(1348,468,10,2,1237611704,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"468\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-02 07:42 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"46\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:22:\"ASA Hosts Lien Seminar\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:22:\"asa_hosts_lien_seminar\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:22:\"ASA Hosts Lien Seminar\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:301:\"SPEAKER: Richard A. Stockenberg.  Stockenberg is a partner with Gallop, Johnson & Neuman. He serves an General Counsel to the ASA-Midwest Council and has practiced exclusively in construction law for over 35 years filing, perfecting and enforcing literally thousands of liens in Missouri and Illinois.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:36:\"lien, seminar, ASA, MCA, Stockenberg\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:90:\"Gallop, Johnson & Neuman 101 S. Hanley, Suite 1700 St. Louis, MO 63105 (parking validated)\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-03-25 03:00 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:48:\" 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.(food and drink following)\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:5046:\"<p><em><br />SPEAKER: Richard A. Stockenberg.&nbsp; Stockenberg is a partner with Gallop, Johnson &amp; Neuman. He serves\nan General Counsel to the ASA-Midwest Council and has practiced\nexclusively in construction law for over 35 years filing, perfecting\nand enforcing literally thousands of liens in Missouri and Illinois.</em><br /><br />Since the days of Jefferson and Madison, a subcontractor\\\'s best collection tool is the mechanic\\\'s lien. Liens are especially helpful in periods of economic down turn. When there are payment problems, they are resolved faster and more favorably when there is a lien or bond to secure payment. Liens are the best device against allowing a general contractor\\\'s or owner\\\'s financial problems from becoming your problem.<br /><br />Payment bonds offer good substitute security when liens are not available. This seminar, designed especially for subcontractors and suppliers, will focus on the nuts and bolts of preserving and enforcing lien and bond rights. We will discuss the detailed requirements of enforcing these rights, focusing on who, what, when, how and why. Lien rights are invaluable when properly enforced and extremely costly when they are lost.<br /><br />The program is designed to help you understand how to use these important tools in times of financial difficulty by lessening your write-offs and expediting your cash flow!<br /><br />3:00 p.m. PROGRAM BEGINS<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pre-Lien Issues<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Who is Entitled to File a Lien?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &diams; New Rules for Rental Equipment<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; What Property is Subject to a Lien?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; What Work is Lienable?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; How Much Do You Recover?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; How Do You Protect Yourself?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &diams; Notice to Owner<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &diams; Sub\\\'s 10-Day Notice<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lien Preparation and Enforcement <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Time to File Lien<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; What Must a Lien Contain?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; The Perfect Job Cost Report<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; How Long Does the Lien Last?<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Priority of Lien Versus Mortgages<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Mechanic\\\'s Lien Waivers<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &diams; Beware of Pitfalls<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Payment Bonds as Substitute for Mechanic\\\'s Liens<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Federal Bond Claims<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; State Bond Claims<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Required Notices for Bond Claims<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Time Limits to Enforce Bond Claims<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &bull; Amount Recovered Under a Bond Claim<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Comparison of Liens and Bond</p>\n<p>Contact Reba Gillick, ASA executive director with guest(s) names at<a href=\\\"http://mce_host/reba@asamidwest.com \\\"> reba@asamidwest.com </a>314.214.1664 (p); 314.214.1665 (f)<br /><br /><br />Reservations are due before March 18, 2009 Cost: $50/Attendee ASA or MCA Members<br />&nbsp;$65/Attendee Non-Members. No-shows will be billed.<br /><br />&nbsp;Make check payable to: ASA Midwest Council, P.O. Box 270 , Union, MO 63084</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"46\";}'),(1349,487,4,2,1237612073,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 07:02 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"46\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Commission Approves 9 MoDOT Projects for ARRA\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:45:\"commission_approves_9_modot_projects_for_arra\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Commission Approves 9 MoDOT Projects for ARRA\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:246:\"The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission  approved nine projects in the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area using money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These projects should create about 5,900 jobs in the region.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:21:\"MoDOT, ARRA, projects\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2752:\"<p>The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission&nbsp; approved nine projects in the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area using money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These projects should create about 5,900 jobs in the region.<br /><br />MoDOT is spending more than $173.4 million in ARRA funding in the region, part of the $525 million the department is spending throughout the state.&nbsp; Missouri is also spending about $151 million on&nbsp;&nbsp; on other multimodal projects (rail, aviation and transit), $19 million on enhancement projects and $93 million to suballocation areas (which includes East-West Gateway, the Mid-America Regional Council, and the Ozark Transportation Organization).<br /><br />The commission determined the projects in conjunction with MoDOT\\\'s regional partners. The projects meet the federal requirements for being \\\"shovel ready,\\\" and were selected from projects recommended for priority implementation in the region\\\'s long-range transportation plan.<br /><br />The approved projects are (projects with an asterisk can be obligated by June 30, 2009)<br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Franklin County, Route 44 - Rebuild pavement from Viaduct Street to Route 100 West *</li>\n<li>Jefferson County, Route 55 - Add lanes and widen/replace two bridges between north of Route M and north of Route Z<br /><br />St. Charles County, Route 364 - Extend Page Ave. from west of Harvester Road to Central School Road *<br /></li>\n<li>St. Louis County, Route 141 - Relocate/reconstuct Route 141 from Route 40 to Route 340 (Olive Blvd.) This project will be coordinated and constructed in conjuction with a St. Louis County project to construct Route 141 from Route 340 to Route 364.<br /></li>\n<li>St. Louis City, Port - Municipal dock improvements<br /><br />St. Louis City, Route 70 outer road - Pavement improvements from I-44/I-55 to Washington Ave. <br /></li>\n<li>St. Louis City, Tucker Blvd/12th Street - New structures/pavement and improvements between O\\\'Fallon St. and Washington Ave. (In cooperation with St. Louis City and the Missisippi River Bridge team)</li>\n<li>St. Louis County, Route 67 - Sidewalk improvements from I-270 to Old St. Charles Rock Road </li>\n<li>St. Louis County, Route AC - Sidewalk improvements from Route 67 (Lindbergh) to I-270 </li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />\\\"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act gives MoDOT the opportunity to complete a number of projects which have been on the regional long-term transportation plan but we haven\\\'t had the money for,\\\" Bill Schnell, assistant district engineer for St. Louis, said. \\\"The five projects we can get under contract before July 30 will help us put people in the region to work immediately, and will also help the region grow.\\\"</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"46\";}'),(1350,488,5,2,1237613493,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 07:18 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"11\";i:1;s:2:\"46\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Making a Building Out of An Anthill\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"making_a_building_out_of_an_anthill\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:35:\"Making a Building Out of An Anthill\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"4\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:178:\"If you\\\'re looking for building design ideas that are more  energy efficient or building systems that protect the environment, you might literally find them in your own backyard.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:23:\"biomimicry, HOK, Benyus\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4223:\"<p>If you\\\'re looking for building design ideas that are more&nbsp; energy efficient or building systems that protect the environment, you might literally find them in your own backyard.</p>\n<p>A far-reaching trend emerging in green design and sustainability is &ldquo;Biomimicry&rdquo; &ndash; basically applying the best designs in 3.8 billion years nature to a number of industries &ndash; but especially the construction of buildings, cities and communities.&nbsp;&nbsp; On March 19th, Janine Benyus, the world&rsquo;s foremost expert on biomimicry spoke on the topic Washington University&rsquo;s Graham Chapel.<br />&nbsp;<br /><img src=\\\"file:///Users/tom/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot.jpg\\\" /><img src=\\\"file:///Users/tom/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/moz-screenshot-1.jpg\\\" /><img height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/biomimicry.jpg\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The local hook is that St. Louis-based HOK has exclusive alliance with Benyus&rsquo; <a href=\\\"http://www.biomimicryguild.com\\\">Biomimicry Guild&nbsp;</a> to integrate nature&rsquo;s innovations into its designs of structures and communities &ndash; an asset for a community vying for the Obama stimulus dollars that have a multitude of &ldquo;green&rdquo; mandates attached to them.</p>\n<p>Biomimicry applies the knowledge of 3.8 billion years of nature to find solutions to challenges in a number of industries.&nbsp; Leonardo da Vinci applied this &ldquo;nature inspired&rdquo; design in sketching many of his inventive ideas, such as studying bird flight to concept man-made flying machines.&nbsp; Perhaps the most famous example of biomimicry is Velcro.&nbsp; Inventor George de Mestral came up with the concept after observing how burrs stuck to his clothing and his dog&rsquo;s fur. <br /><br />Today, biomimicry is being advanced in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure in ways that create a more sustainable built environment that coexists in greater harmony with nature.&nbsp; Examples include:<br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>&nbsp;Termite mounds &ndash; In Africa, certain species of termites have built termite mounds that maintain a constant temperature of 87 degrees F to grow a fungus on which the insects feed.&nbsp; The insects construct air vents that keep the temperature at the appropriate level even when the outside air temperature drops to 35 degrees F at night or rises to 104 degrees F in the day.&nbsp; The Eastgate Centre shopping and office complex in Harare, Zimbabwe uses this termite temperature control to regulate temperate with no conventional air condition or heating.</li>\n<li>&nbsp;Butterfly wings &ndash; Morphotex is a material that imitates the color shifting properties of a butterfly&rsquo;s wings.&nbsp; As a fiber material, it manipulates the use of light to create color through refraction, instead of using dyes or pigments, which use more energy to produce and are more harmful to the environment.&nbsp; It has applications for building materials and textiles.</li>\n<li>Lotus plant &ndash; researchers have found that the Lotus plant can shed contaminants because its leaves have small bumps and waxy crystals that force water to &ldquo;ball up.&rdquo;&nbsp; The bumps raise up dirt -molecules, which are then picked up by the water drops.&nbsp; This &ldquo;lotus effect&rdquo; is now being applied to paint and has applications to textiles, wood and glass.</li>\n<li>&nbsp;Mussels &ndash; Building products such as plywood and particle board are being produced using a glue that was inspired by a substance secreted by mussels.</li>\n<li>The forest floor &ndash; More cost efficient modular carpeting is being produce by mimicking the randomness of colors and patterns found on the forest floor.&nbsp; Rather than uniform colors on the carpet, the randomness makes it very easy to change pieces of the carpet without noticing a difference.</li>\n<li>Whale power &ndash; Wind turbines to produce energy for the built environment are being made more efficient thanks to an aerodynamic study of the whale flipper.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Next time you putter in the garden or take a walk in the woods, keep your eyes open. Nature may be telling you something about a better way to build.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"11\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"46\";}'),(1351,488,5,2,1237613831,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"488\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 07:18 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"11\";i:1;s:2:\"46\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"5\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Making a Building Out of An Anthill\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"making_a_building_out_of_an_anthill\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:35:\"Making a Building Out of An Anthill\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:1:\"4\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:178:\"If you\\\'re looking for building design ideas that are more  energy efficient or building systems that protect the environment, you might literally find them in your own backyard.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:23:\"biomimicry, HOK, Benyus\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:4116:\"<p>If you\\\'re looking for building design ideas that are more&nbsp; energy efficient or building systems that protect the environment, you might literally find them in your own backyard.</p>\n<p>A far-reaching trend emerging in green design and sustainability is &ldquo;Biomimicry&rdquo; &ndash; basically applying the best designs in 3.8 billion years nature to a number of industries &ndash; but especially the construction of buildings, cities and communities.&nbsp;&nbsp; On March 19th, Janine Benyus, the world&rsquo;s foremost expert on biomimicry spoke on the topic Washington University&rsquo;s Graham Chapel.<br />&nbsp;<br /><img alt=\\\"biomimicry\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"222\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/biomimicry_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The local hook is that St. Louis-based HOK has exclusive alliance with Benyus&rsquo; <a href=\\\"http://www.biomimicryguild.com\\\">Biomimicry Guild&nbsp;</a> to integrate nature&rsquo;s innovations into its designs of structures and communities &ndash; an asset for a community vying for the Obama stimulus dollars that have a multitude of &ldquo;green&rdquo; mandates attached to them.</p>\n<p>Biomimicry applies the knowledge of 3.8 billion years of nature to find solutions to challenges in a number of industries.&nbsp; Leonardo da Vinci applied this &ldquo;nature inspired&rdquo; design in sketching many of his inventive ideas, such as studying bird flight to concept man-made flying machines.&nbsp; Perhaps the most famous example of biomimicry is Velcro.&nbsp; Inventor George de Mestral came up with the concept after observing how burrs stuck to his clothing and his dog&rsquo;s fur. <br /><br />Today, biomimicry is being advanced in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure in ways that create a more sustainable built environment that coexists in greater harmony with nature.&nbsp; Examples include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>&nbsp;Termite mounds &ndash; In Africa, certain species of termites have built termite mounds that maintain a constant temperature of 87 degrees F to grow a fungus on which the insects feed.&nbsp; The insects construct air vents that keep the temperature at the appropriate level even when the outside air temperature drops to 35 degrees F at night or rises to 104 degrees F in the day.&nbsp; The Eastgate Centre shopping and office complex in Harare, Zimbabwe uses this termite temperature control to regulate temperate with no conventional air condition or heating.</li>\n<li>&nbsp;Butterfly wings &ndash; Morphotex is a material that imitates the color shifting properties of a butterfly&rsquo;s wings.&nbsp; As a fiber material, it manipulates the use of light to create color through refraction, instead of using dyes or pigments, which use more energy to produce and are more harmful to the environment.&nbsp; It has applications for building materials and textiles.</li>\n<li>Lotus plant &ndash; researchers have found that the Lotus plant can shed contaminants because its leaves have small bumps and waxy crystals that force water to &ldquo;ball up.&rdquo;&nbsp; The bumps raise up dirt -molecules, which are then picked up by the water drops.&nbsp; This &ldquo;lotus effect&rdquo; is now being applied to paint and has applications to textiles, wood and glass.</li>\n<li>&nbsp;Mussels &ndash; Building products such as plywood and particle board are being produced using a glue that was inspired by a substance secreted by mussels.</li>\n<li>The forest floor &ndash; More cost efficient modular carpeting is being produce by mimicking the randomness of colors and patterns found on the forest floor.&nbsp; Rather than uniform colors on the carpet, the randomness makes it very easy to change pieces of the carpet without noticing a difference.</li>\n<li>Whale power &ndash; Wind turbines to produce energy for the built environment are being made more efficient thanks to an aerodynamic study of the whale flipper.</li>\n</ul>\n<p>Next time you putter in the garden or take a walk in the woods, keep your eyes open. Nature may be telling you something about a better way to build.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"11\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"46\";}'),(1352,489,4,2,1237616963,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:25 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"Creve Coeur Center \\\"TOBY\\\" Award\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"creve_coeur_center_toby_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:33:\"Creve Coeur Center \\\"TOBY\\\" Award\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:270:\"The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of St. Louis, has awarded Creve Coeur Center The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) award. The 210,650 square-foot building, located on Emerson Road, won the award in the “100,000 – 249,999 square-footâ€ category.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:61:\"Creve Coeur Center, Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, TOBY, BOMA\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1503:\"<p>The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of St. Louis, has awarded Creve Coeur Center The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) award. The 210,650 square-foot building, located on Emerson Road, won the award in the &ldquo;100,000 &ndash; 249,999 square-foot&rdquo; category. <br />&nbsp;<br />Colliers Turley Martin Tucker (CTMT), which manages the property, submitted the project for the award. The winning application, prepared by the CTMT team, featured a comprehensive overview of the building and its operation, including a description of the property&rsquo;s architecture and interior finishes, community impact, tenant relations, energy conservation, environmental and regulatory compliances, emergency preparedness and security, as well as training of the management team. <br />&nbsp;<br />During the judging process, each application is thoroughly evaluated by a panel of industry professionals. Award criteria include community involvement, site management and environmental policies and procedures. <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;We take great pride in all aspects of the property, from exterior and interior design, to landscaping and environmentally friendly practices,&rdquo; says Will Mura, property manager Creve Coeur Center. &ldquo;To be recognized by our peers at BOMA with this prestigious award is very gratifying.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;<br />The St. Louis winners next compete on a regional level featuring projects in Denver, Kansas City and Minneapolis. <br />&nbsp;<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";}'),(1353,489,4,2,1237617013,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"489\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:25 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"Creve Coeur Center \\\"TOBY\\\" Award\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"creve_coeur_center_toby_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:33:\"Creve Coeur Center \\\"TOBY\\\" Award\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:266:\"The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of St. Louis, has awarded Creve Coeur Center The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) award. The 210,650 square-foot building, located on Emerson Road, won the award in the “100,000-249,999 square-footâ€ category.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:61:\"Creve Coeur Center, Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, TOBY, BOMA\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1497:\"<p>The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of St. Louis, has awarded Creve Coeur Center The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) award. The 210,650 square-foot building, located on Emerson Road, won the award in the &ldquo;100,000 &ndash; 249,999 square-foot&rdquo; category. <br />&nbsp;<br />Colliers Turley Martin Tucker (CTMT), which manages the property, submitted the project for the award. The winning application, prepared by the CTMT team, featured a comprehensive overview of the building and its operation, including a description of the property&rsquo;s architecture and interior finishes, community impact, tenant relations, energy conservation, environmental and regulatory compliances, emergency preparedness and security, as well as training of the management team. <br />&nbsp;<br />During the judging process, each application is thoroughly evaluated by a panel of industry professionals. Award criteria include community involvement, site management and environmental policies and procedures. <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;We take great pride in all aspects of the property, from exterior and interior design, to landscaping and environmentally friendly practices,&rdquo; says Will Mura, property manager Creve Coeur Center. &ldquo;To be recognized by our peers at BOMA with this prestigious award is very gratifying.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;<br />The St. Louis winners next compete on a regional level featuring projects in Denver, Kansas City and Minneapolis. <br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";}'),(1354,489,4,2,1237617164,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"489\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:25 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"Creve Coeur Center \\\"TOBY\\\" Award\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"creve_coeur_center_toby_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:33:\"Creve Coeur Center \\\"TOBY\\\" Award\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:264:\"The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of St. Louis, has awarded Creve Coeur Center The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) award. The 210,650 square-foot building, located on Emerson Road, won the award in the \\\"100,000-249,999 square-foot\\\" category.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:61:\"Creve Coeur Center, Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, TOBY, BOMA\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1497:\"<p>The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of St. Louis, has awarded Creve Coeur Center The Office Building of the Year (TOBY) award. The 210,650 square-foot building, located on Emerson Road, won the award in the &ldquo;100,000 &ndash; 249,999 square-foot&rdquo; category. <br />&nbsp;<br />Colliers Turley Martin Tucker (CTMT), which manages the property, submitted the project for the award. The winning application, prepared by the CTMT team, featured a comprehensive overview of the building and its operation, including a description of the property&rsquo;s architecture and interior finishes, community impact, tenant relations, energy conservation, environmental and regulatory compliances, emergency preparedness and security, as well as training of the management team. <br />&nbsp;<br />During the judging process, each application is thoroughly evaluated by a panel of industry professionals. Award criteria include community involvement, site management and environmental policies and procedures. <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;We take great pride in all aspects of the property, from exterior and interior design, to landscaping and environmentally friendly practices,&rdquo; says Will Mura, property manager Creve Coeur Center. &ldquo;To be recognized by our peers at BOMA with this prestigious award is very gratifying.&rdquo; <br />&nbsp;<br />The St. Louis winners next compete on a regional level featuring projects in Denver, Kansas City and Minneapolis. <br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";}'),(1355,490,4,2,1237617367,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:33 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"Murray Company Hires Business Development Manager \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"murray_company_hires_business_development_manager\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Murray Company Hires Business Development Manager\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:189:\"Murray Company, a Program Management/Design-Build/Construction Management firm specializing in Hospitals and Healthcare facilities has hired Janet Shirrell, as business development manager.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:46:\"Murray, Shirrell, business development manager\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:196:\"<p>Murray Company, a Program Management/Design-Build/Construction Management firm specializing in Hospitals and Healthcare facilities has hired Janet Shirrell, as business development manager.