the movie. And like George, I felt\nthe burden of being there for all the people who depended on me. At\nleast that\\\'s the way I thought it was. In the last 10 years I\\\'ve\nwatched as the other magazines in which I was involved in addition to\nCNR were sold and the people associated with them had to find other\nwork. And through it all I\\\'ve learned that the people who I thought I\nwas carrying were actually carrying me.<br /> <br />Over the past year the\neconomic forces that all of us in the construction industry have felt\nhave caused painful layoffs at companies deeply rooted in the St. Louis\nconstruction industry. The beginning of 2010 sees us beginning to climb\nout of the worst drop in construction since the Great Depression. All\nof us have struggled and many of us have seen good friends hurt. But\nwe\\\'ve also seen moments of grace; as friend reaches out to friend, and\nthe network of those of us make our living in our industry find\nsomething bigger than ourselves, creating opportunities where none\nseemed to exist.</p>\n<p>Our industry is not going to be the same one that we\\\'ve known going\nforward. But this is as it always was. Of the five contractors in St.\nLouis\\\' top five in 1969 when CNR was founded, only one is still in that\nelite. And the number of great names in the industry that have gone by\nthe wayside in the four decades that this magazine has been around is\nlarge. As I think back on those companies, it\\\'s not so much the\nprojects they did or the position they held in the market. What I\nremember is the people -- the people who steered the direction of the\ncompanies, made their livings in them, and crossed paths with me in the\nprocess.</p>\n<p>At the end of \\\"It\\\'s a Wonderful Life,\\\" George Bailey reads an\ninscription written in a book that his guardian angel Clarence has left\nfor him. The inscription reads: \\\"Dear George: Remember - No man is a\nfailure who has friends.\\\" Ours is an industry - more so than many of\nothers - where people make the difference, where relationships are\nparamount. As we work to repair the damage that\\\'s occurred over the\npast year, one of the most important things we can do is to reach out\nthose who have been most affected by what has happened.</p>\n<p>St. Paul told us to \\\"bear one another\\\'s burdens\\\". That doesn\\\'t mean\ncoming up with solutions or fixing things. That\\\'s not within our\ncontrol. But picking up the phone to touch base on a regular basis with\nan out-of-work friend, or taking one another away from the grind of\nbusiness to focus on family and friendship and balance in life over a\ncup of coffee or a beer is something that we can and should do for one\nanother.</p>\n<p>Times are hard, but we\\\'re among friends.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"11\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2030,740,2,4,1262886991,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"740\";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:\"2009-12-24 06:17 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:\"4\";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:26:\"ASA Hosts \\\"Meet the GCs\\\"\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:22:\"asa_hosts_meet_the_gcs\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:27:\"ASA Hosts \\\"Meet the GCs\\\" \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:139:\"\\\"Meet the GCs Expo,\\\" the industry\\\'s ultimate contractor networking event, will be held on Jan. 27. at the St. Charles Convention Center.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:33:\"Meet the GCs, ASA Midwest Council\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2184:\"<p>\\\"Meet the GCs Expo,\\\" the industry\\\'s ultimate contractor networking event, will be held on Jan. 27 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. at the St. Charles Convention Center, One Convention Plaza, St. Charles.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/meet-the-gcs.pdf\\\"><img alt=\\\"handshake\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"194\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/asa handshake.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"283\\\" /></a><br />The event is hosted by the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association (ASA). The format is a trade show, where subcontractors, suppliers, and some buildng owners meet and greet one another. Last year\\\'s event attracted 1,200 attendees to visit with 28 contractors.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>This year the GC roster so far includes:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Alberici Constructors, Inc.</li>\n<li>ARCO Construction Co., Inc. <br /></li>\n<li>Brinkmann Constructors</li>\n<li>BSI Constructors, Inc.</li>\n<li>Clayco</li>\n<li>Contegra Construction Co.</li>\n<li>Conway Contracting Inc.</li>\n<li>Gundaker Commercial Group</li>\n<li>HBD Construction Inc.</li>\n<li>Helmkamp Construction Co.</li>\n<li>Holland Construction Services</li>\n<li>J.E. Foster Building Co.</li>\n<li>KCI Construction</li>\n<li>Kadean Construction Co.</li>\n<li>The Korte Co.</li>\n<li>Kozen-Wagher, Inc.</li>\n<li>Landco Construction</li>\n<li>McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.</li>\n<li>McGrath &amp; Associates, Inc.</li>\n<li>Paric Corporation</li>\n<li>R.G. Ross Construction Co., Inc.</li>\n<li>Rhody Construction Inc.</li>\n<li>S.M. Wilson &amp; Company</li>\n<li>Tarlton Corporation</li>\n<li>United Construction Enterprises of St. Louis</li>\n<li>Volk Construction Company</li>\n<li>Walton Construction Co., LLC</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Cocktails will be served all evening; Appetizers will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. There will be a 50:50 raffle. You need not be present to win.</p>\n<p>Cost is&nbsp; is $60 per person for ASA members and $80 per person for non-members.</p>\n<p><br /><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/meet-the-gcs.pdf\\\">Click here to download a reservation form</a>. For additional information, email <a href=\\\"mailto:reba@asamidwest.com\\\">Reba Gillick,</a> or phone 314.214.1664</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:40:\"/images/uploads/meet-the-contractors.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(2031,759,4,4,1263365572,'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:\"2010-01-12 07:44 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:\"81\";}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:\"McCarthy/KWAME Provide CM for $13 Million U City School\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"mccarthy_kwame_provide_cm_for_13_million_u_city_school\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"McCarthy/KWAME Provide CM for $13 Million U City School\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:191:\"McCarthy/KWAME, a joint venture of Kwame Building Group and McCarthy, has begun construction management services on the new $13 million Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School in University City.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"McCarthy/KWAME, University City, school\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1560:\"<p>McCarthy/KWAME, a joint venture of Kwame Building Group and McCarthy, has begun construction management services on the new $13 million Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School in University City. <br /><br />The new Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School replaces an existing school in the University City School District near St. Louis. Demolition of the existing school building began in September. Construction of the new school will be completed in February 2011. The architect is Bond-Wolfe.<br /><br />The new two-story, 64,834-square-foot school will feature 24 classrooms including several specialized classrooms and specialty spaces that will enable students to do more exploratory work and self-discovery. The school will open with 385 students with the capacity to accommodate up to 500 students.<br /><br />Several architectural features were recycled from the old building and are being placed into the new facility to enhance the intimate feel of the school, including mosaic tiles from around water fountains, an entryway tile mural and a freestanding masonry memorial bench.<br /><br />&ldquo;The new school building will provide a better learning environment through improved day lighting, air quality and technology accommodations,&rdquo; said Kevin Ferguson, KWAME vice president. &ldquo;The eco-friendly aspects of this facility also will serve as a working lab for teachers and students to learn more about the environment and green sustainability.&rdquo; The Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School will be built seeking a LEED certification.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2169,814,4,4,1267635454,'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:\"2010-03-03 05:54 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:\"88\";}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:38:\"Federal Uncertainty Ends MODOT Awards \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"federal_uncertainty_ends_modot_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:37:\"Federal Uncertainty Ends MODOT Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:147:\"Uncertainty about the federal dollar pipeline led the Missouri Department of Transportation to withdraw its February bid awards at the last minute.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:14:\"federal, MODOT\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1154:\"<p>Uncertainty about the federal dollar pipeline led the Missouri\nDepartment of Transportation to withdraw its February bid awards at the\nlast minute.</p>\n<p>SAFETEA-LU, the most recent multi-year federal highway bill passed in 2005, provided $42 billion per year nationally to fund highway and bridge projects for cities, counties and states. When it expired in September 2009, the U.S. Congress extended SAFETEA-LU, but at a $30 billion annual level. For Missouri, the resulting funding shortfall puts nearly $250 million in state and local transportation projects in jeopardy.</p>\n<p>\\\"We are encouraged by actions taken by the U.S. Senate in recent days to remedy this situation,\\\" MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. \\\"But, in fact, there is not yet agreement between the Senate and the House on a common bill to address the shortfall in federal funding for highway and bridge projects to cities, counties and states. Because of this, MoDOT cannot prudently proceed with the February 26 bid opening.\\\"</p>\n<p>The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission will re-evaluate the remaining bid openings scheduled through May 21, 2010.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"88\";}'),(2035,761,4,4,1263367004,'a:27:{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:\"2010-01-12 08:06 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:28:\"Burke Joins Oates Associates\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"burke_joins_oates_associates \";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:28:\"Burke Joins Oates Associates\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:134:\"Bill Burke, RLA, APA, of Glen Carbon, IL, has joined Oates Associates, a civil and structural engineering / architectural design firm.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:23:\"Burke, Oates, landscape\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1165:\"<p>Bill Burke, RLA, APA, of Glen Carbon, IL, has joined Oates Associates, a civil and structural engineering / architectural design firm, to head up the firm&rsquo;s new urban planning and landscape architecture group. Burke&rsquo;s appointment marks the firm&rsquo;s second expansion within six months. Oates added architectural services in August 2009.<br /><br />Burke has more than 20 years of experience in planning, urban design and landscape architecture. His noted projects include the Citygarden public sculpture garden in downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Mall Master Plan, the Arch Grounds Connector engineering and urban design study,&nbsp; the Edward Jones Campus Master Plan, and the Cape Girardeau, Missouri Comprehensive Plan. <br /><br />Burke is a member of the American Planning Association, the Urban Land Institute and has served on the Southwestern Illinois Leadership Council and the Village of Glen Carbon Planning and Zoning Commission. He has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Arkansas.<br /><br />Oates Associates is a multi-disciplined design firm with offices in Collinsville, Illinois, and St. Louis.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2036,760,4,4,1263367159,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"760\";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:\"2010-01-12 08:06 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:28:\"Burke Joins Oates Associates\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"burke_joins_oates_associates\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:28:\"Burke Joins Oates Associates\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:134:\"Bill Burke, RLA, APA, of Glen Carbon, IL, has joined Oates Associates, a civil and structural engineering / architectural design firm.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:23:\"Burke, Oates, landscape\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1165:\"<p>Bill Burke, RLA, APA, of Glen Carbon, IL, has joined Oates Associates, a civil and structural engineering / architectural design firm, to head up the firm&rsquo;s new urban planning and landscape architecture group. Burke&rsquo;s appointment marks the firm&rsquo;s second expansion within six months. Oates added architectural services in August 2009.<br /><br />Burke has more than 20 years of experience in planning, urban design and landscape architecture. His noted projects include the Citygarden public sculpture garden in downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Mall Master Plan, the Arch Grounds Connector engineering and urban design study,&nbsp; the Edward Jones Campus Master Plan, and the Cape Girardeau, Missouri Comprehensive Plan. <br /><br />Burke is a member of the American Planning Association, the Urban Land Institute and has served on the Southwestern Illinois Leadership Council and the Village of Glen Carbon Planning and Zoning Commission. He has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from the University of Arkansas.<br /><br />Oates Associates is a multi-disciplined design firm with offices in Collinsville, Illinois, and St. Louis.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2037,762,4,4,1263368474,'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:\"2010-01-12 08:20 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:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"construction_associations_help_kids_at_christmas\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:107:\"Two St. Louis Construction association members reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"toys, Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1446:\"<p>Two St. Louis Construction association members reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE toys\\\" height=\\\"149\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/site-toys.jpg\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />SITE Christmas committee (from left to right): Karl Koenigsfeld, SCI Engineering; Mandy Daub, Kirkwood Excavating; Frank Marchesi, Sr., Bi-State Utilities; Greg Hornbuckle,Neenah Foundry; Cindy McClintock ,Schaefer-Meyer Grading; Terry McDannold, Park-Mark, Inc.; Kim Connell, J. D. Kutter Insurance)</h4>\n&nbsp;\n<p>Hundreds of children&rsquo;s toys were collected at SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s holiday party, held Dec. 12 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.&nbsp; Since 1991, SITE members have donated more than 3,000 toys to Variety the Children&rsquo;s Charity.</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) kicked off 2010 by donating shoes and socks to the Healthy Kids Express program. Healthy Kids Express provides services to 10,000 children per year and is made possible through donations to the St. Louis Children&rsquo;s Hospital Foundation.<br />&nbsp;<br />The mobile van program was designed to bring health care to children in St. Louis city, surrounding counties and the Metro East at no cost to their families. The program offers a range of screenings including hearing, vision, physical exams, scoliosis checks, immunizations, anemia, lead, dental and asthma.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(2038,762,4,4,1263368852,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"762\";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:\"2010-01-12 08:20 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"construction_associations_help_kids_at_christmas\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:107:\"Two St. Louis Construction association members reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"toys, Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1446:\"<p>Two St. Louis Construction association members reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE toys\\\" height=\\\"149\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/site-toys.jpg\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />SITE Christmas committee (from left to right): Karl Koenigsfeld, SCI Engineering; Mandy Daub, Kirkwood Excavating; Frank Marchesi, Sr., Bi-State Utilities; Greg Hornbuckle,Neenah Foundry; Cindy McClintock ,Schaefer-Meyer Grading; Terry McDannold, Park-Mark, Inc.; Kim Connell, J. D. Kutter Insurance)</h4>\n&nbsp;\n<p>Hundreds of children&rsquo;s toys were collected at SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s holiday party, held Dec. 12 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.&nbsp; Since 1991, SITE members have donated more than 3,000 toys to Variety the Children&rsquo;s Charity.</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) kicked off 2010 by donating shoes and socks to the Healthy Kids Express program. Healthy Kids Express provides services to 10,000 children per year and is made possible through donations to the St. Louis Children&rsquo;s Hospital Foundation.<br />&nbsp;<br />The mobile van program was designed to bring health care to children in St. Louis city, surrounding counties and the Metro East at no cost to their families. The program offers a range of screenings including hearing, vision, physical exams, scoliosis checks, immunizations, anemia, lead, dental and asthma.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2039,762,4,4,1263369438,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"762\";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:\"2010-01-12 08:20 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"construction_associations_help_kids_at_christmas\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:107:\"Two St. Louis Construction association members reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"toys, Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1492:\"<p>Two St. Louis Construction association members reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE toys\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"246\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/site-toys_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"400\\\" />SITE Christmas committee (from left to right): Karl Koenigsfeld, SCI Engineering; Mandy Daub, Kirkwood Excavating; Frank Marchesi, Sr., Bi-State Utilities; Greg Hornbuckle,Neenah Foundry; Cindy McClintock ,Schaefer-Meyer Grading; Terry McDannold, Park-Mark, Inc.; Kim Connell, J. D. Kutter Insurance)</h4>\n&nbsp;\n<p>Hundreds of children&rsquo;s toys were collected at SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s holiday party, held Dec. 12 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.&nbsp; Since 1991, SITE members have donated more than 3,000 toys to Variety the Children&rsquo;s Charity.</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) kicked off 2010 by donating shoes and socks to the Healthy Kids Express program. Healthy Kids Express provides services to 10,000 children per year and is made possible through donations to the St. Louis Children&rsquo;s Hospital Foundation.<br />&nbsp;<br />The mobile van program was designed to bring health care to children in St. Louis city, surrounding counties and the Metro East at no cost to their families. The program offers a range of screenings including hearing, vision, physical exams, scoliosis checks, immunizations, anemia, lead, dental and asthma.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2040,763,4,4,1263369856,'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:\"2010-01-12 09:00 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:\"81\";}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:32:\"Salez Group Certified as WBE/MBE\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"salez_group_certified_as_wbe_mbe\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:32:\"Salez Group Certified as WBE/MBE\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:125:\"Salez Group, a supplier of power, safety, and electrical supplies has been certfied as a woman- and minority-owned business. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"Salez, MBE, WBE\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1023:\"<p>Salez Group LLC has been certified to as a woman- and minority-owned business (MBE/WBE) by the&nbsp; City of St. Louis Airport Authority.&nbsp; Salez Group supplies the regional construction industry with power, safety, and electrical supplies.&nbsp; The company also offers technical writing services to the industry.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />According to company owner Kris Zambrana, &ldquo;Salez Group has a firm commitment to help customers build more sustainable buildings by identifying the most energy efficient products possible.&nbsp; Our long term goal is to become a single source for companies, building owners, contractors and others who are involved designing or retrofitting sustainable buildings or meeting criteria for LEED certification.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />Salez Group, LLC is also certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and a Woman Owned Enterprise (WOE) by the State of Missouri Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity and by the St. Louis Minority Business Council.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2041,764,5,4,1263371525,'a:23:{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:\"2010-01-12 09:07 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";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:31:\"Do You Have â€œSales Chopsâ€? \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:23:\"do_you_have_sales_chops\";s:4:\"save\";s:10:\"Quick Save\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:30:\"Do You Have â€œSales Chopsâ€?\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:175:\"As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who\nin their company can really bring home the bacon.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:15:\"sales, Woodcock\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:5059:\"<p>As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who in their company can really bring home the bacon. While most leave it to chance or pricing aerobics, having personnel with good ol&rsquo; fashioned sales ability can give a firm the edge. Having project managers, estimators or flat out sales personnel that can win business is essential to surviving a tough market condition.</p>\n<p>What makes up a good &ldquo;sales&rdquo; agent? There are some basics:</p>\n<p>1. <strong>Outgoing Personality:</strong> Just a fact: the easier it is for you to talk to people the more you&rsquo;ll do it. Introverted people need tons of training and monitoring. They are better support people than frontline sales warriors. A Type A personality isn&rsquo;t all you need and some<br />talk too much, but it is a great start.</p>\n<p>2. <strong>Good Work Ethic:</strong> People that work hard will see more people. A high activity level will generate more opportunity. Also, it&rsquo;s difficult to monitor sales personnel so self starters can ease the accountability pressure.</p>\n<p><br />3. <strong>Networkers:</strong> These are folks that manage to connect at many levels in the industry. They seem to know everybody. Gearing them to exchange lead information with their network will translate into inside information on upcoming opportunities.</p>\n<p>4.<strong> Financially Hungry: </strong>Wanting, or needing to make a great deal of income will motivate an individual to go for it. It will stretch them to exceed expectations. compensation package that reinforces top end revenue AND profitability will drive the desired results.<strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>5. Teachable:</strong> Good sales agents learn from their successes and failures. They watch, read and attend seminars to improve their closing abilities amongst other attributes. Hardheaded personnel that believe they know everything are seldom successful. Notice I didn&rsquo;t list product or industry knowledge. This is far less important than people believe. People focus on it, because it&rsquo;s a tangible aspect of selling. That is a mistake.</p>\n<p>People buy from people they like and will give individuals they like the inside information and direction needed to get the deal. Having good sales support people that can answer questions and provide expertise is necessary to complete the sales process, but not to begin it. You really want your sales agents to be out, out, out with the client base. Sales people sitting in their cubicle produce<br />little to no new opportunity. They become<br />simply order takers. Encourage your sales<br />agents to see an abundance of customers on<br />a regular basis.<br />The wild card here is training. Most sales<br />agents are never trained. Some are trained by<br />blanket organizations that do not understand<br />the construction bidding format. Good sales<br />people get burnt by a lack of job training. It<br />is imperative that people learn how to take<br />the basic attributes outlined above and apply<br />them in the most effective methods possible.<br />A true evaluation of a potential sales<br />candidate cannot be achieved through simple<br />testing. Testing data does not reflect eye<br />contact, firmness of handshake, presence of<br />a smile or physical appearance. These are all<br />important parts of the sales process. A test<br />cannot determine work ethic or territory<br />analysis capability. This needs to be done<br />either through an internal sales manager who<br />knows the game or an outside one-on-one<br />review process.<br />Now it is more critical than ever that as many<br />capable people as possible are involved in the<br />corporate sales effort. With fewer opportunities<br />available, diligent sales work is necessary to win<br />a reasonable share. Cutting costs can only go<br />so far, but many firms only begin to look at their<br />sales effort after they\\\'ve cut as many costs as<br />they can.<br />Truth be told, the demand is great and the<br />candidates are few. But there are plenty of<br />diamonds in the rough that just need a little<br />help to get in gear. It always amazes me how<br />much money is spent on product, software,<br />equipment or safety training and zero on<br />teaching people how to get business. Seems a<br />little cart before the horse-like. In this economy,<br />it is imperative to invest in your sales personnel.<br />The survival or demise of the company may<br />be at stake. That\\\'s not an over statement, it is<br />playing out all over the construction industry.<br />Don\\\'t let it be the Achilles heel of your own<br />firm.<br />Tom Woodcock, president, seal the deal, is<br />a nationwide speaker and trainer speci!cally<br />to the construction industry.<br />His book, \\\"You\\\'re Not Sellin\\\', They\\\'re<br />Buyin\\\'!\\\" is rapidly selling across the<br />country. You can reach him at his website:<br />www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com or at<br />314-775-9217.</p>\";}'),(2042,764,5,4,1263371534,'a:24:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"764\";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:\"2010-01-12 09:07 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:31:\"Do You Have â€œSales Chopsâ€? \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:23:\"do_you_have_sales_chops\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:30:\"Do You Have â€œSales Chopsâ€?\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:175:\"As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who\nin their company can really bring home the bacon.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:15:\"sales, Woodcock\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:5059:\"<p>As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who in their company can really bring home the bacon. While most leave it to chance or pricing aerobics, having personnel with good ol&rsquo; fashioned sales ability can give a firm the edge. Having project managers, estimators or flat out sales personnel that can win business is essential to surviving a tough market condition.</p>\n<p>What makes up a good &ldquo;sales&rdquo; agent? There are some basics:</p>\n<p>1. <strong>Outgoing Personality:</strong> Just a fact: the easier it is for you to talk to people the more you&rsquo;ll do it. Introverted people need tons of training and monitoring. They are better support people than frontline sales warriors. A Type A personality isn&rsquo;t all you need and some<br />talk too much, but it is a great start.</p>\n<p>2. <strong>Good Work Ethic:</strong> People that work hard will see more people. A high activity level will generate more opportunity. Also, it&rsquo;s difficult to monitor sales personnel so self starters can ease the accountability pressure.</p>\n<p><br />3. <strong>Networkers:</strong> These are folks that manage to connect at many levels in the industry. They seem to know everybody. Gearing them to exchange lead information with their network will translate into inside information on upcoming opportunities.</p>\n<p>4.<strong> Financially Hungry: </strong>Wanting, or needing to make a great deal of income will motivate an individual to go for it. It will stretch them to exceed expectations. compensation package that reinforces top end revenue AND profitability will drive the desired results.<strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>5. Teachable:</strong> Good sales agents learn from their successes and failures. They watch, read and attend seminars to improve their closing abilities amongst other attributes. Hardheaded personnel that believe they know everything are seldom successful. Notice I didn&rsquo;t list product or industry knowledge. This is far less important than people believe. People focus on it, because it&rsquo;s a tangible aspect of selling. That is a mistake.</p>\n<p>People buy from people they like and will give individuals they like the inside information and direction needed to get the deal. Having good sales support people that can answer questions and provide expertise is necessary to complete the sales process, but not to begin it. You really want your sales agents to be out, out, out with the client base. Sales people sitting in their cubicle produce<br />little to no new opportunity. They become<br />simply order takers. Encourage your sales<br />agents to see an abundance of customers on<br />a regular basis.<br />The wild card here is training. Most sales<br />agents are never trained. Some are trained by<br />blanket organizations that do not understand<br />the construction bidding format. Good sales<br />people get burnt by a lack of job training. It<br />is imperative that people learn how to take<br />the basic attributes outlined above and apply<br />them in the most effective methods possible.<br />A true evaluation of a potential sales<br />candidate cannot be achieved through simple<br />testing. Testing data does not reflect eye<br />contact, firmness of handshake, presence of<br />a smile or physical appearance. These are all<br />important parts of the sales process. A test<br />cannot determine work ethic or territory<br />analysis capability. This needs to be done<br />either through an internal sales manager who<br />knows the game or an outside one-on-one<br />review process.<br />Now it is more critical than ever that as many<br />capable people as possible are involved in the<br />corporate sales effort. With fewer opportunities<br />available, diligent sales work is necessary to win<br />a reasonable share. Cutting costs can only go<br />so far, but many firms only begin to look at their<br />sales effort after they\\\'ve cut as many costs as<br />they can.<br />Truth be told, the demand is great and the<br />candidates are few. But there are plenty of<br />diamonds in the rough that just need a little<br />help to get in gear. It always amazes me how<br />much money is spent on product, software,<br />equipment or safety training and zero on<br />teaching people how to get business. Seems a<br />little cart before the horse-like. In this economy,<br />it is imperative to invest in your sales personnel.<br />The survival or demise of the company may<br />be at stake. That\\\'s not an over statement, it is<br />playing out all over the construction industry.<br />Don\\\'t let it be the Achilles heel of your own<br />firm.<br />Tom Woodcock, president, seal the deal, is<br />a nationwide speaker and trainer speci!cally<br />to the construction industry.<br />His book, \\\"You\\\'re Not Sellin\\\', They\\\'re<br />Buyin\\\'!\\\" is rapidly selling across the<br />country. You can reach him at his website:<br />www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com or at<br />314-775-9217.</p>\";}'),(2043,764,5,4,1263376746,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"764\";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:\"2010-01-12 09:07 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:30:\"Do You Have â€œSales Chopsâ€?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:23:\"do_you_have_sales_chops\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:30:\"Do You Have â€œSales Chopsâ€?\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:175:\"As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who\nin their company can really bring home the bacon.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:15:\"sales, Woodcock\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:5059:\"<p>As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who in their company can really bring home the bacon. While most leave it to chance or pricing aerobics, having personnel with good ol&rsquo; fashioned sales ability can give a firm the edge. Having project managers, estimators or flat out sales personnel that can win business is essential to surviving a tough market condition.</p>\n<p>What makes up a good &ldquo;sales&rdquo; agent? There are some basics:</p>\n<p>1. <strong>Outgoing Personality:</strong> Just a fact: the easier it is for you to talk to people the more you&rsquo;ll do it. Introverted people need tons of training and monitoring. They are better support people than frontline sales warriors. A Type A personality isn&rsquo;t all you need and some<br />talk too much, but it is a great start.</p>\n<p>2. <strong>Good Work Ethic:</strong> People that work hard will see more people. A high activity level will generate more opportunity. Also, it&rsquo;s difficult to monitor sales personnel so self starters can ease the accountability pressure.</p>\n<p><br />3. <strong>Networkers:</strong> These are folks that manage to connect at many levels in the industry. They seem to know everybody. Gearing them to exchange lead information with their network will translate into inside information on upcoming opportunities.</p>\n<p>4.<strong> Financially Hungry: </strong>Wanting, or needing to make a great deal of income will motivate an individual to go for it. It will stretch them to exceed expectations. compensation package that reinforces top end revenue AND profitability will drive the desired results.<strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>5. Teachable:</strong> Good sales agents learn from their successes and failures. They watch, read and attend seminars to improve their closing abilities amongst other attributes. Hardheaded personnel that believe they know everything are seldom successful. Notice I didn&rsquo;t list product or industry knowledge. This is far less important than people believe. People focus on it, because it&rsquo;s a tangible aspect of selling. That is a mistake.</p>\n<p>People buy from people they like and will give individuals they like the inside information and direction needed to get the deal. Having good sales support people that can answer questions and provide expertise is necessary to complete the sales process, but not to begin it. You really want your sales agents to be out, out, out with the client base. Sales people sitting in their cubicle produce<br />little to no new opportunity. They become<br />simply order takers. Encourage your sales<br />agents to see an abundance of customers on<br />a regular basis.<br />The wild card here is training. Most sales<br />agents are never trained. Some are trained by<br />blanket organizations that do not understand<br />the construction bidding format. Good sales<br />people get burnt by a lack of job training. It<br />is imperative that people learn how to take<br />the basic attributes outlined above and apply<br />them in the most effective methods possible.<br />A true evaluation of a potential sales<br />candidate cannot be achieved through simple<br />testing. Testing data does not reflect eye<br />contact, firmness of handshake, presence of<br />a smile or physical appearance. These are all<br />important parts of the sales process. A test<br />cannot determine work ethic or territory<br />analysis capability. This needs to be done<br />either through an internal sales manager who<br />knows the game or an outside one-on-one<br />review process.<br />Now it is more critical than ever that as many<br />capable people as possible are involved in the<br />corporate sales effort. With fewer opportunities<br />available, diligent sales work is necessary to win<br />a reasonable share. Cutting costs can only go<br />so far, but many firms only begin to look at their<br />sales effort after they\\\'ve cut as many costs as<br />they can.<br />Truth be told, the demand is great and the<br />candidates are few. But there are plenty of<br />diamonds in the rough that just need a little<br />help to get in gear. It always amazes me how<br />much money is spent on product, software,<br />equipment or safety training and zero on<br />teaching people how to get business. Seems a<br />little cart before the horse-like. In this economy,<br />it is imperative to invest in your sales personnel.<br />The survival or demise of the company may<br />be at stake. That\\\'s not an over statement, it is<br />playing out all over the construction industry.<br />Don\\\'t let it be the Achilles heel of your own<br />firm.<br />Tom Woodcock, president, seal the deal, is<br />a nationwide speaker and trainer speci!cally<br />to the construction industry.<br />His book, \\\"You\\\'re Not Sellin\\\', They\\\'re<br />Buyin\\\'!\\\" is rapidly selling across the<br />country. You can reach him at his website:<br />www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com or at<br />314-775-9217.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2044,764,5,4,1263377019,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"764\";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:\"2010-01-12 09:07 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:30:\"Do You Have â€œSales Chopsâ€?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:23:\"do_you_have_sales_chops\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:30:\"Do You Have â€œSales Chopsâ€?