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l5:level7\n	{mso-level-number-format:bullet;\n	mso-level-text:ï‚·;\n	mso-level-tab-stop:4.0in;\n	mso-level-number-position:left;\n	margin-left:4.0in;\n	text-indent:-.25in;\n	font-family:Symbol;}\n@list l5:level8\n	{mso-level-number-format:bullet;\n	mso-level-text:o;\n	mso-level-tab-stop:4.5in;\n	mso-level-number-position:left;\n	margin-left:4.5in;\n	text-indent:-.25in;\n	font-family:\"Courier New\";}\n@list l5:level9\n	{mso-level-number-format:bullet;\n	mso-level-text:ï‚§;\n	mso-level-tab-stop:5.0in;\n	mso-level-number-position:left;\n	margin-left:5.0in;\n	text-indent:-.25in;\n	font-family:Wingdings;}\nol\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\nul\n	{margin-bottom:0in;}\n--&amp;amp;amp;gt;Â </style>\nSt. Louis-based geotechnical, environmental, and materials engineering firm Midwest Testing has achieved Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification for its new headquarters in Overland, MO.  The certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) was earned through a number of innovations, which reduced operating costs and increased water conservation, both by 30 percent.</p>\n<p>Located at 8606 Page Ave., the two-story, 25,000-square-foot facility combines 14,000 square feet of office space with 11,000 square feet of lab and support facilities.</p>\n<p>\"Our headquarters includes laboratories for testing soil, concrete, asphalt and other foundation materials which have very intense energy and water needs,\" said Richard Laughlin, president of Midwest Testing. \"To meet stringent LEED criteria in a laboratory setting, we had to creatively reduce those costs - a commitment our team embraced with resourcefulness to produce a cleaner and healthier work environment.\"</p>\n<p>Midwest Testing incorporated a number of innovative green design elements and practices, including:</p>\n<p>&middot; A \"closed loop\" mist room for testing concrete strength that conserves water and the energy required for heating/cooling. The innovative design achieves an annual water and sewer discharge savings of 2.5 million gallons annually.<br /> <br />&middot;        Advanced mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems that cut building operation costs by 30 percent. It includes low-flow plumbing, high-efficiency lighting and filtered HVAC for better air quality. A reflective, white roof and recycled crushed concrete aggregate pavement in the storage yard mitigates the \"heat island\" effect of a dark roof and asphalt pavement. The recycled aggregate pavement reduces storm water runoff by allowing precipitation to percolate into the ground.<br /> <br />&middot;        A 5,000-gallon cistern to capture rainwater shed from the roof. The water helps irrigate the site, which is populated by plant species native to Missouri. The system significantly reduces domestic water needs for landscaping, resulting in a yearly savings of nearly 100,000 gallons.<br /> <br />&middot;        A container for recycling tested concrete, asphalt and masonry materials, which are recycled through Eco-Recycling, located within three miles of Midwest\'s facility.<br /> <br />&middot;        An abundance of 10-foot-tall windows with three grades of glass to flood the interior with natural light, cooling the rays of the sun in summer and maximizing heat gain from the sun in winter.</p>\n<p>&middot;        Renewable materials, such as bamboo floors, baseboards and doors, and carpet tiles made of recycled tires.  Low emissive materials are found throughout the building.</p>\n<p>&middot;        A bike rack, shower rooms and changing rooms to encourage alternatives to driving a car to work.</p>\n<p><br />Midwest Testing\'s new facility was designed by Lawrence, Kan.-based Treanor Architects. G. S.  S. General Contractors, Inc. managed construction with Stock Associates Consulting Engineers, Inc. serving as civil engineer, Solutions AEC as mechanical engineer and McNealy Engineering, Inc. as structural engineer.</p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\"><br /> <!--[endif]--></span><!--EndFragment--></p>','','360','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Midwest Testing has achieved Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification for its new headquarters.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(664,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','',' Contegra Completes $22 Million Warehouse Expansion','none','Contegra, Procter, warehouse, expansion','none','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Contegra Construction Co. has completed expanding the Westway III distribution center at Gateway Commerce Center in Madison County, IL, from 580,000 to nearly 1.2 million square feet to accommodate tenant Proctor  &amp; Gamble. The expansion is enabling the consumer products giant to consolidate its metro St. Louis distribution operations at one location.</p>\n<p>Contegra provided complete turnkey construction services on the $22 million project to construct a building that blends 1,138,000 square feet of warehouse with 32-foot clear-height ceilings with 20,000 square feet of office space.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Contegra Construction Co. has expanded the Westway III distribution center in Madison County, IL.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(665,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','S.M. Wilson Completes Hermann Hospital','none','Wilson, Hermann Hospital','none','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>S. M. Wilson &amp; Co. has completed construction of a $13.8 million addition and renovation to the Hermann Area District Hospital in Hermann, MO.  S. M. Wilson provided pre-construction and construction management agency services for the two-story, 33,000 square foot hospital project.</p>\n<p>The project added 25 new patient beds, a new 4,500 square foot emergency department, a new dining hall, and new rehabilitation therapy and surgery recovery areas.  A new entrance and lobby were built to accommodate the anticipated patient volume growth created by the new additions.</p>\n<p>The project also included remodeling the hospital\'s existing outpatient imaging department, expanding its lab space, renovating the administrative and conference areas, and relocating the helipad.  Significant upgrades were also made to the hospital\'s existing mechanical and electrical systems.</p>\n<p>Archimages Inc. was architect on the project.  Work began in November 2006.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','S. M. Wilson & Co. has completed an addition and renovation to the Hermann Area District Hospital.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(666,1,3,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','Harris','none','David','none','<p>David J. Harris is an attorney with St. Louis-based law firm Gallop, Johnson &amp; Neuman, L.C. <br />who focuses his practice in matters of immigration, government law and relations, and real estate.</p>','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','Attorney','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(667,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','U.S. Rule Requires Use of E-Verify','none','E-Verify','none','<p>The Federal Government is moving toward requiring all Federal contractors to use the electronic employment authorization program known as E-Verify and obligating those contractors to require their subcontractors to use E-Verify. The Internet-based E-Verify system is operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in partnership with the Social Security Administration. As of the current implementation date, September 8, 2009, prime Federal contracts above $100,000 with performance terms of 120 days or longer will require contractors to:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enroll in the E-Verify program within 30 calendar days of contract award (if not already enrolled);</li>\n<li>Within 90 calendar days after enrollment or 30 calendar days after an employee is assigned to the contract, whichever is later, verify the employment eligibility of employees assigned to the contract;</li>\n<li>Within 90 days after enrollment, verify the employment eligibility of all new hires within three business days of hire, whether or not the employee is assigned to the contract; and</li>\n<li>Include the E-Verify requirements in subcontracts for commercial or noncommercial services or construction whose value exceeds $3,000 and which include work performed in the U.S.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>This new Federal Contractor Rule applies to solicitations issued and contracts awarded after the implementation date.  It exempts contracts for commercially available off-the-shelf items, and some employers, including institutions of higher education and state and local governments, need only verify employees assigned to the covered Federal contract.</p>\n<p>Implementation of this new Federal Contractor Rule has been postponed several times. It may be postponed again because of litigation or other reasons.  Nevertheless, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the Administration is pushing ahead with full implementation of the rule, Congress is considering making the rule a statute, and the Federal government advises, \"Although Federal Contractors are not yet required to participate in E-Verify, you are encouraged to enroll in E-Verify now.\"  All employers, including Federal contractors, may enroll in E-Verify at any time without waiting for the applicability date.  <a href=\"https://www.vis-dhs.com/EmployerRegistration/StartPage.aspx?JS=YES\">Here is a link to the enrollment process</a>.<br /><br /><strong>E-Verify Issues</strong></p>\n<p>Many legal issues are associated with E-Verify, including which employees are \"assigned to the contract\" and whether to utilize E-Verify for all existing employees.  Additionally, employers commit to a Memorandum of Understanding that contains certain responsibilities including these:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>All employees of Federal contractors must present a photographic identification document, which is a broader requirement than the basic requirement that a \"List B Identity Document\" for the I-9 employment eligibility process must contain the employee\'s photograph; </li>\n<li>If an employee presents a permanent resident card, the employer must make a photocopy of the card;</li>\n<li>An employer who is a Federal contractor may have to prepare a new Form I-9 for an existing employee unless the previously completed Form I-9 complies with certain criteria; and</li>\n<li>Employers may not use the system to pre-screen applicants for employment.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Currently, over 133,000 employers voluntarily use the E-Verify system and 12 states, including Missouri, have made using E-Verify a requirement for state workers, state contractors or both. Failing to abide by the rule in Missouri may result in suspension of a company\'s licenses, permits, and exemptions until required documents are supplied. Knowingly falsifying E-Verify information may result in fines or other sanctions. <br />E-Verify may present challenges to contractors unfamiliar with the system because understanding some of the language, instructions and requirements of E-Verify and the rule may prove daunting. More information is available at the <a href=\"http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm\">U.S. Department of Homeland Security website&nbsp;</a> or from a qualified attorney who specializes in matters of government law and immigration.</p>','','361','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','The Federal Government is moving toward requiring all Federal contractors to use E-Verify.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(668,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','China to the Rescue','none','China, Metro East','none','<p>Metro East proponents of the distribution center strategy for economic development are banking on the year 2015 - and an assist from China - for a big score.<br /> <br />That is when new, larger locks go into operation on the Panama Canal. The Panama Canal Company is building two new sets of locks, widening and deepening navigation channels in Gatun Lake, and building a new access channel from the Pacific Ocean, so that today\'s larger freighters can use the canal.<br /></p>\n<p>The expanded canal will let large freighters from China bypass Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA, and other clogged west coast ports and head for the Gulf of Mexico and the east coast of the United States. St. Louis and New Orleans interests have teamed up to snare a big chunk of that business.<br /> <br />Gary LaGrange, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, described the steps that St. Louis and New Orleans are taking to capitalize on the expected boom in Chinese shipping while speaking at a recent Freight Industries Opportunity Forum in Collinsville, IL.<br /> <br />Two years ago, the Port of New Orleans made the Tri-City Regional Port its sister port. Together, they are working to develop contain on barge services. While river barges traditionally have been used for bulk shipping - such as sand or grain or other products that can be poured, unpacked, into barges, most of the freight that comes to the United States from China is packed in shipping containers. New Orleans and the Tri-City ports are working to build services that can place shipping containers on barges for movement up the river and them transfer them from barges to trucks or railroads for movement east or west.<br /> <br />New Orleans opened its first container terminal in 2004 to unload containers from ocean freighters. That terminal can handle 366,000 TEUs a year. TEUs, twenty-foot equivalent units, are the measure of the capacity of freighters and terminals based on the 20-foot-long container as the standard unit. New Orleans currently is building a second terminal that will almost double its capacity, and has drawn up plans for a third terminal to increase capacity to 1.36 million TEUs a year.<br /> <br />\"This is a real opportunity for St. Louis,\" said Dan Mecklenborg, senior vice president for Ingram Barge Company, the largest dry cargo barge operator in the nation. He said two layers of containers, 24 containers per layer, can fit on a standard barge; three layers, \"if you can figure out the anchoring.\"<br /> <br />Terry Stieve, senior vice president at Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, a commercial and industrial real estate broker, noted that St. Louis has the infrastructure to compete in the intermodal freight business: six Class 1 railroads, three switching railroads, five rail-to-truck intermodal terminals, rail service to 48 states, and canal service to 33 states and three Canadian provinces. <br /> <br />Despite the area\'s advantages, St. Louis has not done much as an intermodal hub, Stieve said, and he called on everyone at the meeting to start working to make it happen. Clayco\'s planned Discovery Business Park in Dupo, IL, he said, \"could become an intermodal park.\"<br /> <br />Developer TriStar Business Communities launched the idea that metropolitan St. Louis could become a major regional distribution center for consumer products when it began developing Gateway Commerce Center in Madison County, IL, in 1997. The early success of the project, which now includes over 9.3 million square feet under roof, prompted the development of the neighboring Lakeview Commerce Center, the Sauget Business Center, and now the planned Discovery Business Park. Since 1998, 40 percent of all industrial buildings constructed in metro St. Louis have been built in these Illinois business parks, Stieve said, and the average industrial building constructed in Illinois is nearly twice the size of the average industrial building erected in Missouri.<br /> <br />Recently, however, real estate industry professionals have warned that metro St. Louis is losing - or has lost - the race to be a regional distribution hub. <br /> <br />Stieve warned that St. Louis \"is getting bracketed\" by Chicago, Memphis, and Kansas City, the latter because of the development of a major rail-to-truck intermodal terminal linked to the Port of Houston. J. Patrick Reilly, senior director, Gateway Commercial/Cushman &amp; Wakefield, told a recent gathering of real estate professionals that the wholesale movement of manufacturing out of the United States in the last decade has fundamentally changed logistics models and already it has left St. Louis behind. Going forward, successful regional distribution hubs will be \"where there is a rail connection to a deep water port, and St. Louis does not have that,\" he said.<br /> <br />Tim Cantwell, director of Mid-America St. Louis Airport, said, dismissed any talk that urban competition to distribute Chinese products is over. \"It is just the end of the first inning, not the game.\" He said that development of container on barge services from New Orleans could compete with rail connections, such as Kansas City\'s rail connection to Houston.<br /> <br />The barge industry, however, has talked about container on barge services for decades without doing much about it. \"We are interested in it, if metro areas can make it work,\" Mecklenborg said. He speculated that it would take commitment from a Wal-Mart for a multimodal logistics system that includes barges to work.<br /> <br />Paul Wellhaussen, president of Lewis &amp; Clark Marine, laid out the steps that he said were necessary for metro St. Louis to succeed as a multimodal hub with container on barge service. \"We need a regional master transportation plan, public-private partnerships, and aggressive marketing of our great transportation assets,\" he said.<br /> <br />\"The problem is that before, these discussions were kept in the barge industry. Now that we got it out there, we can get something done,\" Cantwell said.<br /> <br />The Freight Industries Opportunity Forum was the second of four multimodal workshops planned and sponsored by Mid-America St. Louis Airport and the Tri-City Regional Port District.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','362','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Metro East proponents distribution centers as growth engines are banking an assist from China.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(669,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','ISC on the Road: 25 Stores, 25 Cities','none','ISC, Dan Green, Levi Strauss','none','<p>&nbsp;Between Aug. 11 and Sept. 11, ISC Contracting completed interior and exterior renovations on 25 Levi outlet stores in 25 cities across the country, from Florida to Colorado to Washington state.  A project superintendent from ISC will work on-site in each of the 25 locations, with logistical and other support provided by the company\'s headquarters staff.</p>\n<p>The $2 million project is a result of Levi\'s $72 million acquisition of 73 Levi and Dockers outlet stores that had formerly been licensed to Anchor Blue Retail Group. Completed July 13, 2009, the acquisition turns the outlets into company-operated stores.</p>\n<p>\"This isn\'t typical construction work,\" said Tom Stotts, the ISC project manager who manages ISC\'s work for Levis. \"These are all &lsquo;overnight remodels.\'  That means the stores remain open through the construction process, and we perform our work overnight while the store is closed.  As morning approaches, we must make the store ready to open the next day.\"<br /> <br />\"Prior to the acquisition, there was no uniformity in the outlet stores,\" said Nick Biddlecome, director of construction for San Francisco-based Levi\'s.  \"This construction program is designed to upgrade and bring them in alignment with our corporate branding.\"  The work includes rebranding the exterior of the buildings, along with interior renovations and rebranding.</p>\n<p>With 25 stores to renovate, ISC has been awarded the largest share of work of the four contractors selected to perform renovations, said Biddlecome. This latest contract follows on the heels of a just-completed assignment that gave ISC three weeks to renovate nine Levi\'s stores in nine cities. \"It takes a special kind of contractor that we can rely on to work through issues quickly,\" said Biddlecome.</p>\n<p>When a truck carrying woodwork to Levi\'s Flagship store in San Francisco broke down, twice, ISC arranged to have it pulled by tow truck.&nbsp; \"We couldn\'t get the truck moving, so we moved the truck,\" Green said. \"That\'s the attitude you have to take to succeed in this business.\"</p>\n<p><span><strong><br /><!--[endif]--></strong></span></p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\"></span><!--EndFragment--></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','368','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Between Aug. 11 and Sept. 11, ISC Contracting completed interior and exterior renovations on 25 Levi outlet stores in 25 cities.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(670,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','Ritchie Bros. Auctioneer Opens Caseyville Auction Site','none','Ritchie, equipment, auction, Caseyville','none','<p>Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers (NYSE and TSX: RBA), the world\'s largest industrial auctioneer will break ground at its new new permanent St. Louis auction site in the village of Caseyville, IL on Monday, Aug. 24. Ritchie Bros. management and a number of dignitaries from the village of Caseyville, including Caseyville Mayor George Chance, will participate in the ground breaking ceremony.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Ritchie Orlando\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/ritchie.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" />\"Ritchie Bros. has been holding auctions in the St. Louis metro area since 1993 and we\'re very excited about finally becoming a permanent fixture in the community with the opening of our new St. Louis auction site,\" said Jesse Cantin, regional manager, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. \"We\'ve built many long-term relationships with equipment owners and solidified a strong presence in the area over the years. This has given us the opportunity to establish a new permanent high-profile auction site and facility on I-64 that will enable us to provide an even higher level of service to all of our customers in the St. Louis area.\"</p>\n<h4>Ritchie Bros.\' Orlando, FL Auction Facility<br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The new Ritchie Bros. auction site in St. Louis will hold regular unreserved auctions throughout the year for local and international customers interested in buying and selling equipment.</p>\n<p>Approximately 40-acres of the 68-acre St. Louis auction site will be developed during the first phase of construction. Plans include the building of 13,500 square foot auction facility housing offices, customer registration and a 500-plus seat auction theatre by March 2010.</p>\n<p>Over 15,000 registered bidders have bid on more than 11,000 equipment items sold in St. Louis auctions since 1993. An upcoming unreserved public auction to be held on Oct. 2 at 1400 Shapiro Drive in Festus, MO while construction is being carried out at the new auction site will mark the Ritchie\'s 20th auction in St. Louis.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','none','Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers , the world\'s largest industrial auctioneer will break ground at its new permanent St. Louis auction','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/ritchie.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(671,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','RAISE THE ROOF!  CNR 40th to Benefit Habitat','none','','none','<p><strong>RAISE THE ROOF!</strong><br />CNR\'s 40th Anniversary Celebration Benefits Habitat for Humanity St. Louis<br /><strong>Place: </strong>Missouri Athletic Club<br /><strong></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Date</strong>: Thursday, October 29th<br /><strong></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Time:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>5:30 p.m. Cocktails and Construction Memorabilia Silent Auction</li>\n<li>Buffet Dinner at 6:00 an\nd awards to follow at 7:15 p.m.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>CNR is celebrating 40 years as the \"Voice for the St. Louis Construction Industry\" with a special event to recognize excellence in our industry. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the work of Habitat for Humanity St. Louis in rebuilding the St. Louis Community.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"CNR 40th\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/cnr-40th.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Silent Auction: </strong></p>\n<p>Of special photos, construction memorabilia, and unique event packages during the cocktail hour</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong><br />Program:</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Presentation of CNR Regional Excellence Awards</li>\n<li>Presentation of Thomas J. Finan, Jr. Humanitarian Award to IBEW Local 1 and NECA for their special partnership with Habitat for Humanity St. Louis</li>\n<li>Brief Presentation on Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, its impact on St. Louis neighborhoods, and its successful focus on LEED certification and sustainability.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Event Sponsorships are Available!</p>\n<p><strong>Master Constructor Sponsor ($3,000)</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Name on Regional Excellence and Thomas J. Finan awards</li>\n<li>Full page ad in CNR in follow up issue, website, enews</li>\n<li>Program mention on night of event </li>\n<li>PowerPoint slide on night of event</li>\n<li>Mention in articles in Weekly\n Update enews, CNR article, Habitat enews</li>\n<li>10 tickets (table) \nfor eve\nnt</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Builder Sponsor ($1,000)</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Half-page ad in follow up issue of CNR</li>\n<li>Program mention on night of event</li>\n<li>PowerPoint presentation slide on night of event</li>\n<li>Mention in articles in Weekly Update enews, CNR article, Habitat enews</li>\n<li>4 tickets for event\n<p><img alt=\"Habitat St. Louis\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"98\" src=\"/images/uploads/habitat-st-louis.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"244\" /></p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Superintendent Sponsor ($500)</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Listing in full page sponsor ad in follow up CNR after event</li>\n<li>Listing in Superintendents Group PowerPoint slide on night of event</li>\n<li>Two event tickets</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Tickets for the evening are $75 each, or $700 for a table of 10. For more information call Tom Finan at 314.961.4087 or email <a href=\"mailto:tom@stlouiscnr.com\">tom@stlouiscnr.com </a></p>','none','CNR is celebrating 40 years as the \"Voice for the St. Louis Construction Industry\" with a special event to benefit Habitat for Humanity St. Louis.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/cnr-40th.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(672,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Ramp Up or Stay Put','none','Woodcock, sales, incentives, performance','none','<p>Is my business development person any good? Great question isn\'t it? How do you evaluate whether the person that\'s responsible for the growth of your sales efforts is effective or not? If you are the individual responsible for this in your firm, it is time to measure yourself.</p>\n<p><br /><img src=\"file:///Users/tom/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png\" /><img alt=\"Woodcock Sales Guy\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"287\" src=\"/images/uploads/woodcock.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"267\" />As I consult contractors I spend a great deal of time evaluating current personnel. I consistently see patterns that damage the corporate sales effort. Employees that are in charge of developing new business routinely violate basic sales practices. The biggest issue is how to balance being out with the clients with taking care of office work. This is HUGE!</p>\n<p>The office can be a tar pit that sucks even good outside personnel in to a mire of spontaneous meetings, phone calls, or paperwork. The best place to develop business is out with the client base.</p>\n<p>Consullting clients often ask me how much time each week their reps should spend out with customers. Well, though there are variances, a minimum is 60 percent. Yup, 60 percent! I\'ll bet that seems unrealistic to some of you. If so, you need to read on as this article is for you.</p>\n<p>Those reps, who are the best at developing business, understand the systems and limitations of their employers. They adjust and attack. They push the boundaries internally and can sometimes break some furniture along the way. But, they produce. They\'re constantly out of the office, probably spend more money than you\'d like with clients and expect your internal people to jump throughhoops. Perfect.</p>\n<p><br />Easy going, follow the rules, calm, congenial people are usually also non- or underproducers.</p>\n<p><br />There are really only two indicators of a good business development rep:</p>\n<p>#1. Activity, and</p>\n<p>#2. Production.</p>\n<p>I see time and time again under performing personnel sucking up company funds and holding their position because of excuses. The economy\'s bad, clients aren\'t buying, the opportunity pool has shrunk or competitors are bidding too low. Good personnel are still cranking in this economy. They strategize and adjust to go after different customers, different services and new networks of contacts.</p>\n<p><br />Now is when the \"Gunner\" thrives. He or she will run right over competitors and clamp on to clients like a pit bull on a pant leg! They will make every association meeting, happy hour, networking event or place where potential customers are gathering.</p>\n<p><br />I have little patience for the folks who sit back and throw stones at the producers and their pushy, aggressive techniques. Que sera, sera attitudes are not for a competitive business climate. Think I\'m being harsh? Just wait, there\'s more.</p>\n<p><br />Some business development personnel do juuuuuust enough to give the impression</p>\n<p>they\'re really working it. The final measure is production. I\'ll give a push to someone new to an industry or company of about 90 to 120 days. Then I want to see some results. If not I\'d cut my losses and find new blood. I promise</p>\n<p><br />I\'m not a hatchet man! I\'m a realist. Why have someone ineffective in such a key position? They\'re worried, you\'re disappointed and the clients don\'t perceive the value of this individual\'s representation.</p>\n<p><br />Some people win a couple of projects and they are elated. Well, I subscribe to the Janet Jackson measuring philosophy, \"What have you done for me lately...?\" (For some of you too young to remember that song take a trip to Internet and look it up.<br /></p>\n<p>Good business development personnel always produce; great ones are always exceeding expectations. Now, one point on behalf of my fellow reps, who are scowling at me. To ownership and management: Pay the person that produces or lose them. Incentivize production and reward success.</p>\n<p><br />It is somewhat unethical to promise compensation for increased production and whittle away that bonus with conditions. Result? A disgruntled employee who entertains offers from competitors. Don\'t doubt it for a second. I\'ve seen it a gazillion times. The management may be successful in the short term in retaining the talent but the rep is searching the day after they\'ve been wronged. Been there, seen it, done it!</p>\n<p><br />Take care of the people who produce and don\'t let them go. Don\'t let them hold you hostage either, but don\'t give them cause for defecting. I truly believe the number one reason a player leaves his current company is false compensation promises. Usually a mere $10,000.00 bump in annual income can steal a gunner away under these circumstances. I know, I\'ve stolen them!</p>\n<p><br />The bottom line is you should expect results, maintain quality personnel, and reward success. This will breed positive sales growth and competitive fire. Manage light handedly those that produce and dig deep into those that don\'t. Pretty basic. Then again, if it was easy you wouldn\'t be nodding your head through this piece!</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','369','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','How do you evaluate whether the person that\'s responsible for the growth of your sales efforts is effective or not? ','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(674,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Cannon Design Scores a Gold','none','','none','<p><br /> Cannon Design, an international architectural, engineering and planning firm, announced that the landmark Power House building - the new home for the firm\'s St. Louis regional offices-was awarded LEED Gold Status by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).</p>\n<p>\"This award represents the final feather in the cap for the Power House project team,\" said Thomas Bergmann, project principal. \"LEED Gold certification was one of the key goals when we began this project.\"</p>\n<p>Built in 1928, the Power House was an original part of the Municipal Service Building complex that still occupies an entire block of downtown St. Louis.  Until the 1980\'s, the Power House component of the complex provided coal-fired steam heat to a dozen downtown buildings.</p>\n<p>After standing vacant for nearly 30 years, Cannon Design purchased the historic Power House in 2007, providing all design, development, and construction management services for the project. The exterior shell and original structural steel were fundamentally sound but use for a large, thriving design practice required significant imagination and rigorous design analysis.</p>\n<p>Every component of the building\'s interior is new and designed both to current life-safety codes and the USGBC\'s standards for environmental sustainability. The interior was completely rehabilitated with installation of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical infrastructure. Low-VOC paints, carpets, adhesives, and sealants were used to improve indoor air quality, which is maintain, in part, through monitoring of carbon dioxide levels. Having a relatively small \"foot print\" but a massive volume offered the opportunity for the addition of new mezzanines necessary to accommodate Cannon Design\'s continuing growth in St. Louis. The concept of \"mezzanines\" has preserved the signature arched windows on the north and east elevations - helping to provide 75 percent of the office space with access to natural daylight - and provided wonderful gallery and exhibit space for the firm and the community. Energy consumption is 38 percent below the ASHRAE standard, and high-efficiency plumbing fixtures reduce water use by 30 percent.</p>\n<p>Designated as a landmark by the National Historic Register, the \"Revival style\" exterior has been fully restored. Additional external modifications include the creation of a 3,500-square-foot urban garden in a former coal yard. Storm water is collected in an underground cistern for irrigation, while light-colored roofing reduces the heat-island effect.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Cannon Design, announced that the new home for the firm\'s St. Louis regional offices-was awarded LEED Gold Status.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(675,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Casino Queen Rolls for \"Sevens\"','none','Sevens, Casino Queen, KAI','none','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> The Casino Queen is raising the stakes in its bid to capture a larger share of the local gaming market with the construction on a new $2.15 million sports bar and entertainment venue. The 6,250-square-foot facility has been coined \"Sevens,\" and will house pieces from the St. Louis Cardinals Museum Collection. Situated just steps from the gaming floor, the new multi-purpose entertainment venue is expected to open in Fall 2009.</span></p>\n<p>St. Louis-based KAI Design and Build and Legacy Building Group, LLC are the primary architect and contractor, respectively.</p>\n<p>\"Sevens\" will take shape in the area of the new casino that, until recently, housed the Gateway Caf&eacute; and gift shop. On top of showcasing St. Louis Cardinals historic memorabilia in specially lit museum cases, Sevens will offer the ultimate sports-viewing experience with 16 high-definition flat screen televisions and a retractable projection screen to be viewed from all angles of the facility. To further accent the sports theme, the entry floor will be made of glass mirror chips embedded with hockey pucks, murals will feature oversize sports ball images and rows of baseball bats will accent the walls of several VIP booths.</p>\n<p>The venue also is being designed with the capacity to accommodate live musical entertainment with a 360-square-foot stage set near a large dance floor. SEVENS will feature a broad dining menu complete with a full bar.</p>\n<p>Sevens will feature a state-of-the-art theatrical effects elements lighting system. This unique system is made up of large circular translucent fabric clouds, back lighted with DMX controlled LED lights, suspended from the ceiling in the main area. The system uses a blend of different lighting to create the perfect atmosphere depending on how the club is being used: red for Cardinals games, pulsating and changing color during concerts and dance nights and glowing with warm, soft colors during dining hours. The facility\'s underlying color scheme features subdued dark woods played off against light champagne metallic, allowing the lighting system to set the appropriate ambiance.</p>\n<p>Subcontractors include AmeriStructure, Ford Food Service, Lighting Solutions and Cignal, which is handling the acoustical and theatrical design elements.</p>\n<p><span>&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><span>&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></span></p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--></p>\n<p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none',' The Casino Queen is hoping to roll \"sevens\" in its bid to capture a larger share of the local gaming market.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(676,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','H&S Helps St. Gen Improve Wastewater Plant','none','Ste. Genevieve, Horner & Shifrin, wastewater','none','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc., is designing improvements to Ste. Genevieve\'s wastewater treatment plant that will make it easier to treat wastewater during high-water events, and will extend the plant\'s useful life.</p>\n<p>During wet weather conditions, the wastewater treatment plant flows are five to six times greater than during dry weather conditions, making it difficult to properly treat the wastewater. A new 450,000-gallon-capacity reinforced concrete flow equalization tank, which will employ a high-pressure water-cannon tank cleaning system, will allow the treatment plant operators to divert a significant amount of the flow to the tank during wet weather conditions. After wet weather conditions subside, the wastewater stored in the flow equalization tank will be pumped at a lower rate into the plant for treatment. The installation of new submersible pumps at Lift Station No. 1 will allow the operator to better control the rate of flow from the lift station into the treatment plant.</p>\n<p>According to John Lauth, Horner &amp; Shifrin\'s project manager, \"Our primary goals involve maintaining operations of the existing Lift Station No. 1 and the wastewater treatment plant while the improvements are being constructed, and optimizing the new facilities to provide cost-effective equipment and construction to fit the City\'s project budget. The updated facilities are being designed to meet current codes and Missouri Department of Natural Resources requirements.