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(1356,491,4,2,1237618048,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:43 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:42:\" Ruzicka Joins Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"ruzicka_joins_rabbitt_pitzer_snodgrass\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:41:\" Ruzicka Joins Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgras\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:86:\"Derek P. Ruzicka has joined the St. Louis office of Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass, P.C. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"Ruzicka, Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass, P.C. \";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:821:\"<p>Derek P. Ruzicka has joined the St. Louis office of Rabbitt, Pitzer &amp; Snodgrass, P.C.</p>\n<p>Ruzicka joins the firm&rsquo;s construction/architect professional liability group and will focus in the areas of design professional liability defense, including architects, engineers, and land surveyors.&nbsp; Mr. Ruzicka is a graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Law (J.D., May, 2008).&nbsp; Prior to attending Southern Illinois University School of Law, Mr. Ruzicka received his undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University.<br /><br />Mr. Ruzicka was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 2008.&nbsp; He is an active member the American Bar Association.&nbsp; Prior to joining Rabbitt, Pitzer &amp; Snodgrass, P.C., Mr. Ruzicka worked as an estimator for Ruzicka Electric &amp; Sons, Inc. &nbsp;<br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(1357,491,4,2,1237618102,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"491\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:43 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"Ruzicka Joins Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"ruzicka_joins_rabbitt_pitzer_snodgrass\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:42:\" Ruzicka Joins Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:86:\"Derek P. Ruzicka has joined the St. Louis office of Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass, P.C. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:43:\"Ruzicka, Rabbitt, Pitzer & Snodgrass, P.C. \";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:815:\"<p>Derek P. Ruzicka has joined the St. Louis office of Rabbitt, Pitzer &amp; Snodgrass, P.C.</p>\n<p>Ruzicka joins the firm&rsquo;s construction/architect professional liability group and will focus in the areas of design professional liability defense, including architects, engineers, and land surveyors.&nbsp; Mr. Ruzicka is a graduate of Southern Illinois University School of Law (J.D., May, 2008).&nbsp; Prior to attending Southern Illinois University School of Law, Mr. Ruzicka received his undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University.<br /><br />Mr. Ruzicka was admitted to the Missouri Bar in 2008.&nbsp; He is an active member the American Bar Association.&nbsp; Prior to joining Rabbitt, Pitzer &amp; Snodgrass, P.C., Mr. Ruzicka worked as an estimator for Ruzicka Electric &amp; Sons, Inc. &nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(1358,492,5,2,1237618496,'a:23:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"Employee Presents a Host of Legal Issues \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"employee_presents_a_host_of_legal_issues\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:41:\"Employee Presents a Host of Legal Issues \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:225:\"In St. Louis as in cities across the nation, debates are intensifying as officials representing both management and labor organizations voice their opinions about the potential impacts of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:18:\"Free Choice, Kafka\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:7655:\"<p><em>by Bradley G. Kafka</em></p>\n<p>In St. Louis as in cities across the nation, debates are intensifying as officials representing both management and labor organizations voice their opinions about the potential impacts of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.<br /><br />As a result of the victory by the Democratic Party in the November 4 election, employers can expect a renewed effort by Congress to pass a version of the Employee Free Choice Act, Senate Bill 1041 (the &ldquo;New Act&rdquo;), that was supported by 44 Senators, including then Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden.&nbsp; If passed, this bill will introduce the most comprehensive revisions to the National Labor Relations Act (the &ldquo;NLRA&rdquo;) since at least 1959. <br /><br />&nbsp;If the New Act passes in its present form, for the first time since the inception of the NLRA in 1935, a union could become the designated collective bargaining representative of an employer&rsquo;s employees notwithstanding a request by the employees or the employer for a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (the &ldquo;NLRB&rdquo;).&nbsp; Moreover, under the New Act, for the first time in NLRA history, an initial collective bargaining agreement may be imposed on an employer by an arbitrator if the employer and union have reached an impasse in negotiations.&nbsp; Also for the first time, the NLRB would be granted authority, under certain circumstances, to impose fines and other substantial penalties on employers found to have committed certain unfair labor practices.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At present, Section 9(c) of the NLRA permits a union that purports to represent a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit to file a petition for a secret ballot election with the NLRB to permit employees to vote on the issue of union representation.&nbsp; An employer is not required to recognize and bargain with a union purporting to represent a majority of its employees unless the NLRB certifies, after an election, that a majority of employees in the bargaining unit have voted for union representation.&nbsp; The New Act would amend Section 9(c) to permit not only a union, but also an individual, to file a petition with the NLRB asserting that a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit wish to be represented by a union or an individual.&nbsp; If the NLRB concludes the employees have signed proper authorizations to have a union or an individual represent them, the NLRB would be required to certify the union or the individual as bargaining representative of the employees without a secret ballot election.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The precise contours of the new procedure for certifying an individual or a union without an election have not yet been articulated in the Employee Free Choice Act.&nbsp; The Senate draft of the New Act directs the NLRB to develop guidelines and procedures for implementation of the New Act.&nbsp; However, the amendments to Section 9(c) of the NLRA, if passed, could reduce or even eliminate an employer&rsquo;s ability to campaign against union representation of its employees, since the employer may not be aware its employees are signing authorizations for the union until the union has already obtained signatures from a majority of employees.&nbsp; The employer&rsquo;s disadvantage will be compounded by the NLRA&rsquo;s strict limitations on an employer&rsquo;s ability to question its employees concerning their union sympathies or activities.&nbsp; Moreover, the elimination of an employer&rsquo;s right to demand an election increases the likelihood that a union could, through misinformation, coercion or other improper means, inappropriately obtain signed authorizations from employees.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Senate Bill would also amend Section 8 of the NLRA by adding a new procedure to break an impasse in negotiations for an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; Under existing law, an employer must bargain in good faith with the newly elected bargaining representative of its employees, but it need not agree to terms it believes are unsatisfactory or detrimental to its business.&nbsp; If the parties reach a legitimate impasse in negotiations, an employer can implement its final offer to the union or continue applying the existing terms of employment.&nbsp; The union has the right to strike.&nbsp; The amendments to Section 8 proposed in the Senate bill would permit the parties 90 days to negotiate an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; If the parties fail to reach agreement, either party may submit a request for a mediator to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (the &ldquo;FMCS&rdquo;).&nbsp; If, within 30 days of either party&rsquo;s request for mediation, the parties still have not reached agreement, the New Act requires the FMCS to refer the dispute to an arbitration board.&nbsp; The arbitration panel will then impose a collective bargaining agreement (and all of its terms) on the parties effective for a period of up to two years.&nbsp; <br /><br />Section 4 of the Employee Free Choice Act would drastically increase the NLRB&rsquo;s enforcement power in two ways.&nbsp; First, the Act would require the NLRB to obtain a prompt injunction in federal court against an employer who has allegedly discharged or discriminated against an employee due to that employee&rsquo;s activities on behalf of a union in the period from the inception of a union organizing campaign until an initial collective bargaining agreement is signed by the parties.&nbsp; Second, the Act would alter the NLRB&rsquo;s current practice of awarding only actual back pay to employees found to have been discharged because of their union activities.&nbsp; Since its inception the remedies afforded by the NLRA have been limited to &ldquo;make whole&rdquo; remedies.&rdquo;&nbsp; The New Act would supplement the traditional make whole remedy with liquidated damages in the amount of twice the back pay owed (in addition to the actual back pay) if the discharge occurred between the inception of the organizing campaign and execution of an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; The New Act would also permit the NLRB to impose a fine of up to $20,000 per violation for any employer who willfully or repeatedly engages in any of a broad range of possible unfair labor practices (including improper statements even if employees experience no loss of pay as a result) during the period between the inception of the organizing campaign and the execution of an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; <br /><br />If passed, the Employee Free Choice Act will present a host of legal issues.&nbsp; The implementing regulations issued by the NLRB may also have an impact on the manner in which the Act is administered and enforced.&nbsp; Business and labor leaders in St. Louis and across the United States will be watching the status of the Employee Free Choice Act with expectations that, in one form or another, it will be become law.</p>\n<p><em>Bradley G. Kafka is chairman of the Labor and Employment Law Department\nat the law firm of Gallop, Johnson &amp; Neuman, L.C. in St. Louis.&nbsp;\nMr. Kafka represents management in labor and employment matters across\nthe United States.&nbsp; His practice includes federal and state court\nlitigation; collective bargaining negotiations; defense of union\norganizing campaigns; defense of employment discrimination and wrongful\ndischarge cases; and the litigation of restrictive covenant cases\nincluding non-competition claims. </em></p>\";}'),(1359,492,5,2,1237618557,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"492\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"10\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"5\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:40:\"Employee Presents a Host of Legal Issues\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"employee_presents_a_host_of_legal_issues\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:41:\"Employee Presents a Host of Legal Issues \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:225:\"In St. Louis as in cities across the nation, debates are intensifying as officials representing both management and labor organizations voice their opinions about the potential impacts of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:18:\"Free Choice, Kafka\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:7655:\"<p><em>by Bradley G. Kafka</em></p>\n<p>In St. Louis as in cities across the nation, debates are intensifying as officials representing both management and labor organizations voice their opinions about the potential impacts of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.<br /><br />As a result of the victory by the Democratic Party in the November 4 election, employers can expect a renewed effort by Congress to pass a version of the Employee Free Choice Act, Senate Bill 1041 (the &ldquo;New Act&rdquo;), that was supported by 44 Senators, including then Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden.&nbsp; If passed, this bill will introduce the most comprehensive revisions to the National Labor Relations Act (the &ldquo;NLRA&rdquo;) since at least 1959. <br /><br />&nbsp;If the New Act passes in its present form, for the first time since the inception of the NLRA in 1935, a union could become the designated collective bargaining representative of an employer&rsquo;s employees notwithstanding a request by the employees or the employer for a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (the &ldquo;NLRB&rdquo;).&nbsp; Moreover, under the New Act, for the first time in NLRA history, an initial collective bargaining agreement may be imposed on an employer by an arbitrator if the employer and union have reached an impasse in negotiations.&nbsp; Also for the first time, the NLRB would be granted authority, under certain circumstances, to impose fines and other substantial penalties on employers found to have committed certain unfair labor practices.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At present, Section 9(c) of the NLRA permits a union that purports to represent a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit to file a petition for a secret ballot election with the NLRB to permit employees to vote on the issue of union representation.&nbsp; An employer is not required to recognize and bargain with a union purporting to represent a majority of its employees unless the NLRB certifies, after an election, that a majority of employees in the bargaining unit have voted for union representation.&nbsp; The New Act would amend Section 9(c) to permit not only a union, but also an individual, to file a petition with the NLRB asserting that a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit wish to be represented by a union or an individual.&nbsp; If the NLRB concludes the employees have signed proper authorizations to have a union or an individual represent them, the NLRB would be required to certify the union or the individual as bargaining representative of the employees without a secret ballot election.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The precise contours of the new procedure for certifying an individual or a union without an election have not yet been articulated in the Employee Free Choice Act.&nbsp; The Senate draft of the New Act directs the NLRB to develop guidelines and procedures for implementation of the New Act.&nbsp; However, the amendments to Section 9(c) of the NLRA, if passed, could reduce or even eliminate an employer&rsquo;s ability to campaign against union representation of its employees, since the employer may not be aware its employees are signing authorizations for the union until the union has already obtained signatures from a majority of employees.&nbsp; The employer&rsquo;s disadvantage will be compounded by the NLRA&rsquo;s strict limitations on an employer&rsquo;s ability to question its employees concerning their union sympathies or activities.&nbsp; Moreover, the elimination of an employer&rsquo;s right to demand an election increases the likelihood that a union could, through misinformation, coercion or other improper means, inappropriately obtain signed authorizations from employees.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Senate Bill would also amend Section 8 of the NLRA by adding a new procedure to break an impasse in negotiations for an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; Under existing law, an employer must bargain in good faith with the newly elected bargaining representative of its employees, but it need not agree to terms it believes are unsatisfactory or detrimental to its business.&nbsp; If the parties reach a legitimate impasse in negotiations, an employer can implement its final offer to the union or continue applying the existing terms of employment.&nbsp; The union has the right to strike.&nbsp; The amendments to Section 8 proposed in the Senate bill would permit the parties 90 days to negotiate an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; If the parties fail to reach agreement, either party may submit a request for a mediator to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (the &ldquo;FMCS&rdquo;).&nbsp; If, within 30 days of either party&rsquo;s request for mediation, the parties still have not reached agreement, the New Act requires the FMCS to refer the dispute to an arbitration board.&nbsp; The arbitration panel will then impose a collective bargaining agreement (and all of its terms) on the parties effective for a period of up to two years.&nbsp; <br /><br />Section 4 of the Employee Free Choice Act would drastically increase the NLRB&rsquo;s enforcement power in two ways.&nbsp; First, the Act would require the NLRB to obtain a prompt injunction in federal court against an employer who has allegedly discharged or discriminated against an employee due to that employee&rsquo;s activities on behalf of a union in the period from the inception of a union organizing campaign until an initial collective bargaining agreement is signed by the parties.&nbsp; Second, the Act would alter the NLRB&rsquo;s current practice of awarding only actual back pay to employees found to have been discharged because of their union activities.&nbsp; Since its inception the remedies afforded by the NLRA have been limited to &ldquo;make whole&rdquo; remedies.&rdquo;&nbsp; The New Act would supplement the traditional make whole remedy with liquidated damages in the amount of twice the back pay owed (in addition to the actual back pay) if the discharge occurred between the inception of the organizing campaign and execution of an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; The New Act would also permit the NLRB to impose a fine of up to $20,000 per violation for any employer who willfully or repeatedly engages in any of a broad range of possible unfair labor practices (including improper statements even if employees experience no loss of pay as a result) during the period between the inception of the organizing campaign and the execution of an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; <br /><br />If passed, the Employee Free Choice Act will present a host of legal issues.&nbsp; The implementing regulations issued by the NLRB may also have an impact on the manner in which the Act is administered and enforced.&nbsp; Business and labor leaders in St. Louis and across the United States will be watching the status of the Employee Free Choice Act with expectations that, in one form or another, it will be become law.</p>\n<p><em>Bradley G. Kafka is chairman of the Labor and Employment Law Department\nat the law firm of Gallop, Johnson &amp; Neuman, L.C. in St. Louis.&nbsp;\nMr. Kafka represents management in labor and employment matters across\nthe United States.&nbsp; His practice includes federal and state court\nlitigation; collective bargaining negotiations; defense of union\norganizing campaigns; defense of employment discrimination and wrongful\ndischarge cases; and the litigation of restrictive covenant cases\nincluding non-competition claims. </em></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"10\";}'),(1360,492,5,2,1237618605,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"492\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"10\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"5\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:52:\"Employee Free Choice Presents a Host of Legal Issues\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"employee_presents_a_host_of_legal_issues\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:53:\"Employee Free Choice Presents a Host of Legal Issues \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:225:\"In St. Louis as in cities across the nation, debates are intensifying as officials representing both management and labor organizations voice their opinions about the potential impacts of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:18:\"Free Choice, Kafka\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:7655:\"<p><em>by Bradley G. Kafka</em></p>\n<p>In St. Louis as in cities across the nation, debates are intensifying as officials representing both management and labor organizations voice their opinions about the potential impacts of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.<br /><br />As a result of the victory by the Democratic Party in the November 4 election, employers can expect a renewed effort by Congress to pass a version of the Employee Free Choice Act, Senate Bill 1041 (the &ldquo;New Act&rdquo;), that was supported by 44 Senators, including then Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden.&nbsp; If passed, this bill will introduce the most comprehensive revisions to the National Labor Relations Act (the &ldquo;NLRA&rdquo;) since at least 1959. <br /><br />&nbsp;If the New Act passes in its present form, for the first time since the inception of the NLRA in 1935, a union could become the designated collective bargaining representative of an employer&rsquo;s employees notwithstanding a request by the employees or the employer for a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (the &ldquo;NLRB&rdquo;).&nbsp; Moreover, under the New Act, for the first time in NLRA history, an initial collective bargaining agreement may be imposed on an employer by an arbitrator if the employer and union have reached an impasse in negotiations.&nbsp; Also for the first time, the NLRB would be granted authority, under certain circumstances, to impose fines and other substantial penalties on employers found to have committed certain unfair labor practices.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At present, Section 9(c) of the NLRA permits a union that purports to represent a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit to file a petition for a secret ballot election with the NLRB to permit employees to vote on the issue of union representation.&nbsp; An employer is not required to recognize and bargain with a union purporting to represent a majority of its employees unless the NLRB certifies, after an election, that a majority of employees in the bargaining unit have voted for union representation.&nbsp; The New Act would amend Section 9(c) to permit not only a union, but also an individual, to file a petition with the NLRB asserting that a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit wish to be represented by a union or an individual.&nbsp; If the NLRB concludes the employees have signed proper authorizations to have a union or an individual represent them, the NLRB would be required to certify the union or the individual as bargaining representative of the employees without a secret ballot election.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The precise contours of the new procedure for certifying an individual or a union without an election have not yet been articulated in the Employee Free Choice Act.&nbsp; The Senate draft of the New Act directs the NLRB to develop guidelines and procedures for implementation of the New Act.&nbsp; However, the amendments to Section 9(c) of the NLRA, if passed, could reduce or even eliminate an employer&rsquo;s ability to campaign against union representation of its employees, since the employer may not be aware its employees are signing authorizations for the union until the union has already obtained signatures from a majority of employees.&nbsp; The employer&rsquo;s disadvantage will be compounded by the NLRA&rsquo;s strict limitations on an employer&rsquo;s ability to question its employees concerning their union sympathies or activities.&nbsp; Moreover, the elimination of an employer&rsquo;s right to demand an election increases the likelihood that a union could, through misinformation, coercion or other improper means, inappropriately obtain signed authorizations from employees.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Senate Bill would also amend Section 8 of the NLRA by adding a new procedure to break an impasse in negotiations for an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; Under existing law, an employer must bargain in good faith with the newly elected bargaining representative of its employees, but it need not agree to terms it believes are unsatisfactory or detrimental to its business.&nbsp; If the parties reach a legitimate impasse in negotiations, an employer can implement its final offer to the union or continue applying the existing terms of employment.&nbsp; The union has the right to strike.&nbsp; The amendments to Section 8 proposed in the Senate bill would permit the parties 90 days to negotiate an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; If the parties fail to reach agreement, either party may submit a request for a mediator to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (the &ldquo;FMCS&rdquo;).&nbsp; If, within 30 days of either party&rsquo;s request for mediation, the parties still have not reached agreement, the New Act requires the FMCS to refer the dispute to an arbitration board.&nbsp; The arbitration panel will then impose a collective bargaining agreement (and all of its terms) on the parties effective for a period of up to two years.&nbsp; <br /><br />Section 4 of the Employee Free Choice Act would drastically increase the NLRB&rsquo;s enforcement power in two ways.&nbsp; First, the Act would require the NLRB to obtain a prompt injunction in federal court against an employer who has allegedly discharged or discriminated against an employee due to that employee&rsquo;s activities on behalf of a union in the period from the inception of a union organizing campaign until an initial collective bargaining agreement is signed by the parties.&nbsp; Second, the Act would alter the NLRB&rsquo;s current practice of awarding only actual back pay to employees found to have been discharged because of their union activities.&nbsp; Since its inception the remedies afforded by the NLRA have been limited to &ldquo;make whole&rdquo; remedies.&rdquo;&nbsp; The New Act would supplement the traditional make whole remedy with liquidated damages in the amount of twice the back pay owed (in addition to the actual back pay) if the discharge occurred between the inception of the organizing campaign and execution of an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; The New Act would also permit the NLRB to impose a fine of up to $20,000 per violation for any employer who willfully or repeatedly engages in any of a broad range of possible unfair labor practices (including improper statements even if employees experience no loss of pay as a result) during the period between the inception of the organizing campaign and the execution of an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; <br /><br />If passed, the Employee Free Choice Act will present a host of legal issues.&nbsp; The implementing regulations issued by the NLRB may also have an impact on the manner in which the Act is administered and enforced.&nbsp; Business and labor leaders in St. Louis and across the United States will be watching the status of the Employee Free Choice Act with expectations that, in one form or another, it will be become law.