\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:175:\"As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who\nin their company can really bring home the bacon.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:15:\"sales, Woodcock\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4930:\"<p>As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who in their company can really bring home the bacon. While most leave it to chance or pricing aerobics, having personnel with good ol&rsquo; fashioned sales ability can give a firm the edge. Having project managers, estimators or flat out sales personnel that can win business is essential to surviving a tough market condition.</p>\n<p>What makes up a good &ldquo;sales&rdquo; agent? There are some basics:</p>\n<p>1. <strong>Outgoing Personality:</strong> Just a fact: the easier it is for you to talk to people the more you&rsquo;ll do it. Introverted people need tons of training and monitoring. They are better support people than frontline sales warriors. A Type A personality isn&rsquo;t all you need and some talk too much, but it is a great start.</p>\n<p>2. <strong>Good Work Ethic:</strong> People that work hard will see more people. A high activity level will generate more opportunity. Also, it&rsquo;s difficult to monitor sales personnel so self starters can ease the accountability pressure.</p>\n<p><br />3. <strong>Networkers:</strong> These are folks that manage to connect at many levels in the industry. They seem to know everybody. Gearing them to exchange lead information with their network will translate into inside information on upcoming opportunities.</p>\n<p>4.<strong> Financially Hungry: </strong>Wanting, or needing to make a great deal of income will motivate an individual to go for it. It will stretch them to exceed expectations. compensation package that reinforces top end revenue AND profitability will drive the desired results.<strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>5. Teachable:</strong> Good sales agents learn from their successes and failures. They watch, read and attend seminars to improve their closing abilities amongst other attributes. Hardheaded personnel that believe they know everything are seldom successful. Notice I didn&rsquo;t list product or industry knowledge. This is far less important than people believe. People focus on it, because it&rsquo;s a tangible aspect of selling. That is a mistake.</p>\n<p>People buy from people they like and will give individuals they like the inside information and direction needed to get the deal. Having good sales support people that can answer questions and provide expertise is necessary to complete the sales process, but not to begin it. You really want your sales agents to be out, out, out with the client base. Sales people sitting in their cubicle produce<br />little to no new opportunity. They become simply order takers. Encourage your sales agents to see an abundance of customers on<br />a regular basis.</p>\n<p>The wild card here is training. Most sales agents are never trained. Some are trained by blanket organizations that do not understand<br />the construction bidding format. Good sales people get burnt by a lack of job training. It is imperative that people learn how to take the basic attributes outlined above and apply them in the most effective methods possible.</p>\n<p>A true evaluation of a potential sales candidate cannot be achieved through simple testing. Testing data does not reflect eye<br />contact, firmness of handshake, presence of a smile or physical appearance. These are all important parts of the sales process. A test<br />cannot determine work ethic or territory analysis capability. This needs to be done either through an internal sales manager who<br />knows the game or an outside one-on-onereview process.</p>\n<p>Now it is more critical than ever that as many capable people as possible are involved in the corporate sales effort. With fewer opportunities available, diligent sales work is necessary to win a reasonable share. Cutting costs can only go so far, but many firms only begin to look at their sales effort after they\\\'ve cut as many costs as<br />they can.</p>\n<p>Truth be told, the demand is great and the candidates are few. But there are plenty of diamonds in the rough that just need a little help to get in gear. It always amazes me how much money is spent on product, software, equipment or safety training and zero on<br />teaching people how to get business. Seems a little cart before the horse-like. In this economy, it is imperative to invest in your sales personnel.</p>\n<p>The survival or demise of the company may be at stake. That\\\'s not an over statement, it is playing out all over the construction industry. Don\\\'t let it be the Achilles heel of your own firm.</p>\n<p>Tom Woodcock, president, seal the deal, is a nationwide speaker and trainer speci!cally to the construction industry. His book, \\\"You\\\'re Not Sellin\\\', They\\\'re Buyin\\\'!\\\" is rapidly selling across the country. You can reach him at his website: <a href=\\\"http://www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com\\\">www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com</a> or at&nbsp; 314.775.9217.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2045,765,2,4,1263378279,'a:26:{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:\"2010-01-12 11:08 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";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:47:\"In Plain Sight: Cities Hang Hopes on Public Art\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"in_plain_sight_cities_hang_hopes_on_public_art\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:47:\"In Plain Sight: Cities Hang Hopes on Public Art\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:113:\"From an urban planning standpoint, public art is not always just art. Sometimes it is a catalyst for development.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:12:\"Citygarden, \";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:12586:\"<p>From an urban planning standpoint, public art is not always just art. Sometimes it is a catalyst for development.</p>\n<p>Two major installations of sculpture in metropolitan St. Louis in 2009 garnered widespread attention, and both sparked hopes<br />of new economic development. In downtown St. Louis, the hope centers around Citygarden, a unique urban sculpture garden that<br />features 24 large sculptures by internationally renowned artists in a two-block park that includes as fountains, gardens, lighting, a videowall, and a cafe.</p>\n<p>The attraction in Chesterfield is The Awakening, a mammoth ensemble sculpture of cast aluminum that depicts a<br />giant emerging from the ground. It consistsof five separate pieces: an outstretched arm, a<br />hand, a leg, a foot and a head, with a gnarled beard. It is 70 feet in length and 17 feet high atits tallest point. The total assemblage weighs about 8,000 pounds. The sculpture by Seward Johnson duplicates one he created in 1980 that is at National Harbor in Prince George&rsquo;s County, MD.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;I truly think Citygarden is one of the best things to happen in downtown in many decades,&rdquo; said Barbara Geisman, deputy<br />mayor for development in the City of St. Louis. &ldquo;We believe it will be a significant catalyst for development.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Stacey Morse, executive director of Chesterfield Arts, is just as enthusiastic about The Awakening. &ldquo;It will be a pivotal piece in<br />the future growth of the downtown area... It attracts people to the area and will continue to be a point of attraction as new buildings<br />are built,&rdquo; she said.</p>\n<p>Sachs Properties, the developer ofChesterfield Village, helped start Chesterfield Arts 14 years ago and has since donated 10<br />sculptures to the organization to place in the community, including The Awakening. &ldquo;Mr. Sachs thought art was a critically important<br />part of the overall master plan to attract office and retail tenants and residential development<br />to the community,&rdquo; said Kathy Higgins, president of Sachs Properties. Higgins described The Awakening as &ldquo;the most important component&rdquo; in downtown, most of which has yet to be built. The monumental sculpture was placed next to Central Park, which contains additional sculptures, and next to the first office building</p>\n<p>in downtown, Central Park Square. &ldquo;We had two major tenants locate in Central Park Square specifically because they wanted to<br />be near those amenities so they could offer their employees something more than just office space,&rdquo; Higgins said. Those two tenants<br />are AEP River Operations and Abengoa. Art is very important to the latter company, Higgins said, it has even established an art foundation in Spain.</p>\n<p>The Awakening is more than an amenity, it is also a marketing advantage, said Morse. &ldquo;It has brought attention to that building and to<br />those businesses,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It is becoming an icon and place marker for them.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>More generally, public art &ldquo;really sets Chesterfield apart from other office<br />developments,&rdquo; Higgins added.<br />St. Louis city officials hope public art<br />likewise will boost their downtown. &ldquo;With one<br />stroke, Citygarden has made downtown far<br />more attractive as a place to do business and<br />as a place to live too,&rdquo; said Mayor Francis Slay.<br />Although it hasn&rsquo;t generated any inquiries<br />yet, &ldquo;I believe that as the economy recovers,<br />locations that abut [Citygarden] will see a lot<br />more interest from prospective tenants and<br />development sites will see more interest from<br />developers,&rdquo; Geisman said.<br />Civic leaders in both cities also expect their<br />projects to draw tourists.<br />Large public art projects &ndash; Citygarden cost<br />nearly $35 million to build &ndash; can be tricky<br />to construct with challenges and surprises<br />outside of the normal scope of building<br />experience. It is a testament to one company&rsquo;singenuity that both Chesterfield and St. Louis<br />ended up entrusting their projects to the<br />same general contractor: BSI Constructors, Inc.</p>\n<p>Citygarden</p>\n<p>The major features of Citygarden are:<br />Twenty-four pieces of large-scale<br />modern and contemporary sculpture<br />by nationally and internationally<br />renowned artists.<br />&nbsp;Three fountains and pools.<br />&nbsp;A 180-foot rectangular basin with a sixfoot<br />waterfall at its mid-point between<br />Eighth and Ninth streets near Chestnut.<br />&nbsp;A state-of-the-art spray plaza - with<br />102 computer-controlled spray jets and<br />custom lighting - between Ninth and<br />10th streets near Market.<br />A 34-foot-diameter tilted granite disc<br />partly covered by a scrim of water near<br />the corner of 8th and Market.<br />Twenty kinds of trees, including shade<br />and flowering species, as well as shrubs,<br />exotic plants and lush flowers.<br />&nbsp;A stunning eight-foot-tall limestone wall<br />running along the entire length of the<br />garden\\\'s north side in the shape of an arc.<br />&nbsp;A meandering 18-inch-tall polished<br />granite-capped wall along the garden\\\'s<br />southern border.<br />&nbsp;A double-row of gingko trees along both<br />blocks on the Market Street side.<br />&nbsp;A state-of-the-art LED video wall<br />displaying video art and movies.<br />&nbsp;A cafe, the Terrace View, with indoor and<br />outdoor seating along Chestnut Street,<br />overlooking the garden.<br />\\\"What you can\\\'t see is that there are over<br />13 miles of underground piping on a two city<br />block site, including water, sewer, irrigation,<br />and electrical conduit,\\\" said Joseph Kaiser,<br />executive vice president of BSI Constructors<br />and the company\\\'s project executive on<br />Citygarden. \\\"It is a very complex location. So<br />many of the features that make Citygarden<br />special - its unique lighting and water features<br />and special irrigation and drainage for trees -<br />are mostly underground,\\\" he explained.<br />Before those features could go into the<br />ground, BSI had to remove 400 tandem<br />truckloads of underground debris from the<br />site. \\\"In fact, we spent the first two months of<br />the project remediating the soil,\\\" Kaiser said.<br />Then, the necessities of installing large<br />trees and sculptures caused BSI to adopt<br />an unusual sequence of work: putting the<br />normal finishing touches - sculptures and<br />trees - in first instead of last. The trees, for<br />example, were up to 18-inches in diameter<br />and weighed, including the root ball, up to40 tons when they arrived for planting. The<br />holes dug to accommodate them were up to<br />12-feet in diameter and five feet deep, with<br />special drainage installed to keep the trees<br />vital. A 200-ton crane was needed to lift the<br />trees off the delivery truck and set them in<br />the ground. That\\\'s heavier than any vehicle<br />one would want to drive on the planned<br />granite and concrete walkways, so that meant<br />that the trees had to be planted early in the<br />construction process instead of at the end, and<br />the rest of the work would just have to go on<br />around them.<br /><img src=\\\"file:///Users/tom/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png\\\" />Even though the park was not completed<br />until June 2009, the trees were planted in<br />November 2008, the sculptures were set in<br />December 2008, and then the concrete was<br />poured and the granite was installed. \\\"That\\\'s<br />not the way you would normally do it, but that<br />is what was required to get the right cranes<br />close enough to where we needed them to<br />plant trees and set sculptures,\\\" Kaiser said.<br />Kaiser praised the architect\\\'s design, but<br />described it as incredibly intricate. \\\"What that<br />meant for us was that we were lining up the<br />joints of horizontal pavers with the vertical<br />joints of the stone walls long before they<br />were in place,\\\" he said. \\\"And within that,\\\" he<br />added, \\\"we had to accurately position light<br />fixtures in concrete sub slabs so that when the<br />granite pavers were installed the light fixtures<br />would be in the centers of pavers. We had to<br />have very precise layouts and we updated<br />them on a daily basis.\\\" BSI used a total station<br />instrument to establish all the base lines and<br />then used laser instruments to precisely layout<br />every line.<br />On top of intricacy and precision, there<br />was the issue of time. \\\"We had a very tight<br />schedule, because the owner made a<br />commitment to have the garden open before<br />the All-Star game [July 14, 2009],\\\" Kaiser said.<br />Ground breaking occurred at a rain-soaked<br />ceremony in April 2008. The rain turned out<br />to be a suitable omen as unusually heavy<br />rains continued throughout the summer on<br />the way to making 2008 the wettest year<br />on record in St. Louis. When cold weather<br />approached, \\\"we built tents over the fountain<br />areas so that we could continue to work<br />through the winter,\\\" Kaiser said. So, despite<br />the weather, BSI completed the job ahead of<br />schedule.<br />HydroDramatics designed the hydraulic,<br />mechanical, and electrical systems that bring<br />the fountains to life. \\\"We sought the best<br />ways to use water to provide two contrasting<br />types of ambiance: a cooling, active, splashing<br />&lsquo;playground\\\' on the one hand and a serene,<br />reflective oasis in the midst of a busy city on<br />the other,\\\" said Kerry Friedman, vice presidentand general manager of Hydro Dramatics.<br />The first of the Citygarden water features,<br />which is located at a main entry point, is a pool<br />that is 34 feet in diameter; the pool encircles a<br />massive sculpture resting atop a granite disk.<br />A scrim of water sheets gently from the base<br />of the sculpture across the disk, providing a<br />serene and cooling setting.<br />The second is a split-level basin, 180 feet<br />long, 20 feet wide and 16 inches deep. The<br />upper basin, which includes a pool and<br />sculpture, is connected to the lower basin by<br />a dramatic six-foot waterfall that adds to the<br />ambiance with both sight and sound, muffling<br />street traffic.<br />The third is one of the largest interactive<br />\\\"play fountains\\\" in the United States. It offers<br />102 vertical water jets pulsing in ever-changing<br />patterns along a 120-foot by 36-foot plaza<br />paved with slip-resistant bluestone. An on-site<br />computer designed, remotely monitored and<br />maintained by Hydro Dramatics, controls the<br />jets, which shoot as high as six feet and are lit<br />in a rainbow of hues each night. In contrast to<br />the active fun offered by the spurting jets, a<br />serene pool cut out of the spray plaza contains<br />a small, contemplative sculpture.<br />Water in the spray plaza flows into an<br />underground reservoir where it is filtered and<br />cleaned with computer-controlled equipment<br />that minimizes the use of chemicals. The<br />lighting uses energy-saving LED technology<br />and water is re-circulated as much as possible.<br />\\\"It was a challenge, but we are proud to<br />have been part of it,\\\" Friedman said. The<br />biggest part of the challenge was scheduling<br />around the trees and getting everything done<br />in only 13 months. \\\"Over 200 trees had to be<br />put in and everything worked around the tree<br />schedule,\\\" Friedman said. \\\"A lot of equipment<br />had to be buried in the ground before the<br />trees came,\\\" he added.<br />Kaiser Electric was responsible for installing<br />power for the three water features, the light<br />fixtures (which included nearly 400 in-ground<br />lights: 175 for sculpture lighting, 170 in-wall<br />and step lights, and 40 bollards) and the<br />lighting controls. The job required more than<br />five miles of underground conduit and nearly<br />1,000 light fixtures along the garden\\\'s paths<br />and walls illuminating the trees, sculptures and<br />fountains.<br />Kaiser Electric Project Manager Roger<br />Messmer said the tight schedule, the lack<br />of a staging area, and the weather were the<br />biggest challenges, but Kaiser Electric still<br />delivered the job within the allocated budget<br />and schedule.<br />The result is something that everyone<br />agrees is really special. \\\"It was a great project,\\\"</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";}'),(2046,765,2,4,1263396891,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"765\";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:\"2010-01-12 11:08 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:\"In Plain Sight: Cities Hang Hopes on Public Art\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"in_plain_sight_cities_hang_hopes_on_public_art\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:47:\"In Plain Sight: Cities Hang Hopes on Public Art\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:113:\"From an urban planning standpoint, public art is not always just art. Sometimes it is a catalyst for development.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:12:\"Citygarden, \";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:12019:\"<p>From an urban planning standpoint, public art is not always just art. Sometimes it is a catalyst for development.</p>\n<p>Two major installations of sculpture in metropolitan St. Louis in 2009 garnered widespread attention, and both sparked hopes<br />of new economic development. In downtown St. Louis, the hope centers around Citygarden, a unique urban sculpture garden that<br />features 24 large sculptures by internationally renowned artists in a two-block park that includes as fountains, gardens, lighting, a videowall, and a cafe.</p>\n<p>The attraction in Chesterfield is The Awakening, a mammoth ensemble sculpture of cast aluminum that depicts a<br />giant emerging from the ground. It consistsof five separate pieces: an outstretched arm, a<br />hand, a leg, a foot and a head, with a gnarled beard. It is 70 feet in length and 17 feet high atits tallest point. The total assemblage weighs about 8,000 pounds. The sculpture by Seward Johnson duplicates one he created in 1980 that is at National Harbor in Prince George&rsquo;s County, MD.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"City Garden\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"300\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/City-Garden.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"400\\\" />&ldquo;I truly think Citygarden is one of the best things to happen in downtown in many decades,&rdquo; said Barbara Geisman, deputy<br />mayor for development in the City of St. Louis. &ldquo;We believe it will be a significant catalyst for development.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>Stacey Morse, executive director of Chesterfield Arts, is just as enthusiastic about The Awakening. &ldquo;It will be a pivotal piece in<br />the future growth of the downtown area... It attracts people to the area and will continue to be a point of attraction as new buildings<br />are built,&rdquo; she said.</p>\n<p>Sachs Properties, the developer ofChesterfield Village, helped start Chesterfield Arts 14 years ago and has since donated 10<br />sculptures to the organization to place in the community, including The Awakening. &ldquo;Mr. Sachs thought art was a critically important<br />part of the overall master plan to attract office and retail tenants and residential development<br />to the community,&rdquo; said Kathy Higgins, president of Sachs Properties. Higgins described The Awakening as &ldquo;the most important component&rdquo; in downtown, most of which has yet to be built. The monumental sculpture was placed next to Central Park, which contains additional sculptures, and next to the first office building</p>\n<p>in downtown, Central Park Square. &ldquo;We had two major tenants locate in Central Park Square specifically because they wanted to<br />be near those amenities so they could offer their employees something more than just office space,&rdquo; Higgins said. Those two tenants<br />are AEP River Operations and Abengoa. Art is very important to the latter company, Higgins said, it has even established an art foundation in Spain.</p>\n<p>The Awakening is more than an amenity, it is also a marketing advantage, said Morse. &ldquo;It has brought attention to that building and to</p>\n<p>those businesses,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;It is becoming an icon and place marker for them.&rdquo;</p>\n<p>More generally, public art &ldquo;really sets Chesterfield apart from other office developments,&rdquo; Higgins added. St. Louis city officials hope public art likewise will boost their downtown. &ldquo;With one stroke, Citygarden has made downtown far more attractive as a place to do business and as a place to live too,&rdquo; said Mayor Francis Slay. Although it hasn&rsquo;t generated any inquiries yet, &ldquo;I believe that as the economy recovers, locations that abut [Citygarden] will see a lot more interest from prospective tenants and development sites will see more interest from developers,&rdquo; Geisman said.</p>\n<p>Civic leaders in both cities also expect their projects to draw tourists. Large public art projects &ndash; Citygarden cost nearly $35 million to build &ndash; can be tricky to construct with challenges and surprises outside of the normal scope of building experience. It is a testament to one company&rsquo;singenuity that both Chesterfield and St. Louis ended up entrusting their projects to the same general contractor: BSI Constructors, Inc.</p>\n<p><strong>Citygarden</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>The major features of Citygarden are:</li>\n<li>Twenty-four pieces of large-scale modern and contemporary sculpture by nationally and internationally renowned artists.</li>\n<li>Three fountains and pools.</li>\n<li>A 180-foot rectangular basin with a sixfoot waterfall at its mid-point between Eighth and Ninth streets near Chestnut.<br /></li>\n<li>A state-of-the-art spray plaza - with 102 computer-controlled spray jets and custom lighting - between Ninth and 10th streets near Market.<br /></li>\n<li>A 34-foot-diameter tilted granite disc partly covered by a scrim of water near the corner of 8th and Market.<br /></li>\n<li>Twenty kinds of trees, including shade and flowering species, as well as shrubs, exotic plants and lush flowers.<br /></li>\n<li>A stunning eight-foot-tall limestone wall running along the entire length of the garden\\\'s north side in the shape of an arc.<br /></li>\n<li>A meandering 18-inch-tall polishedgranite-capped wall along the garden\\\'s southern border.</li>\n<li>A double-row of gingko trees along both blocks on the Market Street side.</li>\n<li>A state-of-the-art LED video wall displaying video art and movies.<br /></li>\n<li>A cafe, the Terrace View, with indoor and outdoor seating along Chestnut Street, overlooking the garden.<br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p>\\\"What you can\\\'t see is that there are over 13 miles of underground piping on a two city block site, including water, sewer, irrigation,<br />and electrical conduit,\\\" said Joseph Kaiser, executive vice president of BSI Constructorsand the company\\\'s project executive on<br />Citygarden. \\\"It is a very complex location. So many of the features that make Citygarden special&mdash;its unique lighting and water features and special irrigation and drainage for trees &mdash; are mostly underground,\\\" he explained.</p>\n<p>Before those features could go into the ground, BSI had to remove 400 tandem truckloads of underground debris from the<br />site. \\\"In fact, we spent the first two months of the project remediating the soil,\\\" Kaiser said. Then, the necessities of installing large<br />trees and sculptures caused BSI to adopt an unusual sequence of work: putting the normal finishing touches - sculptures and<br />trees - in first instead of last. The trees, for example, were up to 18-inches in diameter and weighed, including the root ball, up to40 tons when they arrived for planting. The holes dug to accommodate them were up to 12-feet in diameter and five feet deep, with<br />special drainage installed to keep the trees vital. A 200-ton crane was needed to lift the trees off the delivery truck and set them in<br />the ground. That\\\'s heavier than any vehicle one would want to drive on the planned granite and concrete walkways, so that meant<br />that the trees had to be planted early in the construction process instead of at the end, and the rest of the work would just have to go on around them.</p>\n<p>Even though the park was not completed until June 2009, the trees were planted in November 2008, the sculptures were set in<br />December 2008, and then the concrete was poured and the granite was installed. \\\"That\\\'snot the way you would normally do it, but that is what was required to get the right cranes close enough to where we needed them to<br />plant trees and set sculptures,\\\" Kaiser said.</p>\n<p>Kaiser praised the architect\\\'s design, but described it as incredibly intricate. \\\"What thatmeant for us was that we were lining up the<br />joints of horizontal pavers with the vertical joints of the stone walls long before they were in place,\\\" he said. \\\"And within that,\\\" he<br />added, \\\"we had to accurately position light fixtures in concrete sub slabs so that when the granite pavers were installed the light fixtures would be in the centers of pavers. We had to have very precise layouts and we updated them on a daily basis.\\\" BSI used a total station instrument to establish all the base lines and then used laser instruments to precisely layout every line.</p>\n<p>On top of intricacy and precision, there was the issue of time. \\\"We had a very tight schedule, because the owner made a<br />commitment to have the garden open before the All-Star game [July 14, 2009],\\\" Kaiser said. Ground breaking occurred at a rain-soaked ceremony in April 2008. The rain turned out to be a suitable omen as unusually heavy rains continued throughout the summer on the way to making 2008 the wettest year on record in St. Louis. When cold weather approached, \\\"we built tents over the fountain areas so that we could continue to work through the winter,\\\" Kaiser said. So, despite the weather, BSI completed the job ahead of schedule.</p>\n<p>HydroDramatics designed the hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical systems that bringthe fountains to life. \\\"We sought the best<br />ways to use water to provide two contrasting types of ambiance: a cooling, active, splashing &lsquo;playground\\\' on the one hand and a serene, reflective oasis in the midst of a busy city on the other,\\\" said Kerry Friedman, vice presidentand general manager of Hydro Dramatics. The first of the Citygarden water features, which is located at a main entry point, is a pool that is 34 feet in diameter; the pool encircles a massive sculpture resting atop a granite disk. A scrim of water sheets gently from the base<br />of the sculpture across the disk, providing a serene and cooling setting.</p>\n<p>The second is a split-level basin, 180 feet long, 20 feet wide and 16 inches deep. The upper basin, which includes a pool and<br />sculpture, is connected to the lower basin by a dramatic six-foot waterfall that adds to the ambiance with both sight and sound, muffling street traffic.</p>\n<p>The third is one of the largest interactive \\\"play fountains\\\" in the United States. It offers 102 vertical water jets pulsing in ever-changing patterns along a 120-foot by 36-foot plaza paved with slip-resistant bluestone. An on-site computer designed, remotely monitored and maintained by Hydro Dramatics, controls the jets, which shoot as high as six feet and are lit in a rainbow of hues each night. In contrast to the active fun offered by the spurting jets, a serene pool cut out of the spray plaza contains<br />a small, contemplative sculpture.</p>\n<p>Water in the spray plaza flows into an underground reservoir where it is filtered and cleaned with computer-controlled equipment<br />that minimizes the use of chemicals. The lighting uses energy-saving LED technology<br />and water is re-circulated as much as possible.</p>\n<p>\\\"It was a challenge, but we are proud to have been part of it,\\\" Friedman said. The biggest part of the challenge was scheduling around the trees and getting everything done in only 13 months. \\\"Over 200 trees had to be put in and everything worked around the tree<br />schedule,\\\" Friedman said. \\\"A lot of equipment had to be buried in the ground before the trees came,\\\" he added.</p>\n<p>Kaiser Electric was responsible for installing power for the three water features, the light fixtures (which included nearly 400 in-ground<br />lights: 175 for sculpture lighting, 170 in-wall and step lights, and 40 bollards) and the lighting controls. The job required more than<br />five miles of underground conduit and nearly 1,000 light fixtures along the garden\\\'s paths and walls illuminating the trees, sculptures and fountains.</p>\n<p>Kaiser Electric Project Manager Roger Messmer said the tight schedule, the lack of a staging area, and the weather were the<br />biggest challenges, but Kaiser Electric still delivered the job within the allocated budget and schedule. The result is something that everyone agrees is really special. \\\"It was a great project,\\\" he said.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:40:\"/images/uploads/city-garden-fountain.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:\"81\";}'),(2047,766,4,4,1263397762,'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:\"2010-01-13 04:46 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:\"81\";}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:36:\"SAK Wins $31.9 Million Austin Tunnel\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"sak_wins_319_million_austin_tunnel\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"SAK Wins $31.9 Million Austin Tunne\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:146:\"The City of Austin, TX, has awarded a $31.9 million contract to SAK Construction LLC to construct the 3.5-mile Downtown\nWastewater Tunnel project.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:19:\"SAK, Austin, tunnel\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1175:\"<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The City of Austin, TX, has awarded a $31.9 million contract to SAK Construction LLC to construct the 3.5-mile Downtown<br />Wastewater Tunnel project. SAK will construct an 18,600-linear-foot wastewater relief tunnel varying in diameter between 8 and 10 feet, which will accommodate sewer pipe ranging from 54 to 96 inches in diameter. SAK is a national pipeline rehabilitation and tunneling industries contractor headquartered in the St. Louis area.<br /></p>\n<p>The Downtown Wastewater Tunnel project will expand the capacity of the wastewater system to accommodate the continued growth and redevelopment of downtown and south Austin. The Downtown Wastewater Tunnel project is managed by the City of Austin Public Works Department. Construction is slated to begin this month. Project completion is scheduled for March 2012. <br /></p>\n<p>Founded in 2006, SAK Construction is led by industry veterans Jerry Shaw, president; Tom Kalishman, chairman; and Robert Affholder, vicechairman. The three SAK leaders are well known for their expertise in trenchless underground technology, including cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) rehabilitation.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2048,767,4,4,1263398181,'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:\"2010-01-13 04:50 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:\"81\";}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:36:\"Tarlton Promotes Three Team Members \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"tarlton_promotes_three_team_members\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:36:\"Tarlton Promotes Three Team Members \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:62:\"Tarlton Corp. announced the promotions of three team members. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:18:\"Tarlton, promotion\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2608:\"<p>Tarlton Corp. announced the promotions of three team members .&nbsp; Kim Tompras, LEED AP, was promoted to project manager. Andrew Nelch, LEED AP, and Nathan Hart were promoted to senior project engineers. <br /></p>\n<p>Previously a senior project engineer for Tarlton, Tompras recently managed construction of the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Process Control Center, a 52,000-square-foot building housing a lab and control center for brewing operations. The design-build project is LEED-registered to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Tompras also is a member of the Tarlton design-build team completing building construction at the Prairie State Energy Campus in Lively Grove, IL, and a railcar unloading and material handling system at the Prairie State Jordan Grove Site in Marissa, IL. <br /></p>\n<p>A LEED Accredited Professional, Tompras earned master\\\'s degrees in construction management and architecture from Washington University in St. Louis after earning a bachelor\\\'s degree in art history from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She joined Tarlton in 2006 and resides in Frontenac.<br /><br /> Nelch, also a LEED Accredited Professional, served as projectengineer for construction of Pfizer\\\'s New Research Building and the Pfizer<br />Chesterfield Village Site Utilities Master Plan, winner of a 2008 Construction Industry Best Practices Award for safety.  He also worked on the Tarlton teams completing the John Henry Foster Co. expansion and transforming a historic church in Maplewood, Mo., into the world headquarters for Moosylvania Marketing, a project that won a 2008 Aon Build America Award from the Associated General Contractors of America.<br /></p>\n<p>A Clayton resident, Nelch earned his bachelor\\\'s degree in construction engineering from Bradley University in Peoria, Ill. He has more<br />than a decade of experience in the industry and joined Tarlton in 2006. Hart has worked as a project engineer on several Tarlton concrete projects, including the Lambert International Airport Main Terminal parking garage rehabilitation, Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Gravois Trunk sanitary relief system, SSM St. Mary\\\'s Hospital Demun garage repairs, St.<br />Joseph Health Center garage repairs and BJC Barnes-Jewish Hospital subsurface garage repairs.<br /></p>\n<p>A resident of Troy, Ill., Hart started with Tarlton as an intern in 2005 and joined the firm full time after earning his bachelor\\\'s degree in<br />construction management from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2006.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2049,762,4,4,1263398316,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"762\";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:\"2010-01-12 08:20 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"construction_associations_help_kids_at_christmas\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:111:\"Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"toys, Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1496:\"<p>Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE toys\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"246\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/site-toys_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"400\\\" />SITE Christmas committee (from left to right): Karl Koenigsfeld, SCI Engineering; Mandy Daub, Kirkwood Excavating; Frank Marchesi, Sr., Bi-State Utilities; Greg Hornbuckle,Neenah Foundry; Cindy McClintock ,Schaefer-Meyer Grading; Terry McDannold, Park-Mark, Inc.; Kim Connell, J. D. Kutter Insurance)</h4>\n&nbsp;\n<p>Hundreds of children&rsquo;s toys were collected at SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s holiday party, held Dec. 12 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.&nbsp; Since 1991, SITE members have donated more than 3,000 toys to Variety the Children&rsquo;s Charity.</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) kicked off 2010 by donating shoes and socks to the Healthy Kids Express program. Healthy Kids Express provides services to 10,000 children per year and is made possible through donations to the St. Louis Children&rsquo;s Hospital Foundation.<br />&nbsp;<br />The mobile van program was designed to bring health care to children in St. Louis city, surrounding counties and the Metro East at no cost to their families. The program offers a range of screenings including hearing, vision, physical exams, scoliosis checks, immunizations, anemia, lead, dental and asthma.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2050,768,4,4,1263398693,'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:\"2010-01-13 05:00 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:\"81\";}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:38:\"Cannon St. Louis to Lead Hospital Jobs\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"cannon_st_louis_to_lead_hospital_jobs\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"Cannon St. Louis to Lead Hospital Jobs\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:78:\"The St. Louis office of Cannon Design is leading two new healthcare projects. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:16:\"Cannon, hospital\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1352:\"<p>The St. Louis office of Cannon Design is leading two new healthcare projects.</p>\n<p>Recently announced, an eight-member hospital selection committee selected Cannon Design as the architect/engineer for Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion at the University of Colorado.  The new inpatient tower will have approximately 200 beds, with an expanded emergency department, surgical services, imaging, cardiac and vascular services, and other ancillary services, as well as a new parking garage. The total project cost is estimated at $300 million.