\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none',' Horner & Shifrin, Inc., is designing improvements to Ste. Genevieveâ€™s wastewater treatment plant','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(681,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','The Three Rs Bring Profit and Sustainability to Urban Renovations','none','recycling, reuse, materials','none','<p><em>by Kurt Thompson</em><br /><br />Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.  In the construction industry, these three terms have special meaning since more than 40% of the material in landfills is directly attributable to the construction and demolition of buildings. Fortunately for the urban renovation contractor, a new market is emerging with recycling options for original flooring, millwork, doors and structural timber that is both cost effective and sustainable (green).</p>\n<p>Today, recycling no longer only references the process of melting down and reconstituting raw materials, but also includes reusing and reselling building materials. With the right combination of alternatives, it is possible to divert 90% of existing building materials from the landfill and create new profit both economically and environmentally.</p>\n<p>When the construction materials price index was at a peak last September, there was real economic value in recycling construction waste in lieu of sending it to a landfill because contractors often expected to offset the cost of recycling with the money paid by the recyclers. The recyclers then sold the material back to manufacturers in a cost structure lower than the cost of producing from virgin materials to complete the recycling value chain. Since September, however, the construction materials price index has dropped at least 10% and the cost of recycling has lost some of its competitive advantage.</p>\n<p>Insulated from the market\'s fluctuation, one of the most common forms of materials recycling, specifically in an urban renovation project, is the reuse of deconstructed materials within the same project. Reusing materials can reduce the cost to purchase raw materials and can benefit the owner during the design approval process. For example, St. Louis-based architectural firm Oculus Inc. found creative ways to reuse existing exterior terra cotta tiles to enhance and reiterate the historic character of a commercial building it was renovating in an urban setting.</p>\n<p>The concepts were well received by both the client and neighborhood association and helped achieve rapid consensus among the project\'s stakeholders.</p>\n<p>The use of existing building materials also reduces the amount of waste generated on the project site because less material is purchased and therefore less waste is generated. Some materials, such as ceramic tile, structural lumber or steel can also be warehoused for use on future projects, extending the environmental and economic benefits from one project to another.</p>\n<p>For those materials which cannot be recycled or reused, a third option exists to resell the material to a specialty retailer or vendor that will bring the product back into the consumer market. Wood flooring is a popular material, made mostly from virgin materials.  Now growing in popularity is old growth wood flooring, which is wood harvested from trees that took centuries to mature, and is characteristically richer and harder than new wood flooring products.  Old growth wood flooring can command a price premium of 60% or more and is only available through the process of reclamation.</p>\n<p>In addition to flooring, millwork, doors, and structural lumber, other popular items that can be salvaged from renovation projects include hardware, lighting fixtures, furniture, plumbing fixtures, and exterior materials such as brick.<br /><br />With more than 1,500 solid waste management and recycling bills pending legislation at the state and federal levels, the era of simply \"throwing away\" those old pocket doors or original millwork is ending and everyone from professional contractors to the would-be weekend warrior is starting to rethink their next renovation project.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','374','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','Today, recycling no longer only references the process of melting down and reconstituting raw materials, but also includes reusing and reselling building materials.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(677,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Kaiser Amps Up on Power Savings','none','Kaiser, energy, Pure Power','none','<p><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\"></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\"><!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; color: black;\"><strong></strong></span></p>\n<p>Kaiser Electric has taken a giant step forward in helping its customers reduce energy consumption, while supporting renewable energy sources through its new P2 Green Initiative and enrollment in AmerenUE\'s Pure Power Program.</p>\n<p>Kaiser has achieved Platinum Pure Power Leader status through AmerenUE, which means that 100 percent of the electricity used by Kaiser\'s offices is generated by wind farms in Missouri.</p>\n<p>\"We felt that if we were going to go into the marketplace and partner with clients and vendors to help customers reduce their energy consumption, stepping up to the plate within our own company to reduce our own energy consumption would set the tone immediately from a credibility standpoint,\" said Kaiser Electric President Steve Giacin.</p>\n<p>Kaiser Electric has also taken the lead in helping its customers reduce energy consumption through its P2 Green Initiative. Under the program, Kaiser partners with the client and the end- user to conduct a complete analysis of their facility\'s energy consumption, whether new construction or an existing facility. Once the analysis is complete, Kaiser provides a plan on how the customer can reduce their carbon footprint and what rebates are available to them through the E-Pact Energy Policy Act of 2005 to help offset the cost for improvements.</p>\n<p>\"We are one of the only ones in our industry that are being this aggressive with reducing energy consumption for our customers,\" said Dennis Naumann, P2 Green Initiative coordinator. \"We see this as the future of the industry and it is an opportunity for us to bring down the carbon footprint and help our partners become more energy efficient. We are out there every day constructing buildings anyway, so why not make them as energy efficient as possible from the start of the design process?\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; color: black;\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p><!--EndFragment-->&nbsp;\n<span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\"><!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;\"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->&nbsp;<!--[endif]--></span></p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Kaiser Electric has achieved Platinum Pure Power Leader status through AmerenUE.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(682,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Haberberger Completes Wash U., Lambert Projects','none','Haberberger, Wash U., Lambert','none','<p>Haberberger, Inc., a full-service mechanical contracting company, recently completed work on projects at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and the Washington University campus.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Haberberger Lambert\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"226\" src=\"/images/uploads/Haberberger-Lambert.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"259\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4>Haberberger\'s crew at work at Lambert airport<br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Haberberger\'s team, which had been working on the large-scale project at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport since spring 2008, was in charge of removing and replacing 24 rooftop units and 23 air handling units in concourses A, B and C, as well as 22 hot and chilled water pumps and associated piping throughout the airport tunnels.</p>\n<p>They also removed two existing steam boilers and replaced them with two 750 HP high pressure boilers, installed a new 300 HP high pressure steam boiler and removed and replaced four high pressure PRV stations.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The project was executed under the leadership of General Foreman Dodd Slawson, Night Shift ForemanEd Quinn, Project Manager Chris Jordan and Boiler Plant Foreman Charlie Bott.</p>\n<p>Subcontractors were Galt Insulation, Taylor Excavating and JEN Mechanical.</p>\n<p>Project Manager Chris Jordan, along with Superintendent Tim Gallagher, also headed up a project involving the installation of a new system to replace chillers that served many residential buildings on the South 40 part of Washington University\'s campus. The project got underway in May, and Haberberger\'s team installed two new 1,100-ton reciprocating chillers, three 150 HP chiller water pumps, three 40 HP condenser water pumps, four 550-ton cooling towers, an air handling unit, an automated chemical treatment system and associated piping. Subcontractors included Johnson Controls Inc., JEN Mechanical, and Galt Insulation.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Haberberger, Inc., a full-service mechanical contracting company, recently completed work on projects at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport and the Washington University campus.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(683,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Midwest Council ASA Snags National Honors','none','ASA, Midwest, Chapter of Year','none','<p>American Subcontractors Association Midwest Council has been awarded National ASA\'s \"Chapter of the Year\".</p>\n<p>ASA Midwest\'s Executive Director Reba Gillick was named \"Chapter Executive Director of the Year\".</p>\n<p>There are 40 ASA chapters throughout the United States.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','American Subcontractors Association Midwest Council has been awarded National ASA\'s \"Chapter of the Year\".','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(684,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Sponsors Support Habitat for Humanity, Celebrate CNR\'s 40th: Event Registration Open','none','CNR 40th, Habitat, Raise the Roof','none','<p>Six construction organizations, including two unions, an industry promotion fund, two consulting firms, a photographer, and a specialty contractor have shown their support for Habitat for Humanity St. Louis by signing on as sponsors for  \"Raise the Roof\", CNR\'s 40th birthday bash on Oct. 29.&nbsp; All proceeds from the event over facility costs will go directly to Habitat for Humanity.</p>\n<p>The dinner event will be held at the Missouri Athletic Club, beginning with a cocktail hour and silent auction.&nbsp; Arteaga Photos is donating a 40\" X 70\" mural of Downtown St. Louis and various construction-related memorabilia will also be included in the auction.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"CNR 40th\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"235\" src=\"/images/uploads/cnr-40th.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"200\" /></p>\n<p>During the dinner hour the St. Louis CNR 2009 Regional Excellence Awards will be presented, as will a special humanitarian award, named after CNR founder Thomas J. Finan, Jr.. The humanitarian award will be presented to IBEW Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter NECA for their ongoing support of Habitat. Last year IBEW/NECA wired 27 homes for Habitat St. Louis.</p>\n<p>Tickets for the event are $75 per person, or $700 for a table of 10. Reservations can be made <a href=\"https://www.blacktie-stlouis.com/rsvp/rsvp.cfm?eventcode=%26%3C%3A[.30[R%0A\">online by clicking this link&nbsp;</a> or by calling the Habitat for Humanity St. Louis office at 314.371.0400. All proceeds from tickets sold, over the MAC\'s direct costs, go to support Habitat for Humanity St. Louis.</p>\n<p>CNR publisher Tom Finan praised the companies and organizations who have committed to sponsor the event. \"This kind of support is what it\'s all about,\" he said. \"Recently I was talking with an old friend, Jim Frey of Alberici, at an industry event. We agreed that in times like these it\'s the people in the construction industry that make it all worthwhile. For 40 years the construction industry has been CNR\'s family. My dad would be delighted to see the way these companies are stepping up.\"</p>\n<p>Sponsorships are still available at the Builder and Superintendent ($1,000 and $500) levels. CNR is donating print, web, and enews advertising for companies and organizations that commit to sponsorships. For information on sponsorship, contact Tom Finan at 314.961.4087.</p>\n<p><strong>Builder Sponsor ($1,000)</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Half-page ad in follow up issue of CNR</li>\n<li>Program mention on night of event</li>\n<li>PowerPoint presentation slide on night of event</li>\n<li>Mention in articles in Weekly Update enews, CNR article, Habitat enews</li>\n<li>4 tickets for event\n<p><img alt=\"Habitat St. Louis\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"98\" src=\"/images/uploads/habitat-st-louis.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"244\" /></p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Superintendent Sponsor ($500)</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Listing in full page sponsor ad in follow up CNR after event</li>\n<li>Listing in Superintendents Group PowerPoint slide on night of event</li>\n<li>Two event tickets</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Sponsors to date:</strong></p>\n<table border=\"0\">\n</table>\n<table border=\"0\" id=\"_mc_tmp\" style=\"height: 228px;\" width=\"459\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Company</strong></p>\n</td>\n<td>\n<p><strong>Sponsorshp Level</strong></p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Plumbers &amp; Pipefitters Local 562/Sheetmetal Workers\' Local 36</p>\n</td>\n<td>\n<p>Master Constructor</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Arteaga Photo</p>\n</td>\n<td>\n<p>Builder</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Masonry Institute</p>\n</td>\n<td>\n<p>Builder</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>O\'Donnell Bonebrake</p>\n</td>\n<td>\n<p>Builder</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Stone Carlie</p>\n</td>\n<td>\n<p>Builder</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>Aschinger Electric</p>\n</td>\n<td>\n<p>Superintendent</p>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Six construction organizations, including two unions, an industry promotion fund, two consulting firms, a photographer, and a specialty contractor have shown their support for Habitat for Humanity St. Louis by signing on as sponsors for \"Raise the Roof\", CNR\'s 40th birthday bash on Oct. 29.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(687,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','A Celebration of \'What\'s Right With Our Industry\'','none','CNR, Habitat, 40th','none','<p>CNR\'s 40th birthday party, set for Oct. 29th at the Missouri Athletic Club downtown, is \"all about what\'s right with our industry, even in times like these,\" Publisher Tom Finan, IV said.\'</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Raise the Roof\" class=\"table-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/raise-the-roof_1.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" />\'Finan said that the event, which is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, would showcase, \"the great good that the people in the St. Louis construction industry can accomplish when they work together.\"</p>\n<p>\"My Dad used to say, &lsquo;The \'News\' depends upon its friends.\' It was both corny and sincere, \" Finan said.</p>\n<p>\"Dad envisioned a renewal of the St. Louis area. He saw a city brought to its full potential through cooperative effort, drawing on the strength and integrity of the companies and individuals who build here.</p>\n<p>\"Those of us who have continued his vision at CNR have survived, and grown, and learned, and prospered in more ways than we can ever count, with help from more people than I can possibly name here. It is the men and women working every day in St. Louis construction who have made CNR, \"The Voice for the St. Louis Construction Industry\" for the past 40 years.<br />\"By dedicating the proceeds from this event to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis we recognize my Dad\'s vision and faith in the ability of the people in our industry to achieve unity, diversity, and the rebuilding of St. Louis.\"<br />Companies and organizations have already stepped forward with over $10,000 in event sponsorships. A small silent auction will be held during the cocktail hour. The Arteaga family, of Arteaga Photos, is donating a mural of Downtown St. Louis as one of the auction items.</p>\n<p>CNR\'s Regional Excellence Awards will be presented to the project teams on the 14th Street Mall, Cannon Design Headquarters, Coldwater Creek Treatment Facility, Cottleville City Hall, Gateway Multi-Modal Transportation Center, and Pfizer Building MM during the event.</p>\n<p>CNR is also honoring IBEW Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter NECA with a special Thomas J. Finan, Jr. humanitarian award, named after CNR\'s founder. Since 2003 IBEW/NECA has wired more than 150 homes for Habitat for Humanity St. Louis. Last year the total was 27 LEED Platinum homes, and this year it will be 24.</p>\n<p>Tickets for the event are $75 per person, or $700 for a table of 10. Reservations can be made online by <a href=\"http://bit.ly/3yC1mM\">clicking this link</a> or by calling the Habitat for Humanity St.Louis office at 314.371.0400. <!--EndFragment--></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','none','CNR\'s 40th birthday party, set for Oct. 29th, is \"all about what\'s right with our industry, especially in times like these,\" Publisher Tom Finan, IV said. The event is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity St. Louis. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/raise-the-roof.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(688,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Masonry Center on Display','none','Masonry Center, remodeled, expanded','none','<p>The Mason Contractors Association and the Masonry Institute of St. Louis showed off the newly remodeled and expanded Masonry Center on Tuesday, Oct. 6, to<img alt=\"Masonry Center\" height=\"117\" src=\"/images/uploads/masonry-center.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"250\" /> an overflow crowd that included leading architects, engineers, and subcontractors, as well as dignitaries from the city of Richmond Heights.</p>\n<p>The expansion of the facility at 1429 S. Big Bend Boulevard in Richmond Heights nearly doubles the size of the seminar space and adds state-of-the-art audiovisual capabilities to enhance the effectiveness of educational programs. The new meeting room can seat up to 200 people for a single, large lecture, or it can be divided into two rooms, each with its own audiovisual capabilities, that can seat 90 people each.</p>\n<p>While improving the Masonry Institute\'s capabilities to offer educational programs to architects and engineers, the expansion also shows off different aspects of the mason\'s craft, including brick and stone work, glass block, and marble paving. The Masonry Institute\'s seminars and related events attract over 3,000 attendees a year.</p>\n<p>Other benefits of the remodeling program include new and additional offices, a larger boardroom, a larger library/study room, and modern lavatories. An unfin<img height=\"259\" src=\"/images/uploads/Ribbon Cutting.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"250\" />ished basement space affords the Masonry Institute a place to demonstrate mortal mixing and coloring.</p>\n<p>\"The lobby was the only thing that was not touched,\" said Darrell McMillian, technical director Masonry Institute of St. Louis.</p>\n<p>ICS was the general contractor. Smith Masonry was the masonry contractor. Richards Brick supplied the brick.</p>\n<p>The contractors\' association bought the building in 1952, and the last major renovation was completed 25 years ago. Although methods of brick firing have changed substantially in the last 30 years, \"Richards Brick did a good job of shading to match the original brick,\" McMillian said.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The Mason Contractors Association and the Masonry Institute of St. Louis showed off the newly remodeled and expanded Masonry Center on Oct. 6.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(690,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Video: ASA Midwest Helps Victim of Contractor Scam','none','Compton, Midwest Council, ASA, American Subcontractors Association, ASA','none','<p>When Jim Compton of Compton Roofing realized that an elderly homeowner had been scammed on a home remodeling project he decided to reach out to his fellow members of the Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association. The ASA tore out all the work that the contractor had done and rebuilt it using donated material and labor.</p>\n<p><br /><a href=\"http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=186121\"><img class=\"image-left\" height=\"219\" src=\"/images/uploads/compton.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"250\" /></a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4>Asa\'s Jim Compton with Homeowner \"Mrs. Bernstein\". Click on the image to read KSDK\'s report and view video. <br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Television Station KSDK had earlier reported on the situation. The contractor who did the faulty work had spent time in jail for scams and was barred from contracting at the time he did the work. KSDK did a followup of the work performed by the ASA member firms.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','When Jim Compton of Compton Roofing realized that an elderly homeowner had been scammed on a home remodeling project he decided to reach out to his fellow members of the Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(691,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','A Day Without Water','none','Water, Junior Achievement, Metro Water Infrastructure','none','<p>On Oct. 7, Junior Achievement (JA) and the Metro Water Infrastructure Partnership (MWIP) sought to make the invisible meaningful to 80 fifth grades students from Kennard Classical Junior Academy in St. Louis.</p>\n<p>When students arrived for their second day at JA\'s BizTown, there was a surprise waiting for them. Water and sewer main \"breaks\" meant that they were about to experience a day without water.</p>\n<p>JA calls BizTown a \"working free enterprise community\" where each student experiences the responsibilities of running a business and acting as a consumer, saver, investor, and citizen within a \"mini-municipality\" of 17 public and private enterprises. The \"town\" includes retail shops, a bank, a stock brokerage, a newspaper, and a restaurant, in addition to utilities, city hall, and a post office.</p>\n<p>Before students arrived for the day, field crews from MSD and Missouri American Water set-up trucks and equipment outside the JA building and pumped water to simulate a water main break. Students had to cross the work area to enter BizTown.</p>\n<p>The students were told that the building had lost water and sewer service. They had already successfully operated the businesses in BizTown the previous day, but now they had a new challenge: operate the businesses and municipality without water or sewer service. The aim was to teach them the importance of something they take for granted: water and wastewater service.</p>\n<p>\"They\'ll have the normal Junior Achievement agenda, but in addition, they\'ll have to cope without water,\" said Terry Gloriod, president of MWIP.</p>\n<p>At first, students did not see the lack of water as a problem. \"It won\'t matter,\" said Toni Thomas, who was filling the position of CFO at Ameren-Peabody Energy in BizTown. \"We\'ll just use port-a-potties if we have to use the rest room,\" she said.</p>\n<p>Mar-Naye Whittaker, who played the role of store manager at Build-A-Bear, agreed that the loss of water and sewer service \"was not a problem\" for businesses.</p>\n<p>Isabella Peterson, however, thought it might be a problem for some \"employees.\" Peterson played a sales clerk at Build-A-Bear. \"I didn\'t bring anything to drink,\" she said. \"And my pay is so low at Build-A-Bear, I can\'t afford to buy water.\"</p>\n<p>MWIP, the co-sponsor of the activity, is a newly formed coalition of bi-state area water utilities and professional associations, whose goal is to advance community conversations about the importance of drinking water and wastewater systems to the quality of life for residents of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area.</p>\n<p>Lance LeComb, public affairs director for MSD, said the groups came together on October 8, 2009 to sponsor the broadcast of \"Liquid Assets\" on KETC-TV. In the coming months, they intend to launch more public outreach efforts to extend the discussion about how the metro area\'s drinking water and wastewater systems function and the funding needed to maintain and rehabilitate them.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','On Oct. 7, Junior Achievement (JA) and the Metro Water Infrastructure Partnership (MWIP) sought to make the invisible meaningful to 80 fifth grades students from Kennard Classical Junior Academy in St. Louis.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(692,1,3,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','O\'Donnell','none','Mark','none','<p>Mark O\'Donnell is a principal in the accounting firm of  O\'Donnell, Bonebrake &amp; Co., PC.</p>','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','Principal','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(693,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','H1N1 is a Medical and Financial Issue','none','O\'Donnell, Mark, H1N1','none','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The economy is stressing most of our businesses, and everyone is taking appropriate action to survive and to prosper once this recession is finally over. Yet there is a new threat to your business that can cause significant economic and personal damage underrated by the media, the H1N1 virus (aka \"swine\" flu). I believe it may cause a significant portion of your workforce to simultaneously miss at least a week\'s work, maybe two weeks. Since most of us have lean staffs in reaction to the recession, a substantial absence of key personnel could easily mean problems for our daily business operations. I am a business advisor not a medical professional, but I recently experienced the \"flu\" and found that it disrupted our business.  I believe there are 3 reasons you should take it very seriously;</p>\n<p>It is very contagious. On Sunday, August 2, 2008 I went out early for a fifty mile bike ride with some friends. Sure I woke up coughing the night before but I felt fine, in fact after the ride I picked up a dishwasher and arranged to meet my brother in law Doug at my home to install it about 3:00 -pm. Doug and his family planned to help out and stay for Sunday dinner. I started feeling bad about 4 pm and was in bed by <img alt=\"Swine flu virus\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"212\" src=\"/images/uploads/B00528_H1N1_flu_blue_sml.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"180\" />6:30. What I initially thought was a cold coming on hit me like a \"ton of bricks.\" On Monday my wife Jane became as ill as fast as I did, and on Tuesday Doug and his family were infected as well. His daughter (10 yrs old) tested positive for H1N1 the next day.  Here\'s the scary part, from my research you can start spreading the virus one day before symptoms become present! Either Jane or I could have infected Doug and his family even though at that time Jane was experiencing no symptoms</p>\n<h4>Swine flu virus, up close and personal</h4>\n<p>Can\'t imagine how many others I infected, I have no clue, but I have confidence that at least a few were infected on the ride, and at the store by having come in contact with me.</p>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<p>It is a very difficult flu. It was very incapacitating. I missed the entire work week beginning Aug 2nd. All the greatest hits of the flu are present; headache, fever, body ache, upper and lower GI issues, upper respiratory infection, and by far the worst feature lower respiratory infection. Constant coughing and wheezing are so awful sleep is nearly impossible. It was so bad that I pulled muscles in my back and chest from fits of coughing. Our physician prescribed what he could to relieve the symptoms and prevent other problems, but I understand there isn\'t much that can be done with a virus. Know this; I have never been that sick. Monday to Thursday was very terrible for me. In addition to a high fever and body aches I coughed so frequently and hard I thought I would cough up my feet.</p>\n<p>It is persistent. I could not work from home for the first seven days. I am a workaholic, and proud of it. I love my practice. For those that needed me those seven days you have my apologies. I was out of it. In fact, I did not leave the lazy boy in our family room for any reason unless absolutely necessary. Same for my wife and my brother-in-law\'s family...the entire week was lost. The next week I struggled to work half time (more or less quarantined myself in my office) and even now a month later I still cough and my chest wall muscles are still sore.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"CDC Swine Flu kit\" height=\"159\" src=\"/images/uploads/CDC_PCR_diagnostic_testkit_sml.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"239\" /></p>\n<h4>A CDC H1N1 Diagnostic kit<br /></h4>\n<p>Consider the impact on your business (and family) from the combination of a contagious, persistent and difficult flu. I suspect it could run through our office in days and take out most of my work force for at least a week. Add more don\'t forget lost time from employee - parents forced to stay home with their children. Client / customer service and work production could grind to a halt. My partner jokes I may be the only person at the office and might need to answer the phone. Not a very good joke, even from an accountant. But he may be absolutely correct! No matter it\'s a very expensive possibility. For some, this could be an even more serious medical event, which will of course have a more serious impact on our personal lives as well as our business.</p>\n<p>Clearly, I am not a physician and I have no business providing any sort of medical advice. However I am strong recommending that you prepare for the H1N1 virus immediately. Please take a look at the following resources as soon as possible.</p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/\">http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/swine-flu-faq-1\">http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/swine-flu-faq-1</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/lib/ctfluwatch/h1n1/h1n1_factsheet_english.pdf\">http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/lib/ctfluwatch/h1n1/h1n1_factsheet_english.pdf</a></p>\n<p>And the video at;</p>\n<p>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wK1127fHQ4</p>\n<p>These websites and many others will give you expert advice on how to deal with the H1N1 virus both at your workplace, and at your home.</p>\n<p>The virus is here and it\'s spreading through some St Louis area school districts as well as the general population. We know that a vaccine is not going to be available for a month or more. That may be too late.  There are procedures we can take to help reduce our risk to H1N1, the first of which is to become aware of its immediate and real threat to our family\'s and employees\' personal health and our company\'s financial condition.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','There is a new threat to your business that can cause significant economic and personal damage underrated by the media, the H1N1 virus (aka \"swine\" flu).\n','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(694,1,3,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','Collier','none','Bill','none','<p>Bill Collier is the St. Louis area coach for The Great Game of Business, and is the author of &ldquo;How to Succeed as a Small Business Owner &hellip; and Still Have a Life&rdquo;&nbsp; He helps companies improve business results by teaching their employees to think and act like owners. He can be reached at 314-221-8558 or bill@collierbiz.com.</p>','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','Area Coach, The Great Game of Business','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(695,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','A Decaffeinated Approach to Process Improvement','none','decaf, service, process, color-coded, Collier','none','<p><strong><em>by Bill Collier</em></strong></p>\n<p>Ever been to a restaurant with someone who drinks decaf coffee?</p>\n<p>You sit down and order drinks. Someone at your table asks for decaf coffee. Your server fills the order as requested. So far, so good.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"decaf\" height=\"250\" src=\"/images/uploads/decaf.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"250\" />Pretty soon, your food arrives and you dig in. The drinks are getting low, so either your server or someone assigned the mission-critical task of keeping drinks topped off swoops in. The coffee gets refilled, but not with decaf. Luckily, the decaf drinker notices that the server isn\'t wielding the familiar orange color-coded pot and brings the mistake to the server\'s attention. A mumbled apology is offered, and the server takes the cup to the kitchen to swap it out for the right stuff.</p>\n<p>No harm done, right? Happens all the time.</p>\n<p>Let\'s take a look at the effects of this minor incident on the parties involved:</p>\n<p>&bull; It wastes the restaurant\'s time and money, literally pouring good product down the drain.<br />&bull; It wastes the server\'s time, eating into time available to take good care of his or her customers<br />&bull; To some small extent, it erodes the customers\' confidence in the restaurant.</p>\n<p>Multiply these effects by dozens of locations in a restaurant chain times thousands of decaf customers times a boatload of wrong-coffee pourings, and you get scads of lost time, product, money, efficiency, productivity, and customer confidence.</p>\n<p>All irretrievable. And all so easily avoidable.</p>\n<p>Virtually all restaurants use orange color-coding to designate decaf coffee. Astonishingly, though, most still rely on memory or ESP to determine whether a customer gets regular or decaf.</p>\n<p>A very few food service operators have eradicated this problem by placing a telltale coaster under each cup of decaf.</p>\n<p>No more doubt. No asking the customer about the contents of the cup. No more mistakes, or wasted time, or wasted product, or eroded customer relationships.</p>\n<p>What a simple, foolproof, and inexpensive solution to a widespread problem.</p>\n<p>Two quick questions:</p>\n<p>1) Why the heck doesn\'t every restaurant do this?<br />2) What\'s your version of this problem in your business?</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Now, I know that not all problems in business are this simple or this cut-and-dried. So, regardless of the severity or complexity of your oft-repeated errors, how about using an old saying to give this phenomenon a name?</p>\n<p>\"We never have time to do it right, but we always have time to do it over.\"</p>\n<p>Here are two important take-aways from this discussion:</p>\n<p>&bull; We\'re talking about a system for fixing a recurring problem.<br />&bull; Every mistake is an opportunity to improve your company.</p>\n<p>Let\'s look at both of these ideas.</p>\n<p>Use systems to avoid future mistakes.</p>\n<p>If your approach to errors is people-centered, I recommend that you raise your sights a bit. While mistakes do happen and they can often be attributed to human error, a lack of systems and procedures is more likely in most cases.</p>\n<p>Take the coffee example. If the manager happens to witness the decaf error, a brief conversation with the server might help avoid such mistakes for a while. The boss might even go so far as to convene a meeting of the wait staff, where they explore the importance of remembering which customer gets what coffee.</p>\n<p>All well and good, but why not put a system in place (like the coaster) to remove as much human error as possible?</p>\n<p>So I again ask, what\'s your version of this problem in your business? Can you fix your nagging, recurring mistakes with color-coding, forms, templates, systems or procedures?</p>\n<p>Every mistake is an opportunity to improve your company.</p>\n<p>Mistakes are costly. They waste time, money, productivity and resources. They aggravate employees. They lose customers. Even so, each and every one is a golden opportunity for improvement.</p>\n<p>Every time a mistake happens, ask: What can be done to prevent this same type of error from happening in the future?</p>\n<p>This is \"root cause\" thinking. You and all your people should get good at looking for the root causes of problems.</p>\n<p>It\'s not about blaming the individual employee. When errors occur, the person involved needs to admit it without fear of reprisal.</p>\n<p>Drive individual blame and cover-ups out of your company. Replace them with willingness to admit mistakes, so you can find the root cause of errors and prevent them in the future. Learn from mistakes.</p>\n<p>Make it the job of everyone in your company to identify and attack the root causes of errors.</p>\n<p>Stop pouring the wrong coffee. Stop doing it over. Instead, start doing it right the first time.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','377','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','Ever been to a restaurant with someone who drinks decaf coffee?','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(696,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','\'Build St. Louis\'... Not So Much','none','Centene, Build St. Louis, AGC','none','<p>Standing high on the 10th floor of the Centene Corporation building under construction at Forsyth and Hanley in Clayton, The Associated General Contractors of St. Louis (AGC) highlighted the plight of the industry as the community observed \"Build St. Louis Day 2009\". The annual event recognizes the contributions of St. Louis construction workers to the economic growth of the community. This year\'s opening ceremony took place Oct. 13 at the construction site of the new Centene Corporation headquarters building.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4><img alt=\"Build St. Louis\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/build-saint-louis.jpg\" width=\"266\" /></h4>\n<h4>Charlie Dooley, St. Louis County Executive discusses the serious\nunemployment situation in the construction industry at the annual Build\nSt. Day event at the Centene Center project in Clayton.&nbsp; Scott Wilson,\nSM Wilson president and chairman of the board of AGC and Leonard Toenjes,\nPresident of the AGC look on.&nbsp; The\nannual event recognizes the contribution the 450 AGC members make to\nthe St. Louis economy. <br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>A consortium of banks led by U.S. Bank funded the construction loan\nto build Centene Center, the $186 million headquarters for one of St.\nLouis\' largest public companies. The building, which will also be home\nto Armstrong Teasdale, one of the area\'s largest law firms, took four\nyears to get off the ground. Published reports in the St. Louis media\nsay that it is one of just a few large-scale developments nationwide to\nreceive financing in the midst of the tight credit market.</p>\n<p>The theme of this year\'s observance is Build Now for the Future.\n2009 is a year unlike any other for \"Build St. Louis Day\". The\nconstruction industry has experienced the most severe downturn in its\nrecent history, with unemployment of skilled tradesmen at 16.5%&nbsp;&mdash;\nnearly double the unemployment rate for the general public. And\nman-hours are down 30% compared to last year, forcing many firms to\nlayoff workers in every field.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>During the ceremony, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley\nrecognized the role of St. Louis construction workers in keeping St.