</p>\n<p><em>Bradley G. Kafka is chairman of the Labor and Employment Law Department\nat the law firm of Gallop, Johnson &amp; Neuman, L.C. in St. Louis.&nbsp;\nMr. Kafka represents management in labor and employment matters across\nthe United States.&nbsp; His practice includes federal and state court\nlitigation; collective bargaining negotiations; defense of union\norganizing campaigns; defense of employment discrimination and wrongful\ndischarge cases; and the litigation of restrictive covenant cases\nincluding non-competition claims. </em></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"10\";}'),(1480,473,4,2,1240578720,'a:28:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"473\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-06 07:25 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:3:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"51\";i:2;s:2:\"45\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"\\\"Meet the Machines\\\"  Family Event This Saturday\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:44:\"meet_the_machines_family_event_this_saturday\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"\\\"Meet the Machines\\\" Family Event This Saturday\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:307:\"The Budrovich Companies along with several major sponsors will, once again, present \\\"Meet the Machines\\\".  Building on the unqualified success of the inaugural event in 2005, and the overwhelming growth since, the event promises much more in 2009.  Last year\\\'s event drew approximately 12,000 attendees.  \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:28:\"Meet the Machines, Budrovich\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2955:\"<h4>Bring your Family To \\\"Meet The MACHINES\\\"</h4>\n<p><strong>Saturday April 25, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.<br /></strong><strong>Location: Budrovich Excavating &amp; Contracting<br /> 10328 Lake Bluff Drive </strong></p>\n<p>The Budrovich Companies along with several major sponsors will, once again, present \\\"Meet the Machines\\\".&nbsp; Building on the unqualified success of the inaugural event in 2005, and the overwhelming growth since, the event promises much more in 2009.&nbsp; Last year&rsquo;s event drew approximately 12,000 attendees.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Meet the Machines\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"163\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/meet-the-machines1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />Many sponsors such as McCarthy Building Companies, MC Industrial, Guarantee Electrical Schnuck&rsquo;s, Luby Equipment Company, JD Kutter Insurance, AmeriSure, Manitowoc Crane and others have seen the explosive growth of the free event and are supporting it through full sponsorships, in-kind donations and volunteers.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The event will be held Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.&nbsp; This exciting family outing is held at the Budrovich Excavating &amp; Contracting headquarters, which is in an old quarry located at 10328 Lake Bluff Drive in St. Louis, MO.</p>\n<p>The purpose of the educational event is to introduce children, ages 3-15 years old, to the heavy equipment side of the construction business.&nbsp; Guests should arrive at the north gate and stop at the registration table.&nbsp; The first 1,500 kids will receive their Meet the Machines hard hat and other giveaways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>This year&rsquo;s event promises more interactive elements.&nbsp; Children and adults, alike, will have the opportunity to climb aboard and explore giant excavation and hoisting machinery.&nbsp; Additionally, visitors can participate in hands-on, educational activities such as &ldquo;digging&rdquo; for prizes or operating a crane via a training simulator.&nbsp; There will be games and prizes, face painting and opportunities to get pictures taken with a local sports team mascot, other local celebrities and, of course, the heavy machinery itself.&nbsp; An operator skill challenge will allow the youngsters to see professionals operate heavy equipment for contest prizes.&nbsp; Food and beverages will be provided to attendees at a minimal cost.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Meet the Machines\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"365\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/meet-the-machines4.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />The Budrovich Companies specialize in site utility excavation, mass &amp; finish grading, crane rental, and residential, commercial and industrial land development.&nbsp; Budrovich employs nearly 150 skilled operators, laborers and teamsters in the St. Louis metropolitan region, utilizing nearly 90 pieces of excavation &amp; grading equipment and 40 mobile hydraulic cranes.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"51\";s:10:\"category_2\";s:2:\"45\";}'),(1367,493,10,2,1238121553,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"493\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 04:23 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"USGBC-STL Growing Green Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"usgbcstl_growing_green_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:30:\"USGBC-STL Growing Green Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:273:\"Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize and celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live, work, and play.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Growing Green, awards, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:64:\"The Coronado Ballroom,  3701 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-05-01 06:00 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:7:\"6 p.m. \";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1502:\"<p>6 p.m.cocktails<br />7 p.m. dinner <br />8 p.m. program and entertainment<br />8:30 p.m. awards</p>\n<p>Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize and celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live, work, and play. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Cost: $70 per person&nbsp; </strong><br />Includes a networking cocktail hour with hors d&rsquo;oeuvres, valet parking, dinner, open bar, and entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Introductory Speaker:</strong> Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Managing&nbsp; Director of the STL Operation for American Airlines and Board President of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis&nbsp; <br /><strong>&nbsp;<br />Emcee:</strong> Glenda Abney, director of Missouri Botanical Garden&rsquo;s EarthWays Center&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Keynote Speaker:</strong> Kyle Hunsberger, Director of Construction&nbsp; for Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize&nbsp; and celebrate the people, organizations and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a&nbsp; more environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place&nbsp; to live, work, and play.</p>\n<p>For reservations, call Rachel McCalla at 314.210.7764, or register <a href=\\\"http://growinggreenawards.eventbrite.com/\\\">online</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1368,492,5,2,1238122737,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"492\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 08:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"5\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:52:\"Employee Free Choice Presents a Host of Legal Issues\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"employee_presents_a_host_of_legal_issues\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:53:\"Employee Free Choice Presents a Host of Legal Issues \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:225:\"In St. Louis as in cities across the nation, debates are intensifying as officials representing both management and labor organizations voice their opinions about the potential impacts of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:18:\"Free Choice, Kafka\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:7655:\"<p><em>by Bradley G. Kafka</em></p>\n<p>In St. Louis as in cities across the nation, debates are intensifying as officials representing both management and labor organizations voice their opinions about the potential impacts of the Employee Free Choice Act of 2007.<br /><br />As a result of the victory by the Democratic Party in the November 4 election, employers can expect a renewed effort by Congress to pass a version of the Employee Free Choice Act, Senate Bill 1041 (the &ldquo;New Act&rdquo;), that was supported by 44 Senators, including then Senators Barack Obama and Joseph Biden.&nbsp; If passed, this bill will introduce the most comprehensive revisions to the National Labor Relations Act (the &ldquo;NLRA&rdquo;) since at least 1959. <br /><br />&nbsp;If the New Act passes in its present form, for the first time since the inception of the NLRA in 1935, a union could become the designated collective bargaining representative of an employer&rsquo;s employees notwithstanding a request by the employees or the employer for a secret ballot election conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (the &ldquo;NLRB&rdquo;).&nbsp; Moreover, under the New Act, for the first time in NLRA history, an initial collective bargaining agreement may be imposed on an employer by an arbitrator if the employer and union have reached an impasse in negotiations.&nbsp; Also for the first time, the NLRB would be granted authority, under certain circumstances, to impose fines and other substantial penalties on employers found to have committed certain unfair labor practices.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At present, Section 9(c) of the NLRA permits a union that purports to represent a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit to file a petition for a secret ballot election with the NLRB to permit employees to vote on the issue of union representation.&nbsp; An employer is not required to recognize and bargain with a union purporting to represent a majority of its employees unless the NLRB certifies, after an election, that a majority of employees in the bargaining unit have voted for union representation.&nbsp; The New Act would amend Section 9(c) to permit not only a union, but also an individual, to file a petition with the NLRB asserting that a majority of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit wish to be represented by a union or an individual.&nbsp; If the NLRB concludes the employees have signed proper authorizations to have a union or an individual represent them, the NLRB would be required to certify the union or the individual as bargaining representative of the employees without a secret ballot election.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The precise contours of the new procedure for certifying an individual or a union without an election have not yet been articulated in the Employee Free Choice Act.&nbsp; The Senate draft of the New Act directs the NLRB to develop guidelines and procedures for implementation of the New Act.&nbsp; However, the amendments to Section 9(c) of the NLRA, if passed, could reduce or even eliminate an employer&rsquo;s ability to campaign against union representation of its employees, since the employer may not be aware its employees are signing authorizations for the union until the union has already obtained signatures from a majority of employees.&nbsp; The employer&rsquo;s disadvantage will be compounded by the NLRA&rsquo;s strict limitations on an employer&rsquo;s ability to question its employees concerning their union sympathies or activities.&nbsp; Moreover, the elimination of an employer&rsquo;s right to demand an election increases the likelihood that a union could, through misinformation, coercion or other improper means, inappropriately obtain signed authorizations from employees.&nbsp; <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Senate Bill would also amend Section 8 of the NLRA by adding a new procedure to break an impasse in negotiations for an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; Under existing law, an employer must bargain in good faith with the newly elected bargaining representative of its employees, but it need not agree to terms it believes are unsatisfactory or detrimental to its business.&nbsp; If the parties reach a legitimate impasse in negotiations, an employer can implement its final offer to the union or continue applying the existing terms of employment.&nbsp; The union has the right to strike.&nbsp; The amendments to Section 8 proposed in the Senate bill would permit the parties 90 days to negotiate an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; If the parties fail to reach agreement, either party may submit a request for a mediator to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (the &ldquo;FMCS&rdquo;).&nbsp; If, within 30 days of either party&rsquo;s request for mediation, the parties still have not reached agreement, the New Act requires the FMCS to refer the dispute to an arbitration board.&nbsp; The arbitration panel will then impose a collective bargaining agreement (and all of its terms) on the parties effective for a period of up to two years.&nbsp; <br /><br />Section 4 of the Employee Free Choice Act would drastically increase the NLRB&rsquo;s enforcement power in two ways.&nbsp; First, the Act would require the NLRB to obtain a prompt injunction in federal court against an employer who has allegedly discharged or discriminated against an employee due to that employee&rsquo;s activities on behalf of a union in the period from the inception of a union organizing campaign until an initial collective bargaining agreement is signed by the parties.&nbsp; Second, the Act would alter the NLRB&rsquo;s current practice of awarding only actual back pay to employees found to have been discharged because of their union activities.&nbsp; Since its inception the remedies afforded by the NLRA have been limited to &ldquo;make whole&rdquo; remedies.&rdquo;&nbsp; The New Act would supplement the traditional make whole remedy with liquidated damages in the amount of twice the back pay owed (in addition to the actual back pay) if the discharge occurred between the inception of the organizing campaign and execution of an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; The New Act would also permit the NLRB to impose a fine of up to $20,000 per violation for any employer who willfully or repeatedly engages in any of a broad range of possible unfair labor practices (including improper statements even if employees experience no loss of pay as a result) during the period between the inception of the organizing campaign and the execution of an initial collective bargaining agreement.&nbsp; <br /><br />If passed, the Employee Free Choice Act will present a host of legal issues.&nbsp; The implementing regulations issued by the NLRB may also have an impact on the manner in which the Act is administered and enforced.&nbsp; Business and labor leaders in St. Louis and across the United States will be watching the status of the Employee Free Choice Act with expectations that, in one form or another, it will be become law.</p>\n<p><em>Bradley G. Kafka is chairman of the Labor and Employment Law Department\nat the law firm of Gallop, Johnson &amp; Neuman, L.C. in St. Louis.&nbsp;\nMr. Kafka represents management in labor and employment matters across\nthe United States.&nbsp; His practice includes federal and state court\nlitigation; collective bargaining negotiations; defense of union\norganizing campaigns; defense of employment discrimination and wrongful\ndischarge cases; and the litigation of restrictive covenant cases\nincluding non-competition claims. </em></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1369,494,2,2,1238125034,'a:28:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 05:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:63:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:60:\"resource_st_louis_offers_free_construction_material_exchange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:317:\"ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website www.resourcestlouis.org. The site offers architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, tile, and more. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:38:\"ReSource St. Louis, materials exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2783:\"<p>ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website &ndash; <a href=\\\"  http://www.resourcestlouis.org\\\">www.resourcestlouis.org</a> &ndash; offering architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, and tile. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Resource St. Louis\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />ReSource St. Louis is the region&rsquo;s only materials exchange website &ndash; a free, online tool focused primarily on commercial construction and demolition waste.&nbsp; Its dynamic database platform features quick posting of materials, automatic notification when materials match a user\\\'s request, and tracking of the total tonnage of materials diverted over time. Diverting materials from local landfills addresses both economic and environmental concerns for the both providers and recipients of materials.<br /><br />Since launching in 2006, everything from gently used carpet to office furniture and overstock lighting has found new homes through the online though the site. This winter, a grant from the St. Louis/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, the website has been revitalized to make it easier to navigate and use.<br /><br />More than 6,000 items were posted on the ReSource St. Louis Materials Exchange in 2008, including used bleachers, kitchen cabinets and landscaping pavers.</p>\n<p>Feedback from the site includes:<br /><br />\\\"As a new small business owner, it was a huge find!... I saved approximately $3,500 on flooring. I even put carpet in areas that I had planned to put laminate because there was so much available.\\\" ( fitness center owner)<br /><br />\\\"It keeps all that out of the landfill, $2,000 worth of furniture.... Whenever I see a good idea like that, I take every opportunity I can to promote it.\\\" (sustainability consultant)<br /><br />&ldquo;If we had to go out and buy all this furniture we have, it would have cost us so much money.... (The Materials Exchange) is a great opportunity for start-ups.\\\" (homebuilder)<br /><br />According to Buildings.com: <br />&bull; In the U.S., total building-related construction and demolition waste is estimated to be 135.5 million tons a year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 30% of the total waste stream! <br />&bull; The average new construction project yields 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; The average building demolition yields 155 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; Three of the largest waste compounds on most job sites &ndash; cardboard, wood and drywall together make up 75% of construction waste &ndash; are fully recyclable.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1370,481,2,2,1238125093,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"481\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-20 06:12 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:48:\"Hutchinson of Interface Joins AGC National Board\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:48:\"hutchinson_of_interface_joins_agc_national_board\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:48:\"Hutchinson of Interface Joins AGC National Board\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:181:\"Samuel Hutchinson, founder and president of St. Louis-based Interface Construction Corporation has been elected to serve as the Associated General Contractors of America treasurer. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:44:\"Hutchinson, Interface, AGC, board, treasurer\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2523:\"<p>Samuel Hutchinson, founder and president of St. Louis-based Interface Construction Corporation has been elected to serve as the Associated General Contractors of America treasurer.&nbsp; Hutchinson becomes the third St. Louisan elected to the executive board of the national organization, following Gabe Alberici and Bob Elsperman who previously served in this national office.&nbsp; As a member of the board, Hutchinson will lead a national effort to improve the productivity of the nation&rsquo;s construction companies, oversee the group&rsquo;s advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry and help builders weather today&rsquo;s challenging economic conditions.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Sam Hutchinson\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/hutchinson.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />&ldquo;We are very pleased to have such a distinguished St. Louis businessman playing such a major role in the leadership of the national organization&rdquo; said Leonard Toenjes, president, AGC of St. Louis.&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;Sam brings integrity and leadership to the job,&rdquo; added Toenjes.<br /><br />Interface began as a concrete construction company, completing concrete flatwork for highway contractors in the Metro East area of St. Louis.&nbsp; In 1988, Hutchinson transitioned the company from being a subcontractor to a general contractor and a construction manager in heavy construction, earning Interface the title of one of the top 25 small businesses in the St. Louis area. Hutchinson has served as chairman of AGC&rsquo;s Building Division and is a four-time member of the executive board.<br /><br />Simultaneously while serving in the position of AGC treasurer, Hutchinson will chair the task force on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, a job he has held before for the AGC of America, &ldquo; As a minority-owned contractor I learned the meaning and value of good construction management and what it takes to make a business successful&rdquo; said Hutchinson.&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;I hope to assist other minority firms onto the path to success.&rdquo;<br /><br />AGC is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States, and represents&nbsp; more than 33,000 firms nationwide, including 7,500 general contractors, and more than 12,500 specialty-contracting firms. <br /><br />The Associated General Contractors of St. Louis is the united voice of the area&rsquo;s construction industry, representing <br />more than 450 area construction firms.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:30:\"/images/uploads/hutchinson.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1371,494,2,2,1238125201,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"494\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 05:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:60:\"resource_st_louis_offers_free_construction_material_exchange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:317:\"ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website www.resourcestlouis.org. The site offers architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, tile, and more. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:38:\"ReSource St. Louis, materials exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2783:\"<p>ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website &ndash; <a href=\\\"  http://www.resourcestlouis.org\\\">www.resourcestlouis.org</a> &ndash; offering architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, and tile. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Resource St. Louis\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />ReSource St. Louis is the region&rsquo;s only materials exchange website &ndash; a free, online tool focused primarily on commercial construction and demolition waste.&nbsp; Its dynamic database platform features quick posting of materials, automatic notification when materials match a user\\\'s request, and tracking of the total tonnage of materials diverted over time. Diverting materials from local landfills addresses both economic and environmental concerns for the both providers and recipients of materials.<br /><br />Since launching in 2006, everything from gently used carpet to office furniture and overstock lighting has found new homes through the online though the site. This winter, a grant from the St. Louis/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, the website has been revitalized to make it easier to navigate and use.<br /><br />More than 6,000 items were posted on the ReSource St. Louis Materials Exchange in 2008, including used bleachers, kitchen cabinets and landscaping pavers.</p>\n<p>Feedback from the site includes:<br /><br />\\\"As a new small business owner, it was a huge find!... I saved approximately $3,500 on flooring. I even put carpet in areas that I had planned to put laminate because there was so much available.\\\" ( fitness center owner)<br /><br />\\\"It keeps all that out of the landfill, $2,000 worth of furniture.... Whenever I see a good idea like that, I take every opportunity I can to promote it.\\\" (sustainability consultant)<br /><br />&ldquo;If we had to go out and buy all this furniture we have, it would have cost us so much money.... (The Materials Exchange) is a great opportunity for start-ups.\\\" (homebuilder)<br /><br />According to Buildings.com: <br />&bull; In the U.S., total building-related construction and demolition waste is estimated to be 135.5 million tons a year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 30% of the total waste stream! <br />&bull; The average new construction project yields 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; The average building demolition yields 155 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; Three of the largest waste compounds on most job sites &ndash; cardboard, wood and drywall together make up 75% of construction waste &ndash; are fully recyclable.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1372,494,2,2,1238140048,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"494\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 05:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:60:\"resource_st_louis_offers_free_construction_material_exchange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:317:\"ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website www.resourcestlouis.org. The site offers architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, tile, and more. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:38:\"ReSource St. Louis, materials exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2783:\"<p>ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website &ndash; <a href=\\\"  http://www.resourcestlouis.org\\\">www.resourcestlouis.org</a> &ndash; offering architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, and tile. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Resource St. Louis\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />ReSource St. Louis is the region&rsquo;s only materials exchange website &ndash; a free, online tool focused primarily on commercial construction and demolition waste.&nbsp; Its dynamic database platform features quick posting of materials, automatic notification when materials match a user\\\'s request, and tracking of the total tonnage of materials diverted over time. Diverting materials from local landfills addresses both economic and environmental concerns for the both providers and recipients of materials.<br /><br />Since launching in 2006, everything from gently used carpet to office furniture and overstock lighting has found new homes through the online though the site. This winter, a grant from the St. Louis/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, the website has been revitalized to make it easier to navigate and use.<br /><br />More than 6,000 items were posted on the ReSource St. Louis Materials Exchange in 2008, including used bleachers, kitchen cabinets and landscaping pavers.