</p>\n<p>Just breaking ground in Phoenix, the M. D. Anderson Banner Cancer Center will deliver cancer care to patients in Arizona through M. D. Anderson\\\'s collaboration with Banner Health, the state\\\'s leading nonprofit health care system. Phase One is a 120,000-square-foot, three-story building dedicated to outpatient services including radiation oncology, infusion therapy, medical imaging and physician clinics.  Targeted to open Fall 2011, the project cost is $107 million.  The Master Plan for the next two phases already has zoning approval and will bring the total project size to 360,000 square feet.</p>\n<p>The lead architects for both projects are:  Mike Felton, principal in charge, Mike Pukszta, principal planner, David Polzin, senior designer, and Natalie Petzoldt, senior planner.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2051,762,4,4,1263399350,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"762\";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:\"2010-01-12 08:20 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"construction_associations_help_kids_at_christmas\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:111:\"Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"toys, Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1586:\"<p>Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE toys\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"246\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/site-toys_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"400\\\" /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4>SITE Christmas committee (from left to right): Karl Koenigsfeld, SCI Engineering; Mandy Daub, Kirkwood Excavating; Frank Marchesi, Sr., Bi-State Utilities; Greg Hornbuckle,Neenah Foundry; Cindy McClintock ,Schaefer-Meyer Grading; Terry McDannold, Park-Mark, Inc.; Kim Connell, J. D. Kutter Insurance)</h4>\n&nbsp;\n<p>Hundreds of children&rsquo;s toys were collected at SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s holiday party, held Dec. 12 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.&nbsp; Since 1991, SITE members have donated more than 3,000 toys to Variety the Children&rsquo;s Charity.</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) kicked off 2010 by donating shoes and socks to the Healthy Kids Express program. Healthy Kids Express provides services to 10,000 children per year and is made possible through donations to the St. Louis Children&rsquo;s Hospital Foundation.<br />&nbsp;<br />The mobile van program was designed to bring health care to children in St. Louis city, surrounding counties and the Metro East at no cost to their families. The program offers a range of screenings including hearing, vision, physical exams, scoliosis checks, immunizations, anemia, lead, dental and asthma.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2052,762,4,4,1263399382,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"762\";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:\"2010-01-12 08:20 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"construction_associations_help_kids_at_christmas\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:111:\"Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"toys, Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1650:\"<p>Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE toys\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"246\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/site-toys_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"400\\\" /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4>SITE Christmas committee (from left to right): Karl Koenigsfeld, SCI Engineering; Mandy Daub, Kirkwood Excavating; Frank Marchesi, Sr., Bi-State Utilities; Greg Hornbuckle,Neenah Foundry; Cindy McClintock ,Schaefer-Meyer Grading; Terry McDannold, Park-Mark, Inc.; Kim Connell, J. D. Kutter Insurance)</h4>\n&nbsp;\n<p>Hundreds of children&rsquo;s toys were collected at SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s holiday party, held Dec. 12 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.&nbsp; Since 1991, SITE members have donated more than 3,000 toys to Variety the Children&rsquo;s Charity.</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) kicked off 2010 by donating shoes and socks to the Healthy Kids Express program. Healthy Kids Express provides services to 10,000 children per year and is made possible through donations to the St. Louis Children&rsquo;s Hospital Foundation.<br />&nbsp;<br />The mobile van program was designed to bring health care to children in St. Louis city, surrounding counties and the Metro East at no cost to their families. The program offers a range of screenings including hearing, vision, physical exams, scoliosis checks, immunizations, anemia, lead, dental and asthma.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2053,762,4,4,1263399439,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"762\";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:\"2010-01-12 08:20 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"construction_associations_help_kids_at_christmas\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:111:\"Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"toys, Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1714:\"<p>Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE toys\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"246\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/site-toys_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"400\\\" /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4>SITE Christmas committee (from left to right): Karl Koenigsfeld, SCI Engineering; Mandy Daub, Kirkwood Excavating; Frank Marchesi, Sr., Bi-State Utilities; Greg Hornbuckle,Neenah Foundry; Cindy McClintock ,Schaefer-Meyer Grading; Terry McDannold, Park-Mark, Inc.; Kim Connell, J. D. Kutter Insurance)</h4>\n&nbsp;\n<p>Hundreds of children&rsquo;s toys were collected at SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s holiday party, held Dec. 12 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.&nbsp; Since 1991, SITE members have donated more than 3,000 toys to Variety the Children&rsquo;s Charity.</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) kicked off 2010 by donating shoes and socks to the Healthy Kids Express program. Healthy Kids Express provides services to 10,000 children per year and is made possible through donations to the St. Louis Children&rsquo;s Hospital Foundation.<br />&nbsp;<br />The mobile van program was designed to bring health care to children in St. Louis city, surrounding counties and the Metro East at no cost to their families. The program offers a range of screenings including hearing, vision, physical exams, scoliosis checks, immunizations, anemia, lead, dental and asthma.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2054,762,4,4,1263399468,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"762\";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:\"2010-01-12 08:20 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"construction_associations_help_kids_at_christmas\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:111:\"Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"toys, Christmas\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1778:\"<p>Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE toys\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"246\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/site-toys_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"400\\\" /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4>SITE Christmas committee (from left to right): Karl Koenigsfeld, SCI Engineering; Mandy Daub, Kirkwood Excavating; Frank Marchesi, Sr., Bi-State Utilities; Greg Hornbuckle,Neenah Foundry; Cindy McClintock ,Schaefer-Meyer Grading; Terry McDannold, Park-Mark, Inc.; Kim Connell, J. D. Kutter Insurance)</h4>\n&nbsp;\n<p>Hundreds of children&rsquo;s toys were collected at SITE Improvement Association&rsquo;s holiday party, held Dec. 12 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.&nbsp; Since 1991, SITE members have donated more than 3,000 toys to Variety the Children&rsquo;s Charity.</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Chapter of the Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) kicked off 2010 by donating shoes and socks to the Healthy Kids Express program. Healthy Kids Express provides services to 10,000 children per year and is made possible through donations to the St. Louis Children&rsquo;s Hospital Foundation.<br />&nbsp;<br />The mobile van program was designed to bring health care to children in St. Louis city, surrounding counties and the Metro East at no cost to their families. The program offers a range of screenings including hearing, vision, physical exams, scoliosis checks, immunizations, anemia, lead, dental and asthma.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2055,764,5,4,1263399569,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"764\";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:\"2010-01-12 09:07 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:\"81\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:28:\"Do You Have \\\"Sales Chops\\\"?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:23:\"do_you_have_sales_chops\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:28:\"Do You Have \\\"Sales Chops\\\"?\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:175:\"As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who\nin their company can really bring home the bacon.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:15:\"sales, Woodcock\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4930:\"<p>As the markets tighten even further in the construction industry, owners, presidents and managers are beginning to wonder who in their company can really bring home the bacon. While most leave it to chance or pricing aerobics, having personnel with good ol&rsquo; fashioned sales ability can give a firm the edge. Having project managers, estimators or flat out sales personnel that can win business is essential to surviving a tough market condition.</p>\n<p>What makes up a good &ldquo;sales&rdquo; agent? There are some basics:</p>\n<p>1. <strong>Outgoing Personality:</strong> Just a fact: the easier it is for you to talk to people the more you&rsquo;ll do it. Introverted people need tons of training and monitoring. They are better support people than frontline sales warriors. A Type A personality isn&rsquo;t all you need and some talk too much, but it is a great start.</p>\n<p>2. <strong>Good Work Ethic:</strong> People that work hard will see more people. A high activity level will generate more opportunity. Also, it&rsquo;s difficult to monitor sales personnel so self starters can ease the accountability pressure.</p>\n<p><br />3. <strong>Networkers:</strong> These are folks that manage to connect at many levels in the industry. They seem to know everybody. Gearing them to exchange lead information with their network will translate into inside information on upcoming opportunities.</p>\n<p>4.<strong> Financially Hungry: </strong>Wanting, or needing to make a great deal of income will motivate an individual to go for it. It will stretch them to exceed expectations. compensation package that reinforces top end revenue AND profitability will drive the desired results.<strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>5. Teachable:</strong> Good sales agents learn from their successes and failures. They watch, read and attend seminars to improve their closing abilities amongst other attributes. Hardheaded personnel that believe they know everything are seldom successful. Notice I didn&rsquo;t list product or industry knowledge. This is far less important than people believe. People focus on it, because it&rsquo;s a tangible aspect of selling. That is a mistake.</p>\n<p>People buy from people they like and will give individuals they like the inside information and direction needed to get the deal. Having good sales support people that can answer questions and provide expertise is necessary to complete the sales process, but not to begin it. You really want your sales agents to be out, out, out with the client base. Sales people sitting in their cubicle produce<br />little to no new opportunity. They become simply order takers. Encourage your sales agents to see an abundance of customers on<br />a regular basis.</p>\n<p>The wild card here is training. Most sales agents are never trained. Some are trained by blanket organizations that do not understand<br />the construction bidding format. Good sales people get burnt by a lack of job training. It is imperative that people learn how to take the basic attributes outlined above and apply them in the most effective methods possible.</p>\n<p>A true evaluation of a potential sales candidate cannot be achieved through simple testing. Testing data does not reflect eye<br />contact, firmness of handshake, presence of a smile or physical appearance. These are all important parts of the sales process. A test<br />cannot determine work ethic or territory analysis capability. This needs to be done either through an internal sales manager who<br />knows the game or an outside one-on-onereview process.</p>\n<p>Now it is more critical than ever that as many capable people as possible are involved in the corporate sales effort. With fewer opportunities available, diligent sales work is necessary to win a reasonable share. Cutting costs can only go so far, but many firms only begin to look at their sales effort after they\\\'ve cut as many costs as<br />they can.</p>\n<p>Truth be told, the demand is great and the candidates are few. But there are plenty of diamonds in the rough that just need a little help to get in gear. It always amazes me how much money is spent on product, software, equipment or safety training and zero on<br />teaching people how to get business. Seems a little cart before the horse-like. In this economy, it is imperative to invest in your sales personnel.</p>\n<p>The survival or demise of the company may be at stake. That\\\'s not an over statement, it is playing out all over the construction industry. Don\\\'t let it be the Achilles heel of your own firm.</p>\n<p>Tom Woodcock, president, seal the deal, is a nationwide speaker and trainer speci!cally to the construction industry. His book, \\\"You\\\'re Not Sellin\\\', They\\\'re Buyin\\\'!\\\" is rapidly selling across the country. You can reach him at his website: <a href=\\\"http://www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com\\\">www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com</a> or at&nbsp; 314.775.9217.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"81\";}'),(2056,2,6,4,1263918127,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"6\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:1:\"2\";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:\"2008-03-29 11:16 AM\";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:15:\"/subscriptions/\";s:17:\"pages_template_id\";s:2:\"33\";s:5:\"title\";s:13:\"Subscriptions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:13:\"subscriptions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_32\";s:13:\"Subscriptions\";s:11:\"field_ft_32\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_36\";s:74:\"Subscriptions to CNR are available for $32 per year, or $46 for two years.\";s:11:\"field_ft_36\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_37\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_34\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_34\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_35\";s:371:\"<p>Subscriptions to CNR are available for $32 per year, or $46 for two years.</p>\n<p>You can subscribe by sending an email to the CNR <a href=\\\"mailto:circulation@stlouiscnr.com\\\">Circulation Department</a>.</p>\n<p>Include your name, company, title, address, email, and telephone number.</p>\n<p>You can also email changes of address to us.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";}'),(2057,769,4,4,1263972846,'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:\"2010-01-19 08:30 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"82\";}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:40:\"Crossroads School Achieves Platinum LEED\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"crossroads_school_achieves_platinum_leed\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:40:\"Crossroads School Achieves Platinum LEED\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:91:\"The Crossroads College Preparatory School recently received LEEDÂ® Platinum Certification. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:26:\"Crossroads, Platinum, LEED\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:666:\"<p>The Crossroads College Preparatory School recently received LEED&reg; Platinum Certification. According to the project team, Crossroads is the first school in the State of Missouri and the central United States to accomplish LEED Platinum recognition for sustainable design.&nbsp; Only six other schools in the US have achieved that&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The design was led by TR,i Architects of St. Louis, Missouri.&nbsp; The program managers were McCormack Baron of St. Louis, Missouri.<br />&nbsp;<br />TR,i Architects is a full service architectural firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri with additional offices in Swansea, Illinois and Central Missouri.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"82\";}'),(2058,770,4,4,1264039289,'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:\"2010-01-20 02:57 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:\"82\";}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:35:\"Oklahoma Picks KWAME for Highway CM\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"oklahoma_picks_kwame_for_highway_cm\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"Oklahoma Picks KWAME for Highway CM\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:147:\" Kwame Building Group (KWAME) has been contracted to provide construction management services to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:31:\"KWAME, Oklahoma, transportation\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:24261:\"<p>\n<meta content=\\\"text/html; charset=utf-8\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Word.Document\\\" name=\\\"ProgId\\\" 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5.4pt;\n	mso-para-margin-top:0in;\n	mso-para-margin-right:0in;\n	mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;\n	mso-para-margin-left:0in;\n	line-height:115%;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:11.0pt;\n	font-family:\\\"Calibri\\\",\\\"sans-serif\\\";\n	mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;\n	mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;\n	mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;\n	mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}\n</style>\n<![endif]-->\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;\\\"><strong><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\"></span></strong><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\"></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\">&nbsp;Kwame\nBuilding Group (KWAME) has been contracted to provide construction management\nservices to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). The first\nprojects under the contract are expected to total $59 million.&nbsp;</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\">&nbsp;</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\">KWAME will provide construction management for various federal and\nstate road, bridge, drainage and other construction and repair projects\nthroughout the state of Oklahoma.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\">&nbsp;</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\">&ldquo;We&rsquo;re augmenting ODOT&rsquo;s existing staff resources to ensure that\nprojects are completed on time and on budget, with a strong emphasis on\nsafety,&rdquo; said Craig Lucas, KWAME vice president.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\">&nbsp;</span></p>\n<span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: LucidaGrande; color: black;\\\">Kwame Building Group is a\npure program and construction management firm providing estimating, scheduling,\nproject planning, value engineering and other project management services as an\nindependent advocate for owners and developers. Public and private sector\nprojects include educational facilities, major airports nationwide, light-rail\nsystems, hospitals and government facilities. KWAME is headquartered in St.\nLouis with division offices in Dallas, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Phoenix,\nPittsburgh and Seattle. </span></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"82\";}'),(2210,829,4,4,1268836956,'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:\"2010-03-17 04:34 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:\"90\";}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:46:\"Korte Begins Four Army Projects in Puerto Rico\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"korte_begins_four_army_projects_in_puerto_rico\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"Korte Begins Four Army Projects in Puerto Rico\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:98:\"The Korte Company is building four design-build joint Armed Forces Reserve Centers in Puerto Rico.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:18:\"Korte, Puerto Rico\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:916:\"<p>The Korte Company, a design-build construction firm, was on hand for a groundbreaking ceremony that marked the start of construction for four joint Armed Forces Reserve Centers in Puerto Rico, including Fort Allen, a 54,800 square foot project which The Korte Company was awarded.</p>\n<p></p>\n<p>The four centers total $85 million in contracts, which will create approximately 500 jobs in the surrounding communities. A press release from Korte quoted Todd Korte, President and CEO of The Korte Company, \\\"We view Fort Allen as great opportunity, and look forward to delivering a facility that will have such a strong and positive economic impact.\\\"</p>\n<p>The Korte Company, founded in 1958, specializes in design-build, construction management and construction services, and is headquartered in St. Louis,&nbsp; with offices in Highland, IL and Las Vegas, NV. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"90\";}'),(2061,772,2,4,1264067794,'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:\"2010-01-20 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:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"82\";}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:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"glimmer_of_light_experts_say\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:169:\"There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:19:\"economics, Biderman\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:1476:\"<p>There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train. That\\\'s what two individuals intimately famiar with the St. Louis construction project pipeline told those attending the Jan. 20 meeting of the Midwest Coucil, American Subcontractors Association (ASA).</p>\n<p><br />The construction cycle which ended in 2008 was 18 years long &mdash; more than twice as long as the previous two cycles, Biderman said. \\\"We were spoiled. There wsa plenty of work, so it wasn\\\'t hard to find work,\\\" stated Biderman, who headed business development for construction firms prior to joining McGraw Hill. Biderman ointed out that the current&nbsp; market cycle for the business marketing remains the same as people rotae on or off the rproject.</p>\n<p><br />In the St. Louis area, McGraw Hiill sees education and healthcare as strong areas, followin the increase in the number a kids and grandkids of boomers and the aging bodies of boomer that will require hospitalization.Retail and office will continue to lag, driven by lowered levels of purhase and high unemployment.</p>\n<p><br />Doug Rasmussen, vice president for Business Development for the St. Louis County economic council saw opportunites such as the planned Express Scripts prescription filling center at NorthPark and the shuuttering of the Chrysler plant in Fenton as possiblities for job creation. &nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/recovery.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:\"82\";}'),(2062,773,4,4,1264069388,'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:\"2010-01-20 10:59 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"82\";}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:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:30:\"economic_crisis_and_its_impact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:17:\"Economic Creiand \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:88:\" How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?  What can you expect in the year ahead? \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"economy, Council of  Construction Consumers\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:595:\"<p>How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?&nbsp; What can you expect in the year ahead?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Dr. Howard Wall, vice president of the federal reserve and director of the Center or Regional Economics and Robert Meiners of Ameren UE will attempt to frame answrers to those questions at a seminar at a seminar to be held Wedesday March 29 at Westborough Country Club.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The event is hosted by the Council of Construction on Consumers.</p>\n<p>For reservations email <a href=\\\"mal to :bflowers@slcc.com\\\">mailto:BFlowers@slccc.net</a> or call 636.494.st00.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"82\";}'),(2063,773,4,4,1264069446,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"773\";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:\"2010-01-20 10:59 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"82\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:30:\"economic_crisis_and_its_impact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:17:\"Economic Creiand \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:88:\" How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?  What can you expect in the year ahead? \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"economy, Council of  Construction Consumers\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:599:\"<p>How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?&nbsp; What can you expect in the year ahead?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Dr. Howard Wall, vice president of the federal reserve and director of the Center or Regional Economics and Robert Meiners of Ameren UE will attempt to frame answrers to those questions at a seminar to be held Wedesday, March 29 at Westborough Country Club.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The event is hosted by the Council of Construction on Consumers.</p>\n<p>For reservations email <a href=\\\"http://mce_host/mal to :bflowers@slcc.com\\\">mailto:BFlowers@slccc.net</a> or call 636.494.st00.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"82\";}'),(2064,745,10,4,1264069506,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"745\";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:\"2009-12-30 06:19 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"80\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:47:\"Keeping It In the Family: Financial Engineering\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"keeping_it_in_the_family_financial_engineering\";s:4:\"save\";s:10:\"Quick Save\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:47:\"Keeping It In the Family: Financial Engineering\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:105:\"You\\\'ve thought about making sure that your business and family are protected and now is the time to act.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:52:\"St. Louis Masonry Center, 1429 S. Big Bend Boulevard\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2010-01-12 03:00 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:16:\"3:00 - 6:00 p.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:3569:\"<p><strong>PLACE:</strong>&nbsp; St. Louis Masonry Center<br />1429 S. Big Bend Boulevard<br />(1 block South of Hwy. 40/Dale)<br />St. Louis, MO 6311</p>\n<p><strong>TIME:</strong> 3:00 p..m. - 6:00 p.m.<br />(Dinner &amp; Cocktails Included)<br /><strong>FREE 30-MINUTE CONSULTATION AFTER SEMINAR OR JANUARY 13</strong></p>\n<p><strong>SPEAKERS:</strong> Leon &amp; Terrance Resnick, Resnick Associates and Jason Giorgio, Pacific Advisors</p>\n<p><strong>ABOUT THE PROGRAM</strong>:</p>\n<p>You work too hard to ultimately lose the bulk of your assets to taxation.  Unfortunately, statistics show us that you have a greater chance of losing your business than passing it down to the next generation.  You\\\'ve thought about making sure that your business and family are protected and now is the time to act.  Even if you have a plan in place, A LOT has changed in the tax code and there are anticipated changes that could make your current plan obsolete.  Join us for a discussion about:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Preparing for Retirement</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Distribution Planning:  the proper order to play your chess pieces</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Maximizing retirement accumulation for owners and key employees through discriminatory non-qualified retirement plans</li>\n<li>Establishing guard rails for volatile market-based investments</li>\n<li>Tax Strategy</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Dealing with increasing tax liabilities on business owners</li>\n<li>Commonly missed opportunities within the tax code</li>\n<li>Creation of exit strategies for highly appreciated assets and deferred retirement accounts</li>\n<li>Estate &amp; Succession Planning</li>\n<li>Wills/Trusts</li>\n<li>Buy-Sell agreements</li>\n<li>Proper due diligence of life insurance</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>The Presenters:</strong></p>\n<p><strong>Leon B. Resnick</strong> and <strong>Terrance K. Resnick</strong>, identical twins, are partners in Resnick Associates, a nationally recognized estate, business succession and life insurance planning firm with offices in Kansas City and Harrisburg, PA.</p>\n<p>The Resnicks have spoken at both the 2009 ASA National Conference in Nashville and the 2009 MCAA Mid-Year meeting in San Diego.  They have worked extensively with a large number of business and construction trade association and their members throughout the United States as well as companies such as Coke and Pepsi.</p>\n<p><strong>Jason G. Giorgio</strong>, MBA, CLU is a senior partner at Pacific Advisors, a finalcial planning firm with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.  Jason deftly motivates people to take action to better their present and future financial situation with strong focus on protection from risk.  Jason holds a finance degree from Millersville University, MBA from Lebanon Valley College, and is 1 of 65 in the U.S. certified as a Charitable Planning Specialist (CPS).</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"http://www.rapidenewsletter.com//attachments/2001_84/Succession%20Planning%20Seminar%201-12-10.pdf  \\\">See flyer at this link</a> to sign up, or contact Reba Gillick with attendees names and email addresses at reba@asamidwest.com, telephone 314.214.1664, <br /> fax 314.214.1665<br /> <br /><strong>Reservations are&nbsp; due before January 7, 2010</strong><br /><br /><strong>Cost:</strong> $40/Attendee ASA or MCA Members; each additional attendee $10<br />$50/Attendee Non-Members<br /><strong><br />NO SHOWS WILL BE BILLED!</strong><br /><br />Make check payable to:<br />ASA Midwest Council<br />P.O. Box 270<br />Union, MO 63084<br /><br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"80\";}'),(2065,773,4,4,1264092618,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"773\";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:\"2010-01-20 10:59 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"82\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:30:\"economic_crisis_and_its_impact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:88:\" How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?  What can you expect in the year ahead? \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"economy, Council of  Construction Consumers\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:598:\"<p>How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?&nbsp; What can you expect in the year ahead?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Dr. Howard Wall, vice president of the federal reserve and director of the Center or Regional Economics and Robert Meiners of Ameren UE will attempt to frame answers to those questions at a seminar to be held Wedesday, March 29 at Westborough Country Club.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The event is hosted by the Council of Construction on Consumers.</p>\n<p>For reservations email <a href=\\\"http://mce_host/mal to :bflowers@slcc.com\\\">mailto:BFlowers@slccc.net</a> or call 636.494.st00.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"82\";}'),(2066,771,5,4,1264092685,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"771\";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:\"2010-01-20 03:02 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"9\";i:1;s:2:\"82\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:16:\"The Enemy Within\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:16:\"the_enemy_within\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:16:\"The Enemy Within\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:3:\"694\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:168:\"\\\" ... An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known. But the traitor ... rots the soul of a nation, he works ... to undermine the pillars of the city ...\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3584:\"<p><em>\\\" ... An enemy at the gates is less formidable, for he is known. But the traitor ... rots the soul of a nation, he works ... to undermine the pillars of the city ...\\\"<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &mdash; Cicero, 42 B.C.</em></p>\n<p>The quote above is more than two millennia old and referred to the political leaders of the time. But the message is applicable to today\\\'s businesses. Here\\\'s an employee attitude that inflicts damage on businesses: People who exhibit many fine traits and who may be good employees in general, but who have acquired a dislike for one of more of their fellow workers.</p>\n<p>Ever experienced this? Most of us have. Maybe it\\\'s at work in your company. Poor relationships between employees can be a tough nut to crack.<br />Frequently, some of these folks are more concerned with winning the battle than winning the war. They may not be \\\"traitors\\\"- as referenced in Cicero\\\'s quote - in that their goal isn\\\'t to intentionally undermine the business, but they might as well be. The impact is the<br />same.</p>\n<p>In my own businesses, I\\\'ve had employees who didn\\\'t get along and it affected the operation. In each case, my solution was simple and straightforward: \\\"I can\\\'t force you to like each other. But I absolutely insist you treat each other cordially, respectfully and professionally. It\\\'s not optional. If you can\\\'t do that, then one or both of you must leave.\\\"</p>\n<p>This gets especially sticky in a family business, when family members are the ones who can\\\'t get along. Sometimes, the parties involved have an ownership stake. Hence the importance of a shareholder agreement, sort of a \\\"pre-nup\\\" for<br />businesses.</p>\n<p>If you\\\'ve got dueling employees, consider:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>The economy WILL come back</li>\n<li>As an owner, you WILL eventually want to retire, cash out, or transfer your company go to your heirs. At the very least, you want growth and success.</li>\n<li>\\\"A-Player\\\" employees WILL be available (but won\\\'t stay at a business that tolerates bad employees.) Here are the reality-check questions to ask yourself:</li>\n<li>Am I preparing to capitalize on these opportunities?</li>\n<li>Or, will I fritter away my opportunities while I watch my competitors thrive?</li>\n<li>Will I eliminate bad attitudes and drama so I can succeed?</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />These are CHOICES you have to make. If some of the offending parties are owners, some growing up may be in order. Here\\\'s a message for them:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>You\\\'ve got a golden opportunity and are squandering it. <br /></li>\n<li>Get a grip. As business owners, your top priority is the business\\\' success and sustainability. <br /></li>\n<li>The war is OUT THERE, not in here. <br /></li>\n<li>You can beat the competition if you\\\'ll stop beating up on each other. <br /></li>\n<li>Dump the drama, put the egos aside and position your company to succeed.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>One of my favorite speakers, Jim Rohn, says: \\\"Discipline weighs ounces. Regret weighs tons.\\\" If you can\\\'t discipline yourself to reduce the turmoil, regret will surely follow.</p>\n<p><em>\\\"When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.\\\"</em></p>\n<p>&mdash;African proverb</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"82\";}'),(2067,772,2,4,1264093402,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"772\";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:\"2010-01-20 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:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"82\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"glimmer_of_light_experts_say\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:169:\"There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:19:\"economics, Biderman\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2767:\"<p>There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train. That\\\'s what two individuals intimately famiar with the St. Louis construction project pipeline told those attending the Jan. 20 meeting of the Midwest Coucil, American Subcontractors Association (ASA).</p>\n<p><br />The construction cycle which ended in 2008 was 18 years long &mdash; more than twice as long as the previous two cycles, Biderman said. \\\"We were spoiled. There wsa plenty of work, so it wasn\\\'t hard to find work,\\\" stated Biderman, who headed business development for construction firms prior to joining McGraw Hill. Biderman ointed out that the current&nbsp; market cycle for the business marketing remains the same as people rotae on or off the rproject.</p>\n<p><br />In the St. Louis area, McGraw Hiill sees education and healthcare as strong areas, following the increase in the number a kids and grandkids of Boomers, who themselves will increasingly require medical treatment.&nbsp; Retail and office will continue to lag, driven by lowered levels of purhases, tight credit, and high unemployment, he said.</p>\n<p><br />McGraw Hill sees the various segments breaking out in this fashion:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Economy Overall: While manufacturing losses will continue to lead the downturn, the commercial and office markets are not far behind.</li>\n<li>Retail: Rising unemployment and weakening credit conditions will continue to deter this investment. More projects will be deferred or abandoned. <br /></li>\n<li>Warehouse: Deteriorating in the manufacturing and retail sectors is driving the rise in vacancies.