\nLouis strong by issuing a proclamation that declared Monday, October 12\nthrough Monday, October 16, 2009 \"Build St. Louis Week.\" In his remarks\nhe noted that the current economic downturn of the industry will have a\nwidespread and very severe impact on St. Louis County if the situation\ndoes not improve.</p>\n<p>\"We are extremely proud of the role St. Louis construction workers\nhave played in strengthening our economy but today, private lending\ninstitutions need to work collaboratively with contractors and owners\nto seek creative solutions to release funds for projects,\" said Leonard\nToenjes, AGC president. \"\'Build St. Louis Week\' gives us a chance to\ndraw attention to the current situation, and let the workers and our\nmember companies know that we are working on a solution. \"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','none','What had been a celebration of the building community had a somber mood on Oct. 13, as this year\'s \"Build St. Louis Day\" was marred by 16.5% construction unemployment. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/build-saint-louis.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(697,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Former Brown, ISC Executives Sentenced','none','Gray, Riley, Brown, ISC, fraud','none','<p>John Riley, a former ISC Contracting partner, and Chris Gray, former Director-Facilities at Brown Shoe Company, Inc., went before a federal judge Oct. 14 to be sentenced for defrauding Brown Shoe of about $340,000.  Both pled guilty to the charges, stating in their guilty pleas that others at Brown Shoe and ISC Contracting were unaware of their fraudulent activities.</p>\n<p>Christopher Gray and John Riley were sentenced Wednesday in federal court in St. Louis. Gray is a former director of corporate facilities for Clayton-based Brown Shoe. He was placed on probation for three years. Riley received two years of probation. He was part-owner of St. Louis-based Interior Systems Contracting.</p>\n<p>The U.S. Attorney\'s office says restitution has been made.<br /></p>\n<p>Both men previously pleaded guilty to one count each of mail fraud.</p>\n<p>Interior Systems Contracting provided interior construction and renovation of Brown Shoe office space. Authorities say Riley inflated invoices with the inflated money used to renovate Gray\'s St. Louis County home.</p>\n<p><br />Regarding the sentencing, the companies issued the following statements:<br /></p>\n<p>\"John was immediately terminated from ISC this past February when my partner, Scott Seymour, and I first discovered the fraudulent activity. While his final sentencing has no impact on us or our operations, it should bring this unfortunate chapter in our history to a close. <br /> <br />I am grateful to our many customers, vendors and family members who rallied behind us during this difficult time.  I will never forget it.   Scott, the entire staff and I continue to work hard every day to demonstrate we are worthy of their trust and support.\" - Dan Green, President of ISC Contracting</p>\n<p><br />\"Mr. Gray\'s actions were clearly inconsistent with Brown Shoe\'s commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, shareholders, associates and the community.  We are pleased that this matter has been resolved and that we have received full restitution from Mr. Gray and Mr. Riley, and we thank ISC Contracting for their partnership during this difficult time.\" - Michael Oberlander, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Brown Shoe</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','John Riley, a former ISC Contracting partner, and Chris Gray, former Director-Facilities at Brown Shoe Company, Inc., went before a federal judge Oct. 14 to be sentenced for defrauding Brown Shoe of about $340,000. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(777,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Builders Donate $8,250 to Edgewood ','none','HBA, Edgewood','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','HBA President Sean Flower  presented an $8,250 donation to Edgewood Children\'s Center, from the Home Builders Charitable Foundation.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(699,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','C.B. Richard Ellis Third Quarter Report Show Slow Bounce Back','none','CBRE, industrial, commercial','none','<p>CB Richard Ellis has released its third quarter 2009 MarketViews for the St. Louis Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews are comprehensive reviews of current leasing market statistics, including vacancy, availability, absorption and average asking rental rates. Both reports feature breakdowns of the St. Louis area\'s submarkets.</p>\n<p>The results of CBRE research into the multitenant properties in the market show that the limited activity is beginning to effect the vacancy and lease rate numbers, with the vacancy rate trending upward in the office market and average asking lease rates falling.</p>\n<p>On the industrial side, the vacancy rate stayed steady, decreasing by one-tenth of a percentage point, but the availability rate rose from 12.7% to 13.3%. The availability rate is a measurement of all space being marketed for lease, including currently occupied space where a landlord either knows a tenant is soon vacating or where a tenant has signed a short-term lease.</p>\n<p>CB Richard Ellis brokers report that, while not back to previous levels, activity has started to increase, and there have been some positive signs in the market. A limited number of investment sales of properties have taken place, although the market is nowhere near its peak from a few years ago. Renewals are still being completed, albeit often at lowereffective lease rates because of concessions.</p>\n<p>Downtown received some good news at the end of the third quarter, with Thompson Coburn completing its lease renewal at US Bank Plaza. The submarket, however, still has the highest vacancy rate among all office properties, as well as specifically within the Class A sector.</p>\n<p>Construction continues to be slow across both the office and industrial market, which brokers say should help when more activity begins to take place. Currently, most tenants in the market are looking at consolidating operations into less space because of recent staff<br />reductions.<br /><br />The St. Louis market has also begun to experience lender involvement in commercial properties, including some commercial foreclosures. The tactic the lender takes in such a circumstance could greatly impact the market, brokers caution. Should the lender choose to be aggressive to immediately fill the property with tenants to boost occupancy in the hope of a future sale, lease rates could continue to decrease.</p>\n<p><a href=\"/blogfiles/Commercial.pdf\"><br /></a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/blogfiles/Office.pdf\">To download a copy of the office report, click here. </a></p>\n<p><br /><a href=\"/blogfiles/Industrial.pdf\">To download a copy of the industrial report, click here. </a></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','CB Richard Ellis has released its third quarter 2009 MarketViews for the St. Louis Office and Industrial markets. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(700,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Kaiser Rolls \'Sevens\' for Casino Queen','none','Kaiser, casino, sports bar. ','none','<p>Kaiser Electric has completed electrical installation for the audio-visual, lighting and sound system in the Casino Queen\'s new $2.15 million sports bar and entertainment venue \"Sevens.\" The bar opened to the public on Monday, Oct. 5.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Sevens\" height=\"170\" src=\"/images/uploads/Sevens_1.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"255\" />The 6,250-square-foot bar is located near the casino\'s gaming floor in an area previously occupied by the Gateway Caf&eacute; and gift shop. Sevens houses display cases of historic memorabilia from the St. Louis Cardinals Museum Collection and features 16 high-definition flat screen televisions and a retractable projection screen that can be viewed from all angles of the facility.</p>\n<p>In keeping with the sports theme, the entry floor is made of glass mirror chips embedded with hockey pucks, murals feature oversized sports ball images, and rows of baseball bats accent the walls of several VIP booths.</p>\n<p>Kaiser Electric crews had just 90 days to complete the project, just in time for Major League Baseball\'s playoff games, which began on Oct. 7. Kaiser\'s work included wiring the 360-square-foot stage, dance floor and house lighting; providing power distribution for the 16 flat-screen televisions and the bar equipment; and wiring a theatrical dimming panel to illuminate a series of translucent fabric clouds suspended from the main area\'s ceiling. The clouds are back lit with DMX-controlled LED lights which use a blend of lighting to create different colors and effects within the clouds.</p>\n<p>Kaiser Senior Project Manager Brian Sweet worked with the architect/interior design firm on the project, KAI Design &amp; Build, to ensure that its overall vision for the project was achieved. The general contractor on the project was Legacy Building Group of St. Louis.   \"It was a challenge working around the clouds,\" said Sweet. \"We worked hard to keep as much of the wiring and equipment out of site, while being able to achieve everything that the interior designer had envisioned. We had to incorporate all of the wiring and mechanical equipment into a small space, which was a challenge, coupled with the fact that the venue was such a large, open structure.  Another challenge on the job was the small time frame which we were allowed to get all of the work done. We were actually working off sketches and notes in the early phases before some design drawings were actually turned in.\"</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Kaiser Electric has completed electrical installation for the audio-visual, lighting and sound system in the Casino Queen\'s new $2.15 million sports bar and entertainment venue \"Sevens.\"','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(704,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','\"Raise the Roof\" Celebrates a Winning Bet','none','Habitat, CNR, 40th','none','<p>by Tom Finan, Publisher</p>\n<p>If you make your living in the construction industry, you must have a certain amount of risk tolerance.</p>\n<p>What odds would you have given in July of 1969 when the 46-year-old former owner of an automatic door company with a wife and<br />seven children &mdash; the eldest of whom was a junior in high school - decided to start a local construction newspaper ... in the middle of<br />an Ironworkers strike?</p>\n<p>Who would have thought then that we\'d recently be hosting a 40th birthday party for <em>St. Louis CNR</em>?</p>\n<p>On Thursday, Oct. 29, the team from <em>CNR</em> and about 150 of our closest friends celebrated the big dream of my Dad, Thomas J. Finan Jr. His was a larger vision for the St. Louis construction industry and for the St. Louis region. He believed passionately in the ability<br />of management and labor to work together. He believed in diversity. He believed that St. Louis could be something greater, because of<br />the people here.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\"Len Toenjes and others at CNR 40th\" height=\"173\" src=\"/images/uploads/toenjes.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"255\" />Len Toenjes, CEO of AGC of St. Louis; Tom Finan; Josh Foster, president of J.E. Foster; Courtney Pittman, director of resources, Habitat for Humanity St. Louis; and Matt Lampe, business agent, IBEW Local One.</h4>\n<p>\"There has long been a crying need for a strong voice that will speak for men and women in the construction industry of<br />St. Louis, \" he wrote in a page-one editorial in the first issue of <em>CNR</em>. He called his publication, \"The Voice for the St. Louis Construction<br />Industry.\"</p>\n<p>Dad died in 1976, so he never got to see the amazing changes that have since occurred in our city and in our industry.</p>\n<p>Oct. 29th was a celebration of all that my dad believed in. That\'s why CNR\'s 40th birthday party, held at the downtown Missouri Athletic Club was a benefit for Habitat for Humanity. We called the event \"Raise the Roof\". Sponsor, auction item, and ticket sales for the The Habitat for Humanity/CNR Anniversary celebration benefit raised approximately $10,000 to further the work of Habitat St. Louis.</p>\n<p>Event sponsors were:</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Master Constructor Sponsor ($3,000)</strong></p>\n<p>The St. Louis Electrical Connection (IBEW Local One/St. Louis Chapter NECA); and Pipefitters Local 562/Sheetmetal Workers Local 36.</p>\n<p><strong>Builder Sponsor ($1,000)</strong></p>\n<p>Associated General Contractors of St. Louis; Arteaga Photography; Arch Engraving; Masonry Institute of St. Louis; Site Improvement Association; Stone Carlie; and Washington University - Sever Institute.</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Superintendent Sponsor ($500): </strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Aschinger Electric; Fabick-CAT; and Kozeny-Wagner.</p>\n<p>Kimberly McKinney, CEO of Habitat St. Louis thanked the contractors, union members, and suppliers in the audience for the role they<br />have played in Habitat St. Louis\' programs here. The gratitude of Habitat St. Louis was expressed without words by the simple fact that<br />McKinney and her senior staff were all at our construction industry event instead of at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where the St. Louis<br />Business Journal was honoring Habitat as a \"Hero of the Planet\" that same evening. Habitat St. Louis was responsible for the construction<br />of 27 LEED Platinum-certified houses in 2008, and is completing 24 more this year.</p>\n<p>My youngest sister, Teri Finan, who has been actively involved with Habitat for over five years, told movingly about ways<br />in which Habitat exemplifies Dad\'s beliefs in cooperative effort, diversity, and the rebuilding of St. Louis. We recognized the team effort that Dad so much believed in with the presentation of our 2009 CNR Regional Excellence Awards. The awards recognize projects that represent<br />successful team collaborations which advance our region and exemplify excellence in design, construction, and management.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4><img alt=\"40th anniversary fundraiser\" height=\"154\" src=\"/images/uploads/room.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"255\" />A lively and engaged crowd of friends of CNR caught up with one another while supporting Habitat for Humanity St. Louis.</h4>\n<h4></h4>\n<p><br />Honorees were:</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Neighborhood Redevelopment:</strong><br />14th Street Mall<br />Owner: Crown Village Partners, Old North St. Louis Restoration Group &amp; Regional Housing &amp; Community Development Alliance<br />Architect: Rosemann &amp; Associates<br />General Contractor: E.M. Harris Construction Company</p>\n<p><strong><br />Historic Renovation</strong><br />Cannon Design Headquarters &ndash; Powerhouse Building<br />Owner: Cannon Design<br />Architect: Cannon Design<br />General Contractor: R.G. Ross<br />Construction Company</p>\n<p><strong><br />Infrastructure</strong><br />Coldwater Creak Treatment Facility<br />Owner: Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District<br />Engineer: Black &amp; Veatch<br />Construction Manager: KAI/Jacobs-Joint Venture<br />General Contractor: Goodwin Brothers Construction Co.<strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Public Building</strong><br />Cottleville City Hall<br />Owner: City of Cottleville, MO<br />Architect: Kostecki Architects<br />Construction Manager: Paric Corporation<br />General Contractor: C. Rallo Contracting</p>\n<p><strong>Transportation</strong><br />Gateway Multi-Modal Transportation Center<br />Owner: City of St. Louis<br />Architect: KAI Design &amp; Build<br />General Contractor: K&amp;S Associate</p>\n<p><strong>High-Tech</strong><br />Pfizer Building MM<br />Owner: Pfizer<br />Architect: Flad Architects<br />General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companie</p>\n<p><strong>Creative Renovation</strong><br />Shock City Studios<br />Owner: Blueprint Concepts, LLC<br />Architect: The Lawrence Group<br />General Contractor: The Lawrence<br />Group Projects<strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Editor\'s Choice:</strong><br />Corporate Headquarters<br />Solae<br />Owner: Clayco, Inc.<br />Architect: Cannon Design<br />General Contractor: Clayco, Inc.</p>\n<p>We also presented a first-ever special award, which we plan to make annual. The Thomas J. Finan Jr. Humanitarian Award was presented<br />to IBEW Local One and the St. Louis Chapter, NECA. Steve Schoemehl, business agent for Local One, and Doug Martin, executive<br />director of NECA, noted the commitment that their members have displayed to the people of the St. Louis community and to Habitat for<br />Humanity in particular.</p>\n<p>Since 2003, IBEW/NECA have completed more than 150 Habitat homes - representing about a $760,000 community gift - and have<br />attracted more than 500 electricians to work together with NECA contractors to build the Habitat homes. They\'ve also made significant<br />electrical repairs to about 260 homes owned by low-income, elderly people -- completed by nearly 700 IBEW and NECA volunteers - at<br />a value approaching $400,000. My Dad would have been tickled to see the folks that we decided to recognize with an award named<br />after him.</p>\n<p>Dad used to say, \"The \'News\' depends upon its friends.\" Corny? Sure. Sincere? You bet. The truth? We have survived, and grown, and learned, and prospered in more ways than we can ever count, with help from more people than I can possibly name here. YOU<br />have made CNR, \"The Voice for the St. LouisConstruction Industry\" for the past 40 years.Thanks to you our readers, our advertisers...<br />our friends. Thanks for being willing to bet on Dad\'s big dream.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','none','If you make your living in the construction industry, you must have a certain amount of risk tolerance.','none','','none','','none','','none',381,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/40th event.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(703,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Kwame Building Group selected for Ameren UE Methane Project','none','Kwame, Weber, Ameren, methane','none','<p>Kwame Building Group has been awarded a contract through Green Companies Inc. to provide design management support on a major landfill gas-to-energy project at the Fred Weber Company Solid Waste Landfill in Maryland Heights, Missouri. <br /><br />Construction is expected to begin in 2010, and the plant is expected to be operational in 2011. The Ameren UE Methane to Megawatts project will be the largest landfill gas-to-electric facility in the state and among the largest in the nation, generating enough electricity for 10,000 homes. <br /><br />Methane from the landfill will be delivered to combustion turbines through a blower plant that delivers 6,000 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute, 24 hours a day. The gas is collected through 120 landfill wells, which are plumbed and connected with two miles of high-density plastic pipe. <br /></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Kwame Building Group has been awarded a contract. to provide design management support on a major landfill gas-to-energy project.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(705,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Mungenast Opens First Lexus Dealership Built to LEED Standards','none','Mungenast, LEED, dealership  ','none','<p>Dave Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis announced the opening of what is poised to be the first LEED-NC certified Lexus new car dealership in the United States.</p>\n<p>The new dealership facility - located at 13700 Manchester Road in Manchester, Missouri - is the first Lexus new car dealership facility planned and built from the ground-up, adhering to stringent LEED for New Construction (LEED-NC) Certification guidelines.  The entire dealership project, once opened, will be the best example nationally of ecological responsibility for Lexus and luxury car owners.</p>\n<p>LEED (Leadership in Energy &amp; Environmental Design) is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. It evaluates environmental performance from a whole-building perspective, providing the standard for a \"green building.\" The LEED designation was created by the United States Green Building Council in 1994. Nationally, there are approximately 2,476 LEED-certified buildings classified as \"Green\" by the USGBC, with only 1,600 of those certified with the LEED-NC designation.</p>\n<p>\"We\'re committed to environmental responsibility and we intend to demonstrate the depth of that commitment by our actions with the construction and operation of this new Lexus dealership facility,\" comments Ray Mungenast, President of Dave Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis.</p>\n<p><br />The 70,000 square foot, two-story building showcases a showroom and service lounge featuring the latest in upscale customer amenities. The facility also houses a state-of-the-art 32 bay service area with a complimentary car wash and detail area behind the showroom, which will be able to accommodate not only Lexus models but all types of luxury vehicles.</p>\n<p>The building was designed and planned with various environmentally-friendly aspects and constructed with state-of-the-art materials, including insulated architectural precast panels and aluminum curtain walls with high-performance glazing. The roof was designed and constructed with special layers of insulation and a white membrane to reduce the heat island effect and lower energy consumption. The HVAC and electrical systems are highly efficient with advanced controls and sensors. Low-flow plumbing fixtures were installed to reduce water usage. The dealership facility has a stormwater management system in place to manage the quantity and rate of storm water runoff. And the landscaping is a water-efficient design which utilizes native plants in select areas and reduces the amount of irrigation required for the proper appearance. The new building will reduce potable water by over 40% percent and use over 15% percent less energy.</p>\n<p>Other considerations for the environment include the selection of finishes and the use materials such as certified woods, low VOC products, and recycled materials throughout the dealership. The environmentally-friendly design and construction of the new dealership is LEED registered, and is tracking for a LEED Silver designation.</p>\n<p>Mungenast notes, \"This project definitely involved some additional upfront expenses to meet the stringent LEED Certification standards. And our commitment to the environment didn\'t end there; our ongoing, daily operations will be higher than normal due to the fact that every possible item, service and process will have a recyclable directive.\" He continues, \"But we know that ultimately we will reap the benefits of this green building through lower operation costs, due to the efficiencies that were designed and implemented into the construction of our new facility.\"</p>\n<p>The development, contractor and construction companies who worked on the new \"Green\" Lexus dealership includes HDA Architects and Holland Construction Services, Inc. as the major partners. Other partners included Acorn Landscaping, Ameri-Structure, Inc., Budrovich Excavating, Cole &amp; Associates, Inc., Geotechnology, Inc., Kaiser Electric, Maddock, Henson &amp; Haberstroh and Murphy Company. Vertegy served as the LEED consultant on the project.</p>\n<p>According to Robin Wear, Vertegy\'s Manager of Operations, \"Dave Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis and the entire project team should be commended for their forward thinking and dedication to sustainability which pushed this &lsquo;atypical LEED project\' to employ innovative strategies to accomplish the project\'s LEED goals.\" Wear also mentioned the appreciation on the part of the contractors/subcontractors for the dealership to move forward with this important ecological project in a down economy.</p>\n<p>The new dealership facility is a concrete example of Dave Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis\' and the Mungenast Family\'s enduring commitment to preserving the environment for future generations - exemplified throughout the development and construction of this green facility, as well as the implementation of ecologically responsible operational initiatives. Mungenast comments, \"It\'s not even about this specific dealership.  It\'s really about us, our customers and the world we leave our kids and grandkids.\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Dave Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis opened the the first Lexus new car dealership built to LEED-NC standards in the United States on Nov. 4.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(706,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Wilson Will Renovate Fontbonne\'s A-B Hall','none','Wilson, Anheuser-Busch, Fontbonne','none','<p>S. M. Wilson &amp; Co. has been selected by Fontbonne University to renovate and expand the recently dedicated Anheuser-Busch Hall, a three-story building on the university\'s main campus in Clayton.  S. M. Wilson will provide pre-construction and construction management services for the $9.7 million project, which will include 32,448 square feet of renovation and a new 6,123 square foot addition.</p>\n<p>Areas to be renovated in what was previously known as the &lsquo;Science Building\' include lab space for biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy, as well as ten classrooms, 34 offices, a student library, two kitchens and counseling offices.  The addition will feature new restrooms, an elevator, a student lounge and a greenhouse.<br /></p>\n<p>Some classes will be held in the building throughout the construction process.  The project will be divided into multiple phases and scheduled to be implemented around the student population needs.<br /></p>\n<p>\"The safety of students will dictate our planning and implementation of this project,\" said Tony Ruebsam, LEEP AP, project manager for S. M. Wilson.  \"We have significant experience in renovating and expanding educational structures with students present, and we will draw on that experience for the benefit of Fontbonne students, faculty and staff.\"<br /></p>\n<p>S. M. Wilson renovated Fontbonne University\'s East Building in 2003. Hastings &amp; Chivetta is architect for the science building project.  Work will begin in November 2009 and is scheduled for completion in early 2011.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','S. M. Wilson & Co. has been selected by Fontbonne University to renovate and expand the recently dedicated Anheuser-Busch Hall, a three-story building on the university\'s main campus in Clayton.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(707,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Contractors Rate Waste Management as Key  Green  Practice ','none','green, waste management, McGraw Hill','none','<p>&nbsp;McGraw-Hill Construction released its latest SmartMarket Report, Sustainable Construction Waste Management: Creating Value in the Built Environment, which reveals that 61% of contractors rate waste management plans as the second most important aspect of green building, just behind energy efficiency. The study, which was released at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, was produced with support from Waste Management, Inc.</p>\n<p>The U.S. generated 143.5 million tons of building-related construction and demolition debris in 2008, but only 28% (40.2 million tons) was reused, recycled or sent to waste-to-energy facilities. The study shows that contractors recognize the substantial impact that sustainable construction waste management can have on their businesses, and a growing number are adopting practices to reduce contributions to landfills.</p>\n<p>While total construction starts are expected to fall another 25% in 2009, green building has grown dramatically in recent years and is expected to continue its upward trend. By 2013, McGraw-Hill Construction projects that the green building market will be up to 25% of all new construction starts by value, equating to a $140 billion market. This rapidly growing green share of the building market presents extensive market opportunities for green building aspects like waste management.</p>\n<p>\"Green building presents a huge market opportunity for construction firms,\" said Harvey Bernstein, vice president of global thought leadership and business development, McGraw-Hill Construction. \"This report analyzes an important contributor to a successful green building plan: sustainable construction waste management. Firms at the forefront of the green movement are actively looking for ways to reduce, recycle and reuse materials-actions that lead to decreased costs, improved client satisfaction, and compliance with growing government regulations.\"</p>\n<p>\"An increasing number of construction companies and their customers are seeking innovative and integrated project designs to waste management and environmental solutions from the design phase to construction and ultimately to occupancy and facility management,\" said Jim Halter, vice president for Construction Solutions, Waste Management. \"Customer demands and regulatory pressures are driving change- improving diversion and recycling rates and repurposing construction and demolition into other products. We are excited to share the results of this study to shed light on the behaviors, opinions and trends around sustainable waste management.\"</p>\n<p>Highlights from the Sustainable Construction Waste Management SmartMarket Report include:<br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Most contractors place sustainable waste management (61%) and responsible use of materials and resources (57%) as two of the three most important aspects of green building, behind energy efficiency. This importance is expected to increase in five years to 80% and 78%, respectively.</li>\n<li>Waste diversion activity is increasing despite the recession; 20% of firms are diverting half of their construction waste on 60% or more of projects, and 25% of firms expect to do so within the next year.</li>\n<li>The biggest drivers behind sustainable construction waste management practices include client demand (82%) and government regulations (81%). Competitive advantage (77%) and increases in education and awareness (75%) are also cited as major influencing factors.</li>\n<li>Already, 57% of contractors have set sustainability positions and diversion goals, and 43% plan to divert more than 50% of waste from projects this year.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />For more information or to download the report, visit <a href=\"http://construction.ecnext.com/coms2/analytics\">http://construction.ecnext.com/coms2/analytics</a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Sixty-one percent of contractors rate waste management plans as the second most important aspect of green building, just behind energy efficiency.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(708,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Clayco Names Judy Alexander CFO','none','Clayco, Alexander, Chief Financial Officer','none','<p>Clayco Inc. is announcing the addition of Judy Alexander as Chief Financial Officer and as part of the Clayco management team. Alexander recently served for over five years as President and CEO of Emmaus Homes, Inc. Alexander brings tremendous talent and dedication to her new position.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Judy Alexander\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"210\" src=\"/images/uploads/Judy-Alexander.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"150\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4>Judy ALExander, Clayco\'s NEW CFO<br /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Prior to serving at Emmaus, Alexander was Chief Financial &amp; Operating Officer for Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) where she was responsible for overseeing the $25 million construction of and financing for new school and research facilg Officer for Central Institute for the Deaf (CID) where she was responsible for overseeing the $25 million consities.  Bob Clark, chairman and CEO of Clayco, served as President of the Board of CID and as interim Executive Director, during which time Alexander reported to Clark. The two worked hand in hand to reposition the organization through a series of program mergers with the Washington University School of Medicine. Alexander continues to serve on CID\'s Board of Managers.</p>\n<p>\"We are excited to welcome Judy to the Clayco team and know that her exceptional experiences from Emmaus Homes and throughout her career have positioned her for success with Clayco and as a supportive member of the business community,\" said Clark.<br /> <br />Emmaus Homes is a not-for-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities in the St. Louis area, since 2004. During her tenure, Alexander has been instrumental in trimming costs and acquiring additional state funding for the 116-year-old organization, providing the groundwork for upcoming building projects.<br /> <br />Alexander brings to the position significant contributions to the community and expertise in the financial sector that will provide Clayco\'s team with additional support to continue its success in the corporate, financial, industrial, institutional, government and residential markets. \"I am very excited to work for an organization that has such an outstanding reputation in the community,\" said Alexander, \"I look forward to adding my expertise to the Clayco team and continuing their record of service excellence.\"  <br /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Clayco Inc. announced the addition of Judy Alexander as Chief Financial Officer and as part of the Clayco management team. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(709,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Koman Opens Lafayette Square Walgreens ','none','Koman, Lafayette Square, Walgreens ','none','<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> Normal\n  0\n  0\n  1\n  311\n  1774\n  PGD\n  14\n  3\n  2178\n  10.265 </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> 0\n  0\n  0 </xml><![endif]-->\n<style></style>\nAlongside\nrepresentatives from the City of St. Louis and Walgreens, Koman Properties recently held a ceremony to mark the opening of the $4.5\nmillion, 14,820-square-foot, newly-developed Walgreens in Lafayette Square. The\nexterior of this built-to-suit location at the corner of Lafayette Avenue and\nTruman Parkway was uniquely-designed to fit within the context of the\narchitecture found in the historic Lafayette Square neighborhood.</p>\n<p>\"It\nhas been a pleasure to once again work with the City of St. Louis on a revitalization\nproject,\" commented Terry Barnes, senior vice-president of development for\nKoman Properties. \"With the completion of the Lafayette Square location, Koman\nProperties now has three Walgreens within the city limits. We remain hopeful\nthat this location, much like the ones at Kingshighway and Natural Bridge, and\nGrand Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard, will serve as a catalyst for\ngrowth and opportunity in an underserved area.\"</p>\n<p>The\nproject development team for the Lafayette Square Walgreens included Koman\nProperties, IMPACT Strategies, Tri Architects and Civil Engineering Design Consultants,\nwho served as the real estate developer, general contractor, architect and\nengineer, respectively. The St. Louis Development Corporation and the City\nHospital\'s Development Company were credited with providing assistance with\nproperty acquisition and development.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Koman Properties recently held a ceremony to mark the opening of the $4.5 million, 14,820-square-foot, newly-developed Walgreens in Lafayette Square.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(725,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Jason Wiegand Joins Guarantee','none','Wiegand, Guarantee','none','<p>Jason Wiegand has joined Guarantee Electrical Company as director of preconstruction services.</p>\n<p>He will oversee the complete preconstruction discovery and delivery process &ndash; from planning and estimating through construction start &ndash; on select Guarantee projects.</p>\n<p>Wiegand is a 14-year veteran in the industry.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Jason Wiegand has joined Guarantee Electrical Company as director of pre-construction services. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(710,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','\'\"Nine North\" Brings Urban Mixed-Use to St. Louis','none','Nine North, Opus, Kaiser','none','<p>True, urban mixed-use development has arrived in St. Louis, thanks to Opus Northwest, LLC and St. Louis City Treasurer Larry Williams.</p>\n<p>This pioneering project in the city\'s Central West End integrates residential condos, a public parking garage, and streetside retail into<br />what looks like a single, stylish building. The mayor\'s office in St. Louis named the project, dubbed Nine North by developer Opus Northwest, the \"Development of the Year\" in St. Louis in 2009. Located at Nine North Euclid Avenue, the $18 million facility is adjacent to Park East Tower, the high-rise condominium building also developed by Opus Northwest.</p>\n<p>The residential condos have what Opus Director of Construction Joseph Downs calls \"an urban contemporary style,\" with floor-to-ceiling<br />windows punctuating the precast brick exterior and an interior that features open floor plans combined with 10-foot ceilings, wood floors,<br />granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Each residence has a private balcony overlooking an urban garden and swimming pool built<br />on top of the parking garage.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Nine North\" class=\"table-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/nine-north.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" /></p>\n<p>\"It was a challenge to design an urban, modern product that fits the context of an historical neighborhood and still strikes a chord with the<br />St. Louis market,\" Downs said. \"We\'ve found that the St. Louis market can only accept so much progression. If we were building in New York City,<br />we would build something a generation or two ahead of this. This has more of a homey feel to it than we would build in New York,\" he said.</p>\n<p>\"We characterized these units as a value purchase,\" Downs said \"They are not luxury units, but they are not lofts; they have modern amenities,\"<br />he said.</p>\n<p>\"We spent a lot of time talking about how to strike a chord with St. Louis; it was something we talked about every week,\" he added.<br />Opus pre-sold the first residential condo of 52 in May, and by press time had sold 28 more. The retail units also are condos. The first sold in<br />April and the rest sold out during the summer.</p>\n<p>Like Park East Tower, Nine North began as a parking lot. Both projects have increased residential and consumer density in one of the city\'s most vibrant neighborhoods without sacrificing any existing buildings or traditional streetscape. The parking lot that occupied the site of Nine North was owned by the city.</p>\n<p>Downs said that the city treasurer\'s office, which operates city owned parking lots, was the main catalyst for this project. \"They really pushed it<br />forward,\" he said.</p>\n<p>The city retained ownership of the land and contracted with Opus to design and build a garage, which the city would own. Opus bought the air rights above the city property for condos, Downs explained. The finished facility has three ownership entities: the City of St. Louis, a retail condo association, and a residential condo association.</p>\n<p>\"We have reciprocal easements, common and shared mechanical and electrical systems, and common and shared property management and snow removal,\" Downs said.