</p>\n<p>Feedback from the site includes:<br /><br />\\\"As a new small business owner, it was a huge find!... I saved approximately $3,500 on flooring. I even put carpet in areas that I had planned to put laminate because there was so much available.\\\" ( fitness center owner)<br /><br />\\\"It keeps all that out of the landfill, $2,000 worth of furniture.... Whenever I see a good idea like that, I take every opportunity I can to promote it.\\\" (sustainability consultant)<br /><br />&ldquo;If we had to go out and buy all this furniture we have, it would have cost us so much money.... (The Materials Exchange) is a great opportunity for start-ups.\\\" (homebuilder)<br /><br />According to Buildings.com: <br />&bull; In the U.S., total building-related construction and demolition waste is estimated to be 135.5 million tons a year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 30% of the total waste stream! <br />&bull; The average new construction project yields 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; The average building demolition yields 155 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; Three of the largest waste compounds on most job sites &ndash; cardboard, wood and drywall together make up 75% of construction waste &ndash; are fully recyclable.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1373,495,2,2,1238140262,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 09:47 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:23:\"Looking for the Bottom \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:22:\"looking_for_the_bottom\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:21:\"Looking for the Botto\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:368:\"If there was a theme to this year’s St. Louis metro market forecast from the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) it was looking for the bottom. There is so much uncertainty in the marketplace that most of the speakers backed off from making forecasts for 2009. The expectations, however, were that commercial real estate markets have not yet hit bottom.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:46:\"SIOR, forecast, bottom, commercial real estate\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:4561:\"<p>If there was a theme to this year&rsquo;s St. Louis metro market forecast from the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) it was looking for the bottom. There is so much uncertainty in the marketplace that most of the speakers backed off from making forecasts for 2009. The expectations, however, were that commercial real estate markets have not yet hit bottom.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Crash\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/crash.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Glenn Guenther of Discovery Group, LLC, described the 2008 as a &ldquo;schizophrenic year&rdquo; for the office market. There was brisk activity in the first half of the year and then the market &ldquo;slipped into a coma&rdquo; for the last half of the year. Taken as a whole, the office market looked &ldquo;surprisingly stable and resilient&rdquo; in 2008 with vacancy rates hitting their lowest levels since 2000, he said, but he doesn&rsquo;t expect that 2009 will look the same. <br /><br />The trends Guenther expects to see in 2009 are:<br />&bull; flat demand for office space,<br />&bull; a migration of tenants from Class A space to Class B space,<br />&bull; a growth in short-term lease renewals, <br />&bull; falling lease rates, and<br />&bull; limited new construction.<br /><br />There are, however, some bright spots, he said. The market is not overbuilt and there are very few big blocks of vacant office space available &ndash; only five blocks of 50,000 square feet or more. The medical and biotech industries are growing, as are Monsanto, Edward Jones, and Scottrade.<br /><br />According to J. Patrick Reilly of Gateway Commercial/Cushman &amp; Wakefield, the industrial market also looks better on paper than it really is. Leasing was up in 2008, absorption of new space was steady, and the vacancy rate was only 6.8 percent, but two large deals skewed the statistics, accounting for 27 percent of activity and regional competitors are adding and absorbing more space each year than is St. Louis. Take Illinois out of the equation and the Missouri side of the metro area actually had a negative absorption rate of industrial space, meaning space was taken out of the market.<br /><br />There has been a paradigm shift in supply chains, he said, and St. Louis is losing the race to connect bulk distribution centers to deep water ports by rail. Craig Meyer, SIOR international president, said the offshoring of manufacturing from the United States has become as big an event as the industrial revolution. Manufactured goods now come to the U.S. by ship &ndash; 75 percent of it to the west coast, 25 percent to the east coast. The new distribution paradigm is to transfer cargo containers from ships to trains, which carry them to bulk distribution centers where the containers are transferred to trucks. &ldquo;Railroads are building bulk distribution centers in Kansas City and Columbus, OH,&rdquo; Reilly said, but not St. Louis.<br /><br />&ldquo;St. Louis is now overbuilt as an industrial market,&rdquo; Reilly said. Rents are less than the taxes on some buildings, he said, and he looks to see some distressed sales later in the year. He suggested that turning the market around may depend on St. Louis developing a niche as an inland port and getting a direct rail connection to a deep water port such as Houston.<br /><br />Alan Bornstein of THF Realty Inc., said the 15-year growth cycle in the retail market is over. In each of the last six months there has been a substantial statistical drop in consumer spending, he said. Couple that with the growth of ecommerce and any future real estate deals in the retail market likely will rely on public-private partnerships instead of private financing, he said.<br /><br />Joe Monteleone of Q10/Triad Capital Advisors Inc. said lenders want more equity in deals &ndash; in the retail market they are willing to lend for 60 percent of the value of a deal, he said &ndash; and they are concerned about refinancing. He noted that $230 billion of commercial mortgage backed securities are coming due in the next three years and one big question mark is how those owners will refinance.<br /><br />&ldquo;Lenders will be conservative for awhile,&rdquo; he said, but &ldquo;every recession creates asset buying opportunities.&rdquo; <br /><br />Monteleone guessed that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;re still trying to find the bottom of the trough,&rdquo; but added that some positive news is that insurance companies expect to get back into the lending market near the end of 2009.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:25:\"/images/uploads/crash.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}');
INSERT INTO `exp_entry_versioning` VALUES (1374,495,2,2,1238140322,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"495\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 09:47 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:22:\"Looking for the Bottom\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:22:\"looking_for_the_bottom\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:22:\"Looking for the Bottom\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:367:\"If there was a theme to this year\\\'s St. Louis metro market forecast from the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) it was looking for the bottom. There is so much uncertainty in the marketplace that most of the speakers backed off from making forecasts for 2009. The expectations, however, were that commercial real estate markets have not yet hit bottom.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:46:\"SIOR, forecast, bottom, commercial real estate\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:4556:\"<p>If there was a theme to this year\\\'s St. Louis metro market forecast from the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) it was looking for the bottom. There is so much uncertainty in the marketplace that most of the speakers backed off from making forecasts for 2009. The expectations, however, were that commercial real estate markets have not yet hit bottom.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Crash\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/crash.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Glenn Guenther of Discovery Group, LLC, described the 2008 as a &ldquo;schizophrenic year&rdquo; for the office market. There was brisk activity in the first half of the year and then the market &ldquo;slipped into a coma&rdquo; for the last half of the year. Taken as a whole, the office market looked &ldquo;surprisingly stable and resilient&rdquo; in 2008 with vacancy rates hitting their lowest levels since 2000, he said, but he doesn&rsquo;t expect that 2009 will look the same. <br /><br />The trends Guenther expects to see in 2009 are:<br />&bull; flat demand for office space,<br />&bull; a migration of tenants from Class A space to Class B space,<br />&bull; a growth in short-term lease renewals, <br />&bull; falling lease rates, and<br />&bull; limited new construction.<br /><br />There are, however, some bright spots, he said. The market is not overbuilt and there are very few big blocks of vacant office space available &ndash; only five blocks of 50,000 square feet or more. The medical and biotech industries are growing, as are Monsanto, Edward Jones, and Scottrade.<br /><br />According to J. Patrick Reilly of Gateway Commercial/Cushman &amp; Wakefield, the industrial market also looks better on paper than it really is. Leasing was up in 2008, absorption of new space was steady, and the vacancy rate was only 6.8 percent, but two large deals skewed the statistics, accounting for 27 percent of activity and regional competitors are adding and absorbing more space each year than is St. Louis. Take Illinois out of the equation and the Missouri side of the metro area actually had a negative absorption rate of industrial space, meaning space was taken out of the market.<br /><br />There has been a paradigm shift in supply chains, he said, and St. Louis is losing the race to connect bulk distribution centers to deep water ports by rail. Craig Meyer, SIOR international president, said the offshoring of manufacturing from the United States has become as big an event as the industrial revolution. Manufactured goods now come to the U.S. by ship &ndash; 75 percent of it to the west coast, 25 percent to the east coast. The new distribution paradigm is to transfer cargo containers from ships to trains, which carry them to bulk distribution centers where the containers are transferred to trucks. &ldquo;Railroads are building bulk distribution centers in Kansas City and Columbus, OH,&rdquo; Reilly said, but not St. Louis.<br /><br />&ldquo;St. Louis is now overbuilt as an industrial market,&rdquo; Reilly said. Rents are less than the taxes on some buildings, he said, and he looks to see some distressed sales later in the year. He suggested that turning the market around may depend on St. Louis developing a niche as an inland port and getting a direct rail connection to a deep water port such as Houston.<br /><br />Alan Bornstein of THF Realty Inc., said the 15-year growth cycle in the retail market is over. In each of the last six months there has been a substantial statistical drop in consumer spending, he said. Couple that with the growth of ecommerce and any future real estate deals in the retail market likely will rely on public-private partnerships instead of private financing, he said.<br /><br />Joe Monteleone of Q10/Triad Capital Advisors Inc. said lenders want more equity in deals &ndash; in the retail market they are willing to lend for 60 percent of the value of a deal, he said &ndash; and they are concerned about refinancing. He noted that $230 billion of commercial mortgage backed securities are coming due in the next three years and one big question mark is how those owners will refinance.<br /><br />&ldquo;Lenders will be conservative for awhile,&rdquo; he said, but &ldquo;every recession creates asset buying opportunities.&rdquo; <br /><br />Monteleone guessed that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;re still trying to find the bottom of the trough,&rdquo; but added that some positive news is that insurance companies expect to get back into the lending market near the end of 2009.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:25:\"/images/uploads/crash.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1375,496,4,2,1238161536,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-27 03:43 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:56:\"Cardinal Glennon Lean, IPD Project  Wins National Award \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"cardinal_glennon_lean_ipd_project_wins_national_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Cardinal Glennon Lean, IPD Project  Wins National Award\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:276:\"The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) & Surgery Addition at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children\\\'s Medical Center received the 2009 Vista Award – a national mark of distinction and honor, recognizing the importance of teamwork in the healthcare design and building environment. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Cardinal Glennon, NICU, Alberici\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1614:\"<p>The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) &amp; Surgery Addition at\nSSM Cardinal Glennon Children&rsquo;s Medical Center received the 2009 Vista\nAward &ndash; a national mark of distinction and honor, recognizing the\nimportance of teamwork in the healthcare design and building\nenvironment.&nbsp; The award is granted by the American Society for\nHealthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association\n(AHA).&nbsp; The NICU &amp; Surgery Addition is one of only three new\nhospital projects in the country to be recognized this year with a\nVista Award.&nbsp; Alberici Constructors served as the project&rsquo;s\nconstruction manager and Christner served as the project&rsquo;s architect.<br /><br />The\nproject team used Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Lean\nConstruction techniques to deliver a specialized building that includes\nten operating rooms and a NICU with 60 private rooms.&nbsp; Teamwork led to\nexceptional results in reducing cost and waste, adhering to the\nschedule, and responding to a not-to-exceed budget of $59 million<br /><br />For\nexample, the team conserved 40% of the original construction\ncontingency as an incentive pool. Savings &ndash; accrued through unusual\ncollaboration during design and construction &ndash; were shared by the\narchitect, constructor, engineer and major system subcontractors.</p>\n<p>Partners to the leadership team for the SSM Cardinal Glennon NICU\n&amp; Surgery project were: Owner:SSM Cardinal Glennon Children&rsquo;s\nMedical Center; Architect: Christner Inc.; Contractor: Alberici\nConstructors; and Engineer: McGrath Incorporated Engineering.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1376,494,2,2,1238161670,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"494\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 05:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:60:\"resource_st_louis_offers_free_construction_material_exchange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:317:\"ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website www.resourcestlouis.org. The site offers architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, tile, and more. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:38:\"ReSource St. Louis, materials exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2783:\"<p>ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website &ndash; <a href=\\\"  http://www.resourcestlouis.org\\\">www.resourcestlouis.org</a> &ndash; offering architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, and tile. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Resource St. Louis\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />ReSource St. Louis is the region&rsquo;s only materials exchange website &ndash; a free, online tool focused primarily on commercial construction and demolition waste.&nbsp; Its dynamic database platform features quick posting of materials, automatic notification when materials match a user\\\'s request, and tracking of the total tonnage of materials diverted over time. Diverting materials from local landfills addresses both economic and environmental concerns for the both providers and recipients of materials.<br /><br />Since launching in 2006, everything from gently used carpet to office furniture and overstock lighting has found new homes through the online though the site. This winter, a grant from the St. Louis/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, the website has been revitalized to make it easier to navigate and use.<br /><br />More than 6,000 items were posted on the ReSource St. Louis Materials Exchange in 2008, including used bleachers, kitchen cabinets and landscaping pavers.</p>\n<p>Feedback from the site includes:<br /><br />\\\"As a new small business owner, it was a huge find!... I saved approximately $3,500 on flooring. I even put carpet in areas that I had planned to put laminate because there was so much available.\\\" ( fitness center owner)<br /><br />\\\"It keeps all that out of the landfill, $2,000 worth of furniture.... Whenever I see a good idea like that, I take every opportunity I can to promote it.\\\" (sustainability consultant)<br /><br />&ldquo;If we had to go out and buy all this furniture we have, it would have cost us so much money.... (The Materials Exchange) is a great opportunity for start-ups.\\\" (homebuilder)<br /><br />According to Buildings.com: <br />&bull; In the U.S., total building-related construction and demolition waste is estimated to be 135.5 million tons a year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 30% of the total waste stream! <br />&bull; The average new construction project yields 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; The average building demolition yields 155 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; Three of the largest waste compounds on most job sites &ndash; cardboard, wood and drywall together make up 75% of construction waste &ndash; are fully recyclable.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1377,494,2,2,1238161807,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"494\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 05:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:60:\"resource_st_louis_offers_free_construction_material_exchange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:317:\"ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website www.resourcestlouis.org. The site offers architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, tile, and more. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:38:\"ReSource St. Louis, materials exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2781:\"<p>ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website &ndash; <a href=\\\"http://www.stlouisresource.org\\\">www.stlouisresource.org</a> &ndash; offering architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, and tile. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Resource St. Louis\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />ReSource St. Louis is the region&rsquo;s only materials exchange website &ndash; a free, online tool focused primarily on commercial construction and demolition waste.&nbsp; Its dynamic database platform features quick posting of materials, automatic notification when materials match a user\\\'s request, and tracking of the total tonnage of materials diverted over time. Diverting materials from local landfills addresses both economic and environmental concerns for the both providers and recipients of materials.<br /><br />Since launching in 2006, everything from gently used carpet to office furniture and overstock lighting has found new homes through the online though the site. This winter, a grant from the St. Louis/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, the website has been revitalized to make it easier to navigate and use.<br /><br />More than 6,000 items were posted on the ReSource St. Louis Materials Exchange in 2008, including used bleachers, kitchen cabinets and landscaping pavers.</p>\n<p>Feedback from the site includes:<br /><br />\\\"As a new small business owner, it was a huge find!... I saved approximately $3,500 on flooring. I even put carpet in areas that I had planned to put laminate because there was so much available.\\\" ( fitness center owner)<br /><br />\\\"It keeps all that out of the landfill, $2,000 worth of furniture.... Whenever I see a good idea like that, I take every opportunity I can to promote it.\\\" (sustainability consultant)<br /><br />&ldquo;If we had to go out and buy all this furniture we have, it would have cost us so much money.... (The Materials Exchange) is a great opportunity for start-ups.\\\" (homebuilder)<br /><br />According to Buildings.com: <br />&bull; In the U.S., total building-related construction and demolition waste is estimated to be 135.5 million tons a year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 30% of the total waste stream! <br />&bull; The average new construction project yields 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; The average building demolition yields 155 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; Three of the largest waste compounds on most job sites &ndash; cardboard, wood and drywall together make up 75% of construction waste &ndash; are fully recyclable.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1378,494,2,2,1238162016,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"494\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 05:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:60:\"resource_st_louis_offers_free_construction_material_exchange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:62:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Construction Material Exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:317:\"ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website www.resourcestlouis.org. The site offers architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, tile, and more. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:38:\"ReSource St. Louis, materials exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2781:\"<p>ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website &ndash; <a href=\\\"http://www.resourcestlouis.org\\\">www.resourcestlouis.org</a> &ndash; offering architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, and tile. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Resource St. Louis\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />ReSource St. Louis is the region&rsquo;s only materials exchange website &ndash; a free, online tool focused primarily on commercial construction and demolition waste.&nbsp; Its dynamic database platform features quick posting of materials, automatic notification when materials match a user\\\'s request, and tracking of the total tonnage of materials diverted over time. Diverting materials from local landfills addresses both economic and environmental concerns for the both providers and recipients of materials.<br /><br />Since launching in 2006, everything from gently used carpet to office furniture and overstock lighting has found new homes through the online though the site. This winter, a grant from the St. Louis/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, the website has been revitalized to make it easier to navigate and use.<br /><br />More than 6,000 items were posted on the ReSource St. Louis Materials Exchange in 2008, including used bleachers, kitchen cabinets and landscaping pavers.</p>\n<p>Feedback from the site includes:<br /><br />\\\"As a new small business owner, it was a huge find!... I saved approximately $3,500 on flooring. I even put carpet in areas that I had planned to put laminate because there was so much available.\\\" ( fitness center owner)<br /><br />\\\"It keeps all that out of the landfill, $2,000 worth of furniture.... Whenever I see a good idea like that, I take every opportunity I can to promote it.\\\" (sustainability consultant)<br /><br />&ldquo;If we had to go out and buy all this furniture we have, it would have cost us so much money.... (The Materials Exchange) is a great opportunity for start-ups.\\\" (homebuilder)<br /><br />According to Buildings.com: <br />&bull; In the U.S., total building-related construction and demolition waste is estimated to be 135.5 million tons a year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 30% of the total waste stream! <br />&bull; The average new construction project yields 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; The average building demolition yields 155 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; Three of the largest waste compounds on most job sites &ndash; cardboard, wood and drywall together make up 75% of construction waste &ndash; are fully recyclable.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1379,497,4,2,1238162808,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-27 04:04 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"McMillen Receives Specialty Geotech Certification\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"mcmillen_receives_specialty_geotech_certification\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"McMillen Receives Specialty Geotech Certification\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:204:\"T. Michael McMillen, PE, D.GE, was recently inducted into the initial class of Diplomates of Geotechnical Engineering, a post-licensure specialty certification based on experience, education, and ethics. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:38:\"McMillen, Academy of Geo-Professionals\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:624:\"<p>T. Michael McMillen, PE, D.GE, was recently inducted into the initial class of Diplomates of Geotechnical Engineering, a post-licensure specialty certification based on experience, education, and ethics.&nbsp; <br /><br />The program is administered by the Academy of Geo-Professionals, under the American Society of Civil Engineer&rsquo;s Geo-Institute. McMillen has been active in specialty certification for many years and now serves as vice president of the Academy&rsquo;s Board.&nbsp; <br /><br />He is president of Gateway Geotechnical, LLC, a geotechnical design and consulting, and construction testing firm.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1380,498,4,2,1238163131,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-27 04:08 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:42:\"Panel Discussion on Infrastructure April 8\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:42:\"panel_discussion_on_infrastructure_april_8\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:42:\"Panel Discussion on Infrastructure April 8\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:422:\" A panel of St. Louis business leaders will address current and future priorities for renewal of the area\\\'s roads, bridges, sewers and other infrastructure at a free panel discussion on Wednesday, April 8 at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. in Forest Park. The free event, “Infrastructure Opportunities: A Stimulus for Economic Growth,â€ begins at 8:30 with continental breakfast and concludes at 9 a.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:48:\"Infrastructure, Pipefitters, KAI, History Museum\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1170:\"<p>&nbsp;A panel of St. Louis business leaders will address current and future priorities for renewal of the area\\\'s roads, bridges, sewers and other infrastructure at a free panel discussion on Wednesday, April 8 at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. in Forest Park. The free event, &ldquo;Infrastructure Opportunities: A Stimulus for Economic Growth,&rdquo; begins at 8:30 with continental breakfast and concludes at 9 a.m.