</li>\n<li>Office: A low cost to doing business and relatively low rents will make St. Louis an attractive place to do business. <br /></li>\n<li>Hotel: Starts will continue to weaken, reaching a low of 150,000 square feet in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Education: Elementary and senior high school resiliency has created a floor ton the contraction in activity seen in 2009. <br /></li>\n<li>Healthcare: The short contraction is over. Healthcare is projected to grow two percent in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Multifamily housing will bottom out this year. A moderate recovery will also be seen in single family. <br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />Doug Rasmussen, vice president for Business Development for the St. Louis County economic council saw opportunites such as the planned Express Scripts prescription filling center at NorthPark and the shuuttering of the Chrysler plant in Fenton as possiblities for job creation.&nbsp; Rasmussen noted that the glut of empty spaces on the market create far more opportunities for renovation of existing properties than for new construction.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/recovery.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:\"82\";}'),(2068,772,2,4,1264093506,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"772\";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:\"2010-01-20 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:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"82\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"glimmer_of_light_experts_say\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:169:\"There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:19:\"economics, Biderman\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2901:\"<p>There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train. That\\\'s what two individuals intimately famiar with the St. Louis construction project pipeline told those attending the Jan. 20 meeting of the Midwest Coucil, American Subcontractors Association (ASA).</p>\n<p><br /><img alt=\\\"Recovery\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recovery.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The construction cycle which ended in 2008 was 18 years long &mdash; more than twice as long as the previous two cycles, Biderman said. \\\"We were spoiled. There wsa plenty of work, so it wasn\\\'t hard to find work,\\\" stated Biderman, who headed business development for construction firms prior to joining McGraw Hill. Biderman ointed out that the current&nbsp; market cycle for the business marketing remains the same as people rotae on or off the rproject.</p>\n<p><br />In the St. Louis area, McGraw Hiill sees education and healthcare as strong areas, following the increase in the number a kids and grandkids of Boomers, who themselves will increasingly require medical treatment.&nbsp; Retail and office will continue to lag, driven by lowered levels of purhases, tight credit, and high unemployment, he said.</p>\n<p><br />McGraw Hill sees the various segments breaking out in this fashion:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Economy Overall: While manufacturing losses will continue to lead the downturn, the commercial and office markets are not far behind.</li>\n<li>Retail: Rising unemployment and weakening credit conditions will continue to deter this investment. More projects will be deferred or abandoned. <br /></li>\n<li>Warehouse: Deteriorating in the manufacturing and retail sectors is driving the rise in vacancies.</li>\n<li>Office: A low cost to doing business and relatively low rents will make St. Louis an attractive place to do business. <br /></li>\n<li>Hotel: Starts will continue to weaken, reaching a low of 150,000 square feet in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Education: Elementary and senior high school resiliency has created a floor ton the contraction in activity seen in 2009. <br /></li>\n<li>Healthcare: The short contraction is over. Healthcare is projected to grow two percent in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Multifamily housing will bottom out this year. A moderate recovery will also be seen in single family. <br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />Doug Rasmussen, vice president for Business Development for the St. Louis County economic council saw opportunites such as the planned Express Scripts prescription filling center at NorthPark and the shuuttering of the Chrysler plant in Fenton as possiblities for job creation.&nbsp; Rasmussen noted that the glut of empty spaces on the market create far more opportunities for renovation of existing properties than for new construction.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/recovery.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:\"82\";}'),(2069,772,2,4,1264111212,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"772\";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:\"2010-01-20 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:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"82\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"glimmer_of_light_experts_say\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:169:\"There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:19:\"economics, Biderman\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2904:\"<p>There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train. That\\\'s what two individuals intimately familar with the St. Louis construction project pipeline told those attending the Jan. 20 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association (ASA).</p>\n<p><br /><img alt=\\\"Recovery\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recovery.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The construction cycle which ended in 2008 was 18 years long &mdash; more than twice as long as the previous two cycles, Biderman said. \\\"We were spoiled. There was plenty of work, so it wasn\\\'t hard to find work,\\\" stated Biderman, who headed business development for construction firms prior to joining McGraw Hill. Biderman pointed out that the current&nbsp; market cycle for the business marketing remains the same as people rotate on or off the project.</p>\n<p><br />In the St. Louis area, McGraw Hiill sees education and healthcare as strong areas, following the increase in the number a kids and grandkids of Boomers, who themselves will increasingly require medical treatment.&nbsp; Retail and office will continue to lag, driven by lowered levels of purhases, tight credit, and high unemployment, he said.</p>\n<p><br />McGraw Hill sees the various segments breaking out in this fashion:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Economy Overall: While manufacturing losses will continue to lead the downturn, the commercial and office markets are not far behind.</li>\n<li>Retail: Rising unemployment and weakening credit conditions will continue to deter this investment. More projects will be deferred or abandoned. <br /></li>\n<li>Warehouse: Deteriorating in the manufacturing and retail sectors is driving the rise in vacancies.</li>\n<li>Office: A low cost to doing business and relatively low rents will make St. Louis an attractive place to do business. <br /></li>\n<li>Hotel: Starts will continue to weaken, reaching a low of 150,000 square feet in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Education: Elementary and senior high school resiliency has created a floor ton the contraction in activity seen in 2009. <br /></li>\n<li>Healthcare: The short contraction is over. Healthcare is projected to grow two percent in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Multifamily housing will bottom out this year. A moderate recovery will also be seen in single family. <br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />Doug Rasmussen, vice president for Business Development for the St. Louis County economic council saw opportunites such as the planned Express Scripts prescription filling center at NorthPark and the shuuttering of the Chrysler plant in Fenton as possiblities for job creation.&nbsp; Rasmussen noted that the glut of empty spaces on the market create far more opportunities for renovation of existing properties than for new construction.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/recovery.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:\"82\";}'),(2070,772,2,4,1264119125,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"772\";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:\"2010-01-20 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:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"82\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"glimmer_of_light_experts_say\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:170:\"There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through... and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:19:\"economics, Biderman\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2904:\"<p>There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train. That\\\'s what two individuals intimately familar with the St. Louis construction project pipeline told those attending the Jan. 20 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association (ASA).</p>\n<p><br /><img alt=\\\"Recovery\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recovery.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The construction cycle which ended in 2008 was 18 years long &mdash; more than twice as long as the previous two cycles, Biderman said. \\\"We were spoiled. There was plenty of work, so it wasn\\\'t hard to find work,\\\" stated Biderman, who headed business development for construction firms prior to joining McGraw Hill. Biderman pointed out that the current&nbsp; market cycle for the business marketing remains the same as people rotate on or off the project.</p>\n<p><br />In the St. Louis area, McGraw Hiill sees education and healthcare as strong areas, following the increase in the number a kids and grandkids of Boomers, who themselves will increasingly require medical treatment.&nbsp; Retail and office will continue to lag, driven by lowered levels of purhases, tight credit, and high unemployment, he said.</p>\n<p><br />McGraw Hill sees the various segments breaking out in this fashion:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Economy Overall: While manufacturing losses will continue to lead the downturn, the commercial and office markets are not far behind.</li>\n<li>Retail: Rising unemployment and weakening credit conditions will continue to deter this investment. More projects will be deferred or abandoned. <br /></li>\n<li>Warehouse: Deteriorating in the manufacturing and retail sectors is driving the rise in vacancies.</li>\n<li>Office: A low cost to doing business and relatively low rents will make St. Louis an attractive place to do business. <br /></li>\n<li>Hotel: Starts will continue to weaken, reaching a low of 150,000 square feet in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Education: Elementary and senior high school resiliency has created a floor ton the contraction in activity seen in 2009. <br /></li>\n<li>Healthcare: The short contraction is over. Healthcare is projected to grow two percent in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Multifamily housing will bottom out this year. A moderate recovery will also be seen in single family. <br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />Doug Rasmussen, vice president for Business Development for the St. Louis County economic council saw opportunites such as the planned Express Scripts prescription filling center at NorthPark and the shuuttering of the Chrysler plant in Fenton as possiblities for job creation.&nbsp; Rasmussen noted that the glut of empty spaces on the market create far more opportunities for renovation of existing properties than for new construction.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/recovery.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:\"82\";}'),(2071,774,4,4,1264119532,'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:\"2010-01-21 01:13 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:\"83\";}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:54:\"Contegra Completes  $2.5 Million John Deere Dealership\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:51:\"contegra_completes_25_million_john_deere_dealership\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:54:\"Contegra Completes  $2.5 Million John Deere Dealership\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:145:\"Contegra Construction Co. has completed a $2.5 million John Deere dealership at 1400 E. Outer Road in Scott City, MO. for Wm. Nobbe and Co., Inc.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"Contegra, Nobbe\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1188:\"<p>Contegra Construction Co. has completed a $2.5 million John Deere dealership at 1400 E. Outer Road in Scott City, MO. for Wm. Nobbe and Co., Inc.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"William Nobbe John Deere Dealership\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"162\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Wm Nobbe Dealership_1_10.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />Contegra provided complete turnkey design and construction services on the 42,250-square-foot structure being built to meet strong demand for agricultural implements. The building replaces Nobbe\\\'s current dealership at 2900 Old Orchard Road in Jackson, Mo. <br /> Nobbe, among the leading agricultural equipment retailers in southwestern Illinois, also operates John Deere dealerships in Steelville, Waterloo and Jerseyville, Ill. <br /> Its new dealership in Scott City features a 18,000-square-foot service center, 9,000 square feet of showroom and office space and a 7,500-square-foot parts department.</p>\n<p>Founded in 2003, Contegra Construction is a design/build and construction management firm that serves industrial, health care, retail and office markets in Missouri and Illinois. It has offices in Edwardsville, Ill. and Chesterfield, Mo.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2228,839,4,4,1269442547,'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:\"2010-03-24 04:51 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:\"91\";}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:53:\"KAI Oversee $6 Million Webster Groves Library Project\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:52:\"kai_oversee_6_million_webster_groves_library_project\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"KAI Oversee $6 Million Webster Groves Library Project\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:94:\"KAI has been selected as the CM on a $6 million  project at the Webster Groves Public Library.\";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:482:\"<p>KAI Design &amp; Build has been selected as the construction consultant/project manager on an estimated $6 million addition and renovation project at the Webster Groves Public Library.<br />&nbsp;<br />Designs for the project provided by St. Louis-based architects Powers Bowersox Associates, Inc. are underway, with construction expected to begin in October and be completed within 12 months. A general contractor for the project has not yet been selected.<br />&nbsp;<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"91\";}'),(2077,777,4,4,1264358320,'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:\"2010-01-24 07:35 AM\";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:\"83\";}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:58:\"Home Builders Donate $8,250 to Edgewood Children\\\'s Center\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"home_builders_donate_8250_to_edgewood_childrens_center\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:58:\"Home Builders Donate $8,250 to Edgewood Children\\\'s Center\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:133:\"HBA President Sean Flower  presented an $8,250 donation to Edgewood Children\\\'s Center, from the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"HBA, Edgewood\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1122:\"<p>Home Builders Association (HBA) President Sean Flower of Flower &amp; Fendler, Inc. presented an $8,250 donation to Ellen Reed-Fox, director of advancement for Edgewood Children\\\'s Center, on behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.</p>\n<p>The donation will be used for partial funding toward the installation of new lighting in a new residential unit for autistic children. An existing building on the Edgewood campus is being renovated to house 12 autistic children ranging from ages 5-15. Many of these children exhibit aggressive behaviors and cannot reside in less restrictive environments. Edgewood is striving to reach out to children and families in most dire need of assistance, providing comprehensive services that enable the children to grow and flourish at their own pace.</p>\n<p>The HBA is a local trade association of more than 800 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA\\\'s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2078,778,4,4,1264359009,'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:\"2010-01-24 07:41 AM\";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:\"83\";}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:38:\"Murphy Company Taps Westendorf as CIO \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:37:\"murphy_company_taps_westendorf_as_cio\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"Murphy Company Taps Westendorf as CIO \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:73:\"Ben D. Westendorf has joined Murphy Company as chief information officer.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:18:\"Murphy, Westendorf\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1338:\"<p>Ben D. Westendorf has joined Murphy Company as chief information officer.<br /> <br /><img alt=\\\"Westendorf\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"216\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/westendorf.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"144\\\" />As CIO, Westendorf provides executive leadership in the development and implementation of the company\\\'s Management Information Systems. He also leads the company in planning and implementing technology-related solutions that support Murphy\\\'s operations and strategic initiatives. <br /></p>\n<h4>Westendorf<br /></h4>\n<p>\\\"Ben\\\'s extensive experience in management and technology, particularly in the construction industry, make him the right fit for Murphy,\\\" said Koester.<br /> <br />Westendorf most recently served as a management consultant with The Hilt Network LLC, focusing on technology solutions for engineering, construction and real estate companies. He previously worked for Clayco, Cekular Technologies and Healthcare Strategic Initiatives. Westendorf serves on the advisory board for Missouri Tech College of Engineering and holds a bachelor\\\'s degree in chemistry from Denison University.<br /> <br />Murphy currently is ranked No. 13 on Engineering News-Record\\\'s list of top mechanical contractors in the United States. Founded in 1907, the firm employs more than 1,000 people nationwide.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2079,773,4,4,1264359325,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"773\";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:\"2010-01-20 10:59 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:30:\"economic_crisis_and_its_impact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:88:\" How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?  What can you expect in the year ahead? \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"economy, Council of  Construction Consumers\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:598:\"<p>How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?&nbsp; What can you expect in the year ahead?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Dr. Howard Wall, vice president of the federal reserve and director of the Center or Regional Economics and Robert Meiners of Ameren UE will attempt to frame answers to those questions at a seminar to be held Wedesday, March 29 at Westborough Country Club.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The event is hosted by the Council of Construction on Consumers.</p>\n<p>For reservations email <a href=\\\"http://mce_host/mal to :bflowers@slcc.com\\\">mailto:BFlowers@slccc.net</a> or call 636.494.st00.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2080,779,4,4,1264359992,'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:\"2010-01-24 08:02 AM\";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:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:25:\"SITE Elects 2010 Officers\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:25:\"site_elects_2010_officers\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:25:\"SITE Elects 2010 Officers\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:124:\"SITE Improvement Association\\\'s board of directors have re-elected its officers and each officer will serve a one-year term.\";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:793:\"<p>SITE Improvement Association\\\'s board of directors have re-elected its officers and each officer will serve a one-year term.<br /> <br />The 2010 officers are Andy D. Ernst of Pace Construction Company serving as president; Tom Milne of Oreo &amp; Botta Concrete as vice president; and Peggy McGrath of TraMar Contracting as the secretary/treasurer.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE officers\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"156\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/SITE-officers.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4>Left to right: McGrath, Ernst and Milne.</h4>\n<p></p>\n<p>Founded in 1966, SITE Improvement Association has 200 contractor and associate members. It offers legislative action, education and safety programs, labor relations and social networking opportunities.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(2081,779,4,4,1264360028,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"779\";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:\"2010-01-24 08:02 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:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:25:\"SITE Elects 2010 Officers\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:25:\"site_elects_2010_officers\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:25:\"SITE Elects 2010 Officers\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:124:\"SITE Improvement Association\\\'s board of directors have re-elected its officers and each officer will serve a one-year term.\";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:799:\"<p>SITE Improvement Association\\\'s board of directors have re-elected its officers and each officer will serve a one-year term.<br /> <br />The 2010 officers are Andy D. Ernst of Pace Construction Company serving as president; Tom Milne of Oreo &amp; Botta Concrete as vice president; and Peggy McGrath of TraMar Contracting as the secretary/treasurer.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"SITE officers\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"156\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/SITE-officers.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4>Left to right: McGrath, Ernst and Milne.</h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Founded in 1966, SITE Improvement Association has 200 contractor and associate members. It offers legislative action, education and safety programs, labor relations and social networking opportunities.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2082,773,4,4,1264360144,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"773\";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:\"2010-01-20 10:59 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:30:\"economic_crisis_and_its_impact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:88:\" How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?  What can you expect in the year ahead? \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"economy, Council of  Construction Consumers\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:600:\"<p>How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?&nbsp; What can you expect in the year ahead?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Dr. Howard Wall, vice president of the federal reserve and director of the Center or Regional Economics and Robert Meiners of Ameren UE will attempt to frame answers to those questions at a seminar to be held Wedesday, January 28 at Westborough Country Club.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The event is hosted by the Council of Construction on Consumers.</p>\n<p>For reservations email <a href=\\\"http://mce_host/mal to :bflowers@slcc.com\\\">mailto:BFlowers@slccc.net</a> or call 636.394.6200.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2083,773,4,4,1264360172,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"773\";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:\"2010-01-20 10:59 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"82\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:30:\"economic_crisis_and_its_impact\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:30:\"Economic Crisis and Its Impact\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:88:\" How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?  What can you expect in the year ahead? \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"economy, Council of  Construction Consumers\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:600:\"<p>How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?&nbsp; What can you expect in the year ahead?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Dr. Howard Wall, vice president of the federal reserve and director of the Center or Regional Economics and Robert Meiners of Ameren UE will attempt to frame answers to those questions at a seminar to be held Wedesday, January 28 at Westborough Country Club.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The event is hosted by the Council of Construction on Consumers.</p>\n<p>For reservations email <a href=\\\"http://mce_host/mal to :bflowers@slcc.com\\\">mailto:BFlowers@slccc.net</a> or call 636.394.6200.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"82\";}'),(2084,780,4,4,1264360721,'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:\"2010-01-24 08:12 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:\"83\";}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:63:\"AGC Forecast: 90 Percent of Contractors Say No Recovery in 2010\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:62:\"agc_forecast_90_percent_of_contractors_say_no_recovery_in_2010\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:63:\"AGC Forecast: 90 Percent of Contractors Say No Recovery in 2010\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:157:\"Nearly nine-in-ten contractors say there will be no recovery in 2010 according to a forecast released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"AGC, forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:4139:\"<p>Nearly nine-in-ten contractors say there will be no recovery in 2010 as part of a new national construction hiring and business outlook forecast released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). As a result, fewer contractors plan to purchase construction equipment and after a year of near-record industry layoffs, many doubt they\\\'ll be able to hire new staff this year.</p>\n<p>\\\"Unfortunately for the industry and for our economy this year\\\'s construction outlook is far from positive,\\\" said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association\\\'s chief executive officer. \\\"As long as the construction industry remains mired in its own depression, broader economic and employment growth will continue to lag.\\\"</p>\n<p>The outlook, which is based in part on survey responses from nearly 700 construction firms submitted in late December and earlier this month, shows that privately-funded construction activity is likely to decline even further this year. Indeed, 64 percent of responding contractors expect demand for new manufacturing facilities will decline, while 71 percent expect demand for new retail, warehouse and lodging facilities will drop.</p>\n<p>As a result, the number of firms expecting to buy new equipment is down to 46 percent this year from 61 percent in 2009. Meanwhile, 81 percent of firms report already having to cut profit margins in their bids just to stay competitive and another ten percent say they are now submitting bids so low they will actually lose money on the projects.</p>\n<p>Sandherr added that many construction firms are uncertain that they\\\'ll be able to add staff following a year of record layoffs. In 2009, 73 percent of firms said they laid off employees, averaging 39 layoffs per firm. For 2010, however, 60 percent of firms say they are unsure whether they will be able to add new staff, or be forced to make further cuts. \\\"Perhaps they can\\\'t imagine who else to let go,\\\" Sandherr noted.</p>\n<p>One of the relatively few bright spots for the industry was the federal stimulus. Thirty-one percent of contractors say they were awarded stimulus funded projects. Of these, 46 percent say the stimulus helped them retain an average of 24 employees each. Another 15 percent say the stimulus helped them to add an average of 10 new employees per company while 12 percent cite the stimulus as driving new equipment purchases.</p>\n<p>Sandherr added that the stimulus is driving up expectations for publicly-funded construction activity in 2010. He noted that 62 percent of contractors expect the highway market to improve or remain stable, 61 percent say water and sewer construction will improve or remain stable. And 55 percent say work on public buildings will improve or remain stable in 2010.</p>\n<p>\\\"The stimulus is finally beginning to have a measurable, but limited, impact on the construction industry,\\\" Sandherr noted. \\\"The full impact of those investments has sadly been tempered by the inability of Congress to put a host of multi-year infrastructure funding plans in place.\\\"</p>\n<p>In addition to stimulus-funded projects, contractors also are relatively upbeat about prospects for power and hospital/higher education construction. Fifty-two percent expect demand for power facilities to be at or above last year\\\'s levels while 57 percent of contractors expect growth or stability in demand for hospital and higher education construction.</p>\n<p>Overall, however, the outlook points to another difficult year for contractors Sandherr said. The only truly good news, he added, is that construction costs remain at multi-year lows, providing good deals for anyone willing to begin a construction project.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"View the 2010 National Construction Hiring and Business Forecast.\\\">Click here to view the national construction hiring and business forecast. </a></p>\n<p><a href=\\\"http://www.mmsend50.com/ls.cfm?r=186186751&amp;sid=8438731&amp;m=912074&amp;u=agca&amp;s=http://www.agc.org/galleries/news/2010%20Construction%20Outlook%20State-by-State%20Results.xls\\\">Click here to view the state-by-state construction hiring and business forecasts</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2085,775,2,4,1264413421,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"775\";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:\"2010-01-24 07:16 AM\";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:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:12:\"Who Are You?\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:11:\"who_are_you\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:12:\"Who Are You?\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:97:\"Inscribed over the door of the ancient Greek temple at Delphi was the aphorism \\\"Know yourself.\\\"\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:27:\"marketing, Tom Finan, AGC, \";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:4530:\"<p><em>by Tom Finan, Publisher, CNR</em></p>\n<p>Inscribed over the door of the ancient Greek temple at Delphi was the aphorism \\\"Know yourself.\\\"</p>\n<p>I\\\'m thinking of having decals made with that message - maybe in Greek so it won\\\'t be so obvious - and handing them out folks in our industry to post over the doors of their businesses.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Who are you\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/who-are-you.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />In mid-January I sat in by conference call on the regular meeting of the Associated General Contractors of America marketing committee, on which I serve.  The discussion ranged from how to present a contractor\\\'s sustainability practices to emerging markets such as wind power.</p>\n<p>A bigger question that arose out of those discussions is, \\\"Why?\\\" Why are we discussing LEED, BIM, or IPD with buyers of construction services? Is it because they truly understand the benefits they can derive from such approaches or is it because in the biggest buyers\\\' market in half a century they want to pile everything they can into their shopping cart?</p>\n<p>In our meeting Hoyt Lowder, senior vice president of FMI Corporation, the construction management and investment banking consultant, suggested that asking good questions and helping customers to understand what they really want is can lead to being able to our industry eventually charge for those services, as happened with such approaches as program management in the past.</p>\n<p>I had lunch a couple days before the AGC meeting with the chief purchasing agent for an educational institution. As an experienced buyer of construction, he told me that he truly appreciates the value of relationships and knowledge in the designers and contractors he works with. \\\"But my president is reading the same journals as everyone else in his profession and the front page is telling him that he\\\'s in a buyers\\\' market for construction. So right now we have to bid everything and negotiate harder. When this current situation turns around, the relationships will prevail.\\\"</p>\n<p>At the January meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association George Biderman, account executive for McGraw Hill and a former marketing director for area GCs, told the audience that we have been spoiled by the length of 18-year cycle that bottomed out with a thud in 2009. During that cycle there was so much work that companies didn\\\'t need to figure out what they were really good at.  As someone in the AGC marketing meeting pointed out dryly, there\\\'s plenty of time for introspection now. And on some level\\\'s that\\\'s a good thing.</p>\n<p>Last year at this time I taught a webinar for that American Subcontractors Association titled \\\"Getting the Right Customers.\\\"  David Mendes, ASA\\\'s education director teased me that our attendance would have been higher if the webinar had been called \\\"Getting Customers.\\\"</p>\n<p>In that webinar I outlined what I called \\\"Finan\\\'s Rules\\\".  Rule number one was, \\\"There is no good business with bad people.\\\"  Rule number two was, \\\"Strong marketing cannot help bad business practices. \\\" You get the idea. In that seminar I also cited one of our local industry\\\'s more quotable pundits, Dick Stockenberg of Gallop Johnson Neuman. Dick told me, \\\"When times are tough, contractors tend to stray outside their comfort zone. The best contractors are sticking to markets that they\\\'re good in.\\\"</p>\n<p>That\\\'s not to say that firms in our industry should not get into new areas or add new tools to their toolboxes. The important thing to understand how those new markets and services align with who our business is.  Think of the relationship with buyers of construction as a marriage. In every marriage there is always a need for accommodation and change. But if one person is trying to change what he or she is to fit a definition imposed by their partner, that relationship is doomed from the get-go.</p>\n<p>As a part of a family that has worked for three generations in the construction industry I have found that the companies that are most successful in this business are those who understand what they are... and what they are not.</p>\n<p>My Dad liked to remind me of Polonius\\\' advice to his son Laertes in Shakespeare\\\'s Hamlet:</p>\n<p>\\\"This above all: to thine own self be true,<br />And it must follow, as the night the day,<br />Thou canst not then be false to any man.\\\"</p>\n<p>Who are you?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:31:\"/images/uploads/who-are-you.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:\"83\";}'),(2086,772,2,4,1264413466,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"772\";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:\"2010-01-20 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:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"glimmer_of_light_experts_say\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:29:\"Glimmer of Light, Experts Say\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:170:\"There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through... and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:19:\"economics, Biderman\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2904:\"<p>There\\\'s a glimmer of light at the end of the long dark tunnel of low construction activity we\\\'ve been passing through.. and it doesn\\\'t appear to be an oncoming train. That\\\'s what two individuals intimately familar with the St. Louis construction project pipeline told those attending the Jan. 20 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association (ASA).</p>\n<p><br /><img alt=\\\"Recovery\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/recovery.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The construction cycle which ended in 2008 was 18 years long &mdash; more than twice as long as the previous two cycles, Biderman said. \\\"We were spoiled. There was plenty of work, so it wasn\\\'t hard to find work,\\\" stated Biderman, who headed business development for construction firms prior to joining McGraw Hill. Biderman pointed out that the current&nbsp; market cycle for the business marketing remains the same as people rotate on or off the project.</p>\n<p><br />In the St. Louis area, McGraw Hiill sees education and healthcare as strong areas, following the increase in the number a kids and grandkids of Boomers, who themselves will increasingly require medical treatment.&nbsp; Retail and office will continue to lag, driven by lowered levels of purhases, tight credit, and high unemployment, he said.</p>\n<p><br />McGraw Hill sees the various segments breaking out in this fashion:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Economy Overall: While manufacturing losses will continue to lead the downturn, the commercial and office markets are not far behind.</li>\n<li>Retail: Rising unemployment and weakening credit conditions will continue to deter this investment. More projects will be deferred or abandoned. <br /></li>\n<li>Warehouse: Deteriorating in the manufacturing and retail sectors is driving the rise in vacancies.</li>\n<li>Office: A low cost to doing business and relatively low rents will make St. Louis an attractive place to do business. <br /></li>\n<li>Hotel: Starts will continue to weaken, reaching a low of 150,000 square feet in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Education: Elementary and senior high school resiliency has created a floor ton the contraction in activity seen in 2009. <br /></li>\n<li>Healthcare: The short contraction is over. Healthcare is projected to grow two percent in 2010. <br /></li>\n<li>Multifamily housing will bottom out this year. A moderate recovery will also be seen in single family. <br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />Doug Rasmussen, vice president for Business Development for the St. Louis County economic council saw opportunites such as the planned Express Scripts prescription filling center at NorthPark and the shuuttering of the Chrysler plant in Fenton as possiblities for job creation.&nbsp; Rasmussen noted that the glut of empty spaces on the market create far more opportunities for renovation of existing properties than for new construction.