</p>\n<p>\"This maybe unusual for St. Louis, but we\'ve done deals like this elsewhere. This is what we consider a typical urban, mixed-use project,\" he said. That familiarity with the legal underpinnings of such projects helped pave the way for this one.</p>\n<p>\"The ability to articulate the ownership arrangement and how the pieces would work together was the key not just to getting the project off the ground, but also to making it explainable to prospective buyers,\" said Downs.</p>\n<p>Structurally, the garage is post-tensioned concrete while the condos use a metal truss and joist system.</p>\n<p>Gateway Panel, Inc., an affiliated company of Grau Contracting, provided a panelized wall system for the exterior walls, interior load bearing walls, and shear walls, and a floor truss system. The exterior wall panels delivered to the site included the metal framing, exterior sheathing, and Tyvek vapor barrier. \"We also incorporated Red Iron into the exterior wall panels to support the precast that is the exterior finish cladding,\" said Brian Shropshire, project manager for Gateway Panel.</p>\n<p>\"This project was unique for us and presented some unusual challenges,\" Shropshire said. From marrying the panel system to the concrete garage, to soundproofing, to developing ways to move panels without a crane, the Nine North project, \"pushed us to create new ideas and test our products in areas we had not considered before, and our company is better for it,\" he said. One of the challenges was soundproofing the light gauge floor truss system that was topped with a post-tensioned concrete slab.</p>\n<p>Two rating systems relate to soundproofing. The Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating measures the reduction of air-borne noise from one side of a partition to the other. Or, in others words, the amount of the noise from one room that you can hear in the neighboring room. The Impact Isolation Class<br />(IIC) rating measures the reduction of impact noise from one side of a partition to another. In everyday terms, it might measure, for example, how loud footsteps sound when someone walks on the floor above you in hard soled shoes.</p>\n<p>Achieving the STC and IIC ratings that<br />Opus wanted at Nine North was a challenge, said Shropshire. \"That took many hours of brainstorming and testing different products until we found a breakthrough. Our light gauge floor truss system now offers extremely high STC and IIC ratings,\" he said. Gateway Panel\'s floor truss system also received a two-hour fire rating from United Laboratories (UL) during the project.</p>\n<p>The proximity of Park East Tower meant that the crane could not reach every part of the job site. So, \"we invented a panel cart for moving panels across the concrete slab to their set location,\" said Shropshire.</p>\n<p><br />Kaiser Electric Co. was the design/build electrical contractor for the garage and the residential condos and installed the distribution panel for the retail spaces. Kaiser Electric also installed the fire alarm, life safety, and telecommunications systems.</p>\n<p>\"It was comparable to a loft job,\" said Michael Murphy, Kaiser Electric\'s project manager.</p>\n<p>\"We had three different turnover times on the building,\" Murphy said. \"The public garage was completed and opened first, substantially sooner than the rest of the building, so everything that goes through the garage to service the retail and residential units had to be completed before the garage was done,\" he said.</p>\n<p>\"In order to save time and money, we buried the feeder cables - they were PVC coated, metal clad cables - for the residential units in the thickened slab on top of the parking garage. That way, we could get the electrical service over to the residential units without hanging large pipe racks from the garage ceiling,\" he said.</p>\n<p>They used high output T8 florescent lamps in the garage instead of the more traditional metal halide lamps. \"Sustainability was a top concern for Opus and the City of St. Louis, and for us that meant creating the desired light levels in the most economical way possible,\"<br />Murphy said.</p>\n<p>As there was nowhere on the job site to store materials, Opus had to carefully coordinate the crane service with everyone\'s material deliveries. \"We tried to minimize deliveries to twice weekly so as to not take up a lot of crane time,\" Murphy said. \"The crane really was needed to lift the components of the building, such as the wall panels,\" he said.</p>\n<p>Waterhout Construction was responsible for all the field carpentry. \"We did all the woodblocking and backing; all the interior trim, cabinets, doors and hardware; and we did the deck around the pool,\" said Loren Bueneman, field manager for Waterhout.</p>\n<p>The pool deck utilized GeoDeck, a composite lumber made from rice hulls and reclaimed paper by-products. \"This was only the third project where we installed<br />GeoDeck,\" Bueneman said. Like all composites, it expands and contracts in the heat. At 3,000 square feet, the deck at Nine North was a very large deck and expansion could be a problem. \"To counter it, we allowed for moreventilation underneath the deck to even out the temperature between the top and the bottom,\" Bueneman said.</p>\n<p>Bueneman said the biggest challenge was the schedule Waterhout faced. \"The job fell behind in the early days because of concrete issues coming out of the ground and we had to help to make it up. And then each unit is like a separate house. Different owners have different cabinet options and different contracts for moving in. That makes it challenging, but our site foreman, Todd Borrini, did a heck-of-a job managing those issues,\" he said.</p>\n<p>\"We really enjoyed working with Opus. They did a first-rate job coordinating the crane to get our materials up in an efficient manner. And administratively, they use a computer system, Hypen BuildPro,that helped generate an efficient schedule and effectively handled billing,\" he said.</p>\n<p>\"A mixed-use project is always more complex,\" Downs said. \"These three subcontractors were most crucial to the project\'s success. Each of them performed at an extremely high level in both management and field operations on critical path work under extreme schedule constraints,\" he said.</p>\n<p>\"It was great working with Opus,\" said Kaiser Electric\'s Murphy. \"They allowed us to do things correctly. They were trying to build a quality product and it showed in how they handled themselves,\" he said.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','none','True, urban mixed-use development has arrived in St. Louis, thanks to Opus Northwest, LLC and St. Louis City Treasurer Larry Williams.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/nine-north.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(711,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','The Perils of Price First','none','','none','<p>Grandma always said; \"Be careful Sonny, you get what you pay for!\" Ah, ol\' Granny was right on the money! (To use an obvious pun.) The pressure<br />of a tight economy, fewer projects, and poor buying methods has created a sales quagmire.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Money Cut\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"205\" src=\"/images/uploads/moneycut.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"200\" />The mentality driving the attitude that \"the cheapest price is the best way to serve the customer\" is crippling our industry. It is rampant across<br />the board. No architect, general contractor, subcontractor or vendor can state they haven\'t felt the squeeze. Fear not! What goes around comes<br />around. For everyone from a project owner to a contractor buying a drill bit, buying strictly on price is dangerous. Let me point out a little bit of<br />common sense and you be the judge.</p>\n<p>When you focus on price you drive the supplier, whether of a product or service, to take his focus off of performing for the customer<br />to managing his cost to make a profit. As a result, corners get cut, change orders or extras appear, shoddy workmanship occurs, and exceptional<br />ser<img src=\"file:///Users/tom/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.png\" />vice erodes. As it trickles down on the customer, it causes long-term damage to both future business and the supplier\'s reputation. The<br />sweet taste of an order or project won at a bargain basement price soon turns into a profitless nightmare.</p>\n<p>I deal with frustrated contactors,both subs and generals, that hate being so price focused, yet practice it themselves. By compromising your principles in order to win work, your short-term gain may affect your future success as your customers feel the tension of poor performance or focus. By not building the case for the value you bring to the table and thereby gaining competitive separation, you agree to compete on the price-based playing field. Of course, that\'s the easiest way to play. Selling takes time, work, and creativity. It\'s much easier to cut yourprice to the bone and hope to make a little profit on<br />the backside.</p>\n<p>Most contractor owners I speak with express a desire to partner with their clients and establish a loyal, mutually beneficial relationship. Then they turn into snake oil salesmen at bid time. Many blame the customer for the position they\'re put in. Sorry, I don\'t buy it. How does the facility owner know the proverbial cost to build his or her facility? That\'s why he or she gets bids. Is there the potential for inferior bids? Yup! Then your job is to educate the customer on the pitfalls of poor construction and inferior performance. As well as the smoke and mirrors game being played in the pricing formulas.</p>\n<p>This pattern will not last. The window is closing and will eventually slam shut. The buying community is becoming more astute and the trustfactor in construction, which was a challenge to begin with, is collapsing. This is a perilous sales dynamic at work. As prices are driven lower and lower, good contractors will struggle, reduce performance thresholds, and some will simply go under. Get ready folks &ndash; the \"rub\" is coming.</p>\n<p>What\'s the solution? Put adequate time and resources into your sales effort. Not just your marketing effort, but your sales effort. As you\'re cutting costs and people, you cannot afford to cut your sales expense. Nope, it\'s not an extravagance; it\'s a necessity. The more you cut your customer entertainment or contact, the more you\'ll end up cutting staff.</p>\n<p>Projects, work, or orders do not come in without hard sales itineraries. Partner with your suppliers and lock arms to approach the marketplace. Use sources that have good strong sales efforts themselves and combine strengths. The savings of loyalty to your sources far outweigh the short-term gain of an additional five percent or a few thousand dollars. Oh, and that bid that is so much lower than all the others is WRONG! They either made a mistake, are having financial<br />trouble, or are going to hit you hard with changes on the backside. Don\'t believe the unbelievable.</p>\n<p>The fact that firms are practicing unrealistic selling and buying dynamics will skew the market. If you feel that you cannot gain business without playing this pricing game, you will completely fall prey to it. Those sticking to their guns AND working their sales effort diligently are doing well even in this tough market. It is imperative to truly analyze where you are as a sales organization.</p>\n<p>Are you hitting on all cylinders? Is everyone busting tail to get in front of as many potential clients as possible? Are you easy to do business with? Are you really client focused or cost focused? Do you even have any pure sales talent in your firm? These are important questions to ask. With the cold edge of winter approaching, we\'re entering the hottest sales season. What\'s your plan, building value and driving sales activity or waiting it out till spring and then jumping right back into the price-first<br />abyss? Hmmm?</p>','','380','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','The pressure of a tight economy, fewer projects, and poor buying methods has created a sales quagmire.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(712,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Sachs Steel President Screens Green Documentary Film','none','Wolff, Sachs, Southie','none','<p>Bob Wolff, owner and president of Sachs Steel, recently screened \"The Greening of Southie\" for a roomful of architects and contractor-estimators.<br /> <br />\"The Greening of Southie\" tells the exciting story of the construction the first LEED certified apartment building in Boston, an eleven-story luxury apartment building in the area known as South Boston. \"It is a very entertaining, moving and enlightening film, and I wanted to share it with architects and contractors,\" Wolff said.<br /> <br />Wolff even brought the producer, Ian Cheney, in to talk about the film.  <br /> <br />While the film portrays some of the hurdles in that sprung up in the building of this LEED certified project, such as buckling wood floors and reworking cabinets that had expanded, audience members noted that those are typical of the kinds of problems that can occur on any project.<br /> <br />The film also notes that there are environmentalists, who are critical of the LEED rating system. One clip features the director of the Pew Center on Climate Change noting that the bamboo floor was imported from China and saying that no building that expends so much climate changing fuel to import items from far distances can be truly \"green.\"<br /> <br />Cheney, however, said it was the social tensions that surrounded the project that drew him to make the film. Initially, he was asked to take time lapse photography to be used in the marketing of the building. When setting up the cameras, the carpenters, who were building the camera housings, were arguing over whether \"green\" was a good thing or not. \"That\'s when we thought we might have a film here,\" Cheney said.<br /> <br />Cheney pointed to the safety meeting that opens the film. \"The workers are asking what a \"green building\" is and the safety director does his best, but he doesn\'t know to be able to tell them,\" he said. \"That really shows the gulf between the developer and the architect and their vision of what the building should be and the workers who are going to build it. And we thought that was interesting,\" he said.<br /> <br />Wolff said he will make he movie available for others in St. Louis to see. Just call  him at Sachs Steel.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Bob Wolff, owner and president of Sachs Steel, recently screened \"The Greening of Southie\" for a roomful of architects and contractor-estimators.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(713,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Carrie Beth Wright Joins Horner & Shifrin','none','Carrie Beth Wright, Horner & Shifrin','none','<p>Carrie Beth Wright, E.I., has joined Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc., as an Engineer in the Structural Engineering Group.</p>\n<p>Ms. Wright, a resident of Richmond Heights, MO, has four years of experience and is skilled in structural analysis and design.</p>\n<p>Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc., is a 100% employee-owned multidisciplinary firm of 74 professionals and technical support personnel with offices in St. Louis and O\'Fallon, Illinois.  The company is in its 77th year of providing professional engineering services to municipal, state and federal government agencies, industries and institutions.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Carrie Beth Wright, E.I., has joined Horner & Shifrin, Inc., as an Engineer in the Structural Engineering Group.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(714,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Temporary Emergency Rooms Use HEPA Filtration','none','BEAM, HEPA, Children\'s ','none','<p>The same type of air filtration that is improving the air quality of homes is now helping to relieve symptoms of allergies, asthma and other chronic breathing problems for patients at St. Louis Children\'s Hospital.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><img alt=\"tent\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"163\" src=\"/images/uploads/tent4-(2).jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"244\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4>Temporary H1N1 flu wards in the Children\'s Hospital garage use Hepa air filtration.<br /></h4>\n<p>With Emergency Department visits soaring by 30 percent this fall and the prospect for even more traffic from H1N1 patients, the hospital erected two tents in a parking ramp adjacent to the ER to handle anticipated overflow.  Each of the 19 by 35-foot tents supplied by the St. Louis Area Regional Response System is ventilated, wired for telephones and electricity and equipped with BEAM HEPA Air Filtration Systems.</p>\n<p>Emergency room visits have been soaring in recent weeks, averaging more than 200 patients per day since September. The tents give the hospital some breathing room to handle as many as 40 additional patients per day.</p>\n<p>Among the challenges the hospital faced was creating an acceptable environment in the tents to treat patients. The parking garage location added to the challenge because the tents would be directly exposed to the outside air and the dust, vehicle emissions and allergens that would infiltrate the tents every time the door opened.</p>\n<p>Stuart and Susan Krawll, owners of BEAM of St. Louis, the area\'s largest central vacuum and air filtration system dealer, and long-time supporters of St. Louis Children\'s Hospital, believed BEAM HEPA Air Filtration Systems offered a solution that would improve the air quality in the tents and thereby help relieve patients\' symptoms as soon as possible. They worked with the Children\'s Hospital\'s facilities team to install a system for each tent.</p>\n<p>\"In the installations we have done in homes in the St. Louis area, the BEAM HEPA Air Filtration Systems dramatically reduced airborne particulate counts in every case,\" says Stuart. \"We knew they could achieve similar indoor air quality improvement in the tents.\"</p>\n<p>The BEAM systems provide three stages of filtration: a first stage that removes larger particles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a second stage HEPA filter, and a carbon filter that removes additional particulates.</p>\n<p>To confirm the systems would meet the challenge, hospital officials conducted two particulate counts in each tent, one prior to turning the system on, and the other after the system had been operating for three hours. In one tent, the test showed a 38 percent decrease in particulates of 0.5 microns or larger from 2,867 particles before the system was activated to 1,755 particles afterward. Readings from the second tent registered a 47 percent reduction from 1,207 particles before the system was turned on to 639 particles after.</p>\n<p>More sensitive particulate counters that can measure particles of 0.3 microns or larger showed the systems removed more than 70% of particulates from each tent. <br />The St. Louis Children\'s Hospital systems marked the second time BEAM HEPA Filtration systems were brought in to improve air quality for temporary hospital settings. Officials at a Toronto hospital relied upon the systems in 2007 to minimize the spread of the SARS virus.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The same type of air filtration that is improving the air quality of homes is helping to relieve breathing problems for patients at St. Louis Children\'s Hospital.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(715,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Deacon Farelly Joins FDH, Inc. ','none','Farrelly, FDG, business development. ','none','<p>Deacon Farrelly has joined the St. Louis office of FDH, Inc. as manager of business development.</p>\n<p>FDH, headquartered in Raleigh, NC, with offices in St. Louis and Baton Rouge, LA,&nbsp; offers structural, geotechnical, and civil engineering services. The firm also peforms a variety of materials and building testing services. It has developed proprietary non-destructive testing technology.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Deacon Farrelly has joined the St. Louis office of FDH, Inc. as manager of business development. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(716,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','13 Road Resurfacing Projects in Mid-MO Approved by MO','none','roads, stimulus','none','<p>Thirteen new resurfacing projects spanning mid-Missouri were approved Nov. 17 by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.</p>\n<p>The projects were added to the 2010-14 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Four of the 13 projects are in Boone County.</p>\n<p>According to a news release from the Missouri Department of Transportation, the projects will be funded with federal stimulus money. Bids on earlier stimulus-funded projects have come in under budget giving mid-Missouri $5 million to put back into its roadways.</p>\n<p>The Boone County resurfacing projects include:</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Interstate 70 Outer Road, from Route E to the end of state maintenance in Columbia</li>\n<li>Route KK, from Route K to the end of state maintenance in Columbia</li>\n<li>Route WW in Boone and Callaway counties, from North Fork Creek in Boone County to Route J in Callaway County</li>\n<li>Route ZZ, from Route TT to I-70 Drive Southwest in Columbia</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Other mid-Missouri projects are:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Westbound U.S. Route 50 in Cole County, just west of Truman Boulevard to Business Route 50 in Apache Flats</li>\n<li>Route 87 in Copper County, from I-70 to Main Street in Boonville</li>\n<li>Route 87 in Miller County, from Salem Road to Route 54 in Eldon</li>\n<li>Route CC in Miller County, from Salem Road to Route 52 in Eldon</li>\n<li>Route 765 in Pettis County, from railroad tracks to U.S. 65 in Sedalia</li>\n<li>Route P in Pettis County, at various locations within the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia</li>\n<li>Route Y in Pettis County, from west of U.S. 65 to Quisenberry Road in Sedalia</li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Thirteen new resurfacing projects spanning mid-Missouri were approved Nov. 17 by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(717,1,11,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','Products, Services, & Opportunities','none','<p>&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.drillingserviceco.com\"><img alt=\"Drilling Service\" height=\"155\" src=\"/images/uploads/drilling-service.jpg\" width=\"155\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.bellelectrical.com\"><img height=\"155\" src=\"/images/uploads/CNR Banner Ad 3.jpg\" width=\"155\" /></a><img alt=\"Kaplan Associates\" height=\"155\" src=\"/images/uploads/kaplan.jpg\" width=\"155\" /><a href=\"http://scs.wustl.edu/\"><img alt=\"Wash U Ad\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"157\" src=\"/images/uploads/wash u ad.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"157\" /></a></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','none','','none'),(718,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','',' Secretary of Transportation Awards $9.4 Million for Mississippi and Missouri ','none','LaHood, U.S., highways, Missouri','none','<p>Nine highway projects in Mississippi and Missouri will receive $9.4 million from the Federal Highway Administration\'s Delta Region Transportation Development Program (DRTDP), U.S Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced Nov. 23.</p>\n<p>\"Investments like these will not only improve the safety of the Delta Region\'s highways, they will also strengthen its economy and put people back to work,\" said Secretary LaHood.<br /> Created in 2005 as a provision of the \"Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users,\" the program provides up to $10 million each year for highway projects in the eight states comprising the Delta Region --Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.<br /> <br />Projects receiving DRTDP funds this year include:</p>\n<p><strong>Missouri</strong><br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Poplar Bluff - $2,102,386 to help build bypass around Poplar\nBluff to the Industrial Park to reduce number of large freight carriers\ncurrently using streets downtown and in residential areas.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Shannon and Carter Counties - $950,000 will help build new\nshoulders and replace pavement on State Route 60 to extend the useful\nlife of the westbound lane from Route M in Shannon County to Route C in\nCarter County. The route is heavily traveled by an estimated 10,000\nvehicles daily, many of which are commercial trucks.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Pemiscot County - $950,000 to help upgrade pavement and shoulders\nat I-55 interchange at State Route 84. The interchange currently serves\nan estimated 19,000 drivers, about half of which are heavy commercial\ntrucks.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Perry, St. Genevieve and Cape Girardeau Counties - $607,573 will\nhelp to replace pavement and improve shoulders on State Route 61\nbetween Fruitland and Jefferson County.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Stoddard County - $342,418 for paving of several sections of Stoddard County roads which are currently gravel.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br /> <strong><br />Mississippi</strong></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Greenwood - $1,425,000 to help a build new connector between U.S. Highways 49/82 and State Highway 7 in the city of Greenwood, which will improve access to downtown Greenwood, local hospital and schools.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Hinds County - $1,425,000 to replace pavement on Siwell Road, which will extend the useful life of this segment of road, a key link in the 18-mile-long corridor connecting the Norrell Road Interchange on I-20 to the Byram-Clinton Multimodal Corridor on I-55.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Cleveland - $950,000 to help build a new boulevard connecting Highway 8 to Delta State University, relieving traffic in adjacent neighborhoods.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Natchez - $607,623 to help build two miles of shared-use trail for pedestrians and bicyclists along St. Catherine Street, Main Street, Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and Franklin Street. This project will also widen nearby sidewalks and install curb-ramps for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><br /></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Nine highway projects in Mississippi and Missouri will receive $9.4 million from the Federal Highway Administration. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(719,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','Home Depot Foundation Recognizes Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis','none','Home Depot, Habitat for Humanity','none','<p>The Home Depot Foundation has recognized the work that Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis (HFHSTL) has don in revitalizing the Jeff Vanderlou neighborhood with sustainable housing. The national foundation presented Habitat Saint Louis with an \"Award of Excellence of for Affordable Housing Built Responsibly.\" The award includes a $75,000 grant.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Habitat Home Depot Award\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/habitat-home-depot.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" />\"The Jeff Vanderlou neighborhood was once a major business and cultural area for St. Louis,\" the Home Depot case study stated. \"But over the years the area declined, leaving deteriorated, vacant properties. In partnership with the city and the local community, Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis (HFHSL) began work in the area in 2004.</p>\n<p>Their vision was to move beyond building homes, and to help bring about a positive transformation of the community.\" Previously to the 2008 \"build,\" HFHSTL had constructed its homes to Energy Star standards. Last year Habitat stepped up its game to another level, completing 27 LEED-platinum certified homes. The plan was to build the same number this year. Ground contamination issues on three sites stretched resources thin and pushed back the schedule on those sites, so HFHSTL will complete 24 homes built to LEED standards this year.</p>\n<p>\"That they built LEED Platinum homes at $75 per square foot is extraordinary,\" said one Awards of Excellence Committee member.</p>\n<p>\"Not only did they use panelized construction, but they did it themselves,\" said another committee member.</p>\n<p>In October the <em>St. Louis Business Journal</em> recognized HFHSTL\'s efforts in sustainable, energy-efficient home construction by presenting it with a \"Heroes of the Planet\" award.</p>\n<p>To read the entire Home Depot Foundation case study of the Jeff Vanderlou HFHSTL project <a href=\"http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/pdfs/aoe_housing09_hfh_2.pdf\">click here</a>. To watch a video on the project, <a href=\"http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/habitat_humanityvideo.html\">click here</a>.<a href=\"http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/habitat_humanityvideo.html\"></a></p>\n<p>For more information on Habitat for Humanity St. Louis, contact Kimberly McKinney, CEO or Kyle Hunsberger, director of construction by email, or by calling 314.371.0400.</p>','none','The Home Depot Foundation has recognized the work that Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis (HFHSTL) has done\nin revitalizing the Jeff Vanderlou neighborhood with sustainable housing.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/habitat-home-depot.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(720,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','PDF Recognizes Craftsmanship, Project Management','none','','none','<p>Whether it was framing a new bank building around an operating facility or repairing factory-applied coatings on a power plant job where liquidated damages for late completion were $250,000 per day, signatories of the Painting and Decorating Foundation of St. Louis earned the recognition they won at the recent PDF \"Finishing Touch\" awards.</p>\n<p>The winners of the 2009 Finishing Touch Awards for the Painting and Decorating Foundation of St. Louis, which were presented Nov. 4 are:</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Industrial Painting </strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp; 1.) Italgrani USA grain transfer facility Bazan Painting&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Industrial Painted Structures</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4><img alt=\"elm road generator\" height=\"198\" src=\"/images/uploads/Elm-Road.jpg\" width=\"269\" /><br /> 1.) Elm Road Generating, power plant,&nbsp; Coatings Unlimited&nbsp;</h4>\n<p>&nbsp;2. )Kentucky Lake Dam,&nbsp; dam gates,&nbsp; Hartman Walsh Painting Co.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;3. )Matagarda, TX, waterway gates, Thomas Industrial Coatings</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Drywall Framing and Hanging Commercial</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4><img alt=\"bank of washington\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"192\" src=\"/images/uploads/bank-of-washington.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"230\" /> 1.)Bank of Washington, bank, John Bender, Inc.</h4>\n<p>&nbsp;2.) Bravo, restaurant, Wies Drywall</p>\n<p>&nbsp;3.) Friendly Temple, church,&nbsp; Wies Drywall</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Drywall Taping Commercial</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;1.) Cardinal Kids Cancer Center, hospital, T.J. Wies Drywall</p>\n<p>&nbsp;2.) Bravo, restaurant, Wies Drywall</p>\n<p>&nbsp;3.) Edward Jones, office, T.J. Wies Drywall</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Drywall Taping Residential</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;1.) Private Residence, residence, River City Drywall</p>\n<p>&nbsp;2.) Williams Residence, residence, T.J. Wies Drywall</p>\n<p>&nbsp;3.) The Gatesworth, assisted living, John Bender, Inc.</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Drywall Hanging Residential</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;1.) Private Residence, residence, River City Drywall &amp; Paint</p>\n<p>&nbsp;2.) Willliams Residence, residence, T.J. Wies Drywall</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Painting Exterior Commercial</strong></p>\n<h4>1.) \"Shoe of Shoes\", sculpture, All American Painting, Inc.</h4>\n<h4><img alt=\"Shoe of shoes\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"120\" src=\"/images/uploads/shoes.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"160\" /></h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>\n<p><strong>Painting Interior Commercial</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;1.) Edward Jones Dome, stadium, Paintsmiths of St. Louis</p>\n<p>&nbsp;2.) Selma Hall, retreat center, Thomas Industrial Coatings</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>&nbsp;Wallcovering Commercial</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;1.) Forever XXI, retail store, Paintsmiths of MO</p>\n<p>&nbsp;2.) Hyatt Regency, hotel, Precision Finishes, LLC</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Judges Special Awards</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Extreme Makeover Home Edition, drywall/charity project, River City Drywall &amp; Paint</p>\n<p>&nbsp;Lambert USO, wallcovering/charity, Paintsmiths of St. Louis</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Whether it was framing a new bank building around an operating facility or repairing factory-applied coatings on a power plant job where liquidated damages for late completion were $250,000 per day, signatories of the Painting and Decorating Foundation of St. Louis earned the recognition they won at the recent PDF \"Finishing Touch\" awards. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(721,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Paric Completes Railton Project','none','Paric, Railton, downtown, Salvation Army','none','<p>Completion of the $14 million design/build Railton Residence renovation project in downtown St. Louis, by a team led by Paric Corporation, means a new life for both the 80-year-old historic building and the residents who will call it home.<br /><br />Owned by The Salvation Army, the Railton will provide affordable workforce housing to those living downtown. The project was funded in part by low income housing tax credits and historic tax credits.<br /><br />Improvements include renovated common spaces, HVAC system replacement and the conversion of 220 small guest rooms into 104 apartments in the 15-story building at 205 N. 18th St., near Union Station. Each unit features its own kitchen as well as private living space.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />Teaming with Paric on the project were The Salvation Army Services, Inc.; Railton Management, LLC; St. Louis Equity Fund; National City Bank/PNC; the Community Program Development Corporation and McCormack Baron Ragan, Inc. Trivers Associates is the architect.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Completion of the $14 million design/build Railton Residence renovation project in downtown St. Louis by a team lead by Paric Corporation, means a new life for both the 80-year-old historic building and the residents who will call it home.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(775,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','Who Are You?','none','marketing, Tom Finan, AGC, ','none','<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>','none','Inscribed over the door of the ancient Greek temple at Delphi was the aphorism \"Know yourself.\"','none','','none','','none','','none',395,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/who-are-you.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(724,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','Tarlton Completes 96-Inch Pipe Diversion for MSD','none','Tarlton, MSD, 96-inch','none','<p>Tarlton Corp. recently installed a temporary diversion around a portion of the Metropolitan Sewer District\'s 96-inch influent pipe as part of MSD\'s Lemay Wastewater Treatment Wet Weather Expansion project.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Tarlton MSD\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/tarlton-msd_1.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" />Over the last several months, the team at Lemay has been preparing for the critical task, installing temporary piping and a diversion<br />structure. The last step in activating the diversion required MSD to shut down flow to the plant for approximately 90 minutes so workers could remove a cap from an existing riser pipe to allow the influent to flow through the<br />diversion structure.</p>\n<p>After draining the system of standing water, workers had less than 45 minutes to remove the massive cap and install a butterfly-shaped \"stopple\" plug through a 60-inch opening cut in the existing 96-inch pipe at the tie-in point to force the flow through the diversion piping.&nbsp; They also erected six temporary steel gates in the grit structure to stop water from flowing between tanks. The \"wings\" of the stopple plug\'s butterfly are folded when it is inserted, and are unfolded to block the pipe.</p>\n<p>T.D. Williamson Inc. (TDW), a pipeline specialist from Tulsa, OK, designed, built, and installed the stopple plug. TDW has its own proprietary stopple technology, the <span style=\"font-size: x-small;\">\"The STOPPLE&reg; Train\" plugging system. The system uses utilizes TDW&nbsp; technology to provide the safety of inserting two plugging\nheads through a single fitting. The void between the two plugging heads\ncan be bled down to provide a &ldquo;zero energy&rdquo; zone. The sealing element\non the secondary plugging head provides double block features at\npressures ranging from 0 psi to 1000 psi. </span></p>\n<p>Tarlton and Haberberger Mechanical Contractors Inc. will spend the next month removing approximately 80 feet of existing pipe and installing new pieces to connect a new structure to the existing influent path, allowing MSD to more accurately measure flow into the plant and control flow into the wet weather expansion under construction. Once the new pipe is laid, another shutdown will be required to remove the plug, reattach the cap on the riser and remove the temporary gates.</p>\n<p>\"MSD could not shut down the pumps in the pump stations feeding the plant until flow into the plant was low,\" explained Steve Cronin, vice<br />president of the Tarlton Concrete Group. \"The long-awaited event took place at 4:30 a.m. on November 13. We\'re proud to say the operation went extremely well, and we\'re glad to have reached this milestone.\"</p>\n<p>Cronin credited all participating firms for \"working through the challenges with great cooperation and teamwork.\"&nbsp; In addition to MSD and<br />Haberberger, Tarlton\'s partners on the project are Black &amp; Veatch Corp., KAI Design &amp; Build and T.D. Williamson Inc., which installed the stopple plug.</p>\n<p>Tarlton team members include project managers Chris Lotz and John Smith; project engineers Oliver Coulson, John Siess and Jason Sternau;<br />superintendents Duke Huffman and Walter Mabie; and project assistant Stacey Madsen. Haberberger superintendent Phil Jones and vice president Jeff Roberts were instrumental in coordinating the pipe work, Cronin said.</p>\n<p>MSD tapped Tarlton in 2007 as general contractor for the $87 million, 30-month Lemay project, which will increase the peak wet-weather treatment capacity of the plant. Tarlton\'s work includes tunneling, 12-foot-diameter sewer piping, construction of four primary clarifiers, two grit basins, a primary sludge pump station, grit handling building and numerous cast-in-place vaults, the deepest being 74 feet underground.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Completion is scheduled for early 2010.</p>\n<p>MSD serves the city of St. Louis and about 80 percent of St. Louis County, covering an area of approximately 524 square miles, and operates seven wastewater treatment facilities. The Lemay plant is the second largest.&nbsp; Through these plants, the district treats an average daily flow of more than 330 million gallons.