<br />&nbsp;<br />Major infrastructure projects represent long-term investments in economic growth that will create thousands of Missouri jobs and add billions to the state\\\'s economy, according to Kevin Ferguson, vice president of Kwame Building Group, a St. Louis-based construction management firm.<br />&nbsp;<br />Speakers at the panel discussion include Kevin Ferguson, vice president of Kwame Building Group; Jeff Theerman, executive director of the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District; and Pat Kellett, business manager at Plumbers &amp; Pipefitters Local Union No. 562.&nbsp; Admission is free but reservations are requested. To RSVP, e-mail <a href=\\\"mailto:stlevents@bizjournals.com\\\">stlevents@bizjournals.com</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1381,496,4,2,1238163200,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"496\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-27 04:50 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Cardinal Glennon Lean, IPD Project  Wins National Award\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"cardinal_glennon_lean_ipd_project_wins_national_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Cardinal Glennon Lean, IPD Project  Wins National Award\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:276:\"The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) & Surgery Addition at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children\\\'s Medical Center received the 2009 Vista Award – a national mark of distinction and honor, recognizing the importance of teamwork in the healthcare design and building environment. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Cardinal Glennon, NICU, Alberici\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1614:\"<p>The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) &amp; Surgery Addition at\nSSM Cardinal Glennon Children&rsquo;s Medical Center received the 2009 Vista\nAward &ndash; a national mark of distinction and honor, recognizing the\nimportance of teamwork in the healthcare design and building\nenvironment.&nbsp; The award is granted by the American Society for\nHealthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association\n(AHA).&nbsp; The NICU &amp; Surgery Addition is one of only three new\nhospital projects in the country to be recognized this year with a\nVista Award.&nbsp; Alberici Constructors served as the project&rsquo;s\nconstruction manager and Christner served as the project&rsquo;s architect.<br /><br />The\nproject team used Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Lean\nConstruction techniques to deliver a specialized building that includes\nten operating rooms and a NICU with 60 private rooms.&nbsp; Teamwork led to\nexceptional results in reducing cost and waste, adhering to the\nschedule, and responding to a not-to-exceed budget of $59 million<br /><br />For\nexample, the team conserved 40% of the original construction\ncontingency as an incentive pool. Savings &ndash; accrued through unusual\ncollaboration during design and construction &ndash; were shared by the\narchitect, constructor, engineer and major system subcontractors.</p>\n<p>Partners to the leadership team for the SSM Cardinal Glennon NICU\n&amp; Surgery project were: Owner:SSM Cardinal Glennon Children&rsquo;s\nMedical Center; Architect: Christner Inc.; Contractor: Alberici\nConstructors; and Engineer: McGrath Incorporated Engineering.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1382,496,4,2,1238163287,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"496\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-27 04:14 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Cardinal Glennon Lean, IPD Project  Wins National Award\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"cardinal_glennon_lean_ipd_project_wins_national_award\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:55:\"Cardinal Glennon Lean, IPD Project  Wins National Award\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:276:\"The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) & Surgery Addition at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children\\\'s Medical Center received the 2009 Vista Award – a national mark of distinction and honor, recognizing the importance of teamwork in the healthcare design and building environment. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Cardinal Glennon, NICU, Alberici\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1614:\"<p>The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) &amp; Surgery Addition at\nSSM Cardinal Glennon Children&rsquo;s Medical Center received the 2009 Vista\nAward &ndash; a national mark of distinction and honor, recognizing the\nimportance of teamwork in the healthcare design and building\nenvironment.&nbsp; The award is granted by the American Society for\nHealthcare Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Association\n(AHA).&nbsp; The NICU &amp; Surgery Addition is one of only three new\nhospital projects in the country to be recognized this year with a\nVista Award.&nbsp; Alberici Constructors served as the project&rsquo;s\nconstruction manager and Christner served as the project&rsquo;s architect.<br /><br />The\nproject team used Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and Lean\nConstruction techniques to deliver a specialized building that includes\nten operating rooms and a NICU with 60 private rooms.&nbsp; Teamwork led to\nexceptional results in reducing cost and waste, adhering to the\nschedule, and responding to a not-to-exceed budget of $59 million<br /><br />For\nexample, the team conserved 40% of the original construction\ncontingency as an incentive pool. Savings &ndash; accrued through unusual\ncollaboration during design and construction &ndash; were shared by the\narchitect, constructor, engineer and major system subcontractors.</p>\n<p>Partners to the leadership team for the SSM Cardinal Glennon NICU\n&amp; Surgery project were: Owner:SSM Cardinal Glennon Children&rsquo;s\nMedical Center; Architect: Christner Inc.; Contractor: Alberici\nConstructors; and Engineer: McGrath Incorporated Engineering.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1383,499,4,2,1238163591,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-27 04:17 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"Hensley Starts Community School Expansion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"hensley_starts_community_school_expansion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:41:\"Hensley Starts Community School Expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:128:\"Hensley Construction, Inc. has begun construction on a $6 million expansion and renovation project at Community School in Ladue.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:45:\"Hensley Construction, Ladue, Community School\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:383:\"<p>Hensley Construction, Inc. has begun construction on a $6 million expansion and renovation project at Community School in Ladue. following a groundbreaking on March 6.&nbsp; Work to construct a new leadership wing, expand the kitchen, renovate the main entrance and widen the school&rsquo;s driveway is the largest component of an $8 million capital campaign launched in 2007.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1384,499,4,2,1238163622,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"499\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-27 04:03 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"Hensley Starts Community School Expansion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"hensley_starts_community_school_expansion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:41:\"Hensley Starts Community School Expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:128:\"Hensley Construction, Inc. has begun construction on a $6 million expansion and renovation project at Community School in Ladue.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:45:\"Hensley Construction, Ladue, Community School\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:383:\"<p>Hensley Construction, Inc. has begun construction on a $6 million expansion and renovation project at Community School in Ladue. following a groundbreaking on March 6.&nbsp; Work to construct a new leadership wing, expand the kitchen, renovate the main entrance and widen the school&rsquo;s driveway is the largest component of an $8 million capital campaign launched in 2007.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1385,497,4,2,1238163832,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"497\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-27 04:04 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"McMillen Earns Specialty Geotech Certification\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"mcmillen_earns_specialty_geotech_certification\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"McMillen Earns Specialty Geotech Certification\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:204:\"T. Michael McMillen, PE, D.GE, was recently inducted into the initial class of Diplomates of Geotechnical Engineering, a post-licensure specialty certification based on experience, education, and ethics. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:38:\"McMillen, Academy of Geo-Professionals\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:624:\"<p>T. Michael McMillen, PE, D.GE, was recently inducted into the initial class of Diplomates of Geotechnical Engineering, a post-licensure specialty certification based on experience, education, and ethics.&nbsp; <br /><br />The program is administered by the Academy of Geo-Professionals, under the American Society of Civil Engineer&rsquo;s Geo-Institute. McMillen has been active in specialty certification for many years and now serves as vice president of the Academy&rsquo;s Board.&nbsp; <br /><br />He is president of Gateway Geotechnical, LLC, a geotechnical design and consulting, and construction testing firm.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1386,494,2,2,1238164073,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"494\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 05:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free  Material Exchange\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:47:\"resource_st_louis_offers_free_material_exchange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:49:\"ReSource St. Louis  Offers Free Material Exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:317:\"ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website www.resourcestlouis.org. The site offers architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, tile, and more. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:38:\"ReSource St. Louis, materials exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2781:\"<p>ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website &ndash; <a href=\\\"http://www.resourcestlouis.org\\\">www.resourcestlouis.org</a> &ndash; offering architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, and tile. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Resource St. Louis\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />ReSource St. Louis is the region&rsquo;s only materials exchange website &ndash; a free, online tool focused primarily on commercial construction and demolition waste.&nbsp; Its dynamic database platform features quick posting of materials, automatic notification when materials match a user\\\'s request, and tracking of the total tonnage of materials diverted over time. Diverting materials from local landfills addresses both economic and environmental concerns for the both providers and recipients of materials.<br /><br />Since launching in 2006, everything from gently used carpet to office furniture and overstock lighting has found new homes through the online though the site. This winter, a grant from the St. Louis/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, the website has been revitalized to make it easier to navigate and use.<br /><br />More than 6,000 items were posted on the ReSource St. Louis Materials Exchange in 2008, including used bleachers, kitchen cabinets and landscaping pavers.</p>\n<p>Feedback from the site includes:<br /><br />\\\"As a new small business owner, it was a huge find!... I saved approximately $3,500 on flooring. I even put carpet in areas that I had planned to put laminate because there was so much available.\\\" ( fitness center owner)<br /><br />\\\"It keeps all that out of the landfill, $2,000 worth of furniture.... Whenever I see a good idea like that, I take every opportunity I can to promote it.\\\" (sustainability consultant)<br /><br />&ldquo;If we had to go out and buy all this furniture we have, it would have cost us so much money.... (The Materials Exchange) is a great opportunity for start-ups.\\\" (homebuilder)<br /><br />According to Buildings.com: <br />&bull; In the U.S., total building-related construction and demolition waste is estimated to be 135.5 million tons a year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 30% of the total waste stream! <br />&bull; The average new construction project yields 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; The average building demolition yields 155 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; Three of the largest waste compounds on most job sites &ndash; cardboard, wood and drywall together make up 75% of construction waste &ndash; are fully recyclable.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1387,494,2,2,1238164191,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"494\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 05:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"Recycle Exchange Website Launched\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:33:\"recycle_exchange_website_launched\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:33:\"Recycle Exchange Website Launched\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:317:\"ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website www.resourcestlouis.org. The site offers architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, tile, and more. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:38:\"ReSource St. Louis, materials exchange\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2781:\"<p>ReSource St. Louis recently launched its newly renovated materials exchange website &ndash; <a href=\\\"http://www.resourcestlouis.org\\\">www.resourcestlouis.org</a> &ndash; offering architects, engineers, general contractors, facility professionals and others with a means to exchange construction and demolition materials, such as carpet, lumber, fixtures, and tile. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Resource St. Louis\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />ReSource St. Louis is the region&rsquo;s only materials exchange website &ndash; a free, online tool focused primarily on commercial construction and demolition waste.&nbsp; Its dynamic database platform features quick posting of materials, automatic notification when materials match a user\\\'s request, and tracking of the total tonnage of materials diverted over time. Diverting materials from local landfills addresses both economic and environmental concerns for the both providers and recipients of materials.<br /><br />Since launching in 2006, everything from gently used carpet to office furniture and overstock lighting has found new homes through the online though the site. This winter, a grant from the St. Louis/Jefferson County Solid Waste District, the website has been revitalized to make it easier to navigate and use.<br /><br />More than 6,000 items were posted on the ReSource St. Louis Materials Exchange in 2008, including used bleachers, kitchen cabinets and landscaping pavers.</p>\n<p>Feedback from the site includes:<br /><br />\\\"As a new small business owner, it was a huge find!... I saved approximately $3,500 on flooring. I even put carpet in areas that I had planned to put laminate because there was so much available.\\\" ( fitness center owner)<br /><br />\\\"It keeps all that out of the landfill, $2,000 worth of furniture.... Whenever I see a good idea like that, I take every opportunity I can to promote it.\\\" (sustainability consultant)<br /><br />&ldquo;If we had to go out and buy all this furniture we have, it would have cost us so much money.... (The Materials Exchange) is a great opportunity for start-ups.\\\" (homebuilder)<br /><br />According to Buildings.com: <br />&bull; In the U.S., total building-related construction and demolition waste is estimated to be 135.5 million tons a year &ndash; that&rsquo;s 30% of the total waste stream! <br />&bull; The average new construction project yields 3.9 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; The average building demolition yields 155 pounds of waste per square foot. <br />&bull; Three of the largest waste compounds on most job sites &ndash; cardboard, wood and drywall together make up 75% of construction waste &ndash; are fully recyclable.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/resource-st-louis.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1388,493,10,2,1238165863,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"493\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 04:23 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"USGBC-STL Growing Green Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"usgbcstl_growing_green_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:30:\"USGBC-STL Growing Green Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:273:\"Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize and celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live, work, and play.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Growing Green, awards, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:64:\"The Coronado Ballroom,  3701 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-04-31 06:00 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:7:\"6 p.m. \";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1502:\"<p>6 p.m.cocktails<br />7 p.m. dinner <br />8 p.m. program and entertainment<br />8:30 p.m. awards</p>\n<p>Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize and celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live, work, and play. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Cost: $70 per person&nbsp; </strong><br />Includes a networking cocktail hour with hors d&rsquo;oeuvres, valet parking, dinner, open bar, and entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Introductory Speaker:</strong> Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Managing&nbsp; Director of the STL Operation for American Airlines and Board President of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis&nbsp; <br /><strong>&nbsp;<br />Emcee:</strong> Glenda Abney, director of Missouri Botanical Garden&rsquo;s EarthWays Center&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Keynote Speaker:</strong> Kyle Hunsberger, Director of Construction&nbsp; for Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize&nbsp; and celebrate the people, organizations and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a&nbsp; more environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place&nbsp; to live, work, and play.</p>\n<p>For reservations, call Rachel McCalla at 314.210.7764, or register <a href=\\\"http://growinggreenawards.eventbrite.com/\\\">online</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1389,493,10,2,1238165930,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"493\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 04:23 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:30:\"USGBC-STL Growing Green Awards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"usgbcstl_growing_green_awards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:30:\"USGBC-STL Growing Green Awards\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:273:\"Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize and celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live, work, and play.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:28:\"Growing Green, awards, USGBC\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:64:\"The Coronado Ballroom,  3701 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-03-31 06:00 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:7:\"6 p.m. \";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:1502:\"<p>6 p.m.cocktails<br />7 p.m. dinner <br />8 p.m. program and entertainment<br />8:30 p.m. awards</p>\n<p>Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize and celebrate the people, organizations, and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy place to live, work, and play. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Cost: $70 per person&nbsp; </strong><br />Includes a networking cocktail hour with hors d&rsquo;oeuvres, valet parking, dinner, open bar, and entertainment.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Introductory Speaker:</strong> Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Managing&nbsp; Director of the STL Operation for American Airlines and Board President of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis&nbsp; <br /><strong>&nbsp;<br />Emcee:</strong> Glenda Abney, director of Missouri Botanical Garden&rsquo;s EarthWays Center&nbsp;</p>\n<p><strong>Keynote Speaker:</strong> Kyle Hunsberger, Director of Construction&nbsp; for Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Through the Growing Green Awards, USGBC-STL will recognize&nbsp; and celebrate the people, organizations and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a&nbsp; more environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place&nbsp; to live, work, and play.</p>\n<p>For reservations, call Rachel McCalla at 314.210.7764, or register <a href=\\\"http://growinggreenawards.eventbrite.com/\\\">online</a>.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1390,500,4,2,1238648404,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-01 06:39 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"cb_richard_ellis_releases_first_quarter_report\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:271:\"CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews track multitenant space throughout the St. Louis metro area, showing trends in vacancy, construction and absorption, among other measurements.\n\n\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"CB Richard Ellis, First Quarter, report\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1620:\"<p>CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews track multitenant space throughout the St. Louis metro area, showing trends in vacancy, construction and absorption, among other measurements.</p>\n<p>The Office MarketView shows that the vacancy rate for the St. Louis market rose to 15.1% in the first quarter of 2009, up from 14.8% at the end of 2008. Lease renewals are the most prevalent transactions in the market, and an increasing amount of sublease space will<br />pressure the office market in the months ahead. Despite the challenges, however, some CBRE brokers see positive signs, especially compared to other slow periods in St. Louis&rsquo; history.</p>\n<p>On the Industrial side, the availability rate decreased slightly, from 12.1% in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 11.9% currently. The vacancy rate, however, showed an increase, ending the quarter at 8.2%. The St. Louis market&rsquo;s vacancy rate remains competitive with peer cities such as Indianapolis and Kansas City.</p>\n<p>Both the Industrial and Office markets have seen a slowdown in new construction, specifically speculative construction, which bodes well for the future, as less new space will need to be filled during a time of relatively slow deal velocity.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\"><br /></a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">To download the office report, click here</a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">.</a></p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/industrial_market.pdf\\\"><br />To download the industrial report, click here</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1391,500,4,2,1238651756,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"500\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-01 06:39 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"cb_richard_ellis_releases_first_quarter_report\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:271:\"CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews track multitenant space throughout the St. Louis metro area, showing trends in vacancy, construction and absorption, among other measurements.\n\n\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"CB Richard Ellis, First Quarter, report\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1615:\"<p>CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews track multitenant space throughout the St. Louis metro area, showing trends in vacancy, construction and absorption, among other measurements.</p>\n<p>The Office MarketView shows that the vacancy rate for the St. Louis market rose to 15.1% in the first quarter of 2009, up from 14.8% at the end of 2008. Lease renewals are the most prevalent transactions in the market, and an increasing amount of sublease space will pressure the office market in the months ahead. Despite the challenges, however, some CBRE brokers see positive signs, especially compared to other slow periods in St. Louis&rsquo; history.</p>\n<p>On the Industrial side, the availability rate decreased slightly, from 12.1% in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 11.9% currently. The vacancy rate, however, showed an increase, ending the quarter at 8.2%. The St. Louis market&rsquo;s vacancy rate remains competitive with peer cities such as Indianapolis and Kansas City.</p>\n<p>Both the Industrial and Office markets have seen a slowdown in new construction, specifically speculative construction, which bodes well for the future, as less new space will need to be filled during a time of relatively slow deal velocity.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\"><br /></a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">To download the office report, click here</a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">.</a></p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/industrial_market.pdf\\\"><br />To download the industrial report, click here</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1392,500,4,2,1238718494,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"500\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-01 06:39 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"cb_richard_ellis_releases_first_quarter_report\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:112:\"CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. \n\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"CB Richard Ellis, First Quarter, report\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1615:\"<p>CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews track multitenant space throughout the St. Louis metro area, showing trends in vacancy, construction and absorption, among other measurements.</p>\n<p>The Office MarketView shows that the vacancy rate for the St. Louis market rose to 15.1% in the first quarter of 2009, up from 14.8% at the end of 2008. Lease renewals are the most prevalent transactions in the market, and an increasing amount of sublease space will pressure the office market in the months ahead. Despite the challenges, however, some CBRE brokers see positive signs, especially compared to other slow periods in St. Louis&rsquo; history.</p>\n<p>On the Industrial side, the availability rate decreased slightly, from 12.1% in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 11.9% currently. The vacancy rate, however, showed an increase, ending the quarter at 8.2%. The St. Louis market&rsquo;s vacancy rate remains competitive with peer cities such as Indianapolis and Kansas City.