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/recovery.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(2087,781,4,4,1264527016,'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:\"2010-01-26 06:28 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:\"83\";}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:34:\"ESI to Audit Florissant Energy Use\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"esi_to_audit_florissant_energy_use\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:34:\"ESI to Audit Florissant Energy Use\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:165:\"Energy Solutions Inc. (ESI), an  energy efficiency consulting firm based in St. Louis County, has been retained by the City of Florissant to conduct an energy audit.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"ESI, Florissant\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1011:\"<p>Energy Solutions Inc. (ESI), an&nbsp; energy efficiency consulting firm based in St. Louis County, has been retained by the City of Florissant to conduct an energy audit and a utility bill analysis to save money and reduce the city\\\'s energy efficiency usage.</p>\n<p>ESI won a competitive bid for the contract, which was awarded by the City of Florissant municipal government in November 2009 and is overseen by Florissant building commissioner Philip Lum.  ESI is conducting an energy audit of 10 city buildings, comprising approximately 166,000 square feet, including James J. Eagan Community Center, City Hall and other facilities.</p>\n<p>One purpose of the audit is to help the City of Florissant develop an energy conservation strategy to apply for block grant funds from the U.S. Department of Energy for renewable energy sources.  Additionally, ESI is performing a utility bill analysis for Florissant to help the city benchmark energy and target improvements of city-run facilities.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2088,782,4,4,1264527442,'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:\"2010-01-26 06:32 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:\"83\";}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:32:\"CBRE Announces Hires, Promotions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:31:\"cbre_announces_hires_promotions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:32:\"CBRE Announces Hires, Promotions\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:97:\"CB Richard Ellis is pleased to announce two promotions and two new hires in its St. Louis office.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"CBRE, CB Richard Ellis\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1792:\"<p>CB Richard Ellis is pleased to announce two promotions and two new hires in its St. Louis office.</p>\n<p>Jeromy Ruot has been promoted to senior real estate manager. Ruot has 15 years experience managing high-rise office buildings and is currently responsible for the oversight of Gateway Tower and the 1015 Locust building in downtown St. Louis. Jeromy\\\'s interest and commitment to \\\"green\\\" building practices has resulted in him attaining the designation of CBRE \\\"Green Knight\\\" for the area. He is the team leader for assisting the Asset Management team with Energy Star and LEED initiatives.</p>\n<p>Liz Schenk has been promoted to Real Estate Manager. Schenk manages a diverse portfolio of suburban and city buildings, and joined the CBRE management team in 2005. Liz is an Associate Member of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and is working toward her Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation.</p>\n<p>Also within the Asset Services division, CBRE is pleased to welcome Lauren Furry as a Real Estate Services Coordinator in St. Louis. Lauren will be located at the Olive Corporate Center where her primary duties are administrative functions and tenant relations. Lauren has a B.A. in Sustainable Architecture from Western State College of Colorado.</p>\n<p>In the Project Management division, CBRE\\\'s St. Louis office has added Vance Pena as a Project Manager. Vance will assist tenants and landlords with tenant finish, capital improvement and LEED initiative projects. Vance has been working in the St. Louis market in similar capacities for 20 years.</p>\n<p>CB Richard Ellis | St. Louis provides in-house brokerage, asset management, project management, financial analysis, appraisal, research and marketing services for the commercial real estate industry.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2089,776,4,4,1264527507,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"776\";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:\"2010-01-26 06:38 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:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:53:\"Paric Leads $14 Million in Projects on Seniors Campus\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:52:\"paric_leads_14_million_in_projects_on_seniors_campus\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Paric Leads $14.5 Million in Projects on Seniors Campus\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:139:\"Paric is starting a second project at a senior facility in O\\\'Fallon, MO, which will bring its total work under way there to $14.5 million.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:34:\"Paric, St. Mary\\\'s, Lawrence Group\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:918:\"<p>With work well under way on Phase II, Paric is set to begin a $4.6 million renovation project of an existing skilled nursing facility at the Village of St. Mary\\\'s \\\"Villa Theresa\\\" Continuum of Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in O\\\'Fallon, Mo, in addition to a $9.5 million in-progress two-phase senior living renovation. Paric leads both projects as construction manager.</p>\n<p>The 51,000-square-foot skilled nursing facility renovation is expected to begin in February, with an estimated 10-month timeline for completion.  <br />Phase II of the housing development project, which includes renovation of approximately 21,000 square feet of existing space into 15 affordable apartment units for seniors began in October. Phase I was completed in September.</p>\n<p>The project is a joint venture between The Sisters of the Most Precious Blood and McEagle Properties, LLC.  The Lawrence Group is the architect.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2090,783,5,4,1264527931,'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:\"2010-01-26 06:39 AM\";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:\"83\";}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:35:\"There Are Only Two Types of Selling\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"there_are_only_two_types_of_selling\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:35:\"There Are Only Two Types of Selling\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:42:\"There really are only two types of sales. \";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:22:\"Woodcock, sales, types\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:1907:\"<p>There really are only two types of sales.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"llama\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"228\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/llama.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" /></p>\n<p>Everyone sells in one degree or another in one of these fashions. As you analyze your or your personnel\\\'s sales performance, keep these selling types in mind. I constantly find expectations unrealistic for sales results when someone is trying to sell contrary to their sales type. Be honest enough to realize how you roll and adjust accordingly. Of course this assumes a few things, A. you want to sell, B. you have a good work ethic, and C. you believe in your product or service. Here are the two types and how they should be orchestrated:<br /></p>\n<p><strong>The Gunner:</strong> This person is a high energy, type \\\"A\\\" personality. Most people think that this is the ideal sales person. It may be but most will never get really deep into an account. They tend to nail the quicker opportunities and gather tons of them. They are almost always high producers but tend to be transient. A Gunner will look for the best situation to produce revenue. Seldom a long term employee unless compensated well.<br /><strong></strong></p>\n<p><strong>The Plugger: </strong>This type is consistent in contact and develops results as opposed to produce them. They take more time to get the business but tend to go deeper into accounts. Their activity still must be high as often these folks want to \\\"manage\\\" accounts extensively when they gain them. These are usual long term employees that build quality account bases.<br /></p>\n<p>You may contend there are other types but in reality they are usually variations of these two. Having reasonable expectations for these folks and driving them in relation to their talents, can make a good situation for all.</p>\n<p>Step back and take a look and determine which type are you?</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2091,780,4,4,1264582486,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"780\";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:\"2010-01-24 08:12 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:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:49:\"90 Percent of Contractors Say No Recovery in 2010\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"90_percent_of_contractors_say_no_recovery_in_2010\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"90 Percent of Contractors Say No Recovery in 2010\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:157:\"Nearly nine-in-ten contractors say there will be no recovery in 2010 according to a forecast released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"AGC, forecast\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:4140:\"<p>Nearly nine-in-ten contractors say there will be no recovery in 2010 as part of a new national construction hiring and business outlook forecast released by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). As a result, fewer contractors plan to purchase construction equipment and after a year of near-record industry layoffs, many doubt they\\\'ll be able to hire new staff this year.</p>\n<p>\\\"Unfortunately for the industry and for our economy this year\\\'s construction outlook is far from positive,\\\" said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association\\\'s chief executive officer. \\\"As long as the construction industry remains mired in its own depression, broader economic and employment growth will continue to lag.\\\"</p>\n<p>The outlook, which is based in part on survey responses from nearly 700 construction firms submitted in late December and earlier this month, shows that privately-funded construction activity is likely to decline even further this year. Indeed, 64 percent of responding contractors expect demand for new manufacturing facilities will decline, while 71 percent expect demand for new retail, warehouse and lodging facilities will drop.</p>\n<p>As a result, the number of firms expecting to buy new equipment is down to 46 percent this year from 61 percent in 2009. Meanwhile, 81 percent of firms report already having to cut profit margins in their bids just to stay competitive and another ten percent say they are now submitting bids so low they will actually lose money on the projects.</p>\n<p>Sandherr added that many construction firms are uncertain that they\\\'ll be able to add staff following a year of record layoffs. In 2009, 73 percent of firms said they laid off employees, averaging 39 layoffs per firm. For 2010, however, 60 percent of firms say they are unsure whether they will be able to add new staff, or be forced to make further cuts. \\\"Perhaps they can\\\'t imagine who else to let go,\\\" Sandherr noted.</p>\n<p>One of the relatively few bright spots for the industry was the federal stimulus. Thirty-one percent of contractors say they were awarded stimulus funded projects. Of these, 46 percent say the stimulus helped them retain an average of 24 employees each. Another 15 percent say the stimulus helped them to add an average of 10 new employees per company while 12 percent cite the stimulus as driving new equipment purchases.</p>\n<p>Sandherr added that the stimulus is driving up expectations for publicly-funded construction activity in 2010. He noted that 62 percent of contractors expect the highway market to improve or remain stable, 61 percent say water and sewer construction will improve or remain stable. And 55 percent say work on public buildings will improve or remain stable in 2010.</p>\n<p>\\\"The stimulus is finally beginning to have a measurable, but limited, impact on the construction industry,\\\" Sandherr noted. \\\"The full impact of those investments has sadly been tempered by the inability of Congress to put a host of multi-year infrastructure funding plans in place.\\\"</p>\n<p>In addition to stimulus-funded projects, contractors also are relatively upbeat about prospects for power and hospital/higher education construction. Fifty-two percent expect demand for power facilities to be at or above last year\\\'s levels while 57 percent of contractors expect growth or stability in demand for hospital and higher education construction.</p>\n<p>Overall, however, the outlook points to another difficult year for contractors Sandherr said. The only truly good news, he added, is that construction costs remain at multi-year lows, providing good deals for anyone willing to begin a construction project.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/View the 2010 National Construction Hiring and Business Forecast.\\\">Click here to view the national construction hiring and business forecast. </a></p>\n<p><a href=\\\"http://www.mmsend50.com/ls.cfm?r=186186751&amp;sid=8438731&amp;m=912074&amp;u=agca&amp;s=http://www.agc.org/galleries/news/2010%20Construction%20Outlook%20State-by-State%20Results.xls\\\">Click here to view the state-by-state construction hiring and business forecasts</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2092,777,4,4,1264582593,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"777\";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:\"2010-01-24 07:35 AM\";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:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:\" Builders Donate $8,250 to Edgewood Children\\\'s Center\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"builders_donate_8250_to_edgewood_childrens_center\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Builders Donate $8,250 to Edgewood Children\\\'s Center\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:133:\"HBA President Sean Flower  presented an $8,250 donation to Edgewood Children\\\'s Center, from the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"HBA, Edgewood\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1122:\"<p>Home Builders Association (HBA) President Sean Flower of Flower &amp; Fendler, Inc. presented an $8,250 donation to Ellen Reed-Fox, director of advancement for Edgewood Children\\\'s Center, on behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.</p>\n<p>The donation will be used for partial funding toward the installation of new lighting in a new residential unit for autistic children. An existing building on the Edgewood campus is being renovated to house 12 autistic children ranging from ages 5-15. Many of these children exhibit aggressive behaviors and cannot reside in less restrictive environments. Edgewood is striving to reach out to children and families in most dire need of assistance, providing comprehensive services that enable the children to grow and flourish at their own pace.</p>\n<p>The HBA is a local trade association of more than 800 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA\\\'s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2093,777,4,4,1264582638,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"777\";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:\"2010-01-24 07:35 AM\";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:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:34:\"Builders Donate $8,250 to Edgewood\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"builders_donate_8250_to_edgewood\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"Builders Donate $8,250 to Edgewood \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:133:\"HBA President Sean Flower  presented an $8,250 donation to Edgewood Children\\\'s Center, from the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"HBA, Edgewood\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1122:\"<p>Home Builders Association (HBA) President Sean Flower of Flower &amp; Fendler, Inc. presented an $8,250 donation to Ellen Reed-Fox, director of advancement for Edgewood Children\\\'s Center, on behalf of the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.</p>\n<p>The donation will be used for partial funding toward the installation of new lighting in a new residential unit for autistic children. An existing building on the Edgewood campus is being renovated to house 12 autistic children ranging from ages 5-15. Many of these children exhibit aggressive behaviors and cannot reside in less restrictive environments. Edgewood is striving to reach out to children and families in most dire need of assistance, providing comprehensive services that enable the children to grow and flourish at their own pace.</p>\n<p>The HBA is a local trade association of more than 800 member firms representing the residential construction industry. The Home Builders Charitable Foundation, the HBA\\\'s charitable arm, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing assistance to people or organizations with special shelter needs.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2094,774,4,4,1264582689,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"774\";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:\"2010-01-21 01:13 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:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:49:\"Contegra Completes  $2.5 Million Deere Dealership\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:45:\"contegra_completes_25_million_john_dealership\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Contegra Completes  $2.5 Million John  Dealership\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:145:\"Contegra Construction Co. has completed a $2.5 million John Deere dealership at 1400 E. Outer Road in Scott City, MO. for Wm. Nobbe and Co., Inc.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"Contegra, Nobbe\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1188:\"<p>Contegra Construction Co. has completed a $2.5 million John Deere dealership at 1400 E. Outer Road in Scott City, MO. for Wm. Nobbe and Co., Inc.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"William Nobbe John Deere Dealership\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"162\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Wm Nobbe Dealership_1_10.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />Contegra provided complete turnkey design and construction services on the 42,250-square-foot structure being built to meet strong demand for agricultural implements. The building replaces Nobbe\\\'s current dealership at 2900 Old Orchard Road in Jackson, Mo. <br /> Nobbe, among the leading agricultural equipment retailers in southwestern Illinois, also operates John Deere dealerships in Steelville, Waterloo and Jerseyville, Ill. <br /> Its new dealership in Scott City features a 18,000-square-foot service center, 9,000 square feet of showroom and office space and a 7,500-square-foot parts department.</p>\n<p>Founded in 2003, Contegra Construction is a design/build and construction management firm that serves industrial, health care, retail and office markets in Missouri and Illinois. It has offices in Edwardsville, Ill. and Chesterfield, Mo.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2095,774,4,4,1264582729,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"774\";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:\"2010-01-21 01:13 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:\"83\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:49:\"Contegra Completes  $2.5 Million Deere Dealership\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"contegra_completes_25_million_deere_dealership\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:50:\"Contegra Completes  $2.5 Million Deere  Dealership\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:145:\"Contegra Construction Co. has completed a $2.5 million John Deere dealership at 1400 E. Outer Road in Scott City, MO. for Wm. Nobbe and Co., Inc.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"Contegra, Nobbe\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1188:\"<p>Contegra Construction Co. has completed a $2.5 million John Deere dealership at 1400 E. Outer Road in Scott City, MO. for Wm. Nobbe and Co., Inc.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"William Nobbe John Deere Dealership\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"162\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/Wm Nobbe Dealership_1_10.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />Contegra provided complete turnkey design and construction services on the 42,250-square-foot structure being built to meet strong demand for agricultural implements. The building replaces Nobbe\\\'s current dealership at 2900 Old Orchard Road in Jackson, Mo. <br /> Nobbe, among the leading agricultural equipment retailers in southwestern Illinois, also operates John Deere dealerships in Steelville, Waterloo and Jerseyville, Ill. <br /> Its new dealership in Scott City features a 18,000-square-foot service center, 9,000 square feet of showroom and office space and a 7,500-square-foot parts department.</p>\n<p>Founded in 2003, Contegra Construction is a design/build and construction management firm that serves industrial, health care, retail and office markets in Missouri and Illinois. It has offices in Edwardsville, Ill. and Chesterfield, Mo.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"83\";}'),(2096,784,4,4,1265132445,'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:\"2010-02-02 06:36 AM\";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:\"84\";}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:24:\"Sitton HIres Katie Stein\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:24:\"sitton_hires_katie_stein\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:24:\"Sitton HIres Katie Stein\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:108:\"Construction management firm Sitton Construction Group has hired Katie Stein, LEED AP, as a project manager.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"Stein, Sitton\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:647:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\\\">Construction management firm Sitton Construction Group has hired\nKatie Stein, LEED AP, as a project manager. Stein will manage facility planning, design and construction projects\nfor the firm.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"line-height: 150%;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\\\">Sitton\nConstruction Group provides professional construction management services\nduring planning, design and construction as the owner&rsquo;s representative, </span></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2099,786,10,4,1265133700,'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:\"2010-02-02 06:50 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";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:29:\"Tim Montgomery at ASA Meeting\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"tim_montgomery_at_asa_meeting\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:29:\"Tim Montgomery at ASA Meeting\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:164:\"Tim Montogmery, an article and noted proponent of sustainable design, will speak at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:15:\"Montgomery, ASA\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:103:\" The Viking Conference Center at the Holiday Inn Southwest  10709 Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2010-02-17  5:30 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11.0in;\n	margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in;\n	mso-header-margin:.5in;\n	mso-footer-margin:.5in;\n	mso-paper-source:0;}\ndiv.Section1\n	{page:Section1;}\n /* List Definitions */\n@list l0\n	{mso-list-id:1181234750;\n	mso-list-type:hybrid;\n	mso-list-template-ids:119441782 1115145 1639433 1770505 984073 1639433 1770505 984073 1639433 1770505;}\n@list l0:level1\n	{mso-level-text:\\\"%1\\\\)\\\";\n	mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;\n	mso-level-number-position:left;\n	text-indent:-.25in;}\nol\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\nul\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\n--&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;\n</style>\n<!--StartFragment--><strong></strong><span style=\\\"font-weight: normal;\\\">Tim Montogmery, an article and noted proponent of sustainable design, will speak at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span></span></p>\n<p><strong>WHERE:</strong> The Viking Conference Center, Sunset Hills.<br />10709 Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127. (Directions:  Exit Highway 44 East to the Lindbergh exit.  Go right and make another right into their parking lot at the corner of Watson and Lindbergh.)</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>TOPIC:</strong> Going \\\"Green\\\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>SPEAKER:</strong> Tim Montgomery, TMA Architects &amp; USGBC-St. Louis Chapter</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>WHEN: </strong> Wednesday, February 17, 2010</p>\n<p>5:30 p.m.            Meeting Registration and Social Time</p>\n<p>5:45 p.m.         BPI (G.H. Voss, Hensley Construction, Opus Northwest)</p>\n<p>6:30 p.m.                  Dinner</p>\n<p>7:15 p.m.            Program and Announcements</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>COST:              $40 per person for Members; First-Time Guests are Free of Charge</p>\n<p><strong><span>&nbsp;Reservations: </span></strong></p>\n<p><strong><span></span></strong><span>Reba A. Gillick<br />Executive Director<br />American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council<br />P.O. Box 270<br />Union, MO 63084<br />(314) 214-1664<br />Fax (314) 214-166</span><span>5</span><br />Email: <a href=\\\"mailto:reba@asamidwest.com\\\">reba@asamidwest.com</a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--></p>\";}'),(2100,786,10,4,1265133766,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"786\";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:\"2010-02-02 06:50 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:29:\"Tim Montgomery at ASA Meeting\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"tim_montgomery_at_asa_meeting\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:29:\"Tim Montgomery at ASA Meeting\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:166:\"Tim Montogmery, an architect and noted proponent of sustainable design, will speak at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:15:\"Montgomery, ASA\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:103:\" The Viking Conference Center at the Holiday Inn Southwest  10709 Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2010-02-17 05:30 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:7:\"5:30 PM\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:6397:\"<p>\n<meta name=\\\"Title\\\" />\n<meta name=\\\"Keywords\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"text/html; charset=utf-8\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Word.Document\\\" name=\\\"ProgId\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Microsoft Word 10\\\" 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l0:level1\n	{mso-level-text:\\\"%1\\\\)\\\";\n	mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;\n	mso-level-number-position:left;\n	text-indent:-.25in;}\nol\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\nul\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\n--&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;\n</style>\n<!--StartFragment--><span style=\\\"font-weight: normal;\\\">Tim Montogmery, an architect and noted proponent of sustainable design, will speak at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span></span></p>\n<p><strong>WHERE:</strong> The Viking Conference Center, Sunset Hills.<br />10709 Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127. (Directions:  Exit Highway 44 East to the Lindbergh exit.  Go right and make another right into their parking lot at the corner of Watson and Lindbergh.)</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>TOPIC:</strong> Going \\\"Green\\\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>SPEAKER:</strong> Tim Montgomery, TMA Architects &amp; USGBC-St. Louis Chapter</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>WHEN: </strong> Wednesday, February 17, 2010</p>\n<p>5:30 p.m.            Meeting Registration and Social Time</p>\n<p>5:45 p.m.         BPI (G.H. Voss, Hensley Construction, Opus Northwest)</p>\n<p>6:30 p.m.                  Dinner</p>\n<p>7:15 p.m.            Program and Announcements</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>COST:              $40 per person for Members; First-Time Guests are Free of Charge</p>\n<p><strong><span>&nbsp;Reservations: </span></strong></p>\n<p><strong><span></span></strong><span>Reba A. Gillick<br />Executive Director<br />American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council<br />P.O. Box 270<br />Union, MO 63084<br />(314) 214-1664<br />Fax (314) 214-166</span><span>5</span><br />Email: <a href=\\\"mailto:reba@asamidwest.com\\\">reba@asamidwest.com</a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2101,787,4,4,1265138064,'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:\"2010-02-02 08:10 AM\";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:\"84\";}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:49:\"Earthshaking Event Scheduled for Engineers\\\' Week\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"earthshaking_event_scheduled_for_engineers_week\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Earthshaking Event Scheduled for Engineers\\\' Week\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:115:\"The Engineers\\\' Week Join Society Lunch Feb. 16 will feature a presentation on earthquake monitoring and response. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:27:\"engineers, Engineers\\\' Week\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1162:\"<p>he Engineers\\\' Week Join Society Lunch on Feb. 16 will feature a\npresentation by Robert B. Hermann of St. Louis University on earthquake\nmonitoring and response.</p>\n<p>Hermann, the Otto Nutti Professor of Physics in the department of\nEarth and Atmospheric Sciences at SLU, will explain how earthquakes are\nmonitored in eight Midwestern states by the St. Louis University\nseismic network. The SLU seismic network forwards recordings in real\ntime to the US Geological<br />Survey National Earthquake Information\nCenter in Golden Colorado. The NEIC is developing tools for the rapid\nestimation of ground shaking for use by emergency<br />response officials.</p>\n<p>The event, to be held at the Engineers\\\' Club, 4359 Lindell Blvd.,&nbsp;\nis sponsored by the Engineers\\\' Club, MSPE, ASCE, ISPE, SFPE, and SAME.\nRegistration begins at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. The cost\nis $20 per person. Make checks payable to the Engineering Foundation of\nSt. Louis.</p>\n<p>For reservations contact Kur Krispin at the Engineers Club at 314.533.9333, email <a href=\\\"mailto:kurt.krispin@engineersclub.net\\\">kurt.krispin@engineersclub.net</a> by Friday Feb. 12.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2102,788,4,4,1265219414,'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:\"2010-02-03 06:40 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:\"84\";}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:53:\"Funeral Service Thursday for Cox & Hunter\\\'s Bill Cox\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"funeral_service_thursday_for_cox_hunters_bill_cox\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Funeral Service Thursday for Cox & Hunter\\\'s Bill Cox\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:204:\"A memorial service will be held Thursday for William M. \\\"Bill\\\" Cox, Jr., former president of Cox & Hunter Company, which was at one time one of the largest roofing deck applicators in the United States.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:17:\"Cox, Cox & Hunter\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1096:\"<p>A memorial service will be held Thursday for William M. \\\"Bill\\\" Cox, Jr., former president of Cox &amp; Hunter Company, which was at one time one of the largest roofing deck applicators in the United States. The company was based in Kirkwood.</p>\n<p>Mr. Cox resided in Punte Gorda, FL with his wife Bettie after his retirement. During his career he was active in the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis and the Engineers Club.</p>\n<p>Several of his nine sons are still in various constructions-related companies. Jody is president of JODAN Architectural Concepts Corp., based in Clearwater FL.  Mark Cox is with Custom Aluminum Systems based in Atlanta GA.  Tom Cox president of Bi-State Roof Systems, based in Valley Park, where he works with his brother Chris.&nbsp;  Tim Cox is with Trinity Metals based out of Kirkwood. The remaining four sons have their own businesses outside of the construction industry. All at one time worked at Cox &amp; Hunter.<br /><br />A memorial Mass&nbsp; will be held this Thursday, Feb. 4, at 10:30AM at St. Peter\\\'s Catholic Church in Kirkwood.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2103,789,4,4,1265219837,'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:\"2010-02-03 04:52 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:\"84\";}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:51:\"PGAV Designs of $110 Million GA Aquarium Expansion \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"pgav_designs_of_110_million_ga_aquarium_expansion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:50:\"PGAV Designs of $110 Million GA Aquarium Expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:127:\"A 1.8 million gallon dolphin exhibit is part of a $110 million of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, which was designed by PGAV. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:23:\"aquarium, Georgia, PGAV\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:860:\"<p>Dolphins are coming to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta as part of the venue\\\'s latest expansion, which will open in November 2010.</p>\n<p>The $110 Million project includes an 84,000 square foot space, about the size of two football fields, with a 1.8 million gallon exhibit housing trained bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The expansion, located on the west side of the present Aquarium building in downtown Atlanta, will house dolphin encounters, viewing windows and dolphin shows.</p>\n<p>PGAV Destinations served as both architect and experience designer for this project, following their role as exhibit designer for the highly successful initial phase of the Georgia Aquarium.</p>\n<p>\\\"The Aquarium brings together the most desirable elements,\\\" says Jim Moorkamp, Principal and Co-leader of PGAV Destinations. \\\"We are pleased that so many</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2104,790,4,4,1265220171,'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:\"2010-02-03 03:58 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:\"84\";}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:39:\"Dave Spruiel Named VP at BRK Electrical\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:39:\"dave_spruiel_named_vp_at_brk_electrical\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:39:\"Dave Spruiel Named VP at BRK Electrical\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:81:\"Dave Spruiel has been promoted to vice president of operations at BRK Electrical.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:12:\"BRK, Spruiel\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:685:\"<p>Marion Hayes, III, president and CEO of BRK Electrical Contractors LLC, recently promoted Dave Spruiel to vice president of operations.</p>\n<p>Spruiel, formerly the operations manager, will now oversee all field and project management operations for BRK Electrical Contactors LLC.</p>\n<p>\\\"Dave Spruiel\\\'s dedication and detail to projects has helped BRK Electrical Contractors LLC in securing million dollar contracts. He has over 22 years of industrial experience and 15 years of supervisory experience on industrial and commercial projects,\\\" commented Hayes.</p>\n<p>Since 1993, Spruiel has managed multiple projects totaling over $18.5 MM for BRK Electrical Contractors LLC.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2105,791,4,4,1265220491,'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:\"2010-02-03 02:05 AM\";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:\"84\";}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:43:\"Hilliker Corporation Announces Transactions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:43:\"hilliker_corporation_announces_transactions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:43:\"Hilliker Corporation Announces Transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:76:\"Hilliker Corporation has announced several recent real estate transacations.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"Hilliker, transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2048:\"<p>Hilliker Corporation has announced the following transactions.</p>\n<p>Will Aschinger of Hilliker Corporation represented Caito\\\'s Holding LLC in the sale of the 3,890 sq.ft. retail building located at 10012 Manchester Road in Kirkwood to Brannan/Williams Holdings, LLC represented by Coldwell Banker Gundaker.</p>\n<p><br />Jeff Altvater and Hal Ball of Hilliker Corporation represented AHG Ventures, LLC in the sale of the 25,000 sq.ft. office building located at 1177 N. Warson Road in Olivette to St. Louis Arc, Inc. represented by Colliers Turley Martin Tucker and Coldwell Banker Commercial.</p>\n<p><br />Will Aschinger of Hililker Corporation represented 2330 Hampton, L.C. in the sale of the 3,600 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 2330 Hampton Avenue in the City of St. Louis to Safety Council of Greater St. Louis represented by Brian O\\\'Connell and Will Aschinger of Hilliker Corporation.</p>\n<p><br />Will Aschinger of Hilliker Corporation represented Richard W. and Joyce M. Kissane Revocable Trust in the sale of the 2,600 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 844 S. Harrison in Kirkwood to The Kirkwood Theatre Guild represented by Realty Resource, Inc.</p>\n<p><br />Jim Newman of Hilliker Corporation represented HIC Real Estate, LLC in leasing the 5,017 sq.ft. office/warehouse space located at 1425 Strassner Drive in Brentwood to Fellers, Incorporated represented by Redmond Company.</p>\n<p><br />John Hoofman and Brian O\\\'Connell of Hilliker Corporation represented Sol Zein Building Company, LLC in the lease of the 6,925 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 4500 Delmar Blvd. in the City of St. Louis by Gary B. and Diana R. Barnholtz represented by Mark Brennan of Solon Gershman.</p>\n<p><br />Scott Martin of Hilliker Corporation represented Hi-Mo Leasing Services LLC in the purchase of the 20,000 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 8 Capper Drive in Pacific from JMC Development LLC represented by Erv Heyde, Holly Heyde and Matt Hiatt of CB Richard Ellis.