</p>','none','Tarlton Corp. recently installed a temporary diversion around a portion of the Metropolitan Sewer District\'s 96-inch influent pipe as part of MSD\'s Lemay Wastewater Treatment Wet Weather Expansion project. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/tarlton-msd.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(726,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','McSalley Named VP at PayneCrest','none','McSalley, PayneCrest','none','<p>Patrick McSalley has been promoted to vice president at&nbsp; PayneCrest Electric and Communications, Inc.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>With 21 years experience in the electrical contracting industry, McSalley directs the firm&rsquo;s business process, supporting project managers in sales efforts, evaluating business opportunities, and identifying niche markets.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>He also prepares presentations and proposals and manages customer relationships.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Patrick McSalley has been promoted to vice president at  PayneCrest Electric and Communications, Inc.  ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(727,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Selling Green and Bad Hair','none','green, energy, sales','none','<p>As I travel around the country speaking to contractors, suppliers and vendors two things are extremely common; Green initiatives and bad hair.</p>\n<p>The advent and focus on green programs coupled with tax incentives or energy savings has captured the interest of a high percentage of the buying public. Being a \"too the&nbsp; core\" sales guru, I recognize the value of servicing what has become almost 30 percent of the consumer base.&nbsp; To ignore the growing market for green products and services is to simply have your head in the sand. I\'m not really an activist here and I don\'t apologize for the attractive revenue, as well as profit-generating aspect of the green industry.</p>\n<p>So many folks are looking for ways to recover lost revenue and this vehicle is right under their nose. To give it lip service and not genuinely investigate how your firm can maximize the growth in this market segment reflects on a lack of business saavy. Some companies throw a little marketing money and direction at green consumers, but to truly make in roads it will take more.</p>\n<p>Do your homework and find out how your products or services can meet a LEED requirement. Then get educated, gain expertise and finally sell it! Those that get ahead of the curve will reap the rewards, the rest will pick up the scraps.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Oh, the bad hair? I figure the prevalence of it relates directly to people pulling their hair out as profits dwindle.</p>','','382','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none',' As I travel around the country speaking to contractors, suppliers and vendors two things are extremely common; Green initiatives and bad hair.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(728,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Paric Wins Software Innovation Award','none','Paric, CMiC','none','<p>&nbsp;CMiC, a provider of software solutions for the construction industry, announced that Paric is one of two companies to win a 2009 CMiC Innovation Award. The awards, presented at CMiC Connect 2009 in Phoenix, Arizona and judged by representatives from McGraw-Hill, recognize excellence and innovation within the user community. CMiC donates the Innovation Award prize money to the charities of the winning companies&rsquo; choice.<br /><br />\"The Innovation Awards allows CMiC clients, the best and the brightest in the industry, to receive recognition for their continuous efforts to innovate and improve processes,\" said Bassem Hamdy, vice president, solutions, CMiC. \"As the construction industry continues to recover in this economy, innovation is necessary for survival and the 2009 award winners represent how companies can maximize their investment in CMiC software and drive the industry to a new level.\"<br /><br />Paric Corporation, based in O&rsquo;Fallon, MO, won for their historical database, which collects past project data. Before the innovation, request for historical project data would be directed to a few long-term employees that would data mine the accounting system and network files. The project information is useful for predicting future performance. Paric donated their award money to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.<br /><br />\"The winners demonstrated a considerable return on investment, both with quantifiable, hard dollar savings and qualitative improvements with their innovations to CMiC software.&nbsp; CMiC looks forward to seeing what innovations next year&rsquo;s submitters will bring,\" Hamdy said.<br /><br />This is the second year in a row in which Paric has been a CMiC award winner.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Paric was one of two companies to win a national award for innovative use of construction software.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(729,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','AIA: Best Architectural Billings in a Year','none','ABI, AIA, index, billings','none','<p>Amidst a continued high level of inquiries for possible new projects, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reached its highest mark since August 2008, just before the serious credit problems emerged. 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.</p>\n<p>The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the October ABI rating was 46.1, up sharply from 43.1 in September.  This score, however, 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, following the 59.1 mark in September.</p>\n<p>\"This news could prove to be an early signal towards a recovery for the design and construction industry,\" said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. \"On the other hand, because we continue to get reports of architecture firms struggling in a competitive marketplace with a continued decline in commercial property values, it is far too early to think we are out of the woods.\"<br /> <br /><strong>Key October ABI highlights:</strong><br /> <br />Regional averages: South (46.1), Northeast (44.3),  <strong>Midwest (43.0)</strong>, West (42.8)<br />Sector index breakdown: institutional (48.7), multi-family residential (45.4), <strong>commercial / industrial (41.7)</strong>, mixed practice (39.1),<br />Project inquiries index: 58.5</p>\n<p><strong>About the AIA Architecture Billings Index</strong><br />The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly \"Work-on-the-Boards\" survey and produced by the AIA Economics  Market Research Group. Based on a comparison of data compiled since the survey\'s inception in 1995 with figures from the Department of Commerce on Construction Put in Place, the findings amount to a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each month. The regional and sector data is formulated using a three-month moving average.<br /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reached its highest mark since August 2008, the American Institute of Architects reported. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(730,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Real Estate Women Appoint 2010 Executive Commitee','none','CREW, executive commmitee, 2010','none','<p>The St. Louis chapter of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) announced members of its executive board for 2010.<br /> <br />Officers for 2010, including their respective positions and companies, are:<br /> <br />&middot;         President, Nancy Rodney, Rosemann &amp; Associates, PC<br />&middot;         Immediate Past President, Amy Garrison, Sonnenschein Nath &amp; Rosenthal, LLP<br />&middot;         President Elect/National Delegate, Ann Z. Schmelzle, Gateway Commercial<br />&middot;         National Delegate, Amy Mistler, Gallop Johnson &amp; Neuman LC<br />&middot;         Treasurer, Nancy Petersen, Wells Fargo Bank N.A.<br />&middot;         Secretary, Laura Valenti, Reliance Ban</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The St. Louis chapter of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) announced members of its executive board for 2010.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(731,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','McGraw-Hill: Green Building to Triple by 2013','none','green, McGraw-Hill','none','<p>Even as a deepening recession and credit freeze have curtailed real estate development, green building construction starts increased fivefold between 2005 and 2008, McGraw-Hill Construction reports.</p>\n<p>McGraw-Hill expects the domestic green building market to triple by 2013, reaching up to $140 billion in construction spending. Growing public awareness, government regulations, and bottom-line advantages are helping fuel green building\'s surging popularity, the company said.Much of the green building activity will take place in retrofits and renovations since many buildings are aging and inefficient, McGraw-Hill said. Green building now comprises 5 percent to 9 percent of the market, but that share could reach 30 percent or $15 billion in annual spending within less than five years, the company added.</p>\n<p>\"It is critically important that 20 percent to 30 percent of all retrofit and renovation activity will be green in five years because 98 percent of our buildings already exist, and they represent some of our most inefficient buildings,\" McGraw-Hill Construction Vice President of Industry Analytics Harvey Bernstein said. \"This is a $10 billion to $15 billion market opportunity in major projects alone, and it will significantly contribute to the expansion of green products and services.\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','McGraw-Hill expects the domestic green building market to triple by 2013, reaching up to $140 billion in construction spending.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(732,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','11-Million-Gallon Tank Receives Coating','none','Utility Service Co., water tank, coating ','none','<p>Utility Service Co. recently completed blasting and recoating the inside of the largest water storage tank in St. Louis County.<br /> <br /><img alt=\"Missour American tank\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/people-and-water-tank.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" />The 11 million gallon water storage tank, which stands 33 feet tall and measures 240 feet in diameter, serves Missouri American Water customers in 15 cities, including Overland, Creve Coeur, Ladue, Clayton, and Kirkwood. When built in 1961, it was the second largest water storage tank in the nation.<br /> <br />This water storage tank, which is located on Old Olive Street Road in Creve Coeur, MO, is one of the 34 water storage tanks in Missouri American Water\'s St. Louis County system. Water storage tanks help maintain consistent throughout the 4,200 miles of water mains in the system and help the company manage peaks in water use. The water company fills the tanks at night when the cost to pump water is low, and then drain them down during the day when water use is high. The peak time for water use is early morning, when people take showers and turn on lawn sprinklers, said Brian Eisenloeffel, operations manager for Missouri American Water. On the average day, St. Louis County uses 180 million gallons of water, he said.<br /> <br />Utility Service Co. also pressure washed the exterior of the tank and applied a new protective coating to it.</p>','none','Utility Service Co. recently completed blasting and recoating the inside of an 11-million-gallon water storage tank in St. Louis County.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/people-and-water-tank.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(733,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','John Smith Masonry Gains National Certification','none','Smith, masonry, certification','none','<p>John J. Smith Masonry Co. is one of the first masonry contractors in the nation to gain certification from the Mason Contractors Association\'s newly created Masonry Certificate program.</p>\n<p>According to the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA), quality of work and end-user satisfaction are the founding of the certificate program. \"We developed the Masonry Certificate program to provide customers with a tool to select mason contractors, who are committed to quality and have backed it up with a commitment to continually educate themselves and their key employees,\" said Jeff Buczkiewicz, executive director of the MCAA. The certificate is good for three years, but a company can renew it by demonstrating that it continues to meet certificate requirements.</p>\n<p>John Smith, Jr., president of Smith Masonry, said he went through the certificate process in order to raise his company above the industry standard.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','John J. Smith Masonry Co. is one of the first masonry contractors in the nation to gain certification from the Mason Contractors Association\'s newly created Masonry Certificate program.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(734,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','MetroLink Opens New Painting Facility','none','Plocher, Metrolink, paint','none','<p>Metro recently celebrated the grand opening of its new $4.3 million paint facility, located in East St. Louis, IL which enables it to prepare and paint light-rail vehicles in a controlled environment that is healthier for employees and better for the environment.</p>\n<p>The new facility, built by Plocher Construction Company of Highland, IL, is a 9,600-square-foot precast panel structure containing two distinct work areas, one of which is the totally enclosed paint booth. Metro employees can clean and prepare the trains for painting on one side of the facility, while other employees simultaneously paint other trains on the other side.</p>\n<p>The prep area includes a dust collection system that is one of the \"green\" features of the operation.  Six separate work areas in the prep bay, where employees use various air tools, are tied into a central vacuum system that will collect all the dust and other particles and transport them to dust collection bags in a separate room.</p>\n<p>The paint booth itself is equipped with two automated \"lifts\" that give the individuals applying the spray paint easy access to all parts of the train.  Each lift can accommodate up to two painters, further streamlining the process. The trains will be painted with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and an extensive exhaust system helps to further minimize the environmental impact of the process, while also reducing the risk of dust or other particles marring the paint job. Outside air flows in through the ceiling, where filters remove particles from the air before it enters the paint booth.  Exhaust fans then return the air to the environment, pulling it through filters in the paint booth pits. The filters are designed to remove paint and other particles so that the exhaust air meets environmental standards. In addition, 400 energy-efficient fluorescent lights illuminate the paint booth, enabling Metro employees to apply the paint with precision, and allowing for careful inspection of the completed paint job before the trains are put back into circulation.</p>\n<p>Plocher Construction completed construction six months ahead of schedule and approximately 10 percent under the estimated budget of $4,783,821.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Metro recently celebrated the grand opening of its new $4.3 million paint facility, located in East St. Louis, IL.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(735,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Third Ronald McDonald House St. Louis Is 300th Worldwide','none','Ronald McDonald Housae, Kadean','none','<p><!--EndFragment--></p>\n<p>Ronald McDonal House Charities of Metro St. Louis has celebrated groundbreaking for the third Ronald McDonald House in metro St. Louis and the 300th in the world.</p>\n<p>The new Ronald McDonald House, which will be on the campus of St. John\'s Mercy Medical Center, will provide a \"home-away-from-home\" for up to 20 families each night whose children are being treated at West County St. Louis hospitals. According to Marty Coyne, president and CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc., the Ronald McDonald House, by keeping families close to their sick children, helps children heal better and faster. He said research also shows that staying at a Ronald McDonald house improves a family\'s communication with their child\'s medical team and adherence to complicated treatment plans.</p>\n<p>Kadean Construction is the general contractor on the $4.5 million project; Gray Design Group is the architect; and UMB provided financing.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Ronald McDonald House Charities of Metro St. Louis has celebrated groundbreaking for the third Ronald McDonald House in metro St. Louis and the 300th in the world. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(736,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Former General American Headquarters to be Renovated','none','Johnson, General American, Balke Brown','none','<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 !mso]>\n<style>\nv\\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}\no\\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}\nw\\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);}\n.shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}\n</style>\n<![endif]--><!--[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>524</o:Words> <o:Characters>2989</o:Characters> <o:Company>PGD</o:Company> <o:Lines>24</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>3670</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;amp;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@font-face\n	{font-family:Cambria;\n	mso-font-charset:0;\n	mso-generic-font-family:auto;\n	mso-font-pitch:variable;\n	mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}\n /* Style Definitions */\np.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal\n	{mso-style-parent:\"\";\n	margin-top:0in;\n	margin-right:0in;\n	margin-bottom:10.0pt;\n	margin-left:0in;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:12.0pt;\n	font-family:Cambria;}\na:link, span.MsoHyperlink\n	{color:blue;\n	text-decoration:underline;\n	text-underline:single;}\na:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed\n	{color:purple;\n	text-decoration:underline;\n	text-underline:single;}\np\n	{margin-top:.01gd;\n	margin-right:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.01gd;\n	margin-left:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.0001pt;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:10.0pt;\n	font-family:Times;}\np.inputtextfirst, li.inputtextfirst, div.inputtextfirst\n	{mso-style-name:inputtextfirst;\n	margin-top:.01gd;\n	margin-right:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.01gd;\n	margin-left:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.0001pt;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:10.0pt;\n	font-family:Times;}\np.inputtext, li.inputtext, div.inputtext\n	{mso-style-name:inputtext;\n	margin-top:.01gd;\n	margin-right:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.01gd;\n	margin-left:0in;\n	margin-bottom:.0001pt;\n	mso-pagination:widow-orphan;\n	font-size:10.0pt;\n	font-family:Times;}\n@page Section1\n	{size:8.5in 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--&amp;amp;amp;gt;\n</style>\n<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext=\"edit\" spidmax=\"1027\" /> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext=\"edit\"> <o:idmap v:ext=\"edit\" data=\"1\" /> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--><img alt=\"General American\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"177\" src=\"/images/uploads/General-American.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"235\" />One of Downtown St. Louis\' most recognizable and architecturally significant buildings is about to get a rebirth.</p>\n<p>700 Market, a leading example of famed architect Philip Johnson\'s Modernist style of the 1970s, is being renovated for sale or lease. Local developer Balke Brown Associates will market the 128,250-square-foot building, with a lease rate of $21 per square foot. The building\'s owner, New York-based Centaur Properties LLC, plans to invest $7-10 million to redevelop the property in accordance with a tenant or purchaser\'s requirements.</p>\n<p>\"This is truly a one-of-a-kind property with a distinctive image,\" said Mike Donovan, a principal with Balke Brown. \"Philip Johnson was one of the most influential architects of the 20th century. As a result, this building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, even though it only dates back to 1978.\" Donovan added that the historic designation would help developers secure state historic tax credits, which he said can flow to the eventual purchaser or tenant. \"This is the youngest structure on the National Register,\" he noted. \"It is also one of the few Class A buildings for sale downtown.\"</p>\n<p>Originally built as the corporate headquarters of General American Life Insurance Company, the five-story building covers an entire city block. Its western fa&ccedil;ade features a raised triangular section with a dramatic cylindrical lobby area that rises more than 100 feet. Its distinctive design echoes many of Johnson\'s Modernist principles, including a rejection of symmetry and an emphasis on architectural volume over mass.</p>\n<p>\"Johnson was known for creating not just structures, but works of art,\" said Donovan. \"His work includes the AT&amp;T Building in New York with the famous &lsquo;Chippendale\' top, PPG Place in Pittsburgh, the IDS Tower in Minneapolis, and the Crystal Cathedral in California. Like all of these buildings, 700 Market\'s unique look and flexible design make it another in a long line of signature buildings created by this architectural master.\"</p>\n<p>\"With the continuing rebirth of Downtown St. Louis, we believe the timing is good to market 700 Market,\" he added. \"Here we have an established building with all of the appeal, location and amenities of Ballpark Village and other planned sites, but without having to wait for their development. With the gradual rebound in the economy and all of the other enhancements taking place in the downtown area, this is an ideal location for any company looking to establish or expand its downtown presence, he added.</p>\n<p><!--EndFragment--></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','One of Downtown St. Louisâ€™ most recognizable and architecturally significant buildings is about to get a rebirth. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(778,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Murphy Company Taps Westendorf as CIO ','none','Murphy, Westendorf','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Ben D. Westendorf has joined Murphy Company as chief information officer.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(738,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Kaiser Electric on Fast-Track for Lewis Rice','none','Lewis Rice, Kaiser','none','<p>Kaiser Electric has been four months to design and install electrical and communications systems for Lewis Rice &amp; Fingersh\'s law offices at One City Center in Downtown St. Louis. The law firm is building-out the structure\'s top six floors, with the top floor being used for an audio visual/conference and training room.<br /> <br />The project began on Oct. 15, 2009 with its completion date scheduled for Feb. 15, 2010. In order to meet the schedule demands and expedite the rough-in process, the Kaiser Electric crew assembled materials for the project off-site, floor by floor. Kaiser also initially doubled its crew size to allow work on the ceiling to be completed quickly so that the ceiling grid could be installed ahead of schedule. This foresight also allowed walls on the project\'s floors, 20-25, to be framed sooner as well. Kaiser is also installing voice over IP CAT 6 cabling with a fiber optic back bone for the communications system.<br /> <br />\"We are always looking for opportunities to improve the schedule and ensure that the project is completed on time and on budget,\" said Kaiser Electric Project Manager Mike Murphy, Vice-President of St. Louis Operations. \"This is a very aggressive schedule for completion, and we want to be able to deliver for the client.\" <br /> <br />The architect on the project is St. Louis-based Christner, Inc. and the general contractor is BSI Constructors, Inc. of St. Louis, MO.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Kaiser Electric has been four months to design and install electrical and communications systems for Lewis Rice & Fingersh\'s law offices at One City Center in Downtown St. Louis.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(739,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Selling During the Slow Season','none','slow season, Woodcock, sales','none','<p>As we enter the dog days of winter and business seems to freeze out, unless you own a ski resort, people are looking for ways to drive revenue. Before doing crazy things with your pricing, do crazy things with your activity level. Though I\'m a proponent of maximizing quality leads, this time of year it\'s absolutely necessary to give a \"to-the-wall\" effort. EVERY angle needs to be played and ANY possible line of business needs to be chased. Analyze to paralyze is not an option. Before reading the bullet points of activity below, you must first determine if you have the desire to hit the rocket booster of effort. If not, these points will do you no good. Here goes:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Network, Network, Network - This is still the most lucrative type of activity. Approaching potential clients with the platform of a recommendation gives you a leg up.</li>\n<li>Get out there - Sitting in your nice warm office will lull you to sleep and put a bullet in your activity. Get moving.</li>\n<li>See your current accounts - Visit current clients and circle the wagons around them. Let them know you value their business.</li>\n<li>Association route - Hit the association events hard. Work them! Don\'t simply be a wall flower.</li>\n<li>Cold calling - Old school sales still  produces a minimum of opportunity. A stop here or there could produce an acorn.</li>\n<li>Research the web - Browse client types and see if there is someone you\'re missing. Go past the first 3 pages under a topic. You might have missed someone or somebody new may have gotten in the game.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br /> These are just a few of the things you can do to crank it up. You\'ll reap the benefits in the hot season.  After the holidays, stoke up the engines and let it fly!</p>','','383','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','As we enter the dog days of winter and business seems to freeze out, unless you own a ski resort, people are looking for ways to drive revenue. Before doing crazy things with your pricing, do crazy things with your activity level.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(740,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','ASA Hosts \"Meet the GCs\" ','none','Meet the GCs, ASA Midwest Council','none','<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>','none','\"Meet the GCs Expo,\" the industry\'s ultimate contractor networking event, will be held on Jan. 27. at the St. Charles Convention Center.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/meet-the-contractors.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(741,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP to Move to Centene Plaza','none','Stinson Morrison Hecker ','none','<p>Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP plans to relocate more than 100 attorneys and staff to Centene Plaza, a newly constructed building in Clayton, Mo. The law firm has signed a letter of intent with The Koman Group to occupy 46,500 square feet in the 17-story, all-glass office tower. The firm is scheduled to move into the building in October 2010.<br /> <br />\"We\'re excited about moving to Centene Plaza because it underscores our long-term commitment to St. Louis and is an important piece of the firm\'s strategic plan for growth in the St. Louis market,\" said Chip Misko, co-managing partner of the firm\'s St. Louis office. \"Our new location provides us with plenty of room to grow, which will allow us to continue attracting the top legal talent in the St. Louis market. <br /> <br />\"The building\'s state of the art design and technology will create efficiencies that will enhance client service and ensure we maintain the excellence and value Stinson clients have come to expect,\" Misko said.<br /> <br />Centene Plaza features some of the largest, column-free floor plates in the St. Louis metro area, and is on track to qualify for LEED Gold certification. Signature designs within the project\'s much-anticipated \"Forsyth Court\" include a 60-foot long water wall and colored glass canopy designed by world renowned artist Liam Gillick. The project also features 27,000 square feet of restaurant and boutique retail space. The Koman Group is co-developing the building with Centene Corporation and Clayco.<br /> <br />Stinson Morrison Hecker represents clients ranging from small growth-oriented businesses to large, industry-leading companies. Several of the firm\'s key clients are based in the St. Louis area, including Peabody Energy, Cepia LLC, McBride &amp; Son Homes, Monsanto and Rawlings Sporting Goods. The firm also represents clients that have significant operations in the St. Louis area, including U.S. Bank.<br /> <br />The firm moved to its current location of 168 N. Meramec in 2008 following a merger with Blumenfeld, Kaplan &amp; Sandweiss. The Blumenfeld firm, which was founded in St. Louis in 1950, has been at the Meramec location since 1983. Stinson opened its St. Louis office in 1994.<br /></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP plans to relocate more than 100 attorneys and staff to Centene Plaza, a newly constructed building in Clayton, Mo.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(742,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP to Move to Centene Plaza','none','Stinson Morrison Hecker ','none','<p>Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP plans to relocate more than 100 attorneys and staff to Centene Plaza, a newly constructed building in Clayton, Mo. The law firm has signed a letter of intent with The Koman Group to occupy 46,500 square feet in the 17-story, all-glass office tower. The firm is scheduled to move into the building in October 2010.<br /> <br />\"We\'re excited about moving to Centene Plaza because it underscores our long-term commitment to St. Louis and is an important piece of the firm\'s strategic plan for growth in the St. Louis market,\" said Chip Misko, co-managing partner of the firm\'s St. Louis office. \"Our new location provides us with plenty of room to grow, which will allow us to continue attracting the top legal talent in the St. Louis market. <br /> <br />\"The building\'s state of the art design and technology will create efficiencies that will enhance client service and ensure we maintain the excellence and value Stinson clients have come to expect,\" Misko said.<br /> <br />Centene Plaza features some of the largest, column-free floor plates in the St. Louis metro area, and is on track to qualify for LEED Gold certification. Signature designs within the project\'s much-anticipated \"Forsyth Court\" include a 60-foot long water wall and colored glass canopy designed by world renowned artist Liam Gillick. The project also features 27,000 square feet of restaurant and boutique retail space. The Koman Group is co-developing the building with Centene Corporation and Clayco.<br /> <br />Stinson Morrison Hecker represents clients ranging from small growth-oriented businesses to large, industry-leading companies. Several of the firm\'s key clients are based in the St. Louis area, including Peabody Energy, Cepia LLC, McBride &amp; Son Homes, Monsanto and Rawlings Sporting Goods. The firm also represents clients that have significant operations in the St. Louis area, including U.S. Bank.<br /> <br />The firm moved to its current location of 168 N. Meramec in 2008 following a merger with Blumenfeld, Kaplan &amp; Sandweiss. The Blumenfeld firm, which was founded in St. Louis in 1950, has been at the Meramec location since 1983. Stinson opened its St. Louis office in 1994.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP plans to relocate more than 100 attorneys and staff to Centene Plaza, a newly constructed building in Clayton, Mo.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(743,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Mitchell Merges with Millstone Bangert','none','Mitchell, Millstone','none','<p>Frank C. Mitchell Co. and Millstone Bangert, Inc. have joined together to create MB Mitchell, LLC.&nbsp; Robert C. Mitchell, PE, president of Mitchell, and Thom Kuhn, president of Millstone-Bangert made the announcement.</p>\n<p>MB Mitchell, LLC will provide the same services in plumbing, piping and site utility work that Frank C. Mitchell Co. has offered since 1947.<br /><br />Robert Mitchell will serve as president of MB Mitchell, LLC. The firm\'s address and phone will be located at address to be: 601 Fountain Lakes Blvd., St. Charles, MO 63301; 636.724.4250 (phone): 636.916.0682 (fax)</p>\n<p>The new company will begin formal operations on Jan. 1, 2010.&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Frank C. Mitchell Co. and Millstone Bangert, Inc. have joined together to create MB Mitchell, LLC.  ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(744,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','KCI Wins $54 million Columbia Waste Water Project','none','KCI, waste water, Columbia','none','<p>KCI Construction was recently awarded a contract to construct the Columbia, MO Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) improvement project for the City of Columbia, MO. The project has a total contract amount of $54,015,076.</p>\n<p>The three year project, which was designed by Black &amp; Veatch, will begin immediately at the existing plant southwest of Columbia.  Upon completion, the plant capacity will approximately double its current 13 million-gallon-per-day capacity, and work includes addition of two new treatment trains, modifications and upgrades to the two existing treatment trains, new combined collections and administration building, and upgrades to controls and electrical services.</p>\n<p>KCI has enjoyed recent success in the local wastewater treatment market, currently working on an MSD pump station in Creve Couer and recently completing a wastewater plant expansion for the City of Washington and WWTP expansion for the City of St. Peters.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','KCI Construction was recently awarded a contract to construct the Columbia, MO Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement project for the City of Columbia, MO.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(779,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','SITE Elects 2010 Officers','none','','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','SITE Improvement Association\'s board of directors have re-elected its officers and each officer will serve a one-year term.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(780,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','90 Percent of Contractors Say No Recovery in 2010','none','AGC, forecast','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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).','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(746,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Gray Design Group Wins Awards for Elsevier','none','Elsevier, Gray','none','<p>Gray Design Group has won two awards for its architectural and interior design work on Elsevier Inc.\'s three-story, 152,000-square-foot office building in the Riverport Business Park.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;The Elsevier headquarters facility was chosen from more than 2,500 projects as a Green Building of America  project.In addition, the Concrete Council recently recognized Gray Design\nGroup\'s Elsevier project as a 2009 Quality Concrete Award winner.\n<br /> <br /><img class=\"image-left\" height=\"96\" src=\"/images/uploads/elsevier_1.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"144\" /></p>\n<p>Principal Toby Heddinghaus led Gray\'s team on the project. Gray\nachieved enough points for Silver certification under the LEED for New\nConstruction green building rating system by conserving water and\nincreasing energy efficiency while providing an appealing contemporary\nand upscale design. Using a significant quantity of regional materials\nand successfully diverting nearly all of the construction waste from\nlandfills provided LEED credits that set this large building apart from\nthe rest. Elsevier\'s products are showcased amongst a 1&frac12;-story\ngranite-clad water feature located at the building\'s grand central\nstaircase and the thru-lobby, which features suspended acrylic canopies\nwith indirect lighting complemented by stainless steel and back-painted\nglass clad elevators. The modern canopy-style lighting concepts extend\ninto the full-service cafeteria, which has open ceilings and exposed\nduct work.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Gray Design Group has won two awards for its architectural and interior design work on Elsevier Inc.\'s new office building.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(747,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Coldwell Banker Announces Downtown Transactions','none','Symsack, Coldwell Banker','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Coldwell Banker announced a number of real estate transactions in the Downtown St. Louis area. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(748,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Vertegy to Develop National AGC LEED Course','none','Vertegy, Taylor, AGC','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(749,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','AIA Billings Dip Substantially','none','AIA, billings index','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Following its highest mark since August 2008, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped more than three points in November.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(750,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Hilliker Corporation Announces Transactions','none','Hilliker, transactions','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Hilliker Corporation announced a number recent real estate transactions. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(751,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','$38 Million Waterloo High School Completed','none','Guarantee, Waterloo','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(752,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','KCI Wins $21 Million Barracks Project','none','Fort Leonard Wood, KCI','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(753,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial Announces Transaction','none','Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial ','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial announced a recent real estate property sale. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(754,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','AGC Says Data Shows Employment Drop Across U.S.','none','AGC, employment','none','<p>Construction employment declined in 324 out of 337 metropolitan areas over the past year as spending on construction projects dropped by over $137 billion in November to a 6-year low of $900 billion, according to a new analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of federal figures released today.<br /><br />&ldquo;Private nonresidential construction is in freefall, with every category except private power construction down sharply compared to a year ago,&rdquo; said Ken Simonson, the association&rsquo;s chief economist. &ldquo;Those cuts are causing layoffs in virtually every part of the country for tens of thousands of skilled construction workers.