</p>\n<p>Both the Industrial and Office markets have seen a slowdown in new construction, specifically speculative construction, which bodes well for the future, as less new space will need to be filled during a time of relatively slow deal velocity.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\"><br /></a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">To download the office report, click here</a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">.</a></p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/industrial_market.pdf\\\"><br />To download the industrial report, click here</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1393,501,4,2,1238718739,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 02:29 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:36:\"Mississippi River Bridge Meeting Set\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"mississippi_river_bridge_meeting_set\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:36:\"Mississippi River Bridge Meeting Set\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:108:\"The Mississippi River Bridge project team has scheduled a public meeting to discuss future renovation work .\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:46:\"Mississippi River Bridge, I-70, public meeting\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1601:\"<p>The Mississippi River Bridge project team has scheduled a public meeting to discuss future renovation work on the St. Louis Ave. and Madison Ave. bridges over Interstate 70.</p>\n<p>The open house-style public meeting is April 16, 2009, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Clay Elementary School, 3820 North 14th Street, St. Louis, MO, 63107.<br /><br />This meeting is open house-style, which means no formal presentations will be made.&nbsp; During the meeting, the MRB team will discuss the project to replace these two bridges across I-70 and to remove the Cass Bridge. Attendees will be able to discuss the bridge replacement schedule, detours and any other concerns. Additionally, attendees can find out about the progress the design team has made on the Mississippi River Bridge and associated projects. Attendees will be able to offer comments or suggestions at any time during the meeting, and be able to document those comments. Attendees, or other interested parties, will be able to submit comments before June 6.<br /><br />The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission will accept bids for this project in late May. Work on the project will start in late 2009 and is expected to be finished by Dec. 31, 2010.<br /><br />The new Mississippi River Bridge is expected to reduce severe traffic congestion and vehicle crashes on the Poplar Street Bridge (PSB). Currently, PSB carries combined traffic for Interstates 55, 64 and 70. In 2004, traffic counts on the PSB average 120,000 vehicles daily.<br /><br />Visit www.newriverbridge.org/ for more information on the new Mississippi River Bridge.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1524,536,4,2,1241546795,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"536\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-24 03:46 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"51\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:68:\"Wilson, Guarantee, C&R Mechanical Build Sisters of Mercy Data Center\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:65:\"wilson_guarantee_c_rmechanical_build_sisters_of_mercy_data_center\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:68:\"Wilson, Guarantee, C&R Mechanical Build Sisters of Mercy Data Center\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:121:\"A St. Louis-based  team is building a Tier III data center in Washington, MO for  Sisters of Mercy Health System (Mercy).\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"SSM, data center, Guarantee, Wilson\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:4169:\"<p>A St. Louis-based construction team is building a 42,500-square-foot Tier III data center in Washington, MO for Sisters of Mercy Health System (Mercy). Construction on the data center is slated for completion in December 2009, with facility commissioning to be finished by August 2010.</p>\n<p>The data center, valued at approximately $60 million, will serve 19 acute care hospitals with 4,000 beds, two heart hospitals, a managed care plan (Mercy Health Plans), physician offices and various healthcare facilities in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. <br /><br />&nbsp;SM Wilson&nbsp; Co. is general contractor, Guarantee is serving as design/build electrical contractor, joining general contractornical contractor C&amp;R Mechanical Co is design/build mechanical.</p>\n<p>The Mercy Health System is investing in the data center to advance its goal of having all patient medical records &ndash; diagnostics, therapies, outcomes &ndash; filed electronically. After the facility in Washington is commissioned, a data center in St. Louis will provide remote data archiving and restoration support to the facility in Washington.<br /><br />A primary factor in selecting the Washington, Mo. site was access to and availability of electrical power. Prior to the start of construction, Guarantee and the team helped Mercy resolve issues related to power, namely the distance of redundant power and the cost of getting it and other utilities to the site. The amount of power being brought to the building is sufficient to light a town of 14,000 people.<br /><br />The electrical design is scalable, decreasing the need for upfront investment. Initially, the center will have a capacity of four 1.0MW 416/240V N+1 modular uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, each expandable to 1.6MW in 200KW segments as the load grows.<br /><br />To achieve further savings, each UPS is linked to a 416/240V unit sub that serves the data center by way of remote power panels located in data center racking. The configuration eliminates additional transformation typically found in data centers served by conventional 480V to 120/208V power distribution units. All servers are merely connected at 240V to 120V, creating significant savings in rack wiring and reduced energy costs by eliminating additional transformation losses.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;A web-based building management system controls interior and exterior lighting designed to ASHRAE 90.1 2004 standards. Also, all mechanical motors are high efficiency with variable speed drives. <br /><br />The center carries a finish specification of 368 watts per square foot of raised floor area. Upon opening, it will have a 35KV customer sub-station with dual 7 MVA 12.47KV secondary transformers that are expandable to 14 MVA, with transmission and delivery rates at transmission-grade level to enable it to support next-generation, high-density systems. 2N redundant utility service is provided by a pair of separately routed 138/35KV utility transformers, with N+1 emergency service back-up provided by two 2MW 12.47KV diesel generators (expandable to four). <br /><br />Two fiber-optic concerns serve the site, using the &ldquo;front door/back door&rdquo; technique to assure utmost service reliability. <br /><br />Security is optimal. Entry checkpoints are manned via closed circuit television, with entry intercoms monitored by a 24/7/365 command center.&nbsp; All perimeter and non-public entries are keycard controlled, while biometric print and iris readers protect entry to the center and secure areas. Each row of racks in the data center has dedicated video surveillance.&nbsp; In total, more than 100 cameras protect the data center and generator building, both of which are constructed to F2 tornadic standards. The buildings are also earthquake and blast-resistant, with multiple zoned pre-action systems for fire protection. <br /><br />St. Louis-based Sisters of Mercy Health System is the ninth largest Catholic healthcare system in the U.S. based on net patient service revenue. More than 31,000 professionals and 4,600 physicians are employed or practice at Mercy facilities.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"51\";}'),(1398,503,4,2,1238743209,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"503\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 09:08 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:34:\"Forecast Says 2009 Starts Down 15%\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:34:\"forecast_says_2009_starts_down_15%\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:34:\"Forecast Says 2009 Starts Down 15%\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:127:\"Despite positive imacts from stimulus spending, overall construction starts will be down 15% this year, McGraw-Hill forecasts. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"McGraw-Hill, Spring Outlook, starts\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3336:\"<p>Despite positive imacts from stimulus spending, overall construction starts will be down 15% this year, McGraw-Hill forecasts.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?517212x3127960x-2702884\\\">McGraw-Hill Construction</a>&nbsp; released its <a href=\\\"http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?517212x3127959x-3220475\\\">2009 Construction Outlook Sprieng Update</a>, providing updated 2009 forecasts of construction starts for various project types.<br />&nbsp;<br />The major findings of the forecast, authored by Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction, include:<br /><br />New construction starts for 2009 are estimated at $463.1 billion, down 15%, but cushioned by support provided by the recently enacted stimulus legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Public works will see the most immediate benefit from the stimulus act, with construction starts climbing 10%, including a 15% rise for highways and bridges. Without the stimulus funding, it is estimated that public works in 2009 would have fallen 10%, restrained by the deteriorating fiscal health of state and local governments.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Institutional building in 2009 will retreat 6%, as the weak financial environment takes its toll on educational and healthcare facilities. The stimulus funding will provide a lift to military facilities and energy upgrades for federal buildings, which will moderate this year&rsquo;s overall institutional decline.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Commercial building in 2009 will drop 27%, steeper than the 17% slide reported last year. The tight lending environment has made it extremely difficult to obtain project financing, leading to more projects being deferred or cancelled. All commercial project types will register declines in 2009, with the most severe retrenchment anticipated for hotel construction.</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Residential building in 2009 will drop an additional 31%, continuing the downward trend that&rsquo;s been underway since 2006. Similar declines are expected for single family housing (down 30%) and multifamily housing (down 31%). Steps taken in early 2009 to address the foreclosure problem should help to ease the rate of descent for housing as 2009 progresses.</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />&ldquo;The construction industry is facing divergent forces in 2009,&rdquo; said Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs, McGraw-Hill Construction. &ldquo;The economy has weakened substantially, and despite all the efforts last fall directed at thawing frozen credit markets, there&rsquo;s yet to be any sign that lending conditions for construction have improved. On the plus side, the federal stimulus bill is now in place, which will provide quick support to public works this year.&rdquo;<br /><br />The McGraw-Hill Construction Outlook is a mainstay of business planning for construction and manufacturing industry executives. Later this month, local <a href=\\\"http://vocuspr.vocus.com/VocusPR30/Url.aspx?517212x3127958x-92896\\\">Economic Stimulus and Recovery Watch Strategic Briefings</a>&nbsp; will dig deeper into these statistics and issues to provide regionally relevant analysis and intelligence in San Diego (April 3), Houston (April 15), Chicago (April 22) and Atlanta (April 24).</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1399,504,4,2,1238743562,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 09:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"Community College Goes for (LEED) Gold\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"community_college_goes_for_leed_gold\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"Community College Goes for (LEED) Gold\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:123:\"Construction has begun on St. Louis Community College’s new Harrison Education Center to achieve LEED Gold Certification.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:40:\"Community College, LEED Gold, KAI, Kwame\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2932:\"<p>Construction has begun on St. Louis Community College&rsquo;s new Harrison Education Center to achieve LEED Gold Certification. The new building will be located at 3140 Cass Avenue in north St. Louis City. <br />&nbsp;<br />KAI Design &amp; Build is providing project management; programming; architecture; mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering; interior design and cost estimating services on the $7.5 million project. Construction is expected to be completed in May 2010.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;Sustainable design was a priority for the college&rsquo;s administration,&rdquo; said KAI Project Manager Melissa Kreishman, RA. &ldquo;The KAI staff has extensive experience in the design/build of LEED-certified educational facilities, so when St. Louis Community College officials asked us to design their new center for LEED Gold, we were thrilled.&rdquo;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Environmentally-friendly elements incorporated into the Harrison Education Center&rsquo;s design include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>A construction Indoor Air Quality monitoring plan</li>\n<li>Use of low-emitting materials</li>\n<li>Indoor chemical and pollutant source control</li>\n<li>Controllability of lighting and thermal control systems</li>\n<li>Daylight views for 90 percent of the space</li>\n<li>Energy efficient heating and cooling systems</li>\n<li>Use of recycled materials in the building&rsquo;s construction</li>\n<li>Alternative transportation options such as multiple bike racks and carpooling programs</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />&ldquo;St. Louis Community College is committed to incorporating energy efficient and environmentally friendly concepts in all new construction, meeting the expectations of our students and citizens to demonstrate leadership in conservation and sustainability,&rdquo; said Lori Thompson, director of physical facilities, St. Louis Community College. <br />&nbsp; <br />The new 30,265-square-foot facility will serve 400-500 credit students and 4,500 continuing education students in the areas of environmental worker training, art, general science, small business entrepreneurship, automated office skills, healthcare and culinary arts. The two-story building will include an art studio, general science lab, multi-purpose community room, computer labs, classrooms, bookstore, commons area, outreach center and administrative offices. <br />&nbsp;<br />Designs for the center include a public entrance facing the corner of the site, emphasized by a transparent elevator tower; high-tech audio-visual equipment throughout; a large central atrium; and open seating areas on the second floor overlooking the atrium.<br />&nbsp;<br />Opened in 1994, the existing Harrison Education Center is located in the old Julia Davis Library building on Natural Bridge Road.<br />&nbsp;<br />Kwame Building Group of St. Louis is serving as construction manager and owner&rsquo;s representative on the project.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1400,505,4,2,1238744019,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 09:30 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:37:\"Alberici\\\'s Wind Turbine Glows Orange\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"albericis_wind_turbine_glows_orange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:37:\"Alberici\\\'s Wind Turbine Glows Orange\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:253:\"Alberici Constructors will be showing its colors during “National Work Zone Safety Awareness Weekâ€ on April 6-10 2009 by lighting up their 124’ wind turbine bright orange with energy-efficient LED lights as part of MoDOT’s “Operation Orangeâ€\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:25:\"Alberici, turbine, orange\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:904:\"<p>Alberici Constructors will be showing its colors during &ldquo;National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week&rdquo; on April 6-10 2009 by lighting up their 124&rsquo; wind turbine bright orange with energy-efficient LED lights as part of MoDOT&rsquo;s &ldquo;Operation Orange&rdquo;. <br /><br />&ldquo;Operation Orange&rdquo; is one of the ways MoDOT reminds motorists to drive safely in highway work zones, as we head into another busy highway construction season. Launched in 2007, &ldquo;Operation Orange&rdquo; is MoDOT\\\'s signature effort to highlight the need for safety in work zones by turning significant landmarks and other buildings orange.&nbsp; The wind turbine is one of more than 70 buildings and landmarks throughout the state that will be spotted orange to highlight the need to drive safely in areas of the highway where workers are performing maintenance and construction activities</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1401,506,4,2,1238744160,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 09:30 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:37:\"Alberici\\\'s Wind Turbine Glows Orange\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"albericis_wind_turbine_glows_orange\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:37:\"Alberici\\\'s Wind Turbine Glows Orange\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:253:\"Alberici Constructors will be showing its colors during “National Work Zone Safety Awareness Weekâ€ on April 6-10 2009 by lighting up their 124’ wind turbine bright orange with energy-efficient LED lights as part of MoDOT’s “Operation Orangeâ€\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:25:\"Alberici, turbine, orange\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:904:\"<p>Alberici Constructors will be showing its colors during &ldquo;National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week&rdquo; on April 6-10 2009 by lighting up their 124&rsquo; wind turbine bright orange with energy-efficient LED lights as part of MoDOT&rsquo;s &ldquo;Operation Orange&rdquo;. <br /><br />&ldquo;Operation Orange&rdquo; is one of the ways MoDOT reminds motorists to drive safely in highway work zones, as we head into another busy highway construction season. Launched in 2007, &ldquo;Operation Orange&rdquo; is MoDOT\\\'s signature effort to highlight the need for safety in work zones by turning significant landmarks and other buildings orange.&nbsp; The wind turbine is one of more than 70 buildings and landmarks throughout the state that will be spotted orange to highlight the need to drive safely in areas of the highway where workers are performing maintenance and construction activities</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1402,507,5,2,1238769901,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 04:37 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"38\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:60:\"The Balanced Scorecard, Step 2: Develop Performance Metrics \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:57:\"the_balanced_scorecard_step_2_develop_performance_metrics\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:60:\"The Balanced Scorecard, Step 2: Develop Performance Metrics \";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:169:\"Last month we introduced four common barriers to success. Now we’ll familiarize you with the steps in the Balanced Scorecard method to improve performance measurement.\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:47:\"Balanced Scorecard, Develop Metrics, peformance\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:2995:\"<p><em>By Bill Willbrand Jr., CPA<br />Member, Brown Smith Wallace LLC</em><br /><br />The Balanced Scorecard is a proven method that aligns strategies with everyday performance. In last month&rsquo;s column, we introduced four common barriers to success: the vision barrier, the people barrier, the resource barrier and the management barrier. Now that you have identified some of the reasons your company may not have met recent goals, we&rsquo;ll familiarize you with the steps in the Balanced Scorecard method to improve performance measurement. <br /><br />While measuring a company&rsquo;s performance is nothing new, the Balanced Scorecard method focuses not only on financial outcomes, but also on the human issues that drive those outcomes. Often, non-financial factors are the driving force behind a company&rsquo;s success. This system takes a comprehensive approach and examines employee needs, which drive internal processes, which enhance customer satisfaction, which yields better financial performance.<br /><br />The Balanced Scorecard includes the following four metrics to achieve improved performance:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>Employees/Learning and Growth</li>\n<li>Internal Processes</li>\n<li>Customer Satisfaction</li>\n<li>Financial Performance</li>\n</ul>\n<p>All of these metrics are interrelated, and ultimately can lead to improved performance. For example, developing a safety incentive program (employees/learning and growth) should result in reduced work-related accidents and improved operations efficiency (internal processes). This, in turn, can allow your company to become the price leader and acquire more customers (customer satisfaction) and ultimately grow revenues (financial performance).<br /><br />An important aspect of the Balanced Scorecard approach is that it maintains equilibrium between historical measures (lagging) and future predictive measures (leading). In other words, you need to make sure your measurements are not all lagging indicators of performance. Many financial measurements, by default, fall into this category. Paying attention to leading indicators of future performance, such as new contracts and service response time, can help refine your strategy. <br /><br />When selecting measurements on which to focus, be sure to choose the most important and relevant factors that point to your strategic objective. Each measurement should also meet the following conditions. It must be:<br /></p>\n<ul>\n<li>Linked to the strategic objective</li>\n<li>Repeatable, allowing comparisons over time</li>\n<li>An indicator of future targets and performance</li>\n<li>&nbsp;Accountable, reliable, verifiable and accurate</li>\n<li>Available when needed</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />Also, keep in mind that successful implementation of the selected metrics requires positive support from all segments of your company&rsquo;s stakeholders. <br /><br />The next Balanced Scorecard column will focus on implementing specific steps to achieve your strategic plans.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"38\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1403,508,4,2,1238770201,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 04:46 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"6\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:58:\"Kirchner\\\'s Wilhelms to Chair National Masonry Association\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:56:\"kirchners_wilhelms_to_chair_national_masonry_association\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:58:\"Kirchner\\\'s Wilhelms to Chair National Masonry Association\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:114:\"Mark Wilhelms has been confirmed as the chairman of the board-elect for the National Concrete Masonry Association.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:42:\"Wilhelms, NCMA, Kirchner, concrete masonry\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1142:\"<p>Mark Wilhelms, director of sales for Kirchner Block &amp; Brick, has been confirmed as the chairman of the board-elect for 2009 at the recent Annual Meeting for the National Concrete Masonry Association. The Annual Meeting and election took place in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 28, 2009. <br /><br />Wilhelms, a 24 year veteran of the industry, has served on a number of local regional and national industry associations. He is the Past President of the St. Louis Chapter Constructions Specification Institute, and the Past Chairman of the Missouri Concrete Masonry Council. He is also an Associate Member of the Mason Contractors Association. With this election, Wilhelms will assume the role of Chairman of the National Concrete Masonry Association in 2010.<br /><br />The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA), established in 1918, is the national trade association representing the concrete masonry industry. <br /><br />Regarding his confirmation Wilhelms said, &ldquo;I am honored to have been asked to serve. My tenure will represent the fourth time a member of our companies has served as chairman for NCMA.&rdquo;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"6\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1404,509,4,2,1238770421,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 04:50 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:36:\"Brinkmann Completes Columbia Menards\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"brinkmann_completes_columbia_menards\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:36:\"Brinkmann Completes Columbia Menards\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:104:\"R.G. Brinkmann Construction Co. has completed the first Menards home improvement center in mid-Missouri.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:28:\"Brinkmann, Columbia, Menards\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:988:\"<p>R.G. Brinkmann Construction Co. has completed the first Menards home improvement center in mid-Missouri in Centerstate Crossing, a mixed-use development located at the intersection of Interstate 70 and Missouri Highway 63 in Columbia, Mo. The project totaled more than $6.7 million.<br /><br />&ldquo;Our objective was to expedite completion so that Menards could capitalize on the busy spring sales season,&rdquo; said Jed Momot, Brinkmann project engineer. <br /><br />Situated on a 17.5-acre site, the store consists of 160,000 square feet of retail floor space with an attached 40,000-square-foot open-air garden center and a free-standing 23,000-square-foot warehouse. <br /><br />Owned by Centerstate Realty, Centerstate Crossing contains a 348,000-square-foot shopping center and spans 200 acres in future mixed-use development. It is anchored by Bass Pro Shops and features a Hilton Garden Inn, Furniture Row, Lone Star Steakhouse&nbsp; Saloon and Ruby Tuesday.<br /><br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1405,510,4,2,1238770784,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 04:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Environmental Names Bender VP of Construction\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:45:\"environmental_names_bender_vp_of_construction\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Environmental Names Bender VP of Construction\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:74:\"James K. Bender has joined St. Louis-based Environmental Operations, Inc..