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2106,792,5,4,1265222050,'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:\"2010-02-03 07:21 AM\";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:\"84\";}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:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"tax_tips_for_contractors_offered\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:112:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:34:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6019:\"<p>Contractors are coming off what has to be one of the most dramatic decades in history. Bookended by 9/11 and a severe recession, with boom years in the middle, the past 10 years have challenged the resources of even the most financially solid and best-run companies. Recently enacted stimulus bills offer new tax-saving opportunities, while current budget deficits and the change of administration portend tax increases. Contractors need to do what they can to maximize cash by effectively managing their tax burdens and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2010 ushering in a very uncertain tax climate, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips offered by the accounting firm of <a href=\\\"http://www.grantthornton.com\\\" title=\\\"Grant Thornton\\\">Grant Thornton</a>:<br /> <strong><br />1.       Make the most of your net operating loss deduction.</strong> Recent tax legislation opens up opportunities for taxpayers of all sizes to choose an extended carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs). This provision allows contractors who have NOLs to choose a five-, four- or three-year carryback period (increased from the normal two-year rule) for NOLs incurred in a tax year beginning or ending in 2008 or 2009. Keep in mind, however, that only a single year can qualify for this enhanced carryback period. Taxpayers with NOLs in two or three qualifying years need additional analysis to maximize their cash refunds.<br /> <strong><br />2.       Take a hard look at bonus depreciation deductions.</strong> As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2009 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 (the most common tax life for construction equipment), this allows a deduction of 60 percent of the asset\\\'s cost in the first year of its life. For contractors in a tax-loss position, this deduction increases NOL carryback opportunities. However, pass-through entities such as S corporations or LLCs should be aware that significant individual income tax increases are possible, which may make depreciation deductions worth more in the future. Careful planning is required to make sure this deduction is right for you.<br /> <strong><br />3.       Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases.</strong> 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 and individuals (absent a law change) will face higher taxes on these items in 2011. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions should work with tax advisers to analyze whether accelerating capital gains and dividends into 2010 is a prudent tax move.<br /> <br /><strong>4.       Take full advantage of capital asset expensing deductions.</strong> Rules originally intended for small businesses were expanded significantly to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of 2009 fixed asset costs, provided less than $800,000 of assets were placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. However, this deduction cannot be taken if a contractor is already in a tax-loss position.<br /> <br /><strong>5.       Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option.<br /> <br /><strong>6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes.</strong> A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate <br />savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>7. Examine capital asset depreciation methods and lives.</strong> Depreciating ï¬xed assets is one of the most complex aspects of tax law. Understanding and properly applying these rules can accelerate income tax deductions, and theseidance allows \\\"catch-up\\\" <br />deductions with an automatic change in accounting methods.</p>\n<p><strong>8. Review deferred compensation plans.</strong> Contractors who struggle with proï¬ tability often cannot revert to past practices of awarding large bonuses to retain key employees. This is the time to look at additional beneï¬ ts besides proï¬ t-sharing and 401(k) plans. Nonqualiï¬ed plans can give employers the ability to pick <br />and choose which employees to cover. Often limited to key employees, a properly drafted plan can provide incentives that&nbsp; align with a contractor\\\'s strategic plan and provide employees a powerful incentive to remain with the company.</p>\n<p><strong>9. Consider establishing a separate entity to own and lease ï¬xed assets used in the business.</strong> Often referred to as leasing or procurement companies, these entities help manage assets and may signiï¬cantly reduce sales-and-use tax, which is collected and remitted regardless of whether a company is proï¬ table.</p>\n<p><strong>10. Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled <br />for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efï¬ cient option.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2107,788,4,4,1265222988,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"788\";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:\"2010-02-03 06:40 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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:53:\"Funeral Service Thursday for Cox & Hunter\\\'s Bill Cox\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"funeral_service_thursday_for_cox_hunters_bill_cox\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Funeral Service Thursday for Cox & Hunter\\\'s Bill Cox\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:204:\"A memorial service will be held Thursday for William M. \\\"Bill\\\" Cox, Jr., former president of Cox & Hunter Company, which was at one time one of the largest roofing deck applicators in the United States.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:17:\"Cox, Cox & Hunter\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1099:\"<p>A memorial service will be held Thursday for William M. \\\"Bill\\\" Cox, Jr., former president of Cox &amp; Hunter Company, which was at one time one of the largest roofing deck applicators in the United States. The company was based in Kirkwood.</p>\n<p>Mr. Cox resided in Punte Gorda, FL with his wife Bettie after his retirement. During his career he was active in the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis and the Engineers Club.</p>\n<p>Several of his nine sons are still in various constructions-related companies. Jody is president of JODAN Architectural Concepts Corp., based in Clearwater FL.  Mark Cox is with Custom Aluminum Systems based in Atlanta GA.  Tom Cox is president of Bi-State Roof Systems, based in Valley Park, where he works with his brother Chris.&nbsp;  Tim Cox is with Trinity Metals based out of Kirkwood. The remaining four sons have their own businesses outside of the construction industry. All at one time worked at Cox &amp; Hunter.<br /><br />A memorial Mass&nbsp; will be held this Thursday, Feb. 4, at 10:30AM at St. Peter\\\'s Catholic Church in Kirkwood.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2108,789,4,4,1265223111,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"789\";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:\"2010-02-03 04:52 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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:50:\"PGAV Designs of $110 Million GA Aquarium Expansion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"pgav_designs_of_110_million_ga_aquarium_expansion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:50:\"PGAV Designs of $110 Million GA Aquarium Expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:127:\"A 1.8 million gallon dolphin exhibit is part of a $110 million of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, which was designed by PGAV. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:23:\"aquarium, Georgia, PGAV\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:892:\"<p>Dolphins are coming to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta as part of the venue\\\'s latest expansion, which will open in November 2010.</p>\n<p>The $110 Million project includes an 84,000 square foot space, about the size of two football fields, with a 1.8 million gallon exhibit housing trained bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The expansion, located on the west side of the present Aquarium building in downtown Atlanta, will house dolphin encounters, viewing windows and dolphin shows.</p>\n<p>PGAV Destinations served as both architect and experience designer for this project, following their role as exhibit designer for the highly successful initial phase of the Georgia Aquarium.</p>\n<p>\\\"The Aquarium brings together the most desirable elements,\\\" says Jim Moorkamp, Principal and Co-leader of PGAV Destinations. \\\"We are pleased that so many visitors are experiencing it.\\\"</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2109,787,4,4,1265223202,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"787\";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:\"2010-02-02 08:10 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:49:\"Earthshaking Event Scheduled for Engineers\\\' Week\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"earthshaking_event_scheduled_for_engineers_week\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Earthshaking Event Scheduled for Engineers\\\' Week\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:115:\"The Engineers\\\' Week Join Society Lunch Feb. 16 will feature a presentation on earthquake monitoring and response. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:27:\"engineers, Engineers\\\' Week\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1163:\"<p>The Engineers\\\' Week Join Society Lunch on Feb. 16 will feature a\npresentation by Robert B. Hermann of St. Louis University on earthquake\nmonitoring and response.</p>\n<p>Hermann, the Otto Nutti Professor of Physics in the department of\nEarth and Atmospheric Sciences at SLU, will explain how earthquakes are\nmonitored in eight Midwestern states by the St. Louis University\nseismic network. The SLU seismic network forwards recordings in real\ntime to the US Geological<br />Survey National Earthquake Information\nCenter in Golden Colorado. The NEIC is developing tools for the rapid\nestimation of ground shaking for use by emergency<br />response officials.</p>\n<p>The event, to be held at the Engineers\\\' Club, 4359 Lindell Blvd.,&nbsp;\nis sponsored by the Engineers\\\' Club, MSPE, ASCE, ISPE, SFPE, and SAME.\nRegistration begins at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. The cost\nis $20 per person. Make checks payable to the Engineering Foundation of\nSt. Louis.</p>\n<p>For reservations contact Kur Krispin at the Engineers Club at 314.533.9333, email <a href=\\\"mailto:kurt.krispin@engineersclub.net\\\">kurt.krispin@engineersclub.net</a> by Friday Feb. 12.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"5\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2110,792,5,4,1265224134,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"792\";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:\"2010-02-03 07:21 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"tax_tips_for_contractors_offered\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:112:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:34:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6013:\"<p>Contractors are coming off what has to be one of the most dramatic decades in history. Bookended by 9/11 and a severe recession, with boom years in the middle, the past 10 years have challenged the resources of even the most financially solid and best-run companies. Recently enacted stimulus bills offer new tax-saving opportunities, while current budget deficits and the change of administration portend tax increases. Contractors need to do what they can to maximize cash by effectively managing their tax burdens and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2010 ushering in a very uncertain tax climate, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips offered by the accounting firm of <a href=\\\"http://www.grantthornton.com\\\" title=\\\"Grant Thornton\\\">Grant Thornton</a>:<br /> <strong><br />1.       Make the most of your net operating loss deduction.</strong> Recent tax legislation opens up opportunities for taxpayers of all sizes to choose an extended carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs). This provision allows contractors who have NOLs to choose a five-, four- or three-year carryback period (increased from the normal two-year rule) for NOLs incurred in a tax year beginning or ending in 2008 or 2009. Keep in mind, however, that only a single year can qualify for this enhanced carryback period. Taxpayers with NOLs in two or three qualifying years need additional analysis to maximize their cash refunds.<br /> <strong><br />2.       Take a hard look at bonus depreciation deductions.</strong> As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2009 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 (the most common tax life for construction equipment), this allows a deduction of 60 percent of the asset\\\'s cost in the first year of its life. For contractors in a tax-loss position, this deduction increases NOL carryback opportunities. However, pass-through entities such as S corporations or LLCs should be aware that significant individual income tax increases are possible, which may make depreciation deductions worth more in the future. Careful planning is required to make sure this deduction is right for you.<br /> <strong><br />3.       Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases.</strong> 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 and individuals (absent a law change) will face higher taxes on these items in 2011. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions should work with tax advisers to analyze whether accelerating capital gains and dividends into 2010 is a prudent tax move.<br /> <br /><strong>4.       Take full advantage of capital asset expensing deductions.</strong> Rules originally intended for small businesses were expanded significantly to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of 2009 fixed asset costs, provided less than $800,000 of assets were placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. However, this deduction cannot be taken if a contractor is already in a tax-loss position.<br /> <br /><strong>5.       Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option.<br /> <br /><strong>6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes.</strong> A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate <br />savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>7. Examine capital asset depreciation methods and lives.</strong> Depreciating ï¬xed assets is one of the most complex aspects of tax law. Understanding and properly applying these rules can accelerate income tax deductions, and theseidance allows \\\"catch-up\\\" deductions with an automatic change in accounting methods.</p>\n<p><strong>8. Review deferred compensation plans.</strong> Contractors who struggle with proï¬ tability often cannot revert to past practices of awarding large bonuses to retain key employees. This is the time to look at additional beneï¬ ts besides proï¬ t-sharing and 401(k) plans. Nonqualiï¬ed plans can give employers the ability to pick <br />and choose which employees to cover. Often limited to key employees, a properly drafted plan can provide incentives that&nbsp; align with a contractor\\\'s strategic plan and provide employees a powerful incentive to remain with the company.</p>\n<p><strong>9. Consider establishing a separate entity to own and lease ï¬xed assets used in the business.</strong> Often referred to as leasing or procurement companies, these entities help manage assets and may signiï¬cantly reduce sales-and-use tax, which is collected and remitted regardless of whether a company is proï¬ table.</p>\n<p><strong>10. Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled <br />for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efï¬ cient option.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2111,792,5,4,1265224457,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"792\";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:\"2010-02-03 07:21 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"tax_tips_for_contractors_offered\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:112:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:34:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6148:\"<p>Contractors are coming off what has to be one of the most dramatic decades in history. Bookended by 9/11 and a severe recession, with boom years in the middle, the past 10 years have challenged the resources of even the most financially solid and best-run companies. Recently enacted stimulus bills offer new tax-saving opportunities, while current budget deficits and the change of administration portend tax increases. Contractors need to do what they can to maximize cash by effectively managing their tax burdens and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2010 ushering in a very uncertain tax climate, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips offered by the accounting firm of <a href=\\\"http://www.grantthornton.com\\\" title=\\\"Grant Thornton\\\">Grant Thornton</a>:<br /> <strong><br />1.       Make the most of your net operating loss deduction.</strong> Recent tax legislation opens up opportunities for taxpayers of all sizes to choose an extended carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs). This provision allows contractors who have NOLs to choose a five-, four- or three-year carryback period (increased from the normal two-year rule) for NOLs incurred in a tax year beginning or ending in 2008 or 2009. Keep in mind, however, that only a single year can qualify for this enhanced carryback period. Taxpayers with NOLs in two or three qualifying years need additional analysis to maximize their cash refunds.<br /> <strong><br />2.       Take a hard look at bonus depreciation deductions.</strong> As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2009 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 (the most common tax life for construction equipment), this allows a deduction of 60 percent of the asset\\\'s cost in the first year of its life. For contractors in a tax-loss position, this deduction increases NOL carryback opportunities. However, pass-through entities such as S corporations or LLCs should be aware that significant individual income tax increases are possible, which may make depreciation deductions worth more in the future. Careful planning is required to make sure this deduction is right for you.<br /> <strong><br />3.       Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases.</strong> 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 and individuals (absent a law change) will face higher taxes on these items in 2011. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions should work with tax advisers to analyze whether accelerating capital gains and dividends into 2010 is a prudent tax move.<br /> <br /><strong>4.       Take full advantage of capital asset expensing deductions.</strong> Rules originally intended for small businesses were expanded significantly to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of 2009 fixed asset costs, provided less than $800,000 of assets were placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. However, this deduction cannot be taken if a contractor is already in a tax-loss position.<br /> <br /><strong>5.       Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option.<br /> <br /><strong>6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes.</strong> A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate <br />savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>7. Examine capital asset depreciation methods and lives.</strong> Depreciating ï¬xed assets is one of the most complex aspects of tax law. Understanding and properly applying these rules can accelerate income tax deductions, and these deductions often add signiï¬cantly to the current tax ï¬‚ow. For contractors who have underreported prior depreciation, recent IRS guidance allows \\\"catch-up\\\" deductions with an automatic change in accounting methods.</p>\n<p><strong>8. Review deferred compensation plans.</strong> Contractors who struggle with proï¬ tability often cannot revert to past practices of awarding large bonuses to retain key employees. This is the time to look at additional beneï¬ ts besides proï¬ t-sharing and 401(k) plans. Nonqualiï¬ed plans can give employers the ability to pick <br />and choose which employees to cover. Often limited to key employees, a properly drafted plan can provide incentives that&nbsp; align with a contractor\\\'s strategic plan and provide employees a powerful incentive to remain with the company.</p>\n<p><strong>9. Consider establishing a separate entity to own and lease ï¬xed assets used in the business.</strong> Often referred to as leasing or procurement companies, these entities help manage assets and may signiï¬cantly reduce sales-and-use tax, which is collected and remitted regardless of whether a company is proï¬ table.</p>\n<p><strong>10. Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. 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l0:level1\n	{mso-level-text:\\\"%1\\\\)\\\";\n	mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;\n	mso-level-number-position:left;\n	text-indent:-.25in;}\nol\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\nul\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\n--&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;\n</style>\n<!--StartFragment--><span style=\\\"font-weight: normal;\\\">Tim Montgomery, an architect and noted proponent of sustainable design, will speak at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span></span></p>\n<p><strong>WHERE:</strong> The Viking Conference Center, Sunset Hills.<br />10709 Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127. (Directions:  Exit Highway 44 East to the Lindbergh exit.  Go right and make another right into their parking lot at the corner of Watson and Lindbergh.)</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>TOPIC:</strong> Going \\\"Green\\\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>SPEAKER:</strong> Tim Montgomery, TMA Architects &amp; USGBC-St. Louis Chapter</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>WHEN: </strong> Wednesday, February 17, 2010</p>\n<p>5:30 p.m.            Meeting Registration and Social Time</p>\n<p>5:45 p.m.         BPI (G.H. Voss, Hensley Construction, Opus Northwest)</p>\n<p>6:30 p.m.                  Dinner</p>\n<p>7:15 p.m.            Program and Announcements</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>COST:              $40 per person for Members; First-Time Guests are Free of Charge</p>\n<p><strong><span>&nbsp;Reservations: </span></strong></p>\n<p><strong><span></span></strong><span>Reba A. Gillick<br />Executive Director<br />American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council<br />P.O. Box 270<br />Union, MO 63084<br />(314) 214-1664<br />Fax (314) 214-166</span><span>5</span><br />Email: <a href=\\\"mailto:reba@asamidwest.com\\\">reba@asamidwest.com</a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2113,786,10,4,1265229574,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"786\";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:\"2010-02-02 06:50 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:29:\"Tim Montgomery at ASA Meeting\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"tim_montgomery_at_asa_meeting\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:29:\"Tim Montgomery at ASA Meeting\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:166:\"Tim Montgomery, an architect and noted proponent of sustainable design, will speak at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:15:\"Montgomery, ASA\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:104:\" The Viking Conference Center at the Holiday Inn Southwest,  10709 Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127. \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2010-02-17 05:30 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:7:\"5:30 PM\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:6413:\"<p>\n<meta name=\\\"Title\\\" />\n<meta name=\\\"Keywords\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"text/html; charset=utf-8\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Word.Document\\\" name=\\\"ProgId\\\" />\n<meta content=\\\"Microsoft Word 10\\\" 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l0:level1\n	{mso-level-text:\\\"%1\\\\)\\\";\n	mso-level-tab-stop:.5in;\n	mso-level-number-position:left;\n	text-indent:-.25in;}\nol\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\nul\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\n--&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;\n</style>\n<!--StartFragment--><span style=\\\"font-weight: normal;\\\">Tim Montgomery, an architect and noted proponent of sustainable design, will speak at the Feb. 17 meeting of the Midwest Council, American Subcontractors Association.</span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><span></span></p>\n<p><strong>WHERE:</strong> The Viking Conference Center, Sunset Hills.<br />10709 Watson Road, Sunset Hills, MO 63127. (Directions:  Exit Highway 44 East to the Lindbergh exit.  Go right and make another right into their parking lot at the corner of Watson and Lindbergh.)</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>TOPIC:</strong> Going \\\"Green\\\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>SPEAKER:</strong> Tim Montgomery, TMA Architects &amp; USGBC-St. Louis Chapter</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>WHEN: </strong> Wednesday, February 17, 2010</p>\n<p>5:30 p.m.            Meeting Registration and Social Time</p>\n<p>5:45 p.m.         BPI (G.H. Voss, Hensley Construction, Opus Northwest)</p>\n<p>6:30 p.m.                  Dinner</p>\n<p>7:15 p.m.            Program and Announcements</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>COST:              $40 per person for Members; First-Time Guests are Free of Charge</p>\n<p><strong><span>&nbsp;Reservations: </span></strong></p>\n<p><strong><span></span></strong><span>Reba A. Gillick<br />Executive Director<br />American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council<br />P.O. Box 270<br />Union, MO 63084<br />(314) 214-1664<br />Fax (314) 214-166</span><span>5</span><br />Email: <a href=\\\"mailto:reba@asamidwest.com\\\">reba@asamidwest.com</a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2114,792,5,4,1265255043,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"792\";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:\"2010-02-03 07:21 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"tax_tips_for_contractors_offered\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:112:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:34:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6502:\"<p><strong>6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes.</strong> A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>7. Examine capital asset depreciation methods and lives. </strong>Depreciating ï¬xed assets is one of the most complex aspects of tax law. Understanding and properly applying these rules can accelerate income tax deductions, and these deductions often add signiï¬cantly to the current tax ï¬‚ow. For contractors who have underreported prior depreciation, recent IRS guidance allows \\\"catch-up\\\" deductions with an automatic change in accounting methods.</p>\n<p><strong>8. Review deferred compensation plans. </strong>Contractors who struggle with proï¬ tability often cannot revert to past practices of awarding large bonuses to retain key employees. This is the time to look at additional beneï¬ ts besides proï¬t-sharing and 401(k) plans. Nonqualiï¬ed plans can give employers the ability to pick and choose which employees to cover. Often limited to key employees, a properly drafted plan can provide incentives that align with a contractor\\\'s strategic plan and provide employees a powerful incentive to remain with the company.</p>\n<p><strong>9. Consider establishing a separate entity to own and lease ï¬xed assets used in the business.</strong> Often referred to as leasing or procurement companies, these entities help manage assets and may signiï¬cantly reduce sales-and-use tax, which is collected and remitted regardless of whether a company is proï¬ table.</p>\n<p><strong>10. Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efï¬cient option.</p>\n<p>Contractors are coming off what has to be one of the most dramatic decades in history. Bookended by 9/11 and a severe recession, with boom years in the middle, the past 10 years have challenged the resources of even the most financially solid and best-run companies. Recently enacted stimulus bills offer new tax-saving opportunities, while current budget deficits and the change of administration portend tax increases. Contractors need to do what they can to maximize cash by effectively managing their tax burdens and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2010 ushering in a very uncertain tax climate, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips offered by the accounting firm of <a href=\\\"http://www.grantthornton.com\\\" title=\\\"Grant Thornton\\\">Grant Thornton</a>:<br /> <strong><br />1.       Make the most of your net operating loss deduction.</strong> Recent tax legislation opens up opportunities for taxpayers of all sizes to choose an extended carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs). This provision allows contractors who have NOLs to choose a five-, four- or three-year carryback period (increased from the normal two-year rule) for NOLs incurred in a tax year beginning or ending in 2008 or 2009. Keep in mind, however, that only a single year can qualify for this enhanced carryback period. Taxpayers with NOLs in two or three qualifying years need additional analysis to maximize their cash refunds.<br /> <strong><br />2.       Take a hard look at bonus depreciation deductions.</strong> As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2009 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 (the most common tax life for construction equipment), this allows a deduction of 60 percent of the asset\\\'s cost in the first year of its life. For contractors in a tax-loss position, this deduction increases NOL carryback opportunities. However, pass-through entities such as S corporations or LLCs should be aware that significant individual income tax increases are possible, which may make depreciation deductions worth more in the future. Careful planning is required to make sure this deduction is right for you.<br /> <strong><br />3.       Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases.</strong> 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 and individuals (absent a law change) will face higher taxes on these items in 2011. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions should work with tax advisers to analyze whether accelerating capital gains and dividends into 2010 is a prudent tax move.<br /> <br /><strong>4.       Take full advantage of capital asset expensing deductions.</strong> Rules originally intended for small businesses were expanded significantly to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of 2009 fixed asset costs, provided less than $800,000 of assets were placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. However, this deduction cannot be taken if a contractor is already in a tax-loss position.<br /> <br /><strong>5.       Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes. A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2115,792,5,4,1265255127,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"792\";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:\"2010-02-03 07:21 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"tax_tips_for_contractors_offered\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:112:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:34:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6503:\"<p>Contractors are coming off what has to be one of the most dramatic decades in history. Bookended by 9/11 and a severe recession, with boom years in the middle, the past 10 years have challenged the resources of even the most financially solid and best-run companies. Recently enacted stimulus bills offer new tax-saving opportunities, while current budget deficits and the change of administration portend tax increases. Contractors need to do what they can to maximize cash by effectively managing their tax burdens and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2010 ushering in a very uncertain tax climate, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips offered by the accounting firm of <a href=\\\"http://www.grantthornton.com\\\" title=\\\"Grant Thornton\\\">Grant Thornton</a>:</p>\n<p><strong><br />1.       Make the most of your net operating loss deduction.</strong> Recent tax legislation opens up opportunities for taxpayers of all sizes to choose an extended carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs). This provision allows contractors who have NOLs to choose a five-, four- or three-year carryback period (increased from the normal two-year rule) for NOLs incurred in a tax year beginning or ending in 2008 or 2009. Keep in mind, however, that only a single year can qualify for this enhanced carryback period. Taxpayers with NOLs in two or three qualifying years need additional analysis to maximize their cash refunds.<br /> <strong><br />2.       Take a hard look at bonus depreciation deductions.</strong> As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2009 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 (the most common tax life for construction equipment), this allows a deduction of 60 percent of the asset\\\'s cost in the first year of its life. For contractors in a tax-loss position, this deduction increases NOL carryback opportunities. However, pass-through entities such as S corporations or LLCs should be aware that significant individual income tax increases are possible, which may make depreciation deductions worth more in the future. Careful planning is required to make sure this deduction is right for you.<br /> <strong><br />3.       Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases.</strong> 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 and individuals (absent a law change) will face higher taxes on these items in 2011. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions should work with tax advisers to analyze whether accelerating capital gains and dividends into 2010 is a prudent tax move.<br /> <br /><strong>4.       Take full advantage of capital asset expensing deductions.</strong> Rules originally intended for small businesses were expanded significantly to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of 2009 fixed asset costs, provided less than $800,000 of assets were placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. However, this deduction cannot be taken if a contractor is already in a tax-loss position.<br /> <br /><strong>5.       Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes. A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes.</strong> A\nproperty tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is\nexcluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be\nopportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property.\nThe review would not only generate savings in the ï¬rst year, but also\nin future years.</p>\n<p><strong>7. Examine capital asset depreciation methods and lives. </strong>Depreciating\nï¬xed assets is one of the most complex aspects of tax law.\nUnderstanding and properly applying these rules can accelerate income\ntax deductions, and these deductions often add signiï¬cantly to the\ncurrent tax ï¬‚ow. For contractors who have underreported prior\ndepreciation, recent IRS guidance allows \\\"catch-up\\\" deductions with an\nautomatic change in accounting methods.</p>\n<p><strong>8. Review deferred compensation plans. </strong>Contractors who\nstruggle with proï¬ tability often cannot revert to past practices of\nawarding large bonuses to retain key employees. This is the time to\nlook at additional beneï¬ ts besides proï¬t-sharing and 401(k) plans.\nNonqualiï¬ed plans can give employers the ability to pick and choose\nwhich employees to cover. Often limited to key employees, a properly\ndrafted plan can provide incentives that align with a contractor\\\'s\nstrategic plan and provide employees a powerful incentive to remain\nwith the company.</p>\n<p><strong>9. Consider establishing a separate entity to own and lease ï¬xed assets used in the business.</strong> Often referred to as leasing or procurement companies, these entities\nhelp manage assets and may signiï¬cantly reduce sales-and-use tax, which\nis collected and remitted regardless of whether a company is proï¬ table.</p>\n<p><strong>10. Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of\ndeferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many\ngovernment entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax\npolicies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time,\nindividual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for\n2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring\ntaxable income is still the most cash-efï¬cient option.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2116,784,4,4,1265255214,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"784\";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:\"2010-02-02 06:36 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:24:\"Sitton Hires Katie Stein\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:24:\"sitton_hires_katie_stein\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:24:\"Sitton Hires Katie Stein\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:108:\"Construction management firm Sitton Construction Group has hired Katie Stein, LEED AP, as a project manager.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:13:\"Stein, Sitton\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:647:\"<p><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\\\">Construction management firm Sitton Construction Group has hired\nKatie Stein, LEED AP, as a project manager. Stein will manage facility planning, design and construction projects\nfor the firm.</span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"line-height: 150%;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\\\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;\\\">Sitton\nConstruction Group provides professional construction management services\nduring planning, design and construction as the owner&rsquo;s representative, </span></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2117,792,5,4,1265255473,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"792\";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:\"2010-02-03 07:21 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"tax_tips_for_contractors_offered\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:112:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:34:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6889:\"<p>Contractors are coming off what has to be one of the most dramatic decades in history. Bookended by 9/11 and a severe recession, with boom years in the middle, the past 10 years have challenged the resources of even the most financially solid and best-run companies. Recently enacted stimulus bills offer new tax-saving opportunities, while current budget deficits and the change of administration portend tax increases. Contractors need to do what they can to maximize cash by effectively managing their tax burdens and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2010 ushering in a very uncertain tax climate, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips offered by the accounting firm of <a href=\\\"http://www.grantthornton.com\\\" title=\\\"Grant Thornton\\\">Grant Thornton</a>:</p>\n<p><strong><br />1.       