&rdquo;<br /><br />Simonson noted new Census Bureau figures released today show developer-financed construction suffered the largest decline in spending between November 2008 and November 2009. He added that private lodging investments were down 46 percent; retail, warehouse and farm spending were down 41 percent and private office construction investments were down 39 percent. A recovery in homebuilding may spark some improvement in retail construction later this year, and higher education and hospital construction may come back in the second half of 2010, the economist suggested.<br /><br />Simonson noted that public construction benefitted from federal stimulus funds, with a year-over-year increase of 2.7 percent. He predicted, however, those gains will continue to be tempered by sharp cutbacks in projects funded directly by states, local governments and school systems.<br /><br />Simonson said the declines in investments were leading to sweeping industry layoffs. El Centro, Calif., lost a larger percentage of its construction work force (36 percent) from November 2008 to November 2009 than any other metropolitan area according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics figures. The agency includes mining and logging with construction in most metro areas to prevent disclosure about industries with few employees, Simonson noted.<br /><br />Other areas experiencing sharp declines in construction employment during the year include Kokomo, Ind. (31 percent); Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, Wash. and Reno, Nev. (both 28 percent); and St. George, Utah and Grand Junction, Colo. (both 27 percent).<br /><br />Of the six metropolitan areas with an increase in construction employment during the past 12 months, only two areas had gains of more than 100 jobs: Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pa. (1,500 jobs, 12 percent gain) and Tulsa, Okla. (700 jobs, 3 percent gain.) Four metro areas had gains of 100 jobs each in construction: Anderson, Ind. (6 percent); Columbus, Ind. (5 percent); Bismarck, N.D. (3 percent) and Fargo, N.D., including nearby areas in Minnesota (1 percent).</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The Associated General Contractors said that newlly-released federal data show a drop in construction employment in the majority of cities surveyed. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(756,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Among Friends','none','Wonderful Life, Stewart, friends','none','<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>','','384','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(757,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Non-Residential to Drop 13.4 Percent in 2010, AIA Panel Says','none','AIA, Consensus, forecast','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(758,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','Maybe Next Year: Economy Improves, But Won\'t Help Construction Yet ','none','forecast, banks, commercial, 2010, 2011','none','<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>','none','Economists say the recovery has begun, but don\'t expect it to lift private, nonresidential real estate and construction yet. \n','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/spilled-milk.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(759,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','McCarthy/KWAME Provide CM for $13 Million U City School','none','McCarthy/KWAME, University City, school','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(776,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Paric Leads $14.5 Million in Projects on Seniors Campus','none','Paric, St. Mary\'s, Lawrence Group','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(760,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Burke Joins Oates Associates','none','Burke, Oates, landscape','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Bill Burke, RLA, APA, of Glen Carbon, IL, has joined Oates Associates, a civil and structural engineering / architectural design firm.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(762,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Construction Associations Help Kids at Christmas','none','toys, Christmas','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Members of two St. Louis Construction associations reached out to help children during the Christmas holidays. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(763,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Salez Group Certified as WBE/MBE','none','Salez, MBE, WBE','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Salez Group, a supplier of power, safety, and electrical supplies has been certfied as a woman- and minority-owned business. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(764,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Do You Have \"Sales Chops\"?','none','sales, Woodcock','none','<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>','','391','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(765,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','In Plain Sight: Cities Hang Hopes on Public Art','none','Citygarden, ','none','<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>','none','From an urban planning standpoint, public art is not always just art. Sometimes it is a catalyst for development.','none','','none','','none','','none',390,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/city-garden-fountain.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(766,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','SAK Wins $31.9 Million Austin Tunne','none','SAK, Austin, tunnel','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(767,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Tarlton Promotes Three Team Members ','none','Tarlton, promotion','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Tarlton Corp. announced the promotions of three team members. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(768,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Cannon St. Louis to Lead Hospital Jobs','none','Cannon, hospital','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The St. Louis office of Cannon Design is leading two new healthcare projects. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(769,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Crossroads School Achieves Platinum LEED','none','Crossroads, Platinum, LEED','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The Crossroads College Preparatory School recently received LEEDÂ® Platinum Certification. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(770,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Oklahoma Picks KWAME for Highway CM','none','KWAME, Oklahoma, transportation','none','<p>\n<meta content=\"text/html; charset=utf-8\" />\n<meta content=\"Word.Document\" name=\"ProgId\" />\n<meta content=\"Microsoft Word 12\" name=\"Generator\" />\n<meta content=\"Microsoft Word 12\" name=\"Originator\" />\n<link href=\"file:///C:\\DOCUME~1\\tfinan\\LOCALS~1\\Temp\\msohtmlclip1\\02\\clip_filelist.xml\" rel=\"File-List\" />\n<link href=\"file:///C:\\DOCUME~1\\tfinan\\LOCALS~1\\Temp\\msohtmlclip1\\02\\clip_themedata.thmx\" rel=\"themeData\" />\n<link href=\"file:///C:\\DOCUME~1\\tfinan\\LOCALS~1\\Temp\\msohtmlclip1\\02\\clip_colorschememapping.xml\" rel=\"colorSchemeMapping\" />\n<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> 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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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none',' Kwame Building Group (KWAME) has been contracted to provide construction management services to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT). ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(771,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','The Enemy Within','none','','none','<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>','','393','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','\" ... 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 ...\"','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(772,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','Glimmer of Light, Experts Say','none','economics, Biderman','none','<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>','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/recovery.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(773,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Economic Crisis and Its Impact','none','economy, Council of  Construction Consumers','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none',' How did the economy affect the St. Louis area?  What can you expect in the year ahead? ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(774,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Contegra Completes  $2.5 Million Deere  Dealership','none','Contegra, Nobbe','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(781,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','ESI to Audit Florissant Energy Use','none','ESI, Florissant','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(782,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','CBRE Announces Hires, Promotions','none','CBRE, CB Richard Ellis','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','CB Richard Ellis is pleased to announce two promotions and two new hires in its St. Louis office.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(783,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','There Are Only Two Types of Selling','none','Woodcock, sales, types','none','<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>','','396','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','There really are only two types of sales. ','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(784,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Sitton Hires Katie Stein','none','Stein, Sitton','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Construction management firm Sitton Construction Group has hired Katie Stein, LEED AP, as a project manager.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(785,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Ardie Mansouri Joins Horner & Shifrin','none','Horner & Shifrin, Mansouri','none','<p>Ardie E. Mansouri, E.I., has joined Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc., as an engineer in the structural engineering department.<br /> <br />Mansouri holds a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. His experience includes serving as a project management assistant for a $90 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded Periodic Inspection of Levees Program, where he developed and maintained processes to monitor the progress of contracts being awarded under the program.<br /> <br />Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc., is an employee-owned multidisciplinary firm of 75 professionals and technical support personnel with offices in St. Louis and O\'Fallon, IL.  The company is in its 77th year of providing professional engineering services to municipal, state and federal government agencies, industries and institutions.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Ardie E. Mansouri, E.I., has joined Horner & Shifrin, Inc., as an engineer in the structural engineering department.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(846,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','Alton Memorial Hospital Showcased Collaboration','none','Alton Memorial, Wilson','none','<p>The ribbon cutting that took place on March 10 at Alton Memorial Hospital was much more than the official opening of the hospital\'s new 89,000-square-foot Duncan Wing.  The event also marked the completion of a highly successful construction project that surpassed everyone\'s expectations for speed, project management, value and quality.</p>\n<p>Thanks to a partnership environment and close collaboration between the architect, construction manager, contractors and the hospital throughout the project, the new Duncan Wing of Alton Memorial Hospital was completed and opened on schedule and under its construction budget.  Even more significant, the facility passed the extremely rigorous inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in a single day.</p>\n<p>In the State of Illinois, every healthcare project is subject to inspection and licensing from IDPH.  Before an owner can occupy a new or renovated space, the project must pass the IDPH inspection and be licensed for occupancy.  In many cases, the inspection process can last two or three days with multiple visits, and the issues raised by the inspectors can often take weeks to address.</p>\n<p>\"The state review went extremely well,\" says Doug Pytlinski, vice president of administration at Alton Memorial Hospital.  \"We invited the state inspectors to a preliminary walk-through of the building in December 2009, in which they helped identify areas for us to address prior to the final inspection in January.  This process helped the final state inspection to go smoothly and completed in a day.\"</p>\n<p>\"Our team\'s partnership attitude was the primary factor in both the successful completion of the project and in the fast IDPH inspection approval,\" says Bill Wagner, project executive at S. M. Wilson &amp; Co., construction manager for the project.  \"Getting the IDPH approval in a single day for a project the size of the Duncan Wing is unheard of in Illinois.\"</p>\n<p>\"Everyone was proactive in response to the issues raised in the state inspection walk-through,\" said Robert Meyer, Project Manager for Pratt Design Studio, architect for the project.  \"The State of Illinois is very stringent and particular on its reviews of healthcare facilities.  The team\'s overall response made for a big project success in terms of value and quality.\"</p>\n<p>The seeds to this significant success story were planted more than two years ago, when S. M. Wilson was brought on board to manage the construction project.  Pratt Design Studio had designed the new tower, and S. M. Wilson put together a team of contractors that would be required to work much more closely together than normal to insure that Pratt\'s design was brought to full fruition. KJWW Engineering Consultants provided MEP engineering, while Guarantee Electrical was the electrical contractor and Murphy Company was mechanical contractor.  The project team established a collaborative environment months before the project started by bringing the electrical and mechanical contractors into the project at the pre-construction design development phase along with the engineering firm and architect to work in partnership with one another.</p>\n<p>Through this extensive pre-construction process and the involvement of the owner, architect, engineer, construction manager and subcontractors, everybody was able to contribute their knowledge and expertise, leading to solutions that were well-thought out and designed to benefit the overall project.</p>\n<p>\"The collaborative relationship between all parties gave every team member access to all information pertaining to the building,\" said Meyer. \"This allowed everyone to immediately work on forming solutions when presented with a challenge. The owner benefits by being able to make well-informed decisions and ultimately getting a more cost-effective building.\"</p>\n<p>\"There was very good communication among all parties regarding issues that needed to be resolved,\" said Pytlinski.  \"The team showed good flexibility in creating workable solutions that met everyone\'s needs.\"</p>\n<p>In addition to the rigorous IDPH inspection, countless other challenges were overcome along the way by the team with similar collaboration and efficiency.</p>\n<p>\"Time and cost savings were achieved, sometimes substantially,\" says Wagner.  \"The entire team of owner, architect, contractors and construction manager deserves the credit for the incredible results achieved on this project.\"</p>\n<p>\"We are very pleased with the outcome of this project,\" says Pytlinski.  \"It opened on schedule, came in just under our budget and it met our overall expectations.\"</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The Duncan Wing cost $45 million, $35 million of which was construction cost. The 89,000 square foot tower replaces the previous bed tower and is a completely private bed facility.  It is designed to enhance the experience of patients staying at the hospital. It features 76 new private rooms equipped with patient lifts, as well as six observation beds, a new inpatient pharmacy, inpatient therapy, inpatient lab services, patient registration area and a new lobby and reception area.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','none','The ribbon cutting  on March 10 at Alton Memorial Hospital marked the completion of a project that surpassed expectations for speed, project management, value and quality.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(847,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Clayco DB on PA Army Reserve Center','none','Clayco, Army Reserve','none','<p>Clayco Inc. has been named designer-builder for a new $16 million U.S. Army Reserve Center in Willow Grove, PA. The facility is the builder\'s first project for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.<br /> <br />\"We are proud to have been selected to design and build this facility which will play an important role in training our Armed Forces,\" said Scott Higgins, Clayco\'s director of government construction and design. \"This project will bring together functionality and quality for the Army, and we understand the critical need for value, schedule, and safety in producing successful results.\"<br /> <br />Design and construction of the training facility will feature a 73,000-square-foot office building which is being built to achieve LEED Silver Certification with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). The project also includes a 16,000-square-foot maintenance and storage garage.<br /> <br />Joining Clayco on the project, Forum Studio will serve as the architect. Construction of the U.S. Army Reserve Center is currently underway.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Clayco Inc. has been named designer-builder for a new $16 million U.S. Army Reserve Center in Willow Grove, PA.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(787,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Earthshaking Event Scheduled for Engineers\' Week','none','engineers, Engineers\' Week','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The Engineers\' Week Join Society Lunch Feb. 16 will feature a presentation on earthquake monitoring and response. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(788,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Funeral Service Thursday for Cox & Hunter\'s Bill Cox','none','Cox, Cox & Hunter','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(789,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','PGAV Designs of $110 Million GA Aquarium Expansion','none','aquarium, Georgia, PGAV','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','A 1.8 million gallon dolphin exhibit is part of a $110 million of the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, which was designed by PGAV. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(790,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Dave Spruiel Named VP at BRK Electrical','none','BRK, Spruiel','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Dave Spruiel has been promoted to vice president of operations at BRK Electrical.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(791,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Hilliker Corporation Announces Transactions','none','Hilliker, transactions','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Hilliker Corporation has announced several recent real estate transacations.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(792,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Tax Tips for Contractors Offered','none','Grant Thornton, contractors, taxes','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','The accounting firm of Grant Thornton has offered a number of tax tips for contractors dealing with tough times.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(845,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Kyle Morin Joins Horner & Shifrin','none','Morin, Horner & Shifrin','none','<p>Kyle J. Morin has joined Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc., as a CADD Technician in the Environmental Engineering Department.</p>\n<p>Mr. Morin, a resident of St. Charles, MO, holds a Bachelors of Science in Architectural Technology from Ranken Technical College, St. Louis, MO.</p>\n<p>Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc., is an employee-owned multidisciplinary firm of 75 professionals and technical support personnel with offices in St. Louis and O\'Fallon, Illinois.  The company is in its 77th year of providing professional engineering services to municipal, state and federal government agencies, industries and institutions.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Kyle J. Morin has joined Horner & Shifrin, Inc., as a CADD Technician in the Environmental Engineering Department.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(793,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','From Square to Sophisticated','none','CB&E, Gray Design, T.J. Wies','none','<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>','none','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. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/cbe.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(794,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Sheet Metal Local 36 Hosts BIM Academies','none','Sheet Metal Local 36, BIM','none','<p>Sheet Metal Workers\' Local 36 served as host for the International Training Institute\'s (ITI) Building Information Modeling (BIM) Academies the weeks of Feb. 1 and Feb. 8.<br /> <br />Members from other locals around the country are taking classes and earn certification that they can then use back at their locals and enhance their contractor\'s ability to do BIM coordination. Prior to the upcoming academies, ITI\'s certifications were only available at its headquarters in Las Vegas, but the ITI hopes to add another couple of locations in different regions later this year to offer certifications.<br /> <br />\"We\'re honored to be able to host these academies and help other organizations add value to their services,\" said Local 36 President/Business Manager David C. Zimmermann. \"BIM is an integral part of our industry and greatly enhances the value of our craftsmanship.\"<br /> <br />Since initiating its BIM program with the hiring of Steve Sneed in August of 2009, Local 36 and its Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program have taken major steps to put the technology in the hands of their workforce. Local 36\'s ability to do so has now been recognized by ITI and Local 36 is becoming a resource for locals across the company to become certified in BIM.<br /> <br /><br /></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Sheet Metal Workers\' Local 36 served as host for the International Training Institute\'s (ITI) Building Information Modeling (BIM) Academies.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(795,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Impact Builds Car Credit City in Herculaneum','none','Impact, Car Credit City','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Impact Strategies lead construction of a new facility in Herculaneum, MO for Car Credit City.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(796,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Bid Shopping, uuuuuugh! ','none','Woodcock, bid shopping','none','<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>','','403','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','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.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(797,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Entries Due for CNR\'s Regional Excellence Awards','none','Regional Excellence, CNR','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Entries are due March 1 for CNR\'s Regional Excellence Awards. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(798,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Barnard Joins Contegra Construction ','none','Brad Barnard, Contegra','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Brad Barnard has joined Contegra Construction Co. as project executive.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(799,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Hilliker Announces Recent Transactions','none','Hilliker, transactions','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Hilliker Corporation announced a number of recent real estate transactions. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(800,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Growing Green Entries Sought','none','Growing Green, USGBC','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Entries are being accepted for the U.S. Green Building Council St. Louis\' Growing Green Awards. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(801,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Icon Mechanical Builds All-American Facility','none','Icon, Nucor, American','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Nucor Building Systems presented its \"Buy American\" plaque to icon Mechanical for its new 18,000-square-foot Granite City, IL facility,','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(802,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Matt Marchal Joins WFL as Vice President','none','Marchal, WFL','none','<p>Matt Marchal has joined WFL, Inc., an insurance and financial services agency, as vice president. Marchal provides commercial insurance, surety bonds and group health benefits to companies in construction, manufacturing, distribution, non-profit and professional services.</p>\n<p>Prior to joining WFL, Marchal was assistant commissioner for the Missouri Valley Conference, where he helped host five Arch Madness men\'s basketball tournaments as well as the 2005 NCAA Men\'s Final Four in St. Louis. He also was manager of corporate sales and marketing for the St. Louis Rams.</p>\n<p>Marchal has a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. He is an active supporter of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, ACTS, Southern Illinois Builders Association, The Pujols Family Foundation, Good Shepherd, OU Club of St. Louis and the University of Illinois Alumni A</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Matt Marchal has joined WFL, Inc., an insurance and financial services agency, as vice president. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(803,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','\"If We Make a Mistake, It Could Be Disastrous\"','none','Structural, Engineering','none','<p>Structural engineering is considered a part of civil engineering, but there is a movement afoot to separate the two. In typical construction practice, the structural engineer and the civil engineer are different and some structural engineers advocate separate licensing as well.<br />\"Our job is to make sure a building stands up long enough for people to get out safely\" in the event of a  catastrophe such as an earthquake that causes the building to collapse, said Douglas Antholz, an associate  at KPFF Consulting Engineers and president of St. Louis SEAKM (Structural Engineers Association of Kansas and Missouri).</p>\n<p>\"We have a huge impact on safety and we think we should be treated differently from other engineers,\" he said. Antholz and SEAKM want Missouri to join Illinois and 11 other states with separate licenses for the practice of structural engineering.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Bridge Collapse\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/bridge.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" />According to the Structural Engineering Institute, the required course of study for a bachelor of science degree in engineering has been reduced at most universities over the years from 150 credit hours to 124 - meaning that many graduates have not had all the courses needed to design with the various structural materials used in modern structures - while structural design and building codes have become more complicated.</p>\n<p>In Missouri, someone who passes a general civil engineering test that has little structural content can still practice structural engineering, \"although ethically they should not,\" Antholz said.  Or one could take a multiple-choice structural engineering exam. SEAKM would like to see structural engineers required to pass a structural engineering test in which they have to work out problems and show their work - analogous to the way Missouri has replaced multiple choice tests for grade school students with \"constructed response\" tests in which students have to show their work to show that they can read, write, and do arithmetic.</p>\n<p>\"We do need to know more,\" said Richard Bulczak, senior structural engineer at Heideman Associates. \"Structural codes have gotten thicker, there is more information we need to know and more we need to check,\" he said.</p>\n<p>\"Our designs are location specific based on the soil conditions at each specific site. And we have to look at different materials both because at different locations different materials are readily available and because we offer developers options - different solutions based on what is most constructable, what is the cheapest, and what is the fastest to build,\" he said.</p>\n<p><strong>Ingenious One</strong><br />The first documented engineer was a structural engineer, Imhotep, who built a famous stepped pyramid in Saqqarah, Egypt, for Pharaoh Netjerikhet (or Djoser) around 2600 BC. He is considered the inventor of building with shaped stones. Imhotep wanted to build something that would last for ages and after 4600 years his monument to Netjerikhet still stands. It is regarded as the world\'s oldest known stone structure.</p>\n<p>It was admiration for such impressive structures that gave birth to the term \"engineer\" - literally \"ingenious one\" - in the eleventh century.</p>\n<p>Today, \"the structural engineer\'s role is to take the architect\'s concept and put numbers to how the building holds up. We\'re concerned with how the building gets used and where it is located. An office is different from a school, an industrial building is different from a highrise residential building.</p>\n<p>Each one is subject to different loadings due to the use that is put on it,\" Antholz said. When structural engineers talk about location it is shorthand for the environmental loads that will be put on a structure from snow, earthquakes, and wind.</p>\n<p>Structurally ingenious local projects include the Roberts Tower, Brauer Hall, and the Chaifetz Arena. The Roberts Tower downtown is a 20-story structure that, \"because it is skinnier than one would like, uses a higher stress concrete for strength,\" Antholz said. At Brauer Hall at Washington University, the structure has to span large open spaces while carrying heavy interior loads. Normally that would call for a steel structure, but because it is a laboratory building with equipment and experiments that are sensitive to vibration, it was built using concrete instead. The Chaifetz Arena \"has an all-exposed structure with large spans, and the structure has to be stronger because you\'re hanging things from it. Normally you wouldn\'t do that,\" Antholz said.</p>\n<p>A big boost to ingenuity, he said, came from computer modeling. \"When Barnes Tower was built in the 1960s, all the math was done by hand. Now you throw it all into a computer and you actually design a building several times as the architect makes changes,\" Antholz said. \"It is very advantageous for the owner,\" Bulczak added. \"It gives us the opportunity to give clients several alternatives and to be less conservative in the design,\" he explained.</p>\n<p>Owners and developers, however, often seem blind to - or uninterested in - the role of ingenuity. \"They treat us like a commodity,\" Antholz said. \"The structural engineer can have a huge affect on the cost of constructing a building based on his design, but owners don\'t see what we contribute, so they are fee shopping and changing firms,\" he said. Fee shopping is looking for the lowest first price without regard for quality or ultimate cost. \"The discounting is brutal,\" Antholz added. \"There was one job we bid where the owner wanted us to discount our fee 50 percent,\" he said.</p>\n<p><strong>A Patented Difference</strong></p>\n<p>One way for engineering firms to rise above commoditization of their services is to create a perceived methodological or technological advantage with potential clients. FDH Engineering Inc., a structural, geotechnical, and civil engineering firm based in Raleigh, NC, which has an office in St. Louis, has done just that. One of the firm\'s founders, J. Darrin Holt, PhD, is a university-trained researcher who developed methods for using radar and digital signal processing to assess the depth and strength of buried concrete foundations for a variety of structures, including telecommunication towers and bridges. FDH received a business process patent in 2009 for a method for mapping concrete foundations.</p>\n<p>\"We started out doing nondestructive testing of foundations, which led to structural engineering to re-engineer structures,\" said Vice President Christopher Murphy. \"Our investigative process is patented.\" FDH has successfully used its methodology, including the fact that the process is patented, as a branding position.</p>\n<p>Deacon Farrelly, manager of business development in FDH Engineering\'s St. Louis office, said the patented process \"mostly helps us get contracts with departments of transportation.\" In Louisiana, he said, the company\'s process helped FDH establish the firm\'s capabilities in its effort to secure inspection assignments on the state\'s program to assure the safety of approximately 1,000 bridges. In Kansas, the state has referred contractors on its bridge safety program to FDH when they encounter uncertain foundation conditions. Farrelly said those recommendations are based in part on the credibility established by the patented process.</p>\n<p>What FDH patented was not the technology - radar and digital signaling - used to assess the structures, nor was the firm laying claim to exclusivity of the results obtained from using their process. What was patented was the actual methodology (process) they had devised for obtaining those results. For example, all hamburgers have meat, buns and condiments: It\'s how you put them together that makes the difference. No one else puts a burger together quite like McDonald\'s - or that\'s what McDonald\'s believes. McDonald\'s 2006 U.S. and European patent application WO2006068865 relates to the \"pre-assembly of sandwich components and simultaneous preparation of different parts of the same sandwich\". It covers the \"simultaneous toasting of a bread component\" and heating a \"meat and/or cheese filling\". And it says the company has invented a way to add garnishes and condiments using a \"sandwich assembly tool\".</p>\n<p>John Roedel, partner at Senniger Powers LLP and a prominent patent attorney said that business process patents are difficult to defend. A company can patent the process it uses to get a result, but the patent might not hold up if competitors can show the process was in public use at least a year before the application was made. Further, the alleged patent violator must incorporate all of the steps involved in the patented process - not just some of them - for a violation to be upheld.</p>\n<p>The U.S. Supreme Court might change all that, Roedel said. The patent world, he said, is anxiously awaiting the U.S. Supreme Court\'s decision in a case known as Bilski v. Kappos, on which the Court heard oral arguments last November on an appeal of a Federal Circuit Court decision that patents cannot be granted on methods for handling information. Roedel noted that a decision in that case could directly affect FDH Engineering\'s patent.</p>\n<p>Meanwhile FDH is finding the patent to be a valuable tool in establishing its expertise with potential clients. \"We have an application pending for a patent that relates to determining the tension in tension rods or anchor tendons in dam construction,\" Murphy said.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','none',' Structural engineering is considered a part of civil engineering, but there is a movement afoot to separate the two. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/bridge.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(804,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','EPA Announces Rules on Construction Water Effluent','none','EPA, effluent, discharge','none','<p>New EPA rules on construction site effluent discharges took effect on Feb. 1.<br /> <br />On Dec. 1, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed effluent limits on stormwater discharges from many construction and development sites (the Construction Rule). (74 Fed. Reg. 62,996)1 The Construction Rule became effective February 1, 2010, and imposes the following general requirements:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Non-numeric effluent limitations apply to construction activity that disturbs one or more acres;<br /></li>\n<li>Beginning August 2, 2011, a numeric turbidity limit and related monitoring requirements will apply to construction activity that disturbs 20 or more acres at one time; and<br /></li>\n<li>No later than February 2, 2014, a numeric turbidity limit and related monitoring requirements will apply to construction activity that disturbs 10 or more acres at one time.<br /></li>\n<li>Construction and development activity currently operating under a stormwater discharge permit will not be subject to the Construction Rule until the permitting authority re-issues the discharge permit.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Watch-Outs for Builders and Developers</strong></p>\n<p>\"The Construction Rule significantly expands the standards that\napply to the discharge of stormwater from construction and development\nsites,\" a press release from the law firm of Husch Blackwell Sanders\nLLP stated. \"Owners and operators of affected projects should carefully\nreview the new requirements as this regulation represents the first\ntime that EPA has imposed both monitoring requirements and express\nnumeric turbidity limitations on stormwater discharges from\nconstruction activity. EPA\'s Construction Rule could have a significant\nimpact on companies that are involved in the construction industry\n(commercial and residential), including earth-moving contractors, the\nhighway construction industry and natural resource extraction\ncompanies. Based on the importance of this issue to EPA, it is\nreasonable to expect continued vigorous enforcement by EPA at\nconstruction sites.\"</p>\n<p>New non-numeric effluent limitations include requirements to address erosion and sediment controls, soil stabilization, de-watering, pollution prevention measures, certain discharge prohibitions and use of outlet structures to withdraw water from the surface. The numeric turbidity limit will require that owners and operators of larger construction and development projects monitor discharges and not exceed a daily average turbidity limit of 280 nephelometric turbidity units (NTU).<br /> <br />EPA\'s decision to regulate turbidity using a numeric standard was based on the agency\'s conclusion that turbidity is an \"indicator pollutant\" that will serve to assist in controlling the discharge of other pollutants, such as metals and nutrients, from construction and development sites. The numeric limitation for turbidity is being phased in over a four-year period to provide permitting authorities sufficient time to develop appropriate monitoring requirements and to give the regulated community time to prepare for compliance with the numeric limitation. The turbidity limit does not apply to stormwater discharges resulting from storm events larger than the local two-year, 24-hour storm.<br /> <br />The Construction Rule creates a technology-based \"floor\" of minimum requirements for discharges of stormwater associated with construction activity, including clearing, grading and excavation (see, 40 C.F.R. &sect;&sect; 122.26(b)(14)(x) and 122.26(b)(15)), that are subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program established by the Clean Water Act. The new effluent limitation guidelines are intended to work in concert with existing federal, state and local programs to accomplish the following goals:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Preserve and improve water quality on a national scale; and</li>\n<li>Reduce the amount of sediment discharged from construction sites by approximately four billion pounds each year.