\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:64:\"Bender, environmental operations, vice president of construction\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:642:\"<p>James K. Bender has joined St. Louis-based <a href=\\\"http://www.environmentalops.com\\\">Environmental Operations, Inc.</a> as vice president of construction.<br /><br />Bender, of Dardenne Prairie, has more than 10 years of construction management experience, having worked with McEagle Properties, Home Depot&rsquo;s Southeast Region, and PE Construction Services. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri construction management program.<br /><br />Environmental Operations identifies and resolves environmental issues with integrated environmental and financial expertise, Brownfield incentives and risk assumption tools.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1406,511,4,2,1238771709,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 05:03 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"Electrical Connection Sponsors Wind Industry Workshop\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"electrical_connection_sponsors_wind_industry_workshop\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:53:\"Electrical Connection Sponsors Wind Industry Workshop\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:91:\"The St. Louis Electrical Connection is co-sponsoring a wind-industry supply chain workshop.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:40:\"The St. Louis Electrical Connection,wind\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1456:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.electricalconnection.org/\\\">The St. Louis Electrical Connection</a> is co-sponsoring the Wind Industry Supply Chain Workshop, the first of its kind in a statewide series.&nbsp; <br /><br />Organized by the Missouri Partnership, the event is open to the public.&nbsp; It will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from 8 a.m. to noon at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Road, in Florissant, Mo.&nbsp; Doors open at 7:30 a.m.<br /><br />The workshop will address local business-to-business opportunities in the renewable energy industry.&nbsp; Experts in the field of renewable energy will highlight market opportunities in the wind sector.<br /><br />Presentations will be made by the Missouri Partnership and Cleveland, Ohio-based Great Lakes WIND Network, a wind power industry-based network of manufacturers and suppliers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Admission is $35.&nbsp; Information and registration are available at the <a href=\\\"http://www.missouripartnership.com/Library/Events/WindIndustrySupplyChainWorkshopStLouis/tabid/122/Default.aspx\\\">Missouri Partnership Website</a> , or call 314.725.0949.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />The St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), St. Louis-based Wind Capital Group, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley are also co-sponsors.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1407,511,4,2,1238771756,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"511\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 05:03 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:45:\"Electrical Connection Sponsors Wind  Workshop\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:44:\"electrical_connection_sponsors_wind_workshop\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:45:\"Electrical Connection Sponsors Wind  Workshop\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:91:\"The St. Louis Electrical Connection is co-sponsoring a wind-industry supply chain workshop.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:40:\"The St. Louis Electrical Connection,wind\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1456:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.electricalconnection.org/\\\">The St. Louis Electrical Connection</a> is co-sponsoring the Wind Industry Supply Chain Workshop, the first of its kind in a statewide series.&nbsp; <br /><br />Organized by the Missouri Partnership, the event is open to the public.&nbsp; It will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from 8 a.m. to noon at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Road, in Florissant, Mo.&nbsp; Doors open at 7:30 a.m.<br /><br />The workshop will address local business-to-business opportunities in the renewable energy industry.&nbsp; Experts in the field of renewable energy will highlight market opportunities in the wind sector.<br /><br />Presentations will be made by the Missouri Partnership and Cleveland, Ohio-based Great Lakes WIND Network, a wind power industry-based network of manufacturers and suppliers.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Admission is $35.&nbsp; Information and registration are available at the <a href=\\\"http://www.missouripartnership.com/Library/Events/WindIndustrySupplyChainWorkshopStLouis/tabid/122/Default.aspx\\\">Missouri Partnership Website</a> , or call 314.725.0949.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />The St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), St. Louis-based Wind Capital Group, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley are also co-sponsors.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1408,512,2,2,1238773277,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 05:23 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"St. Louis AIA  Helps Young Designers Hit by Recession\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:51:\"st_louis_aia_helps_young_designers_hit_by_recession\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:53:\"St. Louis AIA  Helps Young Designers Hit by Recession\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:133:\"The St. Louis Chapter AIA is providing financial assistance in professional development to young designers impacted by firm cutbacks.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:29:\"AIA, assistance, scholarships\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2401:\"<p>The St. Louis Chapter AIA is providing financial assistance in professional development to young designers impacted by firm cutbacks in the face of declining work on the boards. AIA issued the following statement in an email to its members:</p>\n<p>\\\"Last week, the trustees of the AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund met.\nThe state of the economy and its devastating effect on our industry and\nprofession was one of our topics. We know that the number of unemployed and under-employed architects\nand interns continues to grow. Many firms face extinction as more and\nmore construction projects are placed on hold.</p>\n<p>\\\"To assist our profession during these uncertain days, the AIA St.\nLouis Scholarship Fund is allocating funds to be made available to\nunemployed/underemployed architects and interns on their pathway to\nlicensure. The funds will be processed through the AIA St. Louis office\nas interest-free loans, to be paid back when full time employment\nreturns, and then on a mutually agreeable and in a reasonable time\nframe. These are unique times, and we are undertaking a unique way to\nsupport the St. Louis architectural community.</p>\n<p>\\\"The funds may be borrowed for ARE testing and preparation, LEED\ncertification testing and preparation, or for computer classes for\nRevit, BIM or programs that will make you a better architect or intern\nwhen you return to work. We will also consider applications for other\nprofessional growth and development opportunities.</p>\n<p>\\\"We know that there are impending deadlines such as the LEED testing\ndeadline and the 3.1 ARE. To meet those deadlines, information on loan\napplication will be in tomorrow&rsquo;s missive. We want the funds to be\navailable immediately for these deadlines.</p>\n<p>\\\"The AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund is able to undertake this unique\nstimulus program because of the generosity of its donors and the\nongoing support it receives. We therefore, must express our gratitude\nto the founders and trustees of the Fund for developing and growing the\nfund to allow us to continue to invest in our profession.\\\"</p>\n<p>A link to the AIA application form is available by <a href=\\\"http://www.stlouiscnr.com/blogfiles/aia_application.pdf\\\">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Email the form to <a href=\\\"mailto:mswatek@aia-stlouis.org\\\">Michelle Swatek</a> executive director. Email or call 314.621.3484 for more information.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1409,500,4,2,1238773361,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"500\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 06:39 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"cb_richard_ellis_releases_first_quarter_report\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:112:\"CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. \n\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"CB Richard Ellis, First Quarter, report\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1615:\"<p>CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews track multitenant space throughout the St. Louis metro area, showing trends in vacancy, construction and absorption, among other measurements.</p>\n<p>The Office MarketView shows that the vacancy rate for the St. Louis market rose to 15.1% in the first quarter of 2009, up from 14.8% at the end of 2008. Lease renewals are the most prevalent transactions in the market, and an increasing amount of sublease space will pressure the office market in the months ahead. Despite the challenges, however, some CBRE brokers see positive signs, especially compared to other slow periods in St. Louis&rsquo; history.</p>\n<p>On the Industrial side, the availability rate decreased slightly, from 12.1% in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 11.9% currently. The vacancy rate, however, showed an increase, ending the quarter at 8.2%. The St. Louis market&rsquo;s vacancy rate remains competitive with peer cities such as Indianapolis and Kansas City.</p>\n<p>Both the Industrial and Office markets have seen a slowdown in new construction, specifically speculative construction, which bodes well for the future, as less new space will need to be filled during a time of relatively slow deal velocity.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\"><br /></a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">To download the office report, click here</a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">.</a></p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/industrial_market.pdf\\\"><br />To download the industrial report, click here</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1410,500,4,2,1238773407,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"500\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 06:39 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"cb_richard_ellis_releases_first_quarter_report\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:112:\"CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. \n\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"CB Richard Ellis, First Quarter, report\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1615:\"<p>CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews track multitenant space throughout the St. Louis metro area, showing trends in vacancy, construction and absorption, among other measurements.</p>\n<p>The Office MarketView shows that the vacancy rate for the St. Louis market rose to 15.1% in the first quarter of 2009, up from 14.8% at the end of 2008. Lease renewals are the most prevalent transactions in the market, and an increasing amount of sublease space will pressure the office market in the months ahead. Despite the challenges, however, some CBRE brokers see positive signs, especially compared to other slow periods in St. Louis&rsquo; history.</p>\n<p>On the Industrial side, the availability rate decreased slightly, from 12.1% in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 11.9% currently. The vacancy rate, however, showed an increase, ending the quarter at 8.2%. The St. Louis market&rsquo;s vacancy rate remains competitive with peer cities such as Indianapolis and Kansas City.</p>\n<p>Both the Industrial and Office markets have seen a slowdown in new construction, specifically speculative construction, which bodes well for the future, as less new space will need to be filled during a time of relatively slow deal velocity.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\"><br /></a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">To download the office report, click here</a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">.</a></p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/industrial_market.pdf\\\"><br />To download the industrial report, click here</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1411,500,4,2,1238773460,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"500\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 06:39 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:46:\"cb_richard_ellis_releases_first_quarter_report\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:46:\"CB Richard Ellis Releases First Quarter Report\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:112:\"CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. \n\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"CB Richard Ellis, First Quarter, report\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1615:\"<p>CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) has released its First Quarter 2009 MarketViews for the Office and Industrial markets. The MarketViews track multitenant space throughout the St. Louis metro area, showing trends in vacancy, construction and absorption, among other measurements.</p>\n<p>The Office MarketView shows that the vacancy rate for the St. Louis market rose to 15.1% in the first quarter of 2009, up from 14.8% at the end of 2008. Lease renewals are the most prevalent transactions in the market, and an increasing amount of sublease space will pressure the office market in the months ahead. Despite the challenges, however, some CBRE brokers see positive signs, especially compared to other slow periods in St. Louis&rsquo; history.</p>\n<p>On the Industrial side, the availability rate decreased slightly, from 12.1% in the fourth quarter of 2008 to 11.9% currently. The vacancy rate, however, showed an increase, ending the quarter at 8.2%. The St. Louis market&rsquo;s vacancy rate remains competitive with peer cities such as Indianapolis and Kansas City.</p>\n<p>Both the Industrial and Office markets have seen a slowdown in new construction, specifically speculative construction, which bodes well for the future, as less new space will need to be filled during a time of relatively slow deal velocity.</p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\"><br /></a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">To download the office report, click here</a><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/office_market.pdf\\\">.</a></p>\n<p><a href=\\\"/blogfiles/industrial_market.pdf\\\"><br />To download the industrial report, click here</a>.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1412,512,2,2,1238777830,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"512\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 05:23 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"St. Louis AIA  Helps Young Designers Hit by Recession\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:51:\"st_louis_aia_helps_young_designers_hit_by_recession\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:53:\"St. Louis AIA  Helps Young Designers Hit by Recession\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:133:\"The St. Louis Chapter AIA is providing financial assistance in professional development to young designers impacted by firm cutbacks.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:29:\"AIA, assistance, scholarships\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2284:\"<p>The St. Louis Chapter AIA is providing financial assistance in professional development to young designers impacted by firm cutbacks in the face of declining work on the boards. AIA issued the following statement in an email to its members:</p>\n<p>\\\"Last week, the trustees of the AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund met.\nThe state of the economy and its devastating effect on our industry and\nprofession was one of our topics. We know that the number of unemployed and under-employed architects\nand interns continues to grow. Many firms face extinction as more and\nmore construction projects are placed on hold.</p>\n<p>\\\"To assist our profession during these uncertain days, the AIA St.\nLouis Scholarship Fund is allocating funds to be made available to\nunemployed/underemployed architects and interns on their pathway to\nlicensure. The funds will be processed through the AIA St. Louis office\nas interest-free loans, to be paid back when full time employment\nreturns, and then on a mutually agreeable and in a reasonable time\nframe. These are unique times, and we are undertaking a unique way to\nsupport the St. Louis architectural community.</p>\n<p>\\\"The funds may be borrowed for ARE testing and preparation, LEED\ncertification testing and preparation, or for computer classes for\nRevit, BIM or programs that will make you a better architect or intern\nwhen you return to work. We will also consider applications for other\nprofessional growth and development opportunities.</p>\n<p>\\\"We know that there are impending deadlines such as the LEED testing\ndeadline and the 3.1 ARE... We want the funds to be\navailable immediately for these deadlines.</p>\n<p>\\\"The AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund is able to undertake this unique\nstimulus program because of the generosity of its donors and the\nongoing support it receives. We therefore, must express our gratitude\nto the founders and trustees of the Fund for developing and growing the\nfund to allow us to continue to invest in our profession.\\\"</p>\n<p>A link to the AIA application form is available by <a href=\\\"/blogfiles/aia_application.pdf\\\">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Email the form to <a href=\\\"mailto:mswatek@aia-stlouis.org\\\">Michelle Swatek</a> executive director. Email or call 314.621.3484 for more information.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1413,502,10,2,1238825817,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"502\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 08:57 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:72:\"The Necessary Revolution:  Acting Together to Create a Sustainable World\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:70:\"the_necessary_revolution_acting_together_to_create_a_sustainable_world\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:73:\" The Necessary Revolution:  Acting Together to Create a Sustainable World\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:70:\"Learn about local and global cutting-edge  sustainability initiatives.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:49:\"sustainability, Peter Senge, St. Louis University\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:132:\"St. Louis University, John Cook School of Business, Busch Auditorium, 3674 Lindell Blvd. (at Spring and Lindell) St. Louis, MO 63108\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-04-23 08:00 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:16:\"8 a.m. - 12 p.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:857:\"<ul>\n<li>Learn about local and global cutting-edge&nbsp; sustainability initiatives</li>\n<li>Network with business, education, youth and civic leaders</li>\n<li>Lead in creating a sustainable future for St. Louis<br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Keynote:</strong>Peter Senge, author of The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together To Create a Sustainable World <br /><br /><strong>Registration Fee</strong><br />General $95, Non-Profit $55<br /><em>Tickets must be purchased in advance.</em> <br />&nbsp;<br /><a href=\\\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102537098717&amp;s=1922&amp;e=001pdmTc4Mv4ik9Etd_p6ehKSAfuwdPDy88OYldB5BxG03R_jT-ktQ8T1ym7sTWicfF25mERm-HQ31f8QNmyAJh8HpG2n9-PGoUvfSm-GHcXCjNJHOmMuuI6U7qnFZrYFjwPlLG44DKZ65ItmEZn7dKRTlxi3D9yg5iQj3lTZDW9kteZE_rOlRfuqNkAZhbeuzW\\\">More information and registration click here.</a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1414,512,2,2,1238861520,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"512\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 05:23 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"St. Louis AIA  Helps Young Designers Hit by Recession\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:51:\"st_louis_aia_helps_young_designers_hit_by_recession\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:53:\"St. Louis AIA  Helps Young Designers Hit by Recession\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:133:\"The St. Louis Chapter AIA is providing financial assistance in professional development to young designers impacted by firm cutbacks.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:29:\"AIA, assistance, scholarships\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2426:\"<p><img alt=\\\"Helping Hand\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/helping-hand.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The St. Louis Chapter AIA is providing financial assistance in professional development to young designers impacted by firm cutbacks in the face of declining work on the boards. AIA issued the following statement in an email to its members:</p>\n<p>\\\"Last week, the trustees of the AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund met.\nThe state of the economy and its devastating effect on our industry and\nprofession was one of our topics. We know that the number of unemployed and under-employed architects\nand interns continues to grow. Many firms face extinction as more and\nmore construction projects are placed on hold.</p>\n<p>\\\"To assist our profession during these uncertain days, the AIA St.\nLouis Scholarship Fund is allocating funds to be made available to\nunemployed/underemployed architects and interns on their pathway to\nlicensure. The funds will be processed through the AIA St. Louis office\nas interest-free loans, to be paid back when full time employment\nreturns, and then on a mutually agreeable and in a reasonable time\nframe. These are unique times, and we are undertaking a unique way to\nsupport the St. Louis architectural community.</p>\n<p>\\\"The funds may be borrowed for ARE testing and preparation, LEED\ncertification testing and preparation, or for computer classes for\nRevit, BIM or programs that will make you a better architect or intern\nwhen you return to work. We will also consider applications for other\nprofessional growth and development opportunities.</p>\n<p>\\\"We know that there are impending deadlines such as the LEED testing\ndeadline and the 3.1 ARE... We want the funds to be\navailable immediately for these deadlines.</p>\n<p>\\\"The AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund is able to undertake this unique\nstimulus program because of the generosity of its donors and the\nongoing support it receives. We therefore, must express our gratitude\nto the founders and trustees of the Fund for developing and growing the\nfund to allow us to continue to invest in our profession.\\\"</p>\n<p>A link to the AIA application form is available by <a href=\\\"/blogfiles/aia_application.pdf\\\">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Email the form to <a href=\\\"mailto:mswatek@aia-stlouis.org\\\">Michelle Swatek</a> executive director. Email or call 314.621.3484 for more information.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:32:\"/images/uploads/helping-hand.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1415,495,2,2,1238861548,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"495\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-26 09:47 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";i:1;s:2:\"47\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:22:\"Looking for the Bottom\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:22:\"looking_for_the_bottom\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:22:\"Looking for the Bottom\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:367:\"If there was a theme to this year\\\'s St. Louis metro market forecast from the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) it was looking for the bottom. There is so much uncertainty in the marketplace that most of the speakers backed off from making forecasts for 2009. The expectations, however, were that commercial real estate markets have not yet hit bottom.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"9\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:46:\"SIOR, forecast, bottom, commercial real estate\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:4556:\"<p>If there was a theme to this year\\\'s St. Louis metro market forecast from the Society of Office and Industrial Realtors (SIOR) it was looking for the bottom. There is so much uncertainty in the marketplace that most of the speakers backed off from making forecasts for 2009. The expectations, however, were that commercial real estate markets have not yet hit bottom.<br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Crash\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/crash.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />Glenn Guenther of Discovery Group, LLC, described the 2008 as a &ldquo;schizophrenic year&rdquo; for the office market. There was brisk activity in the first half of the year and then the market &ldquo;slipped into a coma&rdquo; for the last half of the year. Taken as a whole, the office market looked &ldquo;surprisingly stable and resilient&rdquo; in 2008 with vacancy rates hitting their lowest levels since 2000, he said, but he doesn&rsquo;t expect that 2009 will look the same. <br /><br />The trends Guenther expects to see in 2009 are:<br />&bull; flat demand for office space,<br />&bull; a migration of tenants from Class A space to Class B space,<br />&bull; a growth in short-term lease renewals, <br />&bull; falling lease rates, and<br />&bull; limited new construction.<br /><br />There are, however, some bright spots, he said. The market is not overbuilt and there are very few big blocks of vacant office space available &ndash; only five blocks of 50,000 square feet or more. The medical and biotech industries are growing, as are Monsanto, Edward Jones, and Scottrade.<br /><br />According to J. Patrick Reilly of Gateway Commercial/Cushman &amp; Wakefield, the industrial market also looks better on paper than it really is. Leasing was up in 2008, absorption of new space was steady, and the vacancy rate was only 6.8 percent, but two large deals skewed the statistics, accounting for 27 percent of activity and regional competitors are adding and absorbing more space each year than is St. Louis. Take Illinois out of the equation and the Missouri side of the metro area actually had a negative absorption rate of industrial space, meaning space was taken out of the market.<br /><br />There has been a paradigm shift in supply chains, he said, and St. Louis is losing the race to connect bulk distribution centers to deep water ports by rail. Craig Meyer, SIOR international president, said the offshoring of manufacturing from the United States has become as big an event as the industrial revolution. Manufactured goods now come to the U.S. by ship &ndash; 75 percent of it to the west coast, 25 percent to the east coast. The new distribution paradigm is to transfer cargo containers from ships to trains, which carry them to bulk distribution centers where the containers are transferred to trucks. &ldquo;Railroads are building bulk distribution centers in Kansas City and Columbus, OH,&rdquo; Reilly said, but not St. Louis.<br /><br />&ldquo;St. Louis is now overbuilt as an industrial market,&rdquo; Reilly said. Rents are less than the taxes on some buildings, he said, and he looks to see some distressed sales later in the year. He suggested that turning the market around may depend on St. Louis developing a niche as an inland port and getting a direct rail connection to a deep water port such as Houston.