Make the most of your net operating loss deduction.</strong> Recent tax legislation opens up opportunities for taxpayers of all sizes to choose an extended carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs). This provision allows contractors who have NOLs to choose a five-, four- or three-year carryback period (increased from the normal two-year rule) for NOLs incurred in a tax year beginning or ending in 2008 or 2009. Keep in mind, however, that only a single year can qualify for this enhanced carryback period. Taxpayers with NOLs in two or three qualifying years need additional analysis to maximize their cash refunds.<br /> <strong><br />2.       Take a hard look at bonus depreciation deductions.</strong> As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2009 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 (the most common tax life for construction equipment), this allows a deduction of 60 percent of the asset\\\'s cost in the first year of its life. For contractors in a tax-loss position, this deduction increases NOL carryback opportunities. However, pass-through entities such as S corporations or LLCs should be aware that significant individual income tax increases are possible, which may make depreciation deductions worth more in the future. Careful planning is required to make sure this deduction is right for you.<br /> <strong><br />3.       Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases.</strong> 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 and individuals (absent a law change) will face higher taxes on these items in 2011. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions should work with tax advisers to analyze whether accelerating capital gains and dividends into 2010 is a prudent tax move.<br /> <br /><strong>4.       Take full advantage of capital asset expensing deductions.</strong> Rules originally intended for small businesses were expanded significantly to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of 2009 fixed asset costs, provided less than $800,000 of assets were placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. However, this deduction cannot be taken if a contractor is already in a tax-loss position.<br /> <br /><strong>5.       Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes. A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes. A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes. </strong>A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate savings in the ï¬rst year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>7. Examine capital asset depreciation methods and lives.</strong> Depreciating ï¬xed assets is one of the most complex aspects of tax law. Understanding and properly applying these rules can accelerate income tax deductions, and these deductions often add signiï¬cantly to the current tax ï¬‚ow. For contractors who have underreported prior depreciation, recent IRS guidance allows \\\"catch-up\\\" deductions with an automatic change in accounting methods.</p>\n<p><strong>8. Review deferred compensation plans.</strong> Contractors who struggle with proï¬ tability often cannot revert to past practices of awarding large bonuses to retain key employees. This is the time to look at additional beneï¬ ts besides proï¬t-sharing and 401(k) plans. Nonqualiï¬ed plans can give employers the ability to pick and choose which employees to cover. Often limited to key employees, a properly drafted plan can provide incentives that align with a contractor\\\'s strategic plan and provide employees a powerful incentive to remain with the company.</p>\n<p><strong>9. Consider establishing a separate entity to own and lease ï¬xed assets used in the business.</strong> Often referred to as leasing or procurement companies, these entities help manage assets and may signiï¬cantly reduce sales-and-use tax, which is collected and remitted regardless of whether a company is proï¬ table.</p>\n<p><strong>10. Consider not deferring income. The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look.</strong> With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efï¬cient option.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2118,792,5,4,1265273874,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"792\";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:\"2010-02-03 07:21 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"tax_tips_for_contractors_offered\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:112:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:34:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6158:\"<p>Contractors are coming off what has to be one of the most dramatic decades in history. Bookended by 9/11 and a severe recession, with boom years in the middle, the past 10 years have challenged the resources of even the most financially solid and best-run companies. Recently enacted stimulus bills offer new tax-saving opportunities, while current budget deficits and the change of administration portend tax increases. Contractors need to do what they can to maximize cash by effectively managing their tax burdens and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2010 ushering in a very uncertain tax climate, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips offered by the accounting firm of <a href=\\\"http://www.grantthornton.com\\\" title=\\\"Grant Thornton\\\">Grant Thornton</a>:</p>\n<p><strong><br />1.       Make the most of your net operating loss deduction.</strong> Recent tax legislation opens up opportunities for taxpayers of all sizes to choose an extended carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs). This provision allows contractors who have NOLs to choose a five-, four- or three-year carryback period (increased from the normal two-year rule) for NOLs incurred in a tax year beginning or ending in 2008 or 2009. Keep in mind, however, that only a single year can qualify for this enhanced carryback period. Taxpayers with NOLs in two or three qualifying years need additional analysis to maximize their cash refunds.<br /> <strong><br />2.       Take a hard look at bonus depreciation deductions.</strong> As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2009 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 (the most common tax life for construction equipment), this allows a deduction of 60 percent of the asset\\\'s cost in the first year of its life. For contractors in a tax-loss position, this deduction increases NOL carryback opportunities. However, pass-through entities such as S corporations or LLCs should be aware that significant individual income tax increases are possible, which may make depreciation deductions worth more in the future. Careful planning is required to make sure this deduction is right for you.<br /> <strong><br />3.       Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases.</strong> 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 and individuals (absent a law change) will face higher taxes on these items in 2011. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions should work with tax advisers to analyze whether accelerating capital gains and dividends into 2010 is a prudent tax move.<br /> <br /><strong>4.       Take full advantage of capital asset expensing deductions.</strong> Rules originally intended for small businesses were expanded significantly to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of 2009 fixed asset costs, provided less than $800,000 of assets were placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. However, this deduction cannot be taken if a contractor is already in a tax-loss position.<br /> <br /><strong>5.       Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option</p>\n<p><strong>6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes. </strong>A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate savings in the first year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>7. Examine capital asset depreciation methods and lives.</strong> Depreciating fixed assets is one of the most complex aspects of tax law. Understanding and properly applying these rules can accelerate income tax deductions, and these deductions often add signficantly to the current tax flow. For contractors who have underreported prior depreciation, recent IRS guidance allows \\\"catch-up\\\" deductions with an automatic change in accounting methods.</p>\n<p><strong>8. Review deferred compensation plans.</strong> Contractors who struggle with profitability often cannot revert to past practices of awarding large bonuses to retain key employees. This is the time to look at additional benefits besides profit-sharing and 401(k) plans. Nonqualiï¬ed plans can give employers the ability to pick and choose which employees to cover. Often limited to key employees, a properly drafted plan can provide incentives that align with a contractor\\\'s strategic plan and provide employees a powerful incentive to remain with the company.</p>\n<p><strong>9. Consider establishing a separate entity to own and lease fixed assets used in the business.</strong> Often referred to as leasing or procurement companies, these entities help manage assets and may significantly reduce sales-and-use tax, which is collected and remitted regardless of whether a company is profitable.</p>\n<p><strong>10. Consider not deferring income. The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look.</strong> With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2119,792,5,4,1265273948,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"792\";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:\"2010-02-03 07:21 AM\";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:\"84\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:32:\"tax_tips_for_contractors_offered\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:32:\"Tax Tips for Contractors Offered\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:112:\"The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:34:\"Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:6157:\"<p>Contractors are coming off what has to be one of the most dramatic decades in history. Bookended by 9/11 and a severe recession, with boom years in the middle, the past 10 years have challenged the resources of even the most financially solid and best-run companies. Recently enacted stimulus bills offer new tax-saving opportunities, while current budget deficits and the change of administration portend tax increases. Contractors need to do what they can to maximize cash by effectively managing their tax burdens and protecting themselves against tax increases and assessments. With 2010 ushering in a very uncertain tax climate, construction contractors should keep in mind the following tax tips offered by the accounting firm of <a href=\\\"http://www.grantthornton.com\\\" title=\\\"Grant Thornton\\\">Grant Thornton</a>:</p>\n<p><strong><br />1.       Make the most of your net operating loss deduction.</strong> Recent tax legislation opens up opportunities for taxpayers of all sizes to choose an extended carryback period for net operating losses (NOLs). This provision allows contractors who have NOLs to choose a five-, four- or three-year carryback period (increased from the normal two-year rule) for NOLs incurred in a tax year beginning or ending in 2008 or 2009. Keep in mind, however, that only a single year can qualify for this enhanced carryback period. Taxpayers with NOLs in two or three qualifying years need additional analysis to maximize their cash refunds.<br /> <strong><br />2.       Take a hard look at bonus depreciation deductions.</strong> As an incentive for investment in equipment, taxpayers are allowed to deduct half of the cost of 2009 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 (the most common tax life for construction equipment), this allows a deduction of 60 percent of the asset\\\'s cost in the first year of its life. For contractors in a tax-loss position, this deduction increases NOL carryback opportunities. However, pass-through entities such as S corporations or LLCs should be aware that significant individual income tax increases are possible, which may make depreciation deductions worth more in the future. Careful planning is required to make sure this deduction is right for you.<br /> <strong><br />3.       Consider future capital gains and dividend tax rate increases.</strong> 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 and individuals (absent a law change) will face higher taxes on these items in 2011. Taxpayers with significant capital gains transactions should work with tax advisers to analyze whether accelerating capital gains and dividends into 2010 is a prudent tax move.<br /> <br /><strong>4.       Take full advantage of capital asset expensing deductions.</strong> Rules originally intended for small businesses were expanded significantly to allow contractors to expense up to $250,000 of 2009 fixed asset costs, provided less than $800,000 of assets were placed in service throughout the year. Unlike bonus depreciation, this applies to new or used assets. However, this deduction cannot be taken if a contractor is already in a tax-loss position.<br /> <br /><strong>5.       Consider not deferring income. </strong>The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look. With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option</p>\n<p><strong>6. Determine whether the company can lower property taxes. </strong>A property tax review can ensure that real and intangible property is excluded from the personal property tax base. In addition, there may be opportunities to lower the property tax valuations on real property. The review would not only generate savings in the first year, but also in future years.</p>\n<p><strong>7. Examine capital asset depreciation methods and lives.</strong> Depreciating fixed assets is one of the most complex aspects of tax law. Understanding and properly applying these rules can accelerate income tax deductions, and these deductions often add signficantly to the current tax flow. For contractors who have underreported prior depreciation, recent IRS guidance allows \\\"catch-up\\\" deductions with an automatic change in accounting methods.</p>\n<p><strong>8. Review deferred compensation plans.</strong> Contractors who struggle with profitability often cannot revert to past practices of awarding large bonuses to retain key employees. This is the time to look at additional benefits besides profit-sharing and 401(k) plans. Nonqualified plans can give employers the ability to pick and choose which employees to cover. Often limited to key employees, a properly drafted plan can provide incentives that align with a contractor\\\'s strategic plan and provide employees a powerful incentive to remain with the company.</p>\n<p><strong>9. Consider establishing a separate entity to own and lease fixed assets used in the business.</strong> Often referred to as leasing or procurement companies, these entities help manage assets and may significantly reduce sales-and-use tax, which is collected and remitted regardless of whether a company is profitable.</p>\n<p><strong>10. Consider not deferring income. The traditional wisdom of deferring income for tax purposes deserves another look.</strong> With many government entities looking for increased tax revenues, new tax policies and rate increases are very possible. At the current time, individual taxpayers are a target. With tax increases scheduled for 2011, taxpayers would be well-advised to consider whether deferring taxable income is still the most cash-efficient option.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"84\";}'),(2120,793,2,4,1265702083,'a:26:{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:\"2010-02-08 08:52 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";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:29:\"From Square to Sophisticated \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"from_square_to_sophisticated\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:28:\"From Square to Sophisticated\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:189:\"Two local companies have done what many thought was impossible: they dramatically transformed a garage into a cutting edge corporate office and they did it without spending a lot of money. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:28:\"CB&E, Gray Design, T.J. Wies\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5269:\"<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Two local companies have done what many thought was impossible: they dramatically transformed a garage into a cutting edge corporate office and they did it without spending a lot of money.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>\\\"The building that was there was not exactly an award winner, and I can say that because our firm designed it,\\\" said Larry Milles, principal of Gray Design Group. The existing building was a plain, concrete block building. It was designed as a low, low cost vehicle emissions testing building - essentially a garage with two drive-through bays with a small attached office and waiting area. Once Missouri ended its vehicle emissions testing program, it seemed as if no one could figure out how to reuse it, despite its good location in Chesterfield Valley. No one, that is, until CB&amp;E Construction Group.</p>\n<p>According to Gus Cervetto, principal of the CB&amp;E Construction Group, most people wanted to tear the building down and start anew, but CB&amp;E rejected that on the basis of how damaging that would be to the environment.</p>\n<p>\\\"We are very big believers in sustainable construction - we did the very first green building project in Missouri years ago - and we knew that the energy we would use in knocking the building<br />down would be too great. The problem we were struggling with was what we could do with it that wouldn\\\'t end up looking like a gas station ... without the gas pumps,\\\" Cervetto explained.</p>\n<p>CB&amp;E, then a tenant in someone else\\\'s building, wanted a headquarters building of their own, something cutting-edge that would make a dramatic statement and define their corporate image. In the end, they concluded that the plain block emissions testing building had the potential to do that. The way in which they accomplished the transformation has become a case study for one of the prime materials used, Reflectit by Dryvit.</p>\n<p>\\\"Since CB&amp;E wanted to use it as a corporate office building, the building needed to convey an image of quality and sophistication. We also wanted to make it appear bigger from the street. We came up with the idea of the curvilinear facade, what Gus calls a \\\'swoosh wall\\\', which really catches the eye and give is a frontage elevation about three times larger than the original,\\\" Milles said.</p>\n<p>The curved wall is now the dominant element of the building. \\\"That was the look we wanted - something different from the plain jane masonry buildings and concrete tilt-up that are common in Chesterfield Valley,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>Curved elements are more complicated that straight line elements, \\\"but we were very budget conscious,\\\" Milles said. \\\"We considered stone panels or metal panels, but they were too expensive. We ended up using Reflectit, which is a metallic coating. If you didn\\\'t know differently, you might think there were metal panels on the wall. Even it you stood right up next to it and rubbed your hand on it, you would think it is metal, but is not,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>\\\"It is an economy material, but doesn\\\'t look it,\\\" he said. Using Reflectit, he said, \\\"is an affordable way to upgrade facade of building. This is what everyone is looking for - how to recycle, how to create value in affordable way, and still have a little flair and cutting edge. This is a high-tech look that doesn\\\'t cost an arm and a leg.\\\"</p>\n<p>T.J. Wies Contracting built up the curved wall. In order to get a uniform appearance with the existing concrete block building, they built stud walls over the existing block walls and installed DensGlass Gold exterior sheathing. They installed Dryvit\\\'s Outsulation exterior insulation and finish system to the sheathing and the metal framing for the curved wall and applied 1,200 square feet of Reflectit finish to the resulting facade.</p>\n<p>This application of Dryvit was a little outside the usual, however. \\\"We\\\'ve used Dryvit lot - we\\\'ve used it on senior living, office, and retail facilities,\\\" Milles said. On most buildings, it is a monolithic applique of color and texture, but for CB&amp;E, \\\"we scored the facade to look like panels,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>Milles said the CB&amp;E building was the first time his firmed had used Reflectit, and he thinks it is the first time the finish has been used in St. Louis.</p>\n<p>The changes to the interior of the building were less dramatic. \\\"We used the existing walls, although we did cut a new window,\\\" Milles said. The garage bays became a central work area surrounded by work stations and private offices. And the drive through doors? Those are now big windows that let plenty of light into the central work area.</p>\n<p>\\\"This is the first time that I took a building that I thought I would never come back to and totally redo it,\\\" Milles said. \\\"If we were to design a building for them from scratch, we probably would have done something like this - put money in the front to attract attention and get people through the door, and not so much money in the back.\\\"</p>\n<p>Milles pointed out that the architectural vernacular of Chesterfield Valley is tilt-up behind retail. In that context, the CB&amp;E building stands out. The design \\\"is a marketing concept,\\\" he said. \\\"Other buildings are candidates for this too,\\\" he added.</p>\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\";}'),(2121,793,2,4,1265741350,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"793\";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:\"2010-02-08 08:52 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:28:\"From Square to Sophisticated\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"from_square_to_sophisticated\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:28:\"From Square to Sophisticated\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:189:\"Two local companies have done what many thought was impossible: they dramatically transformed a garage into a cutting edge corporate office and they did it without spending a lot of money. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:28:\"CB&E, Gray Design, T.J. Wies\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5384:\"<p>&nbsp;Two local companies have done what many thought was impossible: they dramatically transformed a garage into a cutting edge corporate office and they did it without spending a lot of money.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"CB&amp;E\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/cbe.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />\\\"The building that was there was not exactly an award winner, and I can say that because our firm designed it,\\\" said Larry Milles, principal of Gray Design Group. The existing building was a plain, concrete block building. It was designed as a low, low cost vehicle emissions testing building - essentially a garage with two drive-through bays with a small attached office and waiting area. Once Missouri ended its vehicle emissions testing program, it seemed as if no one could figure out how to reuse it, despite its good location in Chesterfield Valley. No one, that is, until CB&amp;E Construction Group.</p>\n<p>According to Gus Cervetto, principal of the CB&amp;E Construction Group, most people wanted to tear the building down and start anew, but CB&amp;E rejected that on the basis of how damaging that would be to the environment.</p>\n<p>\\\"We are very big believers in sustainable construction - we did the very first green building project in Missouri years ago - and we knew that the energy we would use in knocking the building<br />down would be too great. The problem we were struggling with was what we could do with it that wouldn\\\'t end up looking like a gas station ... without the gas pumps,\\\" Cervetto explained.</p>\n<p>CB&amp;E, then a tenant in someone else\\\'s building, wanted a headquarters building of their own, something cutting-edge that would make a dramatic statement and define their corporate image. In the end, they concluded that the plain block emissions testing building had the potential to do that. The way in which they accomplished the transformation has become a case study for one of the prime materials used, Reflectit by Dryvit.</p>\n<p>\\\"Since CB&amp;E wanted to use it as a corporate office building, the building needed to convey an image of quality and sophistication. We also wanted to make it appear bigger from the street. We came up with the idea of the curvilinear facade, what Gus calls a \\\'swoosh wall\\\', which really catches the eye and give is a frontage elevation about three times larger than the original,\\\" Milles said.</p>\n<p>The curved wall is now the dominant element of the building. \\\"That was the look we wanted - something different from the plain jane masonry buildings and concrete tilt-up that are common in Chesterfield Valley,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>Curved elements are more complicated that straight line elements, \\\"but we were very budget conscious,\\\" Milles said. \\\"We considered stone panels or metal panels, but they were too expensive. We ended up using Reflectit, which is a metallic coating. If you didn\\\'t know differently, you might think there were metal panels on the wall. Even it you stood right up next to it and rubbed your hand on it, you would think it is metal, but is not,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>\\\"It is an economy material, but doesn\\\'t look it,\\\" he said. Using Reflectit, he said, \\\"is an affordable way to upgrade facade of building. This is what everyone is looking for - how to recycle, how to create value in affordable way, and still have a little flair and cutting edge. This is a high-tech look that doesn\\\'t cost an arm and a leg.\\\"</p>\n<p>T.J. Wies Contracting built up the curved wall. In order to get a uniform appearance with the existing concrete block building, they built stud walls over the existing block walls and installed DensGlass Gold exterior sheathing. They installed Dryvit\\\'s Outsulation exterior insulation and finish system to the sheathing and the metal framing for the curved wall and applied 1,200 square feet of Reflectit finish to the resulting facade.</p>\n<p>This application of Dryvit was a little outside the usual, however. \\\"We\\\'ve used Dryvit lot - we\\\'ve used it on senior living, office, and retail facilities,\\\" Milles said. On most buildings, it is a monolithic applique of color and texture, but for CB&amp;E, \\\"we scored the facade to look like panels,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>Milles said the CB&amp;E building was the first time his firmed had used Reflectit, and he thinks it is the first time the finish has been used in St. Louis.</p>\n<p>The changes to the interior of the building were less dramatic. \\\"We used the existing walls, although we did cut a new window,\\\" Milles said. The garage bays became a central work area surrounded by work stations and private offices. And the drive through doors? Those are now big windows that let plenty of light into the central work area.</p>\n<p>\\\"This is the first time that I took a building that I thought I would never come back to and totally redo it,\\\" Milles said. \\\"If we were to design a building for them from scratch, we probably would have done something like this - put money in the front to attract attention and get people through the door, and not so much money in the back.\\\"</p>\n<p>Milles pointed out that the architectural vernacular of Chesterfield Valley is tilt-up behind retail. In that context, the CB&amp;E building stands out. The design \\\"is a marketing concept,\\\" he said. \\\"Other buildings are candidates for this too,\\\" he added.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:23:\"/images/uploads/cbe.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:\"85\";}'),(2124,795,4,4,1265757712,'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:\"2010-02-09 12:16 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:\"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:\"Impact Builds Car Credit City in Herculaneum\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:44:\"impact_builds_car_credit_city_in_herculaneum\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:44:\"Impact Builds Car Credit City in Herculaneum\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:93:\"Impact Strategies lead construction of a new facility in Herculaneum, MO for Car Credit City.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:23:\"Impact, Car Credit City\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:541:\"<p>Impact Strategies lead construction of a new facility in Herculaneum, MO for Car Credit City.&nbsp;  This is the second Car Credit City location constructed by the builder; the other location opened in O\\\'Fallon, IL, in 2008.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The 6.87-acre dealership, located at 1225 McNutt Street, will be staffed by five associates. The 20,000-square-foot facility includes a 2,600-square-foot showroom</p>\n<p>Herculaneum is the fifth location in this area for Car Credit City, a large retailer of exclusive pre-owned vehicles.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(2125,796,5,4,1265757986,'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:\"2010-02-09 12:23 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:\"85\";}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:24:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"bid_shopping_uuuuuugh\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:216:\"Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:22:\"Woodcock, bid shopping\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:1239:\"<p>Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I help many of my clients beat this game, but we\\\'re far from 100 percent successful. Selling is about percentages and tipping the scales through developing rapport with the clients. I have little patience for those that give simple lip service to their sales responsibilities. If all you\\\'re doing is pricing and estimating while hoping to come up with the best number, you deserve your five percent close rate. Selling is work and there is no magic wand to beat bid shopping. Sorry, I\\\'m good but not that good!</p>\n<p>Get out with your clients. Find out what drives them. Discover their buying hot buttons and hit them. If this is all new to you, you\\\'d better get started. Get the help needed to set a sales strategy. Choose your targets well and interview your current clients. Find out what they do and do not like about you. Adjust accordingly. There is more business out there than you may think, even in this economy. Or are you going to give up to the evil bid shoppers?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2126,796,5,4,1265758038,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"796\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:23 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:23:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh!\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"bid_shopping_uuuuuugh\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:216:\"Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:22:\"Woodcock, bid shopping\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:2717:\"<p>Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I help many of my clients beat this game, but we\\\'re far from 100 percent successful. Selling is about percentages and tipping the scales through developing rapport with the clients. I have little patience for those that give simple lip service to their sales responsibilities. If all you\\\'re doing is pricing and estimating while hoping to come up with the best number, you deserve your five percent close rate. Selling is work and there is no magic wand to beat bid shopping. Sorry, I\\\'m good but not that good!</p>\n<p><strong>Let\\\'s face facts: bid shopping is going nowhere. </strong>There always\nwill be unethical people doing unethical practices. Eventually they\nwill pay the price. The minute someone reduces their price, their focus\nis removed from the customer and is placed on how to cut costs. This\npromotes poor workmanship or use of inferior materials. But what do you\ndo? How do you fight it? Great questions that have answers. I deal with\nthis issue more than I care to. This really isn\\\'t rocket science. Here\nare some concrete pointers:</p>\n<p><strong>1. Negative Sell:</strong> I know, this is evil! But truth be told,\nit\\\'s your responsibility. You need to educate your client on what can\nhappen if they go with a low ball bid that will prompt cost cutting.\nInform your client on what happens if they select the inferior, and I\ndo mean \\\"inferior\\\", bid package. Tell them without using the\ncompetitors name how bad it could be. You owe it to the client to save\nthem huge headaches. The old saying is true, you get what you pay for.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Bid shopping violates every business ethic. It gives short term\nsatisfaction, but can damage the shopper\\\'s reputation in the market.\nEventually, they will not get the best numbers and end up working with\ninferior suppliers. Practicing good sales work and establishing strong\nrelationship make it very difficult for someone to act unethically with\nyou. Will all clients follow this pattern? No, but more will than not.</p>\n<p>Get out with your clients. Find out what drives them. Discover their buying hot buttons and hit them. If this is all new to you, you\\\'d better get started. Get the help needed to set a sales strategy. Choose your targets well and interview your current clients. Find out what they do and do not like about you. Adjust accordingly. There is more business out there than you may think, even in this economy. Or are you going to give up to the evil bid shoppers?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2127,796,5,4,1265758071,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"796\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:23 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:23:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh!\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"bid_shopping_uuuuuugh\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:216:\"Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:22:\"Woodcock, bid shopping\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3602:\"<p>Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I help many of my clients beat this game, but we\\\'re far from 100 percent successful. Selling is about percentages and tipping the scales through developing rapport with the clients. I have little patience for those that give simple lip service to their sales responsibilities. If all you\\\'re doing is pricing and estimating while hoping to come up with the best number, you deserve your five percent close rate. Selling is work and there is no magic wand to beat bid shopping. Sorry, I\\\'m good but not that good!</p>\n<p><strong>Let\\\'s face facts: bid shopping is going nowhere. </strong>There always\nwill be unethical people doing unethical practices. Eventually they\nwill pay the price. The minute someone reduces their price, their focus\nis removed from the customer and is placed on how to cut costs. This\npromotes poor workmanship or use of inferior materials. But what do you\ndo? How do you fight it? Great questions that have answers. I deal with\nthis issue more than I care to. This really isn\\\'t rocket science. Here\nare some concrete pointers:</p>\n<p><strong>1. Negative Sell:</strong> I know, this is evil! But truth be told,\nit\\\'s your responsibility. You need to educate your client on what can\nhappen if they go with a low ball bid that will prompt cost cutting.\nInform your client on what happens if they select the inferior, and I\ndo mean \\\"inferior\\\", bid package. Tell them without using the\ncompetitors name how bad it could be. You owe it to the client to save\nthem huge headaches. The old saying is true, you get what you pay for.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<strong>2. Get in Early:</strong> Damn the torpedoes! Get your bid in early so\nall others are measured against it. This will give you the opportunity\nto get in discussion with the client throughout the bid process. Trying\nto wait till the last second to avoid bid shopping is useless. How do\nyou know they won\\\'t shop you after bid due date? Are they going to gain\nsome level of ethics after the numbers are in? Get in first and work\nit. Being last in simply makes you a bottom line number.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>These are only a few of the tactics that you can incorporate into\nyour selling plan. The big issue is to stop whining about bid shopping\nand start an active sales effort. However, another is to not shop your\nown suppliers! Some people can easily figure out what a bid shopper is\nthinking by looking at their own behavior in buying situations.\nIntegrity is a rare commodity.</p>\n<p>Bid shopping violates every business ethic. It gives short term\nsatisfaction, but can damage the shopper\\\'s reputation in the market.\nEventually, they will not get the best numbers and end up working with\ninferior suppliers. Practicing good sales work and establishing strong\nrelationship make it very difficult for someone to act unethically with\nyou. Will all clients follow this pattern? No, but more will than not.</p>\n<p>Get out with your clients. Find out what drives them. Discover their buying hot buttons and hit them. If this is all new to you, you\\\'d better get started. Get the help needed to set a sales strategy. Choose your targets well and interview your current clients. Find out what they do and do not like about you. Adjust accordingly. There is more business out there than you may think, even in this economy. Or are you going to give up to the evil bid shoppers?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2128,796,5,4,1265758112,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"796\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:23 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:23:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh!\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"bid_shopping_uuuuuugh\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:216:\"Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:22:\"Woodcock, bid shopping\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:3965:\"<p>Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I help many of my clients beat this game, but we\\\'re far from 100 percent successful. Selling is about percentages and tipping the scales through developing rapport with the clients. I have little patience for those that give simple lip service to their sales responsibilities. If all you\\\'re doing is pricing and estimating while hoping to come up with the best number, you deserve your five percent close rate. Selling is work and there is no magic wand to beat bid shopping. Sorry, I\\\'m good but not that good!</p>\n<p><strong>Let\\\'s face facts: bid shopping is going nowhere. </strong>There always\nwill be unethical people doing unethical practices. Eventually they\nwill pay the price. The minute someone reduces their price, their focus\nis removed from the customer and is placed on how to cut costs. This\npromotes poor workmanship or use of inferior materials. But what do you\ndo? How do you fight it? Great questions that have answers. I deal with\nthis issue more than I care to. This really isn\\\'t rocket science. Here\nare some concrete pointers:</p>\n<p><strong>1. Negative Sell:</strong> I know, this is evil! But truth be told,\nit\\\'s your responsibility. You need to educate your client on what can\nhappen if they go with a low ball bid that will prompt cost cutting.