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>In all but four states, NPDES permits are issued by state or local environmental authorities. In many cases, this requirement is satisfied by a general permit that focuses on minimizing the impact of stormwater discharges using erosion and sediment control measures that reflect best engineering practices, as well as control measures for other pollutants.<br /><br />EPA has issued a general permit for use in those states that do not have their own permitting authority - Idaho, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Mexico. On January 28, 2010, EPA extended the expiration date for the existing federal general permits covering stormwater discharges from construction activities to June 30, 2011, to provide sufficient time to incorporate the requirements of the Construction Rule into a renewed general permit.  (75 Fed. Reg. 4,554)<br /> <br />States are not required to re-open their existing general permits, although they may choose to do so before they expire. The implementation date for the new requirements will vary depending on when individual states reissue their permits and whether projects are covered by general or individual permits. Thus, as noted above, companies and facilities currently operating under an effective stormwater discharge permit will not be affected by the Construction Rule until the permitting authority re-issues their permit.<br /> <strong><br />Rulemaking Process to Begin for Post-Construction Stormwater Rule</strong></p>\n<p>EPA noted that it received comments encouraging the agency to include in the Construction Rule controls on stormwater discharges occurring after construction, or \"post-construction.\" While these comments were outside the scope of the Construction Rule, EPA made it clear that the agency was committed to initiating rulemaking to address post-construction stormwater discharges from newly developed sites.<br /> <br />On December 28, 2009, EPA published a notice announcing plans to begin a rulemaking on this issue and to make other regulatory changes to strengthen its stormwater program. (74 Fed. Reg. 68,617) In its notice, EPA stated that, \"[t]o address the degradation of water quality caused by stormwater discharges from impervious cover, EPA is exploring regulatory options that would strengthen the stormwater program, including establishing specific post-construction requirements for stormwater discharges from, at a minimum, new development and redevelopment.\" (74 Fed. Reg. 68,620) The agency expects to issue a final rule by November 2012.<br /> <br />EPA conducted several \"listening sessions\" in January 2010 to receive input on the performance, effectiveness and cost of stormwater control measures; ecological benefits from stormwater controls; technical information on design, implantation, operation and maintenance of stormwater control measures; and to receive other information that may help in the development of improvements to the existing program, including better control of pollutants in stormwater associated with new development and redevelopment.  EPA also intends to distribute questionnaires to owners, operators, developers and contractors at sites under development; owners and operators of municipal separate storm sewer systems; and states and U.S. territories. The industry questionnaire will target establishments that develop and redevelop sites for:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>New housing construction;</li>\n<li>New industrial, commercial and institutional building construction;</li>\n<li>Land subdivisions;</li>\n<li>Highway, street and bridge construction; and</li>\n<li>Other heavy and civil engineering construction.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','New EPA rules on construction site effluent discharges took effect on Feb. 1.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(848,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Joseph Ostafi Joins HOK Science/Technology','none','Ostafi','none','<p>Joseph Ostafi IV, AIA, LEED&reg; AP, has joined HOK\'s St. Louis office as vice president and north central regional leader of the firm\'s science and technology group.</p>\n<p>Ostafi joins HOK following a nearly six-year tenure at Flad Architects in Madison, Wisconsin. During his more than 13 years of overall experience in architecture, his focus has been in the design of science and technology research and development laboratory environments, including manufacturing and site master planning for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clean energy and academic clients. Among his past clients are: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, US Department of Agriculture, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Wisconsin, Stony Brook University, Caterpillar, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, Genentech and more.</p>\n<p>\"We are very excited to have Joseph join HOK. His experience allows us to expand the range of services and project types that we offer in our rapidly growing S+T group,\" Bill Odell, senior vice president and firmwide director of the S+T group said. \"His strong background in sustainable design will also add to HOK\'s depth in these areas, as well.\"</p>\n<p>Beyond serving higher education, corporate, state and federal clients, both regionally and internationally, Ostafi has chaired and spoken at numerous industry conferences on topics of sustainability integration in design, as well as providing insights into designing the scientific workplace of tomorrow.<br /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Joseph Ostafi has joined HOK\'s St. Louis office vice president and regional leader of the science and technology group','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(849,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Korte Moves Up Postal Service Rankings','none','Korte, rankings, Postal Service','none','<p>The Korte Company, was listed as the 22nd largest supplier to the United States Postal Service (USPS) for the 2009 fiscal year. The move is a 12-step jump from 2008. The list is compiled annually by Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP and ranks top suppliers based on payments made during the fiscal year by the United States Postal Service.<br /> <br />To date, The Korte Company has completed 39 projects across the country for the United States Postal Service.  According to Todd Korte, President and CEO of The Korte Company, \"We consider our long-term involvement with the United States Postal Service an opportunity to continue delivering the caliber of quality they have come to expect from us.\"<br /> <br />The Korte Company, founded in 1958, specializes in design-build, construction management and construction services, and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri with offices in Highland, Illinois and Las Vegas, Nevada.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Korte Company has moved up 12-steps in the rankings of suppliers to the United States Postal service','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(806,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Burns and McDonnell Hires Three Engineers','none','Burns & McDonnell, BIS Frucon, Krusie, Myers, Hornell','none','<p>Burns &amp; McDonnell has added three engineers to its St. Louis office.</p>\n<p>Ron Krusie has joined Burns &amp; McDonnell to direct the engineering firm\'s St. Louis water and wastewater practice, according to Breck Washam, associate vice president and general manager of St. Louis area operations.   <br /></p>\n<p>Krusie has more than 30 years experience in water and wastewater system design. Prior to joining Burns &amp; McDonnell, he served as chief civil engineer and government sector manager for BIS Frucon Engineering, Inc. in St. Louis.</p>\n<p>Steve Myers has joined the firm as a senior process engineer. He will be serving the engineering firm\'s chemical industry clients in St. Louis and around the country. Myers has more than 16 years experience in process safety and design. Prior to joining Burns &amp; McDonnell, he served as a process engineer at BIS Frucon Engineering, Inc.  <br /> <br />Robert Hormell III has as a senior process engineer. He will serve as the engineering firm\'s lead engineer for process design in chemical production facilities.<br /> Hormell has 14 years experience in process safety and design. Prior to joining Burns &amp; McDonnell, he served as chief process engineer at BIS Frucon Engineering, Inc.&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Burns & McDonnell has added three engineers to its St. Louis office. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(807,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','HOK-Designed Indy Terminal Wins Consumer Thumbs-Up','none','Indiapolis HOK','none','<p>Power and Associates has given the HOK-designed Col. H. Weir Cook Terminal at the Indianapolis International Airport its highest marks in passenger satisfaction in a survey of 64 major airports. The $1.2 billion terminal earned 777 points &ndash; the most of any airport surveyed &ndash; in accessibility, baggage claim, check-in and baggage check-i<img alt=\"Indy Airport\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"313\" src=\"/images/uploads/indy-airport.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" />n process, terminal facilities, ease of security checks, and food and retail services. The terminal, which debuted in 2008, was the first designed with new security protocols following the 9/11 terrorist attack.<br /><br />&ldquo;We found that Indianapolis ranked highest in both the small category of airports with fewer than 10 million passengers a year and also highest overall in the entire study.&nbsp; And that&rsquo;s up from a tie for 13th in the previous study two years ago,&rdquo; said Stuart Greif, vice president and general manager of global hospitality for J.D. Power in an interview with the Indianapolis Star Tribune.<br /><br />In designing the new terminal, HOK responded to passenger needs to travel at a convenient, unhurried pace while accommodating post-9/11 security necessities. It includes:</p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"image-right\" style=\"text-align: left;\">A civic plaza,<span class=\"image-right\"> topped by a 200-foot-diameter circular skylight, that serves as a destination point for travelers with comfortable seating, civic displays and retail offerings;</span></li>\n<li class=\"image-right\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Advanced technology that combines with design simplicity and clear sight lines to smoothly shepherd travelers to the city plaza and ultimately their gate; and</li>\n<li class=\"image-right\" style=\"text-align: left;\">A design that facilitates a culture of Indianapolis hospitality.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<br />The first &ldquo;greenfield&rdquo; U.S. airport designed and constructed since 9/11, the terminal is also a showcase of sustainability. Discharge from fuel and deicing are controlled using bio swales populated with plants that consume hydrocarbons. Detention ponds encourage growth of microorganisms that also consume airport discharge. In the terminal, filtered glass mitigates heat from solar gain while harvesting sunlight to reduce use of artificial lighting. It has a radiant heating and cooling system in the floor to help regulate temperature only in the space occupied by passengers.<br /><br />HOK served as design architect of the terminal, collaborating with Indianapolis-based AeroDesign Group.<br /><br />The J.D. Power ranking can be found at <a href=\"http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2010015\">http://businesscenter.jdpower.com/news/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2010015</a>.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>','none','Power and Associates has given the HOK-designed at the Indianapolis International Airport its highest marks in passenger satisfaction.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/indy-airport.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(808,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Wilson Completes $207 Million WUSM/BJC Hospital','none','Wash U., Barnes-Jewish, Wilson','none','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>S. M. Wilson &amp; Co. has completed construction of a new 675,000 square-foot biomedical research and hospital facility for Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM), BJC HealthCare and Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH).</p>\n<p>The $207 million project is located at the corner of Children\'s Place and Euclid Avenue in St. Louis.</p>\n<p>The new 11-story high-rise will house facilities for both Washington University School of Medicine and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Stories seven through 11 house WUSM\'s research and laboratory facilities. The sixth floor houses the building\'s mechanical and electrical systems, while the first five floors are flexible shell space for BJH\'s anticipated expansion. The first and second floor shell spaces house a kitchen, dining hall and servery. The additional spaces could include pharmaceutical, clinical and laboratory spaces.</p>\n<p>The lower level of the building houses a new shipping and receiving area, a tunnel under Euclid Avenue large enough for a tractor trailer and anew roadway to Taylor Avenue.</p>\n<p>The project was built over the top of an active Metrolink light rail system, including pedestrian bridges to several adjacent buildings.  This required extensive mechanical, electrical and plumbing system relocations and reconnections to campus services.</p>\n<p>The biomedical research building was designed and built to be environmentally sustainable. Sustainable construction processes and building features include a pollution prevention plan, water efficient landscaping, optimized energy performance plan, use of recycled and local building materials, use of low-emitting materials, increased ventilation and outdoor air delivery monitoring.</p>\n<p>S. M. Wilson provided pre-construction and construction management services for the project. Construction began in Fall of 2007.  As part of the project, S. M. Wilson mentored Interface Construction, a minority-owned construction firm working as a subcontractor on the project. <br />Cannon Design is the architecture firm for the project, with mechanical, plumbing and electrical engineering services provided by Ross &amp; Baruzzini.  Structural engineering was provided by OES, and civil engineering by Genisis.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','S. M. Wilson & Co. has completed construction of a new 675,000 square-foot biomedical research and hospital facility for Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM), BJC HealthCare and Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH).','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(809,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Magazine Names Arcturis \'Design Giant\'','none','Arcturis, Interior Design, Design Giant','none','<p>Interior Design Magazine, a leading publication for the interior design professional marketplace, has named Arcturis one of the country\'s top 100 Interior Design Giants for 2010. This is the third consecutive year that Arcturis has been included in this prestigious list.</p>\n<p>Arcturis\' inclusion was based on its design work on more than 2.28 million square feet of office and commercial space in 2009, which was nearly 800,000 square feet more than the firm designed in 2008. Included in this total were major projects for Edward Jones and UMB Bank; a 29,000-square-foot headquarters for the Girl Scouts of Greater St. Louis; office space in the Cupples Station area for Luxco, a producer, importer and marketer of alcohol beverages; and the nationally acclaimed Chess Club &amp; Scholastic Center of Saint Louis. In 2009, Arcturis ranked as the region\'s largest interior design firm and the 16th largest architectural firm in the St. Louis Business Journal Book of Lists. <br /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','For the third consecutive year, Arcturis has been named a \"Design Giant\" by Interior Design Magazine. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(810,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Freeman Brings Field Experience to McCarthy Business Development','none','Freeman, McCarthy','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. recently promoted Ryan Freeman to serve as the firm\'s director of business development, St. Louis.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(811,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','E.M. Harris Expands Workforce ','none','E.M. Harris, Suggs','none','<p>E.M. Harris Construction Company recently added several new team members, including hiring Anne Suggs as an assistant contract administrator.<br /> <br />Suggs will maintain E.M. Harris\' compliance with key program requirements, such as the City of St. Louis\' Minority/Women/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, the Missouri Housing Development Commission\'s Section 3 Recipient Regulations and the U.S. Department of Labor\'s Davis Bacon Act.<br /> <br />\"E.M. Harris Construction recognizes the importance of keeping up to date with local and governmental business policies. We feel Anne has the drive and skills to closely monitor the ever-changing regulations impacting our industry,\" says Kevin Buchek, president of E.M. Harris.<br /> <br />Prior to joining E.M. Harris, Suggs worked as an analyst for Stann Financial. In addition, she brings with her experience working as a program coordinator with the Missouri Coalition for Historic Preservation and Economic Development, where she developed and coordinated grassroots efforts to support the Missouri Historic Tax Credit Program.<br /> <br />She earned a bachelor\'s degree in both economics and psychology and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia. While finishing her undergraduate degree, Anne served as a research assistant for the University of Missouri\'s Department of Psychological Sciences.<br /></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','E.M. Harris has made several additions to its team. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(891,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','HOK Models St. Louis Presence','none','HOK, model','none','<p>HOK has expanded its downtown presence with the opening of a state-of-the-art studio for designing and constructing architectural models.</p>\n<p>Located on the first floor of the Millennium Center building at 312 North 6th Street, the new 4,500-square-foot HOK Model Shop enhances the architectural design firm\'s capabilities to create three-dimensional models for building design, planning and site development, product development, custom crafted interior decorative elements, and full size mock-ups of building details.</p>\n<p>The facility\'s flexible, collaborative workspace separates \"clean space\" for final model assembly from a sound-isolated work shop for heavy tool use. New capabilities will include laser cutting, vacuum forming, 3-D printing and professional photography resources.</p>\n<p>Designed by HOK\'s Interiors group in conjunction with HOK Model Shop staff, the space gives HOK an exterior storefront presence, with graphics and model display windows designed by HOK\'s Graphics group. Additionally, HOK\'s Lighting group provided energy-efficient and dynamic lighting solutions.</p>\n<p>\"We are excited to offer our clients state-of-the-art model design and construction capabilities, while tangibly strengthening our downtown presence and commitment,\" says HOK St. Louis Management Principal Rebecca Nolan.</p>\n<p>The new HOK Model Shop currently accommodates HOK\'s four professional model designers, and the flexible work environment can be expanded to facilitate future growth.</p>\n<p>HOK is currently pursuing LEED certification for the space from the U.S. Green Building Council.</p>\n<p>The HOK Model Shop is located within walking distance of the firm\'s main St. Louis offices in the One Metropolitan Square Building at 211 North Broadway.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','HOK has expanded its downtown presence with the opening of a state-of-the-art studio for designing and constructing architectural models.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(821,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Paric to Build $79 Million Senior Living in Kirkwood','none','Paric, Kirkwood','none','<p>Paric has been selected as general contractor for the $79 million Aberdeen Heights Senior Living Community construction project in suburban Kirkwood, Mo. <br /></p>\n<p>Aberdeen Heights, which sits on a 17-acre campus, will include 243 independent living apartment homes designed around amenity-filled community spaces, with community features to include restaurant-style dining, a fitness center with indoor pool, a creative arts area, a media room and a club room. Plans also include 30 assisted living apartment homes, 15 memory support apartments and a health center that includes 34 private and four semi-private skilled nursing rooms on campus. The total development budget for the project is $179 million.<br /></p>\n<p>The Aberdeen Heights campus is at the site of the former St. Joseph Hospital in Kirkwood.  Abatement and demolition of the existing facility is being completed by Environmental Operations, Inc.</p>\n<p>Construction of the new Aberdeen Heights Community is to begin in May with initial independent living move-ins beginning in September 2011 and an expected completion later that year.</p>\n<p>Aberdeen Heights is owned and will be operated by Ashfield Active Living and Wellness Communities Inc., with Greystone Communities, Inc. serving as development consultant. The architect on the project is AG Architecture of Wauwatosa, Wis., with engineering services provided by PEC of Wichita, Kan., and The Clayton Engineering Company of St. Louis.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none',' Paric has been selected as general contractor for the $79 million Aberdeen Heights Senior Living Community construction project.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(814,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Federal Uncertainty Ends MODOT Awards','none','federal, MODOT','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Uncertainty about the federal dollar pipeline led the Missouri Department of Transportation to withdraw its February bid awards at the last minute.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(815,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial  Recent Transactions ','none','Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial, lease','none','<p>&nbsp;Grubb &amp; Ellis|Gundaker Commercial, a leading local real estate services firm, today announced that Lincoln National Life Insurance Company have extended their lease of 2,150 square feet of office space at Creve Coeur Center II in Creve Coeur with I&amp;G Direct Real Estate 18, LP for $236,499.96.</p>\n<p>Rebekah Bahn, Esq., CCIM represented the tenant in the transaction. Colliers Turley Martin Tucker represented the landlord.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial announced a recent lease transaction.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(816,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Harrington Joins Christner Leadership','none','Harrington, Christner','none','<p>Laurel Harrington, RLA, ASLA, LEED AP has been elected shareholder at the Christner architectural firm, bringing the ownership group to eight.</p>\n<p>\"As Director of Landscape Architecture, her technical skill and design creativity highlight our commitment to multi-disciplinary design,\" a Christner press release stated.</p>\n<p>Laurel\'s work on campus master planning, urban planning and site design creates sustainable landscape environments that are enduring and beautiful.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Laurel Harrington, RLA, ASLA, LEED AP has been elected shareholder at Christner Inc., bringing the ownership group to eight.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(813,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Significant Drop in Architecture Billings Index','none','AIA, ABI, architectural billing index','none','<p>Beginning its third year of negative conditions, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) had a drop of almost three points in January. 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 January ABI rating was 42.5, down sharply from a revised reading of 45.4 in December.  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 52.5, down more than seven points. <br /> <br />Every January the AIA research department uses a procedure from the Department of Commerce that re-estimates ABI data based on seasonal patterns, resulting in a recalibration of recent figures.<br /> <br />\"Projects are being delayed or cancelled because lending institutions are placing unusually stringent equity requirements on new developments. This is even happening to financially sound companies with strong credit ratings,\" said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. \"This serious situation is being compounded by a skittish bond market, decreased tax revenues for publicly financed projects and declining property values - all which serve as deterrents for construction activity. Until these factors are resolved, the design and construction industry -- which accounts for roughly 10 percent of GDP and is facing unemployment figures in excess of 20 percent -- will continue to face deteriorating market conditions.\"<br /> <br /><strong>Key January ABI highlights:</strong><br /></p>\n<p>Regional averages:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Midwest (48.0), <br /></li>\n<li>Northeast (45.7), <br /></li>\n<li>South (41.32), <br /></li>\n<li>West (40.5)</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Sector index breakdown:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>multi-family residential (50.1), <br /></li>\n<li>commercial / industrial (44.9), <br /></li>\n<li>institutional (43.1), <br /></li>\n<li>mixed practice (40.3)</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Project inquiries index: 52.5</p>\n<p><br /> <br /><strong>About the AIA Architecture Billings Index</strong></p>\n<p>The Architecture Billings Index is derived from a monthly \"Work-on-the-Boards\" survey and produced by the AIA Economics &amp; Market Research Group. Based on a comparison of data compiled since the survey\'s inception in 1995 with figures from the Department of Commerce on Construction Put in Place, the findings amount to a leading economic indicator that provides an approximately nine to twelve month glimpse into the future of nonresidential construction activity. The diffusion indexes contained in the full report are derived from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. Participants are asked whether their billings increased, decreased, or stayed the same in the month that just ended. According to the proportion of respondents choosing each option, a score is generated, which represents an index value for each month. The regional and sector data is formulated using a three-month moving average.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Tight credit markets and weak demand for new projects continue to be main challenges for design and construction industry','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(817,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','HOK\'s DeFreece Appointed to MO Environmental Agency ','none','DeFreece, HOK','none','<p>&nbsp;LaRee DeFreece, JD, LEED AP, has been appointed a commissioner for the Missouri Environmental Improvement and Energy Resource Authority by Missouri Governor Jeremiah \"Jay\" Nixon. DeFreece joined HOK in 2009 as vice president and business director of global sustainability consulting services.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;EIERA is a quasi-governmental agency that serves as the financing\narm for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Its primary\nmandate is to provide financial assistance for energy and environmental\nprojects and protect the environment. The agency also conducts\nresearch, supports energy efficiency and energy alternatives and\npromotes economic development.<br /> <br />\"During my tenure, I hope to\nencourage EIERA to identify new service offerings or financing\nopportunities to push the envelope in the areas of energy efficiency\nand water management,\" DeFreece said.<br /> <br />&nbsp;In that role, she would\nlike to influence the State\'s development of energy policy,\nparticularly in light of the market-driven restrictions on carbon\nemissions and the state\'s reliance on coal. \"I\'m concerned that as\nmanufacturers plan site selection over the next decade, they will\nmigrate to regions with nuclear-generated electricity. The decision to\nabandon coal-powered electricity will do more to favorably enhance the\nmanufacturer\'s carbon footprint than any other single activity it could\nundertake. If Missouri plans to attract industry and retain jobs, we\nneed to look at these issues now.\"<br /> <br /> <br /></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','LaRee DeFreece, JD, LEED AP, has been appointed a commissioner for the Missouri Environmental Improvement and Energy Resource Authority by Missouri Governor Jeremiah \"Jay\" Nixon. DeFreece joined HOK in 2009 as vice president and business director of global sustainability consulting services.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(818,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','Lighting, Restoration Brighten Lambert Dome','none','Lambert, Kwame, dome','none','<p><img alt=\"Lambert\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/lambert.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" /></p>\n<p>Kwame Building Group (KWAME) has completed colorful LED lighting,\nskylights and restoration of the 100,000-square-foot historic domed\nceilings in the ticketing level of Lambert-St. Louis International\nAirport.</p>\n<p>The project included dome resurfacing as well as the addition of\nnew skylights and an LED lighting system. The skylights provide natural\nlight to illuminate the ticketing level by day and are complemented by\ncolorful LED lighting which accentuates the historic modernist\narchitecture of Lambert\'s iconic domes at night. KWAME was the program\nmanager providing oversight, programming, design coordination and\nprocurement for the project. C. Rallo Contracting Company, Inc. was the\ngeneral contractor and Teng &amp; Associates was the designer.</p>\n<p>The\ndome restoration and lighting project is part of Lambert\'s \"Airport\nExperience Program,\" a major renovation campaign designed to\nre-establish Lambert-St. Louis International Airport as a new &lsquo;front\ndoor\' to St. Louis. Also completed in the program was the replacement\nof the entire in-bound baggage system in the main terminal.</p>\n<p>Kwame\nBuilding Group is a pure program and construction management firm\nproviding estimating, scheduling, project planning, value engineering\nand other project management services as an independent advocate for\nowners and developers. Public and private sector projects include\neducational facilities, major airports nationwide, light-rail systems,\nhospitals and government facilities. KWAME is headquartered in St.\nLouis with division offices in Dallas, New Orleans, Oklahoma City,\nPhoenix, Pittsburgh and Seattle.</p>','none','Kwame Building Group (KWAME) has completed colorful LED lighting, skylights and restoration of the 100,000-square-foot historic domed ceilings in the ticketing level of Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/lambert.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(820,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Real Estate Women Honored at CREW Event','none','','none','<p>The St. Louis chapter of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) honored several members at its Fifth Annual Networking Awards Luncheon held in February at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac.</p>\n<p>The awards revolve around CREW\'s mission to advance the success of women in commercial real estate, as well as to support the community. Those honored and their respective awards are:</p>\n<p>Mentor Award - Amy E. Garrison, Sonnenschein Nath &amp; Rosenthal LLP. Garrison served as the chapter\'s president in 2008 and 2009.</p>\n<p>New Member of the Year - Colleen West, N.B. West Contracting Co. Inc. West was lauded for her work as co-chair of the chapter\'s annual golf event during a challenging year.</p>\n<p>Survivor of the Year - Lisa Hosey, DTRT Environmental. This is a new award to reflect the challenges in commercial real estate last year. Hosey was selected for continuing to run her own business, which meant taking on second jobs. She also had her ailing Mom move in with her.</p>\n<p>Successful Together: Networking Story of the Year - Lynn Goessling, Herzog Crebs LLP; Sabina A. Frank-Holtzman, Stephen Frank Associates Inc.; Tracy W. Howren, Enterprise Bank &amp; Trust; Susan Sauer, Duffe-Nuernberger Realty. The members worked together on finding the space, legal documents and financing for the St. Louis Language Immersion School, a charter school that opened last August in a 50,000 square foot renovated warehouse at 4011 Papin.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The St. Louis chapter of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) honored several members at its Fifth Annual Networking Awards Luncheon.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(822,1,2,'','none','','none','','none','PGAV to Design Two Major Attractions in China','none','PGAV, China','none','<p>PGAV Destinations, a global planner and designer of cultural and entertainment destinations, has been awarded two major projects in China: the planning and design of Zhuhai Ocean World and the expansion of the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xian, China.</p>\n<p><img alt=\"Terra Cotta Warriors\" class=\"image-left\" height=\"303\" src=\"/images/uploads/terra-cotta.jpg\" style=\"float: left;\" width=\"266\" />Both projects are part of a current tourism boom in China.  According to the China National Tourism Administration approximately US $185 billion was recorded in tourism income in 2009, reflecting a growth of 9% over 2008. Additionally, Chinese domestic tourism income in 2009 was US $146 billion, reflecting a 15% increase from the previous year.</p>\n<p>\"We are honored to participate in the exciting tourism boom occurring now in China,\" says Jim Moorkamp, Principal and Co-leader of PGAV Destinations. \"These projects will be important attractions to draw both Chinese nationals and international tourists.\"</p>\n<p>PGAV Destinations is planning and designing the 50-hectare Hengqin Island Ocean World. This project is being developed by The Chimelong Group, which operates theme parks, animal safari parks, waterparks, and hotels in Guangzhou\'s Panyu district. This project in Southern China will become the biggest ocean park in Asia when all phases are completed.</p>\n<p>Ocean World is part of Chimelong\'s Hengqin Island Development.  The development is a family based, international quality, tourist destination that is designed to complement Macau, which draws over 22 million visitors a year.  It includes Ocean World, an animal safari, other entertainment venues, destination retail and hotels.</p>\n<p>Hengqin Island is just off the Chinese Mainland.  It is part of the coastal city of Zhuhai and just across a strait from Macau.   It is part of a larger economic development plan in the southern Guangdong region that is stimulated by the construction of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.  Construction recently began on this 30-mile long bridge, which will be the longest oversea bridge in the world, connecting Zhuhai with the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.  The island is the largest among the 146 islands of Zhuhai, being roughly three times the size of Macau.</p>\n<p>PGAV Destinations is also providing architectural, interpretive, retail, and food service design for the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xian, China.  This landmark destination is being expanded with state-of-the-art amenities, to include a film-based attraction on the history of the site, interpretive exhibits, an educational museum store, and specialized food service. The project is the result of an innovative public/private partnership between PGAV\'s American client and the Chinese government.</p>\n<p>\"The museum project signals a new chapter in PGAV\'s experience in bringing state-of-the-art interpretation and visitor services to internationally significant heritage landmarks,\" says Mike Konzen, Principal and Co-leader of PGAV Destinations.  \"It builds on our experience at the Giza Pyramids, Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon, Independence National Historical Park, and other significant sites.\"</p>\n<p><br />The Museum Complex houses the famous Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. The terracotta figures, dating from 210 BC, were discovered in 1974 by some local farmers near Xi\'an, Shaanxi province, China near the Mausouleum of the First Qin Emperor. The figures vary in height according to their role, the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians.<br />Estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army, there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pit.</p>','none','PGAV Destinations has been awarded two major projects in China: Zhuhai Ocean World and the expansion of the Terracotta Warriors Museum.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','/images/uploads/terra-cotta.jpg','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(823,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Capital Consultants Hires Erin Wright','none','Capital Consultants, Wright','none','<p>Capital Consultants, Inc., a construction advising firm, has hired Erin Wright as a project manager.<br /> <br />As project manager, Wright will provide reporting and consulting on inspection projects, as well as bring extensive knowledge to reviewing architectural plans and specifications, budgets and other construction related documents.\"Erin\'s experience and track record as a creative team member will serve the company well as we move forward in 2010,\" said Sean King, president of Capital Consultants, Inc.<br /> <br />Wright brings more than six years of experience as an architect to Capital Consultants. She recently served as the vice president of design for Checkmate Design, LLC. Wright\'s experience includes work on a variety of construction projects, including Coronado Place and the Moolah Building, which features apartments as well as a bowling alley, movie theater and bar.<br /> <br />\"We are excited to see the ideas and concepts Erin will bring to our operations. Her enthusiasm and dedication are valuable additions to our company,\" King added.<br /> <br />Wright earned a bachelor\'s degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, graduating cum laude. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and is a member of the Forest Park Southeast Infrastructure Committee. She also belongs to the U.S. Green Building Council St. Louis Regional Chapter and the Landmarks Association of St. Louis. Wright recently earned accreditation as a National Association of Home Builders Green Verifier, providing credentials to assess whether homes meet national green building certification.<br /> <br />Established in 1997 , Capital Consultants has grown to provide services in more than 30 states, working with lenders, tax credit investors and developers on range commercial and multi-family housing development projects.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Capital Consultants, Inc., a construction advising firm, has hired Erin Wright as a project manager.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(824,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Clayton School Improvements Ramping Up','none','Clayton, schools, Trivers','none','<p>The Clayton School District will soon see increased construction at its three elementary schools and early childhood center (The Family Center). Site work and construction of additions began on January 15. At last night\'s Clayton Board of Education meeting, the Board selected shell and core package contractors.