\nInform your client on what happens if they select the inferior, and I\ndo mean \\\"inferior\\\", bid package. Tell them without using the\ncompetitors name how bad it could be. You owe it to the client to save\nthem huge headaches. The old saying is true, you get what you pay for.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<strong>2. Get in Early:</strong> Damn the torpedoes! Get your bid in early so\nall others are measured against it. This will give you the opportunity\nto get in discussion with the client throughout the bid process. Trying\nto wait till the last second to avoid bid shopping is useless. How do\nyou know they won\\\'t shop you after bid due date? Are they going to gain\nsome level of ethics after the numbers are in? Get in first and work\nit. Being last in simply makes you a bottom line number.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>3. Develop Relationships:</strong> Clients that know and like you will\nhelp with key information to potentially win the project. This doesn\\\'t\nmean someone else\\\'s price, but information in relation to scope or\nschedule. Someone will get this opportunity, why not you? This takes\ntime and effort. It is true sales work at its finest.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>These are only a few of the tactics that you can incorporate into\nyour selling plan. The big issue is to stop whining about bid shopping\nand start an active sales effort. However, another is to not shop your\nown suppliers! Some people can easily figure out what a bid shopper is\nthinking by looking at their own behavior in buying situations.\nIntegrity is a rare commodity.</p>\n<p>Bid shopping violates every business ethic. It gives short term\nsatisfaction, but can damage the shopper\\\'s reputation in the market.\nEventually, they will not get the best numbers and end up working with\ninferior suppliers. Practicing good sales work and establishing strong\nrelationship make it very difficult for someone to act unethically with\nyou. Will all clients follow this pattern? No, but more will than not.</p>\n<p>Get out with your clients. Find out what drives them. Discover their buying hot buttons and hit them. If this is all new to you, you\\\'d better get started. Get the help needed to set a sales strategy. Choose your targets well and interview your current clients. Find out what they do and do not like about you. Adjust accordingly. There is more business out there than you may think, even in this economy. Or are you going to give up to the evil bid shoppers?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2129,796,5,4,1265758145,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"796\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:23 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:23:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh!\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"bid_shopping_uuuuuugh\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:216:\"Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:22:\"Woodcock, bid shopping\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4346:\"<p>Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I help many of my clients beat this game, but we\\\'re far from 100 percent successful. Selling is about percentages and tipping the scales through developing rapport with the clients. I have little patience for those that give simple lip service to their sales responsibilities. If all you\\\'re doing is pricing and estimating while hoping to come up with the best number, you deserve your five percent close rate. Selling is work and there is no magic wand to beat bid shopping. Sorry, I\\\'m good but not that good!</p>\n<p><strong>Let\\\'s face facts: bid shopping is going nowhere. </strong>There always\nwill be unethical people doing unethical practices. Eventually they\nwill pay the price. The minute someone reduces their price, their focus\nis removed from the customer and is placed on how to cut costs. This\npromotes poor workmanship or use of inferior materials. But what do you\ndo? How do you fight it? Great questions that have answers. I deal with\nthis issue more than I care to. This really isn\\\'t rocket science. Here\nare some concrete pointers:</p>\n<p><strong>1. Negative Sell:</strong> I know, this is evil! But truth be told,\nit\\\'s your responsibility. You need to educate your client on what can\nhappen if they go with a low ball bid that will prompt cost cutting.\nInform your client on what happens if they select the inferior, and I\ndo mean \\\"inferior\\\", bid package. Tell them without using the\ncompetitors name how bad it could be. You owe it to the client to save\nthem huge headaches. The old saying is true, you get what you pay for.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<strong>2. Get in Early:</strong> Damn the torpedoes! Get your bid in early so\nall others are measured against it. This will give you the opportunity\nto get in discussion with the client throughout the bid process. Trying\nto wait till the last second to avoid bid shopping is useless. How do\nyou know they won\\\'t shop you after bid due date? Are they going to gain\nsome level of ethics after the numbers are in? Get in first and work\nit. Being last in simply makes you a bottom line number.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>3. Develop Relationships:</strong> Clients that know and like you will\nhelp with key information to potentially win the project. This doesn\\\'t\nmean someone else\\\'s price, but information in relation to scope or\nschedule. Someone will get this opportunity, why not you? This takes\ntime and effort. It is true sales work at its finest.</p>\n<p><strong>4. Don\\\'t Over Detail:</strong> Too much information makes it way too\neasy to shop a bid. Estimators tend to be focused on the numbers and\nsome price every detail of the project. Why are you making it so easy?\nDon\\\'t list or price every aspect of the job. They wouldn\\\'t let you bid\nif they didn\\\'t think you knew what you were doing.</p>\n<p><strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>These are only a few of the tactics that you can incorporate into\nyour selling plan. The big issue is to stop whining about bid shopping\nand start an active sales effort. However, another is to not shop your\nown suppliers! Some people can easily figure out what a bid shopper is\nthinking by looking at their own behavior in buying situations.\nIntegrity is a rare commodity.</p>\n<p>Bid shopping violates every business ethic. It gives short term\nsatisfaction, but can damage the shopper\\\'s reputation in the market.\nEventually, they will not get the best numbers and end up working with\ninferior suppliers. Practicing good sales work and establishing strong\nrelationship make it very difficult for someone to act unethically with\nyou. Will all clients follow this pattern? No, but more will than not.</p>\n<p>Get out with your clients. Find out what drives them. Discover their buying hot buttons and hit them. If this is all new to you, you\\\'d better get started. Get the help needed to set a sales strategy. Choose your targets well and interview your current clients. Find out what they do and do not like about you. Adjust accordingly. There is more business out there than you may think, even in this economy. Or are you going to give up to the evil bid shoppers?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2130,796,5,4,1265758172,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"796\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:23 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:23:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh!\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"bid_shopping_uuuuuugh\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:216:\"Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:22:\"Woodcock, bid shopping\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4584:\"<p>Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I help many of my clients beat this game, but we\\\'re far from 100 percent successful. Selling is about percentages and tipping the scales through developing rapport with the clients. I have little patience for those that give simple lip service to their sales responsibilities. If all you\\\'re doing is pricing and estimating while hoping to come up with the best number, you deserve your five percent close rate. Selling is work and there is no magic wand to beat bid shopping. Sorry, I\\\'m good but not that good!</p>\n<p><strong>Let\\\'s face facts: bid shopping is going nowhere. </strong>There always\nwill be unethical people doing unethical practices. Eventually they\nwill pay the price. The minute someone reduces their price, their focus\nis removed from the customer and is placed on how to cut costs. This\npromotes poor workmanship or use of inferior materials. But what do you\ndo? How do you fight it? Great questions that have answers. I deal with\nthis issue more than I care to. This really isn\\\'t rocket science. Here\nare some concrete pointers:</p>\n<p><strong>1. Negative Sell:</strong> I know, this is evil! But truth be told,\nit\\\'s your responsibility. You need to educate your client on what can\nhappen if they go with a low ball bid that will prompt cost cutting.\nInform your client on what happens if they select the inferior, and I\ndo mean \\\"inferior\\\", bid package. Tell them without using the\ncompetitors name how bad it could be. You owe it to the client to save\nthem huge headaches. The old saying is true, you get what you pay for.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<strong>2. Get in Early:</strong> Damn the torpedoes! Get your bid in early so\nall others are measured against it. This will give you the opportunity\nto get in discussion with the client throughout the bid process. Trying\nto wait till the last second to avoid bid shopping is useless. How do\nyou know they won\\\'t shop you after bid due date? Are they going to gain\nsome level of ethics after the numbers are in? Get in first and work\nit. Being last in simply makes you a bottom line number.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>3. Develop Relationships:</strong> Clients that know and like you will\nhelp with key information to potentially win the project. This doesn\\\'t\nmean someone else\\\'s price, but information in relation to scope or\nschedule. Someone will get this opportunity, why not you? This takes\ntime and effort. It is true sales work at its finest.</p>\n<p><strong>4. Don\\\'t Over Detail:</strong> Too much information makes it way too\neasy to shop a bid. Estimators tend to be focused on the numbers and\nsome price every detail of the project. Why are you making it so easy?\nDon\\\'t list or price every aspect of the job. They wouldn\\\'t let you bid\nif they didn\\\'t think you knew what you were doing.</p>\n<p><strong>5. Sell Year Round: </strong>If you only show interest when in the bid\nprocess you gain no favor. Staying in contact with clients when there\nisn\\\'t a project on the table will elevate your position when one does\ncome around. Situational selling is fairly ineffective.</p>\n<p>These are only a few of the tactics that you can incorporate into\nyour selling plan. The big issue is to stop whining about bid shopping\nand start an active sales effort. However, another is to not shop your\nown suppliers! Some people can easily figure out what a bid shopper is\nthinking by looking at their own behavior in buying situations.\nIntegrity is a rare commodity.</p>\n<p>Bid shopping violates every business ethic. It gives short term\nsatisfaction, but can damage the shopper\\\'s reputation in the market.\nEventually, they will not get the best numbers and end up working with\ninferior suppliers. Practicing good sales work and establishing strong\nrelationship make it very difficult for someone to act unethically with\nyou. Will all clients follow this pattern? No, but more will than not.</p>\n<p>Get out with your clients. Find out what drives them. Discover their buying hot buttons and hit them. If this is all new to you, you\\\'d better get started. Get the help needed to set a sales strategy. Choose your targets well and interview your current clients. Find out what they do and do not like about you. Adjust accordingly. There is more business out there than you may think, even in this economy. Or are you going to give up to the evil bid shoppers?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2131,796,5,4,1265758188,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"796\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:23 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:23:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh!\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"bid_shopping_uuuuuugh\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:24:\"Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"7\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:216:\"Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:22:\"Woodcock, bid shopping\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4584:\"<p>Yes, the dreaded practice of bid shopping! Everyone complains about it: General Contractors, Engineers, Architects, Subcontractors, and Vendors. It is running rampant. Everyone is subjected to it. Well, not everyone.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>I help many of my clients beat this game, but we\\\'re far from 100 percent successful. Selling is about percentages and tipping the scales through developing rapport with the clients. I have little patience for those that give simple lip service to their sales responsibilities. If all you\\\'re doing is pricing and estimating while hoping to come up with the best number, you deserve your five percent close rate. Selling is work and there is no magic wand to beat bid shopping. Sorry, I\\\'m good but not that good!</p>\n<p><strong>Let\\\'s face facts: bid shopping is going nowhere. </strong>There always\nwill be unethical people doing unethical practices. Eventually they\nwill pay the price. The minute someone reduces their price, their focus\nis removed from the customer and is placed on how to cut costs. This\npromotes poor workmanship or use of inferior materials. But what do you\ndo? How do you fight it? Great questions that have answers. I deal with\nthis issue more than I care to. This really isn\\\'t rocket science. Here\nare some concrete pointers:</p>\n<p><strong>1. Negative Sell:</strong> I know, this is evil! But truth be told,\nit\\\'s your responsibility. You need to educate your client on what can\nhappen if they go with a low ball bid that will prompt cost cutting.\nInform your client on what happens if they select the inferior, and I\ndo mean \\\"inferior\\\", bid package. Tell them without using the\ncompetitors name how bad it could be. You owe it to the client to save\nthem huge headaches. The old saying is true, you get what you pay for.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<strong>2. Get in Early:</strong> Damn the torpedoes! Get your bid in early so\nall others are measured against it. This will give you the opportunity\nto get in discussion with the client throughout the bid process. Trying\nto wait till the last second to avoid bid shopping is useless. How do\nyou know they won\\\'t shop you after bid due date? Are they going to gain\nsome level of ethics after the numbers are in? Get in first and work\nit. Being last in simply makes you a bottom line number.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>3. Develop Relationships:</strong> Clients that know and like you will\nhelp with key information to potentially win the project. This doesn\\\'t\nmean someone else\\\'s price, but information in relation to scope or\nschedule. Someone will get this opportunity, why not you? This takes\ntime and effort. It is true sales work at its finest.</p>\n<p><strong>4. Don\\\'t Over Detail:</strong> Too much information makes it way too\neasy to shop a bid. Estimators tend to be focused on the numbers and\nsome price every detail of the project. Why are you making it so easy?\nDon\\\'t list or price every aspect of the job. They wouldn\\\'t let you bid\nif they didn\\\'t think you knew what you were doing.</p>\n<p><strong>5. Sell Year Round: </strong>If you only show interest when in the bid\nprocess you gain no favor. Staying in contact with clients when there\nisn\\\'t a project on the table will elevate your position when one does\ncome around. Situational selling is fairly ineffective.</p>\n<p>These are only a few of the tactics that you can incorporate into\nyour selling plan. The big issue is to stop whining about bid shopping\nand start an active sales effort. However, another is to not shop your\nown suppliers! Some people can easily figure out what a bid shopper is\nthinking by looking at their own behavior in buying situations.\nIntegrity is a rare commodity.</p>\n<p>Bid shopping violates every business ethic. It gives short term\nsatisfaction, but can damage the shopper\\\'s reputation in the market.\nEventually, they will not get the best numbers and end up working with\ninferior suppliers. Practicing good sales work and establishing strong\nrelationship make it very difficult for someone to act unethically with\nyou. Will all clients follow this pattern? No, but more will than not.</p>\n<p>Get out with your clients. Find out what drives them. Discover their buying hot buttons and hit them. If this is all new to you, you\\\'d better get started. Get the help needed to set a sales strategy. Choose your targets well and interview your current clients. Find out what they do and do not like about you. Adjust accordingly. There is more business out there than you may think, even in this economy. Or are you going to give up to the evil bid shoppers?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"12\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2132,797,4,4,1265758921,'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:\"2010-02-09 12:35 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:\"85\";}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:49:\"Entries Due for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"entries_due_for_cnrs_regional_excellence_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Entries Due for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:63:\"Entries are due March 1 for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:24:\"Regional Excellence, CNR\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:696:\"<p><em>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</em> (CNR) is\nseeking nominations for its 21st annual \\\"Regional Excellence Awards\\\".\nThe deadline for submissions is Monday, March 1.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/images/uploads/awards_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></p>\n<p>The\nstated purpose of the awards is to recognize\nprojects completed in the last year that \\\"in sum, demonstrate\nexcellence in design, excellence in construction, and a positive\ncontribution to the St. Louis community.\\\" Awards are presented to the\ndesigner the general contractor/construction manager, and the owner for\neach project.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2133,797,4,4,1265759030,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"797\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:35 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:49:\"Entries Due for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"entries_due_for_cnrs_regional_excellence_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Entries Due for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:63:\"Entries are due March 1 for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:24:\"Regional Excellence, CNR\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:918:\"<p><em>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</em> (CNR) is\nseeking nominations for its 21st annual \\\"Regional Excellence Awards\\\".\nThe deadline for submissions is Monday, March 1.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/images/uploads/awards_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></p>\n<p>The\nstated purpose of the awards is to recognize\nprojects completed in the last year that \\\"in sum, demonstrate\nexcellence in design, excellence in construction, and a positive\ncontribution to the St. Louis community.\\\" Awards are presented to the\ndesigner the general contractor/construction manager, and the owner for\neach project.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>To download an entry form in Microsoft Word format, <a href=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/blogfiles/RegExCrit.doc\\\">click this link.</a></p>\n<p><br /><a href=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/blogfiles/RegExCrit.doc\\\"></a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2134,797,4,4,1265759091,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"797\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:35 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:49:\"Entries Due for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"entries_due_for_cnrs_regional_excellence_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Entries Due for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:63:\"Entries are due March 1 for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:24:\"Regional Excellence, CNR\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1004:\"<p><em>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</em> (CNR) is\nseeking nominations for its 21st annual \\\"Regional Excellence Awards\\\".\nThe deadline for submissions is Monday, March 1.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/images/uploads/awards_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></p>\n<p>The\nstated purpose of the awards is to recognize\nprojects completed in the last year that \\\"in sum, demonstrate\nexcellence in design, excellence in construction, and a positive\ncontribution to the St. Louis community.\\\" Awards are presented to the\ndesigner the general contractor/construction manager, and the owner for\neach project.</p>\n<p>Projects are evaluated by a panel of construction professionals and educators.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>To download an entry form in Microsoft Word format, <a href=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/blogfiles/RegExCrit.doc\\\">click this link.</a></p>\n<p><br /><a href=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/blogfiles/RegExCrit.doc\\\"></a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2135,797,4,4,1265759113,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"797\";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:\"2010-02-09 12:35 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:49:\"Entries Due for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"entries_due_for_cnrs_regional_excellence_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Entries Due for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:63:\"Entries are due March 1 for CNR\\\'s Regional Excellence Awards. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:24:\"Regional Excellence, CNR\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1006:\"<p><em>St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate</em> (CNR) is\nseeking nominations for its 21st annual \\\"Regional Excellence Awards\\\".\nThe deadline for submissions is Monday, March 1.</p>\n<p><img class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/images/uploads/awards_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /></p>\n<p>The\nstated purpose of the awards is to recognize\nprojects completed in the last year that \\\"in sum, demonstrate\nexcellence in design, excellence in construction, and a positive\ncontribution to the St. Louis community.\\\" Awards are presented to the\ndesigner the general contractor/construction manager, and the owner for\neach project.</p>\n<p>Submittals are evaluated by a panel of construction professionals and educators.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>To download an entry form in Microsoft Word format, <a href=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/blogfiles/RegExCrit.doc\\\">click this link.</a></p>\n<p><br /><a href=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/blogfiles/RegExCrit.doc\\\"></a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2136,798,4,4,1265759943,'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:\"2010-02-09 12:57 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:\"85\";}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:37:\"Barnard Joins Contegra Construction  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"barnard_joins_contegra_construction\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:36:\"Barnard Joins Contegra Construction \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:71:\"Brad Barnard has joined Contegra Construction Co. as project executive.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"Brad Barnard, Contegra\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:385:\"<p>Brad Barnard has joined Contegra Construction Co. as project executive.</p>\n<p>In his new position, Barnard will work to help Contegra secure new construction projects and then oversee their planning, production and delivery.</p>\n<p>Prior to joining Contegra, Barnard, a 16-year industry veteran, was a project executive for St. Louis-based contractor S.M. Wilson.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2137,799,4,4,1265760252,'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:\"2010-02-09 01:02 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:\"85\";}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:38:\"Hilliker Announces Recent Transactions\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"hilliker_announces_recent_transactions\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"Hilliker Announces Recent Transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:76:\"Hilliker Corporation announced a number of recent real estate transactions. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"Hilliker, transactions\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2047:\"<p>Hilliker Corporation announced a number of recent real estate transactions.</p>\n<p>Will Aschinger of Hilliker Corporation represented Caito\\\'s Holding LLC in the sale of the 3,890 sq.ft. retail building located at 10012 Manchester Road in Kirkwood to Brannan/Williams Holdings, LLC represented by Coldwell Banker Gundaker.</p>\n<p><br />Jeff Altvater and Hal Ball of Hilliker Corporation represented AHG Ventures, LLC in the sale of the 25,000 sq.ft. office building located at 1177 N. Warson Road in Olivette to St. Louis Arc, Inc. represented by Colliers Turley Martin Tucker and Coldwell Banker Commercial.</p>\n<p><br />Will Aschinger of Hililker Corporation represented 2330 Hampton, L.C. in the sale of the 3,600 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 2330 Hampton Avenue in the City of St. Louis to Safety Council of Greater St. Louis represented by Brian O\\\'Connell and Will Aschinger of Hilliker Corporation.</p>\n<p><br />Will Aschinger of Hilliker Corporation represented Richard W. and Joyce M. Kissane Revocable Trust in the sale of the 2,600 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 844 S. Harrison in Kirkwood to The Kirkwood Theatre Guild represented by Realty Resource, Inc.</p>\n<p><br />Jim Newman of Hilliker Corporation represented HIC Real Estate, LLC in leasing the 5,017 sq.ft. office/warehouse space located at 1425 Strassner Drive in Brentwood to Fellers, Incorporated represented by Redmond Company.</p>\n<p><br />John Hoofman and Brian O\\\'Connell of Hilliker Corporation represented Sol Zein Building Company, LLC in the lease of the 6,925 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 4500 Delmar Blvd. in the City of St. Louis by Gary B. and Diana R. Barnholtz represented by Mark Brennan of Solon Gershman.</p>\n<p><br />Scott Martin of Hilliker Corporation represented Hi-Mo Leasing Services LLC in the purchase of the 20,000 sq.ft. office/warehouse building located at 8 Capper Drive in Pacific from JMC Development LLC represented by Erv Heyde, Holly Heyde and Matt Hiatt of CB Richard Ellis.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2138,800,4,4,1265761180,'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:\"2010-02-09 01:05 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:\"85\";}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:28:\"Growing Green Entries Sought\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"growing_green_entries_sought\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:28:\"Growing Green Entries Sought\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:97:\"Entries are being accepted for the U.S. Green Building Council St. Louis\\\' Growing Green Awards. \";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:2046:\"<p>Entries are being acccepted for the&nbsp; St. Louis Regional Chapter, U.S. Green Building Council\\\'s (USGBC-STL) second Annual Growing Green Awards. The event is being held March 31.</p>\n<p>The awards recognize individuals, groups and organizations&nbsp; for actively, \\\"transforming the built\nenvironment while sharing their knowledge of green building and\nsustainable practices.\\\"</p>\n<p>The St. Louis Regional Chapter is proud to celebrate and recognize\nthe individuals, groups and organizations actively transforming the\nbuilt environment while sharing their knowledge of green building and\nsustainable practices.</p>\n<p>Nominations will be accepted in the following categories:This year\\\'s categories include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li> Innovator: seeking innovative solutions to a green building problem, including existing, new or renovated buildings, systems or operations</li>\n<li>Home Builder: working to further sustainable residential building, single family or multi-family up to 30 units</li>\n<li>Government: working within the governmental sector, through the sustainability of the built environment, to provide leadership by example and actions</li>\n<li>Quietly Green: demonstrating a commitment to the evolution of green building, promoting awareness of the movement and embodying the attributes and innovative spirit of a green building leader</li>\n<li>Educator: embracing sustainable building or creating an outstanding building, campus, system or innovation<br /> </li>\n<li>Corporate: working within the commercial sector, including multi-family buildings above 30 units, to further sustainable building</li>\n<li>Non-Profit: working in the non-profit sector to provide leadership, consulting, support or encouragement around sustainability and the built environment</li>\n</ul>\n<p>For awards criteria and forms, visit the&nbsp; <a href=\\\"http://www.usgbc-stl.org/green-awards/\\\">2010 Growing Green Awards page</a> on the USGBC-STL website. Send nominations (and questions) to GrowingGreenAwards@gmail.com.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"85\";}'),(2139,793,2,4,1265820773,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"793\";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:\"2010-02-08 08:52 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:\"85\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"4\";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:28:\"From Square to Sophisticated\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"from_square_to_sophisticated\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:28:\"From Square to Sophisticated\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:189:\"Two local companies have done what many thought was impossible: they dramatically transformed a garage into a cutting edge corporate office and they did it without spending a lot of money. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:28:\"CB&E, Gray Design, T.J. Wies\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5384:\"<p>&nbsp;Two local companies have done what many thought was impossible: they dramatically transformed a garage into a cutting edge corporate office and they did it without spending a lot of money.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"CB&amp;E\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/cbe.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />\\\"The building that was there was not exactly an award winner, and I can say that because our firm designed it,\\\" said Larry Milles, principal of Gray Design Group. The existing building was a plain, concrete block building. It was designed as a low, low cost vehicle emissions testing building - essentially a garage with two drive-through bays with a small attached office and waiting area. Once Missouri ended its vehicle emissions testing program, it seemed as if no one could figure out how to reuse it, despite its good location in Chesterfield Valley. No one, that is, until CB&amp;E Construction Group.</p>\n<p>According to Gus Cervetto, principal of the CB&amp;E Construction Group, most people wanted to tear the building down and start anew, but CB&amp;E rejected that on the basis of how damaging that would be to the environment.</p>\n<p>\\\"We are very big believers in sustainable construction - we did the very first green building project in Missouri years ago - and we knew that the energy we would use in knocking the building<br />down would be too great. The problem we were struggling with was what we could do with it that wouldn\\\'t end up looking like a gas station ... without the gas pumps,\\\" Cervetto explained.</p>\n<p>CB&amp;E, then a tenant in someone else\\\'s building, wanted a headquarters building of their own, something cutting-edge that would make a dramatic statement and define their corporate image. In the end, they concluded that the plain block emissions testing building had the potential to do that. The way in which they accomplished the transformation has become a case study for one of the prime materials used, Reflectit by Dryvit.</p>\n<p>\\\"Since CB&amp;E wanted to use it as a corporate office building, the building needed to convey an image of quality and sophistication. We also wanted to make it appear bigger from the street. We came up with the idea of the curvilinear facade, what Gus calls a \\\'swoosh wall\\\', which really catches the eye and give is a frontage elevation about three times larger than the original,\\\" Milles said.</p>\n<p>The curved wall is now the dominant element of the building. \\\"That was the look we wanted - something different from the plain jane masonry buildings and concrete tilt-up that are common in Chesterfield Valley,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>Curved elements are more complicated that straight line elements, \\\"but we were very budget conscious,\\\" Milles said. \\\"We considered stone panels or metal panels, but they were too expensive. We ended up using Reflectit, which is a metallic coating. If you didn\\\'t know differently, you might think there were metal panels on the wall. Even if you stood right up next to it and rubbed your hand on it, you would think it is metal, but is not,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>\\\"It is an economy material, but doesn\\\'t look it,\\\" he said. Using Reflectit, he said, \\\"is an affordable way to upgrade facade of building. This is what everyone is looking for - how to recycle, how to create value in affordable way, and still have a little flair and cutting edge. This is a high-tech look that doesn\\\'t cost an arm and a leg.\\\"</p>\n<p>T.J. Wies Contracting built up the curved wall. In order to get a uniform appearance with the existing concrete block building, they built stud walls over the existing block walls and installed DensGlass Gold exterior sheathing. They installed Dryvit\\\'s Outsulation exterior insulation and finish system to the sheathing and the metal framing for the curved wall and applied 1,200 square feet of Reflectit finish to the resulting facade.</p>\n<p>This application of Dryvit was a little outside the usual, however. \\\"We\\\'ve used Dryvit lot - we\\\'ve used it on senior living, office, and retail facilities,\\\" Milles said. On most buildings, it is a monolithic applique of color and texture, but for CB&amp;E, \\\"we scored the facade to look like panels,\\\" he said.</p>\n<p>Milles said the CB&amp;E building was the first time his firmed had used Reflectit, and he thinks it is the first time the finish has been used in St. Louis.</p>\n<p>The changes to the interior of the building were less dramatic. \\\"We used the existing walls, although we did cut a new window,\\\" Milles said. The garage bays became a central work area surrounded by work stations and private offices. And the drive through doors? Those are now big windows that let plenty of light into the central work area.</p>\n<p>\\\"This is the first time that I took a building that I thought I would never come back to and totally redo it,\\\" Milles said. \\\"If we were to design a building for them from scratch, we probably would have done something like this - put money in the front to attract attention and get people through the door, and not so much money in the back.\\\"</p>\n<p>Milles pointed out that the architectural vernacular of Chesterfield Valley is tilt-up behind retail. In that context, the CB&amp;E building stands out. The design \\\"is a marketing concept,\\\" he said. \\\"Other buildings are candidates for this too,\\\" he added.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:23:\"/images/uploads/cbe.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:\"85\";}'),(2140,801,4,4,1266426652,'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:\"2010-02-17 06:09 AM\";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:\"86\";}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:44:\"Icon Mechanical Builds All-American Facility\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:44:\"icon_mechanical_builds_all_american_facility\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:44:\"Icon Mechanical Builds All-American Facility\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:137:\"Nucor Building Systems presented its \\\"Buy American\\\" plaque to icon Mechanical for its new 18,000-square-foot Granite City, IL facility,\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:21:\"Icon, Nucor, American\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1829:\"<p>Nucor Building Systems presented its \\\"Buy American\\\" plaque to icon Mechanical for its new 18,000-square-foot Granite City, IL facility, which was built by BBi Constructors.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Nucor Building Systems, a leading manufacturer of metal building systems with IAS AC 472 accreditation assuring the structural integrity and quality of Nucor Building Systems projects, presents \\\"Buy American\\\" plaques to companies that <br />choose to build structures that have been designed, detailed and fabricated in <br />America using American steel, pride and quality. \\\"We\\\'ve worked with Nucor for three years on many projects,\\\" says Scott Beckett, principal of BBi Constructors, \\\"And we\\\'re proud to be part of its &lsquo;Buy American\\\' program.\\\"</p>\n<p>With headquarters in Granite City, Ill., icon Mechanical is a privately owned commercial/industrial mechanical contractor specializing in design/build HVAC, industrial process piping and commercial/industrial mechanical service.</p>\n<p>BBi Constructors completed icon Mechanical\\\'s facility using the Nucor Building Metal Building System, which includes offices, storage, receiving, pipe fitter shop, additional warehouse space and the expansion of the state-of-the-art fabrication shop, on schedule in spite of record rains during much of the construction process.  Major relocation of utility lines and removal of existing storage buildings were necessary.</p>\n<p>BBi Constructors, owned by Scott Beckett and Randy Bueckendorf, provides general contracting, construction management and design/build services to local clients, which include projects for Boeing, Parkway South Middle School, Mount Grace Covent, ELCO Chevrolet, Stauder Technologies and City of Ferguson\\\'s Urban Plaza. For more information, visit www.bbiconstructors.com.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"86\";}'),