*</p>\n<p>The Trivers Associates-designed additions and renovations are the result of the District\'s successful $51-million, April 2009 bond issue. \"The driving force behind the work that Trivers did for us was upgrading our science labs ... to support our new elementary science curriculum, which we put in place last year. We hired dedicated science specialists at each of our elementary schools,\" Clayton School District Chief Communications Officer Chris Tennill said. \"A logical next step was to develop the necessary classroom space and the lab space to support those teachers. It also gave us the opportunity to look at any other facility needs, updates or upgrades that we needed to do at each of our elementary schools.\"</p>\n<p>Additions to the District\'s elementary schools will contain a new science laboratory, classrooms, conference rooms and support spaces. Two of the schools also will have expanded lunchrooms. The Family Center will gain two new early childhood classrooms and a larger room for gross motor play. Interior renovations will include some classroom reconfigurations, new restrooms, new fire stairs and upgrades to heating, ventilating and air conditioning, and electrical systems. The elementary schools also will get new sprinkler systems to provide full-school protection.</p>\n<p>Site work includes landscape and drainage improvements and parking modifications. Work also includes accessibility improvements and enhancements that provide for greater pedestrian safety for building access. S.M. Wilson is the Construction Manager.</p>\n<p>Trivers\' designs for the additions to the three oldest schools, first built in 1929, 1938 and 1953 respectively, complement the schools\' significant historic character. The additions will be compatible in scale, form and material with these existing historic school structures. Construction work will proceed primarily on the additions and site work until the school year is over in late May; after which the interior renovations will begin.</p>\n<p>The estimated total construction cost for work at all four facilities is approximately $13 million.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The Clayton School District will soon begin construction at its three elementary schools and early childhood center.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(825,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','SCI Health Center Project Reaches ACEC Finals','none','SCI, ACEC, Patients First','none','<p>&nbsp;SCI Engineering, Inc. is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies\' 44th annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for its role in the addition of new facilities at Patients First Health Center in Washington, MO.</p>\n<p>ACEC is the Washington-D.C.-based business association representing approximately 5,700 independent engineering companies throughout the United States.</p>\n<p>The planned construction of a building addition, garage, and other site improvements to the existing Patients First building faced significant development challenges due to soft alluvial soils near and in a creek located on the site. Under these conditions, the new construction would have caused significant settlement to the existing building. SCI recommended an innovative site stabilization strategy that included a combination of geofoam and air-cooled blast furnace slag as lightweight fill material below the building addition, and to support the foundation loads on auger cast piles. As a result, the addition could be erected using typical slab-on-grade construction. This unique approach allowed the project to move forward while also minimizing impacts to the on-site creek.</p>\n<p>The project is among 163 engineering projects from throughout the nation that are being recognized by ACEC as preeminent engineering achievements for 2009.  Judging for the prestigious Engineering Excellence Awards - known industry-wide as the \"Academy Awards\" of the engineering industry - took place in February, conducted by a distinguished panel of more than 30 engineers and architects, along with representatives from government, media, and academia. Criteria for awards include uniqueness and originality, technical, social and economic value, complexity, and success of the projects in meeting goals.</p>\n<p>All winners, including 16 Honor Awards, eight Grand Awards and the \"Grand Conceptor Award\" for best overall engineering achievement, will be recognized at the Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, to be held Tuesday, April 27, in Washington, D.C.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none',' SCI Engineering, Inc. is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies\' 44th annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for its role in the addition of new facilities at Patients First Health Center in Washington, MO.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(862,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Aimee Rowbottom Joins HOK Interiors','none','Rowbottom, HOK, Arcturis','none','<p>Aimee Rowbottom has joined HOK\'s St. Louis interior design group as an associate and project manager.<br /></p>\n<p>Most recently, she served as Director of Architecture and Senior Project Leader with Arcturis, where she was project leader for Edward Jones\' North and South Campus projects. At HOK, she is contributing to several prominent projects, including the modernization of the Byron G. Rogers Federal Office Building in Denver, Colorado. <br /></p>\n<p>\"Aimee\'s strengths in integration and client leadership complement HOK\'s project approach, and allow our group to continue to grow our client service capabilities for complex projects,\" stated Michael Nolan, Director of the St. Louis Interior Design Group. \"We\'re excited to welcome her to the team.\"</p>\n<p>Rowbottom\'s experience includes projects focusing on adaptive reuse and historic preservation, educational (K-12 and Higher Ed) and institutional projects, as well as corporate facilities. Her specific historic preservation and adaptive reuse experience includes the restoration of the Margaret Mitchell House, adaptive reuse of the MLK Laundry building into prime office space, Northyards Business Park, and Forts McPherson and Gillem, all located in Atlanta. Her other corporate clients include CNN and Citicorp.<br /></p>\n<p>With a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Kansas, Rowbottom is a registered architect in several states, a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a LEED&reg; Accredited Professional.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Aimee Rowbottom has joined HOK\'s St. Louis interior design group as an associate and project manager.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(827,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Time for Your \'Accountability Huddle\'?','none','','none','<p>Meetings! Who needs more meetings?</p>\n<p>Maybe you do, if your week doesn\'t include some sort of \"accountability huddle.\"</p>\n<p>It\'s true that meetings are among the least favorite and least productive activities for most businesspersons. Could it be that it\'s not the act of meeting that\'s at fault, but instead what happens (or doesn\'t happen) during the meeting?</p>\n<p>Here\'s how a brief, productive huddle might look:</p>\n<p>9:00 am 	Start on time. \"Good morning\" all around.<br />9:01 am	Go over the numbers. No discussion unless there\'s <br />good reason - more on that below.<br />9:15 am	Cover any other agenda items. These might be standing agenda items or issues added for this week\'s huddle.<br />9:28 am	Wrap-up/summary on agenda items: WHO will do WHAT by WHEN?<br />9:30 am	Done.</p>\n<p>So, what is meant by going over \"the numbers\"? Exactly what numbers?</p>\n<p>Ideally, the company has identified a handful of truly important financial and/or operational metrics. Better, each number has  an \"owner.\" Still better, owners of numbers are forecasting results - looking forward, rather than reporting past results.</p>\n<p>Not much discussion is needed. Running your business by the numbers removes the drama.</p>\n<p>&bull; If on target, great. Move on.<br />&bull; If you\'re beating the target, terrific! Take a moment to celebrate!<br />&bull; If behind target, don\'t beat up the messenger. It\'s a coaching opportunity: \"Where are you stuck? How can the team help? How can you move the number in the right direction?\"</p>\n<p>Most company meetings are either a review of past performance, or they turn into a complaint, group therapy or brainstorming session. The huddle I\'m describing is none of these. <br />&bull; Imagine a pro football huddle where the quarterback starts reviewing the last game. That\'s what your huddle is like if you\'re reviewing past performance. <br />&bull; Imagine a pro football game where the huddle is all about finger-pointing, or what the team might want to do in future games. That\'s what your huddle is like if you\'re allowing it to turn into a complaint session or a brainstorming session.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','404','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','Meetings! Who needs more meetings? Maybe you do, if your week doesn\'t include some sort of \"accountability huddle.\"','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(828,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Stewart Taylor Heads Murphy Industrial BD','none','Murphy, Taylor','none','<p>Murphy Company has added Stewart Taylor as business development manager for its heavy industrial group.<br /> <br />Taylor brings to Murphy more than 20 years of experience in the industrial construction industry, concentrating in the power, petro-chemical, refinery, automotive and manufacturing industries. As a business development manager he is responsible for developing new project opportunities and proposals, conducting market research and assisting with the pricing and negotiation of projects in the refining, petrochemical, steel, power, agricultural or other heavy industrial markets.<br /> <br />\"Stewart\'s extensive experience and contacts in the heavy industrial market are a perfect fit for Murphy,\" said Tim Dace, vice president, heavy industrial. \"With him on board, we plan to expand our national customer base even further.\"<br /> <br />Taylor\'s work history encompasses a long list of successful projects ranging from $1 million to more than $100 million in size, performed throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Prior to Murphy Company, Taylor served as the director of business development at a major construction company in St. Louis. While there, he worked in conjunction with other divisions throughout the United States to assist in developing project opportunities in their regions. Taylor graduated with honors from Cleary University in Howell, Mich., with a bachelor\'s degree in business.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Murphy Company has added Stewart Taylor as business development manager for its heavy industrial group.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(861,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Grubb Ellis|Gundaker Announces Transactions','none','Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker','none','<p>Grubb &amp; Ellis|Gundaker Commercial announced the following transactions:</p>\n<p>ADS Logistics Company, LLC leased a 40,000 square foot industrial space for 37 months at 213 S. Cool Springs Road in O\'Fallon, Missouri from William T. Davis Family Trust. Total consideration: $360,000. David H. Gitt of Grubb &amp; Ellis|Gundaker Commercial represented the landlord. Erv Heyde of CB Richard Ellis represented the tenant.<br /><br />Bright Star Academy purchased 1.47 acres of land off Rainbow Trout Drive in Columbia, Missouri from Mortgage Research Center LLC. Total consideration: $217,500. David H. Gitt of Grubb &amp; Ellis|Gundaker Commercial represented the buyer. Whitney and Associates LLC represented the seller.<br /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Grubb & Ellis|Gundaker Commercial announced two recent transactions.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(829,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Korte Begins Four Army Projects in Puerto Rico','none','Korte, Puerto Rico','none','<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>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The Korte Company is building four design-build joint Armed Forces Reserve Centers in Puerto Rico.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(831,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','ARCO Tapped for $4.2 Million Columbia Lab','none','ARCO, lab, Columbia','none','<p>Analytical Bio-Chemistry (ABC) Laboratories has tapped ARCO Construction Company, Inc. for a $4.2 million laboratory renovation and expansion for its chemical division at its original campus in Columbia, Mo. The project is slated for completion this June.</p>\n<p>The project is the second major assignment ABC Laboratories has awarded the design/build firm in three years. In 2008, ARCO completed a new 90,000-square-foot pharmaceutical development facility at the University of Missouri\'s Discovery Ridge Research Park for ABC\'s pharmaceutical division.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>ARCO is updating the exterior finish of the 25-year-old building, redesigning and modernizing 27,000 square feet of laboratory and office space, and crafting a 10,000-square-foot addition, which includes a 2,000-square-foot walk-in freezer and a 5,000-square-foot sample prep area. The sample area uses durable clean room finishes with walk-in exhaust chambers for the testing and analysis of chemical compounds. From the lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical systems, the entire facility is being designed to be more energy efficient.</p>\n<p>All laboratory space is being completed to the highest regulatory standards for drug and chemical analysis. The sample prep lab will circulate 100 percent outside air and have six walk-in exhaust chambers with high-efficiency particulate-absorbing (HEPA) bag-in/bag-out filtration systems as well as four exhaust wash-down stations.</p>\n<p>Additionally, ARCO is installing new fire protection, communication and building management systems; bringing underground plumbing up to code; modifying the existing heat pump system; adding new high-efficiency chiller and boiler systems; expanding the electrical system and adding back-up generators; and renovating the IT area and computer room air conditioning units.</p>\n<p>Together, ARCO and ABC Laboratories have planned and sequenced the construction work to allow ABC to operate at full capacity throughout the entire project. \"Our ability to dig deep and understand ABC\'s day-to-day operations gave us the capability to aggressively meet completion deadlines by multi-sequencing the work flow, which allowed ABC to occupy and resume work much sooner than expected,\" said Hank Bellina, director of ARCO\'s Technology Division.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Analytical Bio-Chemistry (ABC) Laboratories has tapped ARCO Construction Company, Inc. for a $4.2 million laboratory renovation and expansion.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(832,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','McKelvey Recognized for Quality, Service','none','McKelvey, award','none','<p>McKelvey Homes has been selected to receive the 2010 Builder of Integrity Award.  Quality Builders Warranty Corporation presents the honor annually to builders across the country who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in customer service and quality construction.&nbsp;  QBW is a 10-year new home warranty program, which is insured by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.</p>\n<p><br />According to J.M. Olshefski, QBW president and CEO, \"At a time when\nmany builders are cutting corners on such things as customer service\nand warranty work, McKelvey Homes has remained dedicated to delivering\na quality home with exceptional service.\" In addition, the organization\ncommended McKelvey\'s \"dedication to customer satisfaction and\ncontribution to the homebuilding industry.\"</p>\n<p>McKelvey Homes, founded in 1898, is currently\noffering 11 new-home communities throughout St. Charles County, West\nSt. Louis County and North St. Louis County.<br /></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','McKelvey Homes has been selected to receive the 2010 Builder of Integrity Award.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(833,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Oates Associates wins ACEC Ilinois Award','none','Oates, Illinois','none','<p>Oates Associates, a civil and structural engineering / architectural design firm, has received a Merit Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Illinois for the design of Governors\' Parkway in Madison County, Illinois. The ACEC competition recognized more than 50 Illinois-based engineering firms for outstanding projects at a recent luncheon attended by 250 engineers, clients and government officials.</p>\n<p>In response to continued residential and commercial growth in the Edwardsville area, the Madison County Highway Department decided to design and construct a new east-west route from I-55 to the entrance to Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville along a route acquired by IDOT more than 35 years ago.  Madison County hired Oates Associates to design the third phase of Governors\' Parkway, a three-mile section consisting of three-lane pavement with a center two-way left turn lane, a bridge, several large culverts and three signalized intersections.  This new segment now connects a growing residential section of Edwardsville to I-55 on the east and the city\'s major retail section to the west.</p>\n<p>Oates Associates is a multi-disciplined design firm with offices in Collinsville, Illinois, and St. Louis.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Oates Associates has received a Merit Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Illinois for the design of Governors\' Parkway in Madison County, Illinois.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(834,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Cannon Heads Study for SIUE Nursing/Pharmacy Center','none','SIUE, Cannon','none','<p>Cannon Design has been awarded the study project for the new $40 million Health Sciences Building at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.</p>\n<p>The building will house both the SIUE nursing and pharmacy programs, with instructional and research space for education, biology and dental medicine.</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Cannon Design has been awarded the study project for a $40 million Health Sciences Building at SIUE. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(835,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Nominees for Growing Green Awards Announced','none','Growing Green, USGBC, nominees','none','<p>Nominees for the 2010 St. Louis Chapter U.S. Green Building Council\'s Growing Green Awards have been announced.</p>\n<p>The awards will be presented on March 31 at a dinner event at Soulard Preservation Hall. For reservations, <a href=\"http://growinggreenawards2010.eventbrite.com/\">click here</a>.</p>\n<p>The nominees are:</p>\n<p><br /><strong>CORPORATE </strong><br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Ameren Renewables Group </li>\n<li>Autohaus BMW </li>\n<li>BJC HealthCare </li>\n<li>Clayco </li>\n<li>Commerce Bancshares, Inc. </li>\n<li>Cannon Design </li>\n<li>Control Technology and Solutions </li>\n<li>Dave Mungenast Lexus of St. Louis </li>\n<li>GreenStreet Properties, Treanor Architects and </li>\n<li> G S &amp; S General Contractors </li>\n<li>Nestl&eacute; Purina PetCare </li>\n<li>Paric Corporation </li>\n<li>SWT Design </li>\n</ul>\n<p><br /><strong>EDUCATOR </strong><br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Dan Andrews, Sheet Metal Workers\' Local 36 </li>\n<li>Crossroads College Preparatory School </li>\n<li>Catalina Freixas, Washington University - School of Architecture and Urban Design </li>\n<li>&nbsp;Lewis &amp; Clark Community College / National </li>\n<li> Great Rivers Research and Education Center</li>\n<li>Maplewood Richmond Heights School District </li>\n<li>Ritenour School District </li>\n<li>St. Louis ArtWorks </li>\n<li>St. Louis Community College </li>\n<li>The College School </li>\n<li>The Green Center </li>\n<li>Washington University in St. Louis </li>\n</ul>\n<p><br /><strong>GOVERNMENT </strong><br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>City of Ferguson, MO </li>\n<li>City of Florissant, MO </li>\n<li>City of University City, MO </li>\n<li>City of Wildwood, MO </li>\n<li>Rep. Margo McNeil and Rep. Shane Schoeller, </li>\n<li>Missouri House of Representatives </li>\n<li>Saint Louis County, MO </li>\n<li>Alderman Craig Schmid, 20th Ward, City of St. Louis, MO </li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><br />HOME BUILDER </strong><br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Blue Brick Renovation + Construction, LLC </li>\n<li>Kurt Brethauer &amp; Tom Kinsella </li>\n<li>Laclede Gas Company </li>\n<li>PB &amp; J Houseworks</li>\n<li>Trumpet Builders, LLC </li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><br />INNOVATOR </strong><br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Butterfly Energy Works </li>\n<li>Habitata Building Products, LLC </li>\n<li>James M. Holtzman, Architects and Planners&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /></li>\n<li>Home Green Home </li>\n<li>Kelly Luckett, Green Roof Blocks </li>\n<li>Pace Construction Company </li>\n<li>St. Louis University Department of Nutrition and </li>\n<li> Dietetics </li>\n<li>Thad Simons, Novus International, Inc. </li>\n</ul>\n<p><br /><strong>NON-PROFIT </strong><br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>FOCUS St. Louis </li>\n<li>Gateway Greening </li>\n<li>Habitat for Humanity St. Louis </li>\n<li>Operation Food Search </li>\n<li>Renew Missouri, a project of Missouri Coalition for the Environment </li>\n<li>Red Brick Community Land Trust </li>\n<li>Trailnet </li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong><br />QUIETLY GREEN </strong><br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>&nbsp;Arcturis Green Team </li>\n<li>&nbsp;GreenStar Eco-Enterprises, Inc. </li>\n<li>Pamela Gustava Curry, The Green 411 Missouri </li>\n<li>&nbsp;Elaine Hauck, Dottie\'s Ice Cream Parlor </li>\n<li>Hellmuth + Bicknese Architects </li>\n<li>Chrissy Hill, Arcturis </li>\n<li>Punit Jain, Cannon Design </li>\n<li>Jim Jordan </li>\n<li>Randy McLaren, Landco Construction </li>\n<li>Tim Michels, Energy Solutions, LLC </li>\n<li>Megan Nasrallah, Arcturis </li>\n<li>National Design / Build Services, LLC </li>\n<li>Joe Abernathy, Busch Stadium Operations </li>\n<li>Rethink Renovations </li>\n<li>Frank Robbins </li>\n<li>Tork Design </li>\n<li>James Trout, Missouri Department of Natural </li>\n<li>Resources</li>\n<li>&nbsp;Lucy C. Williams, Architect </li>\n</ul>\n<p></p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Nominees for the 2010 St. Louis Chapter U.S. Green Building Council\'s Growing Green Awards have been announced. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(836,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','\'Connected Communities\' Event Kicks Off Bike Plan','none','','none','<p>\'Creating Vibrant and Connected Communities,\' a daylong forum on enhancing quality of life by improving transportation options, will be held on March 25 at the Richmond Heights Community Center.</p>\n<p>The event will also be the kickoff for the St. Louis Regional Bicycle Master Plan. The morning session will cover policy issues and the afternoon session will be a bike facilities design workshop.</p>\n<p>The luncheon speaker will be Charles Gandy, Long Beach, CA mobility coordinator. Gandy a nationally recognized expert in bicycle and pedestrian advocacy as well as trail planning and design. will use recent successes in Long Beach to discuss strategies for successfully implementing bicycle and pedestrian facilities.</p>\n<p>For more information and reservations contact Glenna Nesbit at the Great Rivers Greenway, email <a href=\"mailto:gnewsbit@grgstl.org\">gnewsbit@grgstl.org</a>, phone 314.436.7009.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','\'Creating Vibrant and Connected Communities,\' a daylong forum on enhancing quality of life by improving transportation options, will be held on March 25 at the Richmond Heights Community Center. ','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(837,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','National ASA Honors Tom McDonnnell','none','McDonnell, ASA, award','none','<p>The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) honored Tom McDonnell, president, George McDonnell &amp; Sons, Inc., St. Louis, MO, with the Outstanding Service Award, at a March 5 ceremony held in conjunction with the ASA Business Forum and Convention 2010 in San Diego, CA.</p>\n<p>McDonnell Tom personally spearheaded several fundraisers for the Midwest Council ASA and spent countless hours to make the fundraisers successful.<br />The first fundraiser Tom organized was one for the Humane Society. With the economy in a downturn, many pet owners had to surrender their pets to the Humane Society because theywere unable to care for them financially. Missouri also has many puppy mills that areoperated unlawfully and inhumanely. With Tom\'s direction, the chapter contributed more than $1,700 to the cause.</p>\n<p>The second fundraiser Tom organized was Cardinals baseball \"Tickets For the Troops\" while soldiers were on leave during the July 4th holiday. Tom had organized a very successful fundraiser for the USO the previous year and asked for individually-wrapped food items and cash donations for the USO station in Lambert St. Louis Airport, which also raised $1,700.</p>\n<p>He asked all members to contribute Cardinals baseball tickets for the week of June 26 - July2 so that the troops on leave could enjoy some fun with their families. Some members contributed season tickets, while some purchased tickets, food vouchers and parking. McDonnell personally collected many of the tickets and then hand-delivered them to the USO with a letter from the Midwest Council asking them to send a picture, if possible, while they were at the game to share with our members. McDonnell was able to collect 146 tickets worth $9,100.</p>\n<p>Visit the<a href=\"http://www.asamidwest.com/tktsTroops.html\"> Midwest Council ASA website</a> to read testimonial emails and see photos of the troops who were affected by the ticket program.&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','The American Subcontractors Association (ASA) honored Tom McDonnell, president, George McDonnell & Sons, Inc., St. Louis, MO, with the Outstanding Service Award.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(875,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Trivers Associates Receives Inspirations Award','none','Trivers, Contract, Inspiration','none','<p><em>Contract</em> magazine has presented its 2010 Inspirations Award to Trivers Associates for conversion of the former Woolworth\'s store in the historic Grand Center district into the headquarters for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri (BBSEMO). The firm won the highest honor in the category, \"Social responsibility in commercial interior architecture: using design and/or design skills to improve the quality of life for those in need.\"</p>\n<p>Trivers Interior Designer Hilary Machovina, IIDA, LEED&reg; AP, received the award in person in San Francisco, along with a $5,000 grant for BBSEMO from Contract\'s Inspirations Awards sponsor and partner, Tandus Flooring. The Inspirations Awards celebrate leadership in socially responsible design among commercial interior designers and architects.</p>\n<p>When selecting Trivers\' design, the judges said: \"The project combined adaptive reuse-a highly sustainable/socially responsible response-and clever design solutions to transform a former Woolworth department store into a landmark....\"</p>\n<p>Machovina used vibrant colors, varied textures and playful furniture, along with a modern, efficient work environment, to serve BBBSEMO employees, volunteers, youth and families both now and into the future. She says: \"Our goal was to create a space that not only would meet their needs, but also would support and encourage their future growth.\"</p>\n<p>Her efforts have served the organization well. \"We are absolutely thrilled with the way the new building turned out.  The building maintains its historical significance while the new design energizes our staff and members of the community that come through our doors,\" said Becky James-Hatter, CEO of BBBSEMO.</p>\n<p>As a result of winning this prestigious award, Trivers\' work for BBBSEMO appeared in the April issue of <em>Contract</em> magazine, considered \"The Interior Design Magazine for Industry Professionals,\" print and digital magazine editions and online at contractmagazine.com.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Contract magazine has presented its 2010 Inspirations Award to Trivers Associates.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(839,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','KAI Oversee $6 Million Webster Groves Library Project','none','','none','<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.</p>\n<p>KAI Design &amp; Build is responsible for monitoring the construction\nprocess and representing the Webster Groves Municipal Library District\nin matters relating to the project&rsquo;s design, scheduling, planning and\noverall construction quality.<br /><br />&nbsp;Plans for updating the library,\nlocated at 301 East Lockwood Ave., include constructing a\n7,500-square-foot addition and centralized two-story atrium to serve as\nan art gallery and public gathering space; plus restoring and enhancing\nthe original 8,800-square-foot, 59-year-old building.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;<br /> The facility&rsquo;s existing main reading\nroom will remain the heart of Webster Groves Public Library. Proposed\nplans for the reading room include expanding the circulation desk and\nreplacing its existing vaulted ceiling with a floating sound-absorbent\nceiling, plus refinishing the space&rsquo;s existing tables.&nbsp; <br /> &nbsp;<br /> Plans\nalso call for increasing the number of shelves in the main stack area\nand updating staff areas to meet the demands of a modern library. The\ndesign of the addition will make use of large windows and glass to\ncreate an open feel and utilize natural sunlight. <br />&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','KAI has been selected as the CM on a $6 million  project at the Webster Groves Public Library.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(840,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','Gershman Closes $250 Million in Financing','none','Gershman, loans','none','<p>Gershman Mortgage&nbsp; announced that it has loaned over $250 million in single-family and multifamily loans from October 2009 to January 2010. The financing covered six refinance transactions and two new construction loans for a total of $120,518,400 in funding and $130,000,000 in single family mortgages.</p>\n<p>Gershman loaned over $10.3 million for the construction of Knollwood Retirement Center, a 98-bed supportive living retirement facility center located in Caseyville, IL. Knollwood construction and permanentfinancing utilizes tax-exempt bonds, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and Tax Credit Assistance Funds (TCAP) through the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The tax-exempt bonds are secured by usingGNMA mortgage backed securities and insured under Section 232 of FHA\'s National Housing Act.</p>\n<p>Gershman loaned $24.8 million to refinance Southfield Apartments, a 429 unit, 12 building apartment complex located in St. Louis, MO. Southfield Apartments was refinanced using GNMA mortgage backed securities and insured by FHA under Section 223 (f) of the National Housing Act.</p>\n<p>Gershman refinanced a $32.8 million loan for The Lofts at the Highlands, a 200 unit, 2 building apartment complex in St. Louis, MO. The Lofts were refinanced using GNMA mortgage backed securities and insured by FHA under Section 223 (a)(7) of the National Housing Act.</p>\n<p>Gershman loaned over $24 million to finance the construction of the Villas at Crystal Lake, a 216 unit, 10 building apartment complex in Swansea, IL. The Villas construction and permanent financing utilizes GNMA mortgage backed securities and insured by FHA under Section 221(d)(4) of the National Housing Act.</p>\n<p>Oak Forest II Apartments received $10.2 million in financing to refinance its 180 unit, 8 building apartment complex located in ST. Louis, MO. Oak Forest was refinanced using GNMA mortgage backed securities and insured by FHA under Section 223(f) of the National Housing Act.<br /><br />Dayton Landing II Apartments was the recipient of $1.3 million in FHA insurance financing to refinance its 54 unit, 8 building apartment complex in Dayton, OH. Dayton Landing was refinanced using GNMA mortgage backed securities and insured by FHA under Section 223(f) of the National Housing Act.</p>\n<p>Gershman loaned $12 million to refinance Lexington Ridge Apartments, a 216 unit, 5 building apartment complex located in Lincoln, NE. Lexington Ridge was refinanced using GNMA mortgage backed securities and insured by FHA under Section 223 (f) of the National Housing Act.</p>\n<p>Gershman loaned $4.8 million to refinance West Indian Hills Townhomes, a 60 unit, 30 building 2-story townhome complex located in Topeka, KS. West Indian Hills was refinanced using GNMA mortgage backed securities and insured by FHA under Section 223 (f) of the National Housing Act.</p>\n<p>Headquartered in Clayton, Gershman Mortgage has been providing financing for the St. Louis community for over 55 years and specializes in providing and servicing all types of financing for apartments, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals concentrating in tax free and taxable bonds.&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','Gershman Mortgage  announced that it has loaned over $250 million in single-family and multifamily loans from October 2009 to January 2010.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(841,1,5,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','Metro East Leadership Has Done Its Part on Levees','none','Metro East, Levees, Oates','none','<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em>by David M. Oates, President<br />Oates Associates, Inc</em></p>\n<p>Recent news articles and letters have criticized Metro East officials for questioning the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood mapping process.  In my opinion, some of that coverage ignores important facts and places much more faith in federal bureaucrats from outside of the region than in our local elected and appointed officials.</p>\n<p>Questioning the FEMA process is not \"quibbling.\"  It is a serious issue when 150,000 residents, who are already paying increased sales tax to fix the levees, are also asked to pay even more to insure against those same levees\' failure.  That the cost of insurance for residents and businesses in the region will likely exceed the cost of the levee repair is even more serious.</p>\n<p>First, local officials aren\'t delaying the levee fix.  As soon as the problem was brought to their attention, the three counties formed a new flood prevention district and implemented a tax to fund the repairs.  Those officials continue to work for more funding, now that the Corps of Engineers has increased their estimate of the repair cost.</p>\n<p>Second, while the Corps is not technically responsible for the levees, they participated in the original design and construction years ago, and have been involved in the evaluation of the levee condition since.  The Corps also declined to \"re-certify\" the levees (this is where the locals are questioning the process) even though they are still working on studies to tell the levee owners what the problems are and what it will cost to fix them.<br />Third, some comments have misstated the flood risk that is shown in the FEMA studies.  The record flood elevation occurred in 1993, the only flood over FEMA\'s 100-year level.  No other flood -- 1973, 1995, or 2008 -- has exceeded the 100-year level.  None of the floods, including FEMA\'s 500-year level, are expected to overtop the levees.</p>\n<p>The problem is not water going over the levees, but water seeping under the levees.  While a serious problem, the ability to predict the magnitude of the under-seepage problem and how to fix it is much more theoretical than simply addressing higher flood elevations.  Computer modeling methods and required factors of safety have changed since the levees were built and continue to be evaluated.  That a levee designed fifty years ago doesn\'t meet new standards isn\'t the fault of the local levee districts -- nor a reason to assume the levees will fail.</p>\n<p>Finally, some statements about the causes for increased flood risk (such as on-going engineering of the Mississippi River\" and \"secondary contributions from the levees\") question the wisdom of development in this area.  That opinion might be valid in areas where new development has taken place in previously unprotected flood plains, but in the Metro East, federally funded and built levees have been in place for fifty years.  Those residents and businesses in the area should not be expected to pay twice for continued flood protection -- once for a tax to fix the levees and again for insurance.</p>\n<p><em>David Oates is a principal of Oates Associates, Inc., a Collinsville, IL based engineering firm.&nbsp; Oates has over thirty years experience in drainage and public works projects.&nbsp; Oates Associates has evaluated the new FEMA flood maps for a number of communities and is currently part of a team preparing a Stormwater Master Plan for Madison County.&nbsp; Oates is also Past President of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois and a member of their levee task force.&nbsp; He has also served as State President for the American Council of Engineering Companies/ Illinois and the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers.</em></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','','none','Recent news articles and letters have criticized Metro East officials for questioning the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood mapping process.','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),(842,1,4,'','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','','','','','','','','','SCI Wins Illinois ACEC Special Achievement Award','none','SCI, ACEC, Collinsville Crossing','none','<p>SCI Engineering, Inc. (SCI) won a Special Achievement Award in the Environmental Category for the Collinsville Crossing Free Product Recovery System project in Collinsville, Illinois from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Illinois.</p>\n<p>As part of a major redevelopment project, Collinsville Acquisitions/Koman Properties retained SCI to provide peer review consultation on a significantly impacted site proposed for redevelopment in Collinsville, Illinois. SCI\'s review resulted in a savings of over $500,000 in unnecessary soil remediation costs. SCI was then retained and designed a cost-effective vacuum-enhanced free product recovery system that uniquely fit the site conditions. These activities were performed on a demanding schedule to ensure that its construction was integrated with other construction on site. This IEPA-approved system resulted in the conversion of a blighted Brownfield area into a highly visible revenue-producing retail center.</p>\n<p>Special Achievement Awards are given for projects \"worthy of special recognition of the engineer and the owner/client for achieving engineering excellence.\" The award was presented at ACEC\'s thirty-ninth annual Engineering Excellence Awards Competition that recognizes outstanding projects designed by private practice engineering firms from the State of Illinois.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>','','','none','','','','','','','','none','','','','none','','none','','none','SCI Engineering, Inc. (SCI) won a Special Achievement Award from the Illinois ACEC for the Collinsville Crossing Free Product Recovery System.','none','','none','','none','','none',0,'none','',0,'none','','','','','','','','','','','none','','none','','none','','none'),