<br /><br />Alan Bornstein of THF Realty Inc., said the 15-year growth cycle in the retail market is over. In each of the last six months there has been a substantial statistical drop in consumer spending, he said. Couple that with the growth of ecommerce and any future real estate deals in the retail market likely will rely on public-private partnerships instead of private financing, he said.<br /><br />Joe Monteleone of Q10/Triad Capital Advisors Inc. said lenders want more equity in deals &ndash; in the retail market they are willing to lend for 60 percent of the value of a deal, he said &ndash; and they are concerned about refinancing. He noted that $230 billion of commercial mortgage backed securities are coming due in the next three years and one big question mark is how those owners will refinance.<br /><br />&ldquo;Lenders will be conservative for awhile,&rdquo; he said, but &ldquo;every recession creates asset buying opportunities.&rdquo; <br /><br />Monteleone guessed that, &ldquo;we&rsquo;re still trying to find the bottom of the trough,&rdquo; but added that some positive news is that insurance companies expect to get back into the lending market near the end of 2009.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:25:\"/images/uploads/crash.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"47\";}'),(1416,504,4,2,1239043721,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"504\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 09:21 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"Community College Goes for (LEED) Gold\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"community_college_goes_for_leed_gold\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"Community College Goes for (LEED) Gold\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:122:\"Construction has begun on St. Louis Community College\\\'s new Harrison Education Center to achieve LEED Gold Certification.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:40:\"Community College, LEED Gold, KAI, Kwame\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2927:\"<p>Construction has begun on St. Louis Community College\\\'s new Harrison Education Center to achieve LEED Gold Certification. The new building will be located at 3140 Cass Avenue in north St. Louis City. <br />&nbsp;<br />KAI Design &amp; Build is providing project management; programming; architecture; mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering; interior design and cost estimating services on the $7.5 million project. Construction is expected to be completed in May 2010.&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;Sustainable design was a priority for the college&rsquo;s administration,&rdquo; said KAI Project Manager Melissa Kreishman, RA. &ldquo;The KAI staff has extensive experience in the design/build of LEED-certified educational facilities, so when St. Louis Community College officials asked us to design their new center for LEED Gold, we were thrilled.&rdquo;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Environmentally-friendly elements incorporated into the Harrison Education Center&rsquo;s design include:</p>\n<ul>\n<li>A construction Indoor Air Quality monitoring plan</li>\n<li>Use of low-emitting materials</li>\n<li>Indoor chemical and pollutant source control</li>\n<li>Controllability of lighting and thermal control systems</li>\n<li>Daylight views for 90 percent of the space</li>\n<li>Energy efficient heating and cooling systems</li>\n<li>Use of recycled materials in the building&rsquo;s construction</li>\n<li>Alternative transportation options such as multiple bike racks and carpooling programs</li>\n</ul>\n<p><br />&ldquo;St. Louis Community College is committed to incorporating energy efficient and environmentally friendly concepts in all new construction, meeting the expectations of our students and citizens to demonstrate leadership in conservation and sustainability,&rdquo; said Lori Thompson, director of physical facilities, St. Louis Community College. <br />&nbsp; <br />The new 30,265-square-foot facility will serve 400-500 credit students and 4,500 continuing education students in the areas of environmental worker training, art, general science, small business entrepreneurship, automated office skills, healthcare and culinary arts. The two-story building will include an art studio, general science lab, multi-purpose community room, computer labs, classrooms, bookstore, commons area, outreach center and administrative offices. <br />&nbsp;<br />Designs for the center include a public entrance facing the corner of the site, emphasized by a transparent elevator tower; high-tech audio-visual equipment throughout; a large central atrium; and open seating areas on the second floor overlooking the atrium.<br />&nbsp;<br />Opened in 1994, the existing Harrison Education Center is located in the old Julia Davis Library building on Natural Bridge Road.<br />&nbsp;<br />Kwame Building Group of St. Louis is serving as construction manager and owner&rsquo;s representative on the project.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1417,513,4,2,1239330004,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-09 04:17 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:26:\"Johnson, Holdener Join FGM\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:25:\"johnson_holdener_join_fgm\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Johnson, Holdener Join FGM\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:111:\"FGM Architects announced that Christina Johnson and Robert Holdener have joined the FGM O’Fallon, IL office. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"FGM, Johnson, Holdener\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:553:\"<p>FGM Architects announced that Christina Johnson and Robert Holdener have joined the FGM O&rsquo;Fallon, IL office.</p>\n<p>Johnson, a resident of Granite City, is a 2008 graduate University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master of Architecture. She will be working as an Architectural Intern at FGM.<br /><br />Holdener of Mascoutah, IL is a licensed Architect in Illinois and Missouri and brings over 30 years of experience in design and project management. Bob will be assisting the project team on the new Mascoutah High School in Mascoutah, IL.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(1418,514,4,2,1239330029,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-09 04:17 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:26:\"Johnson, Holdener Join FGM\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:25:\"johnson_holdener_join_fgm\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Johnson, Holdener Join FGM\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:111:\"FGM Architects announced that Christina Johnson and Robert Holdener have joined the FGM O’Fallon, IL office. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"FGM, Johnson, Holdener\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:553:\"<p>FGM Architects announced that Christina Johnson and Robert Holdener have joined the FGM O&rsquo;Fallon, IL office.</p>\n<p>Johnson, a resident of Granite City, is a 2008 graduate University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master of Architecture. She will be working as an Architectural Intern at FGM.<br /><br />Holdener of Mascoutah, IL is a licensed Architect in Illinois and Missouri and brings over 30 years of experience in design and project management. Bob will be assisting the project team on the new Mascoutah High School in Mascoutah, IL.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(1419,515,4,2,1239330639,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-09 04:22 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:59:\"Walton Manager Becomes Erosion, Sediment, Storm Inspector  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:55:\"walton_manager_becomes_erosion_sediment_storm_inspector\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:56:\"Walton Manager Becomes Erosion, Sediment, Storm Inspecto\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:169:\"Mike Leopold, senior project manager of Walton Construction-St. Louis, recently earned accreditation as a Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI).\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:15:\"Leopold, Walton\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1040:\"<p>Mike Leopold, senior project manager of Walton Construction-St. Louis, recently earned accreditation as a Certified Erosion, Sediment and Storm Water Inspector (CESSWI).&nbsp; The CESSWI Program offers certification to individuals who are qualified to provide nationally consistent inspections of erosion, sediment, and storm water management practices.&nbsp; Candidates must submit an application and complete a written examination.<br /><br />Leopold joined Walton-St. Louis in August of 2005 and has since managed numerous projects.&nbsp; He currently is working on an Armed Forces Reserve Center in Seagoville, TX and a storm sewer relocation project at Jefferson Barracks.&nbsp; Mike also served as Walton&rsquo;s senior project manager for the new construction of a Wal-Mart Supercenters in Harrisburg, Jacksonville and Marion, Illinois.&nbsp; Mike completed Wal-Mart&rsquo;s storm water program and is a trained Storm Water Professional. Walton Construction is a member of the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(1420,513,4,2,1239330717,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"513\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-09 04:17 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:26:\"Johnson, Holdener Join FGM\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:25:\"johnson_holdener_join_fgm\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:26:\"Johnson, Holdener Join FGM\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:110:\"FGM Architects announced that Christina Johnson and Robert Holdener have joined the FGM O\\\'Fallon, IL office. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:22:\"FGM, Johnson, Holdener\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:548:\"<p>FGM Architects announced that Christina Johnson and Robert Holdener have joined the FGM O\\\'Fallon, IL office.</p>\n<p>Johnson, a resident of Granite City, is a 2008 graduate University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master of Architecture. She will be working as an Architectural Intern at FGM.<br /><br />Holdener of Mascoutah, IL is a licensed Architect in Illinois and Missouri and brings over 30 years of experience in design and project management. Bob will be assisting the project team on the new Mascoutah High School in Mascoutah, IL.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";}'),(1421,516,4,2,1239331015,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-09 04:33 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:38:\"Raineri Completes Downtown Urgent Care\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:38:\"raineri_completes_downtown_urgent_care\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:38:\"Raineri Completes Downtown Urgent Care\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:92:\"Raineri Construction has completed a $2 million renovation project for Downtown Urgent Care.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:29:\"Raineri, Downtown Urgent Care\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1480:\"<p><a href=\\\"http://www.rainericonstruction.com\\\">Raineri Construction</a> has completed a $2 million renovation project for Downtown Urgent Care at 916 Olive&nbsp; Street in St. Louis. <br /><br />The first-of-its-kind, 2,600-square-foot clinic hosts six exam rooms, a lab and a digital x-ray machine. There are four physicians on staff.&nbsp;&nbsp; It is serving the estimated 12,000 people who reside in downtown St.&nbsp;&nbsp; Louis and the additional 95,000 individuals who commute downtown to work.<br /><br />Raineri&rsquo;s project spanned all four floors and the basement of the nearly 30,000-square-foot former Truman Office Building purchased by Dr. Sonny Saggar in 2008.&nbsp; With an entry pressed against a public walkway and exposed steel interior columns, the clinic has a decidedly urban feel. The waiting room features hardwood floors and a mural of the St. Louis skyline.<br /><br />In addition to gut renovation work, Raineri created a 2,100-square-foot mezzanine out of the building&rsquo;s original high-ceiling lobby. The mezzanine will be used for future expansion as Saggar works to add dentists, therapists and other specialists to his staff.<br /><br />Raineri Construction, certified by the St. Louis Airport Authority as a Woman Business Enterprise, was founded in 2003 by Ashley Raineri. The firm focuses on turn-key design/build prime contracting and specialized subcontracting in the multifamily residential, commercial and industrial sectors.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1424,518,4,2,1239334080,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-09 05:08 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:33:\"The \\\"Real\\\" World of Engineering\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:29:\"the_real_world_of_engineering\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:33:\"The \\\"Real\\\" World of Engineering\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:250:\"Thirty-seven students and professors from Missouri University of Science & Technology, Saint Louis University and Washington University spent  Saturday April 4 at an all-day workshop to learn about real-world applications of engineering. (see photos)\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:30:\"student, engineers, real world\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1444:\"<p>Thirty-seven students and professors from Missouri University of Science &amp; Technology, Saint Louis University and Washington University spent&nbsp; Saturday April 4 at an all-day workshop to learn about real-world applications of engineering. It was the second hands-on workshop sponsored by the Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologists (AEG) and Geotechnology, Inc. at the firm&rsquo;s headquarters in Maryland Heights, Missouri.</p>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"Student Engineers 1\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"183\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/image-2_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4>Students from Missouri University of Science &amp; Technology look at real-time data on a ground penetrating radar cart, which they rolled over the pavement to identify the location of a sewer line. On the right, Glen Adams, R.G., senior geophysicist and project manager, explains what they are viewing on the screen and what it means.</h4>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4><img alt=\\\"Engineers 2\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"194\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/image-3_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" /></h4>\n<h4><br /></h4>\n<h4>Jason Gonzalez, driller&rsquo;s helper, and Brock Slinkard, senior driller, extract a soil sample using the split spoon method. Staff Engineer, Tom Coleman, E.I.T., explains the process to students from Missouri University of Science &amp; Technology.</h4>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1425,502,10,2,1239334172,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"502\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 08:57 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:72:\"The Necessary Revolution:  Acting Together to Create a Sustainable World\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:70:\"the_necessary_revolution_acting_together_to_create_a_sustainable_world\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:73:\" The Necessary Revolution:  Acting Together to Create a Sustainable World\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:70:\"Learn about local and global cutting-edge  sustainability initiatives.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:49:\"sustainability, Peter Senge, St. Louis University\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:132:\"St. Louis University, John Cook School of Business, Busch Auditorium, 3674 Lindell Blvd. (at Spring and Lindell) St. Louis, MO 63108\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-04-23 08:00 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:16:\"8 a.m. - 12 p.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:857:\"<ul>\n<li>Learn about local and global cutting-edge&nbsp; sustainability initiatives</li>\n<li>Network with business, education, youth and civic leaders</li>\n<li>Lead in creating a sustainable future for St. Louis<br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Keynote:</strong>Peter Senge, author of The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together To Create a Sustainable World <br /><br /><strong>Registration Fee</strong><br />General $95, Non-Profit $55<br /><em>Tickets must be purchased in advance.</em> <br />&nbsp;<br /><a href=\\\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102537098717&amp;s=1922&amp;e=001pdmTc4Mv4ik9Etd_p6ehKSAfuwdPDy88OYldB5BxG03R_jT-ktQ8T1ym7sTWicfF25mERm-HQ31f8QNmyAJh8HpG2n9-PGoUvfSm-GHcXCjNJHOmMuuI6U7qnFZrYFjwPlLG44DKZ65ItmEZn7dKRTlxi3D9yg5iQj3lTZDW9kteZE_rOlRfuqNkAZhbeuzW\\\">More information and registration click here.</a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1426,519,10,2,1239335125,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-09 05:36 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:40:\"Municipal Sustainability Initiatives    \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"municipal_sustainability_initiatives\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:39:\"Municipal Sustainability Initiatives   \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:141:\"USGBC-STL and ULI-St. Louis present a joint program offering local and regional perspectives on creating a more sustainable built environment\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:27:\"municipal, USGBC, sustainab\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:95:\"AmerenUE Headquarters Auditorium (just off the atrium) 1901 Chouteau Avenue St. Louis, MO 63103\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-04-14 01:33 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:55:\"5:30 p.m. networking; 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. - Presentation  \";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:2082:\"<p>USGBC-STL and ULI-St. Louis present a joint program offering local and regional perspectives on creating a more sustainable built environment and community. Panelists will discuss best practices, obstacles, challenges, and opportunities in greening a municipality and community. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Presenters</strong><br />LaRee DeFreece, Vice President of Global Sustainability Consulting Services, HOK, will provide an overview of best practices from around the country regarding local and regional sustainable initiatives.<br />&nbsp;<br />Petree Eastman, Assistant City Manager, University City, will discuss the City Hall renovation and a new project for LEED certified Workforce Housing in conjunction with Washington University.<br />&nbsp;<br />John May, City of Creve Coeur Climate Action Task Force, will present information on their climate task force and greenhouse gas inventory report, which is the first to be completed by a city in the St. Louis region.<br />&nbsp;<br />Marjorie Melton, President of the Board of Public Service, City of St. Louis, will focus on the challenges that the City of St. Louis had to overcome in building the new LEED-certified North Side and South Side Community Recreation Centers.<br />&nbsp;<br />In addition, representatives from FOCUS St. Louis and Sustainable St. Louis will be on hand to provide information on their efforts and answer questions.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\\\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102532634964&amp;s=1922&amp;e=001HYxQPQx1SW_sU_11MCbXxTrdFmjP0Q_rrz4kjx6RALS1h4tnYVCHzcLEWeTOuEYHOvyNEFSAyz7UU4YouRHafhlGzgYLHfZyz5eFCGQ4tAO5ncCVIFdX1rj8Vvukg3zrot4qD7FQ7VmLKeWH4fl8JllJq5rPDDYwRIT2_PnIQJlBaFox7CoX-JfSebovwneXrhR4fC49rws=\\\"><br />map</a><br /><strong>&nbsp;<br />Fee</strong><br />Free to USGBC-STL and ULI-St. Louis members and students<br />$20.00 for Non-members<br />&nbsp;<br />Please RSVP to: <a href=\\\"mailto:usgbc-stl@mobot.org\\\">usgbc-stl@mobot.org </a>or call (314) 577-0225.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1427,502,10,2,1239335196,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"502\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-02 08:57 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"48\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:72:\"The Necessary Revolution:  Acting Together to Create a Sustainable World\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:70:\"the_necessary_revolution_acting_together_to_create_a_sustainable_world\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:73:\" The Necessary Revolution:  Acting Together to Create a Sustainable World\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:70:\"Learn about local and global cutting-edge  sustainability initiatives.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:49:\"sustainability, Peter Senge, St. Louis University\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:132:\"St. Louis University, John Cook School of Business, Busch Auditorium, 3674 Lindell Blvd. (at Spring and Lindell) St. Louis, MO 63108\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-04-23 08:00 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:16:\"8 a.m. - 12 p.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:857:\"<ul>\n<li>Learn about local and global cutting-edge&nbsp; sustainability initiatives</li>\n<li>Network with business, education, youth and civic leaders</li>\n<li>Lead in creating a sustainable future for St. Louis<br /></li>\n</ul>\n<p><strong>Keynote:</strong>Peter Senge, author of The Necessary Revolution: How Individuals and Organizations Are Working Together To Create a Sustainable World <br /><br /><strong>Registration Fee</strong><br />General $95, Non-Profit $55<br /><em>Tickets must be purchased in advance.</em> <br />&nbsp;<br /><a href=\\\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102537098717&amp;s=1922&amp;e=001pdmTc4Mv4ik9Etd_p6ehKSAfuwdPDy88OYldB5BxG03R_jT-ktQ8T1ym7sTWicfF25mERm-HQ31f8QNmyAJh8HpG2n9-PGoUvfSm-GHcXCjNJHOmMuuI6U7qnFZrYFjwPlLG44DKZ65ItmEZn7dKRTlxi3D9yg5iQj3lTZDW9kteZE_rOlRfuqNkAZhbeuzW\\\">More information and registration click here.</a></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"48\";}'),(1428,519,10,2,1239335292,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"519\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-09 05:36 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:36:\"Municipal Sustainability Initiatives\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:36:\"municipal_sustainability_initiatives\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:39:\"Municipal Sustainability Initiatives   \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:141:\"USGBC-STL and ULI-St. Louis present a joint program offering local and regional perspectives on creating a more sustainable built environment\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:27:\"municipal, USGBC, sustainab\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:75:\"AmerenUE Headquarters Auditorium, 1901 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-04-14 01:33 PM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:55:\"5:30 p.m. networking; 6:15 - 7:30 p.m. - Presentation  \";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:2082:\"<p>USGBC-STL and ULI-St. Louis present a joint program offering local and regional perspectives on creating a more sustainable built environment and community. Panelists will discuss best practices, obstacles, challenges, and opportunities in greening a municipality and community. <br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Presenters</strong><br />LaRee DeFreece, Vice President of Global Sustainability Consulting Services, HOK, will provide an overview of best practices from around the country regarding local and regional sustainable initiatives.<br />&nbsp;<br />Petree Eastman, Assistant City Manager, University City, will discuss the City Hall renovation and a new project for LEED certified Workforce Housing in conjunction with Washington University.<br />&nbsp;<br />John May, City of Creve Coeur Climate Action Task Force, will present information on their climate task force and greenhouse gas inventory report, which is the first to be completed by a city in the St. Louis region.<br />&nbsp;<br />Marjorie Melton, President of the Board of Public Service, City of St. Louis, will focus on the challenges that the City of St. Louis had to overcome in building the new LEED-certified North Side and South Side Community Recreation Centers.<br />&nbsp;<br />In addition, representatives from FOCUS St. Louis and Sustainable St. Louis will be on hand to provide information on their efforts and answer questions.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href=\\\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102532634964&amp;s=1922&amp;e=001HYxQPQx1SW_sU_11MCbXxTrdFmjP0Q_rrz4kjx6RALS1h4tnYVCHzcLEWeTOuEYHOvyNEFSAyz7UU4YouRHafhlGzgYLHfZyz5eFCGQ4tAO5ncCVIFdX1rj8Vvukg3zrot4qD7FQ7VmLKeWH4fl8JllJq5rPDDYwRIT2_PnIQJlBaFox7CoX-JfSebovwneXrhR4fC49rws=\\\"><br />map</a><br /><strong>&nbsp;<br />Fee</strong><br />Free to USGBC-STL and ULI-St. Louis members and students<br />$20.00 for Non-members<br />&nbsp;<br />Please RSVP to: <a href=\\\"mailto:usgbc-stl@mobot.org\\\">usgbc-stl@mobot.org </a>or call (314) 577-0225.<br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1429,520,4,2,1239382061,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 06:37 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:54:\"St. Louis Habitat Honored for  27 LEED Platinum Houses\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:52:\"st_louis_habitat_honored_for_27_leed_platinum_houses\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:54:\"St. Louis Habitat Honored for  27 LEED Platinum Houses\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:139:\"Habitat for Humanity St. Louis was selected for a USGBC \\\"Growing Green\\\" award in recognition of  27 LEED certifed platinum built in 2009.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:35:\"Habitat, USGBC, Growing Green, LEED\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2261:\"<p>Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis was selected as the U.S. Green Build Council &ndash; St. Louis Regional Chapter&rsquo;s Growing Green Award winner in the residential category. Habitat was chosen from a field of 15 nominees in the inaugural award program. Through their Growing Green Awards, the USGBC-STL recognizes and celebrates &ldquo;the people, organizations and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place to live, work and play.&rdquo; <br /><br />Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis built 27 LEED certified platinum houses as part of their most recent Build in the JeffVanderLou (JVL) Neighborhood.&nbsp; These homes double the number of LEED certified projects in the St. Louis region. Prior to the Habitat Build, there were 24 certified commercial projects (at different levels) and three certified home projects in the region.&nbsp; Nationally, as of March 24, 2009, only 230 homes were certified as LEED platinum.<br /><br />Habitat will build another 28 houses in 2009 in the JVL Neighborhood just blocks from their 2008 Build.&nbsp; The build begins next month. All 28 homes are planned for LEED certification. Habitat was chosen from a field of 15 nominees in the inaugural award program. Through their Growing Green Awards, the USGBC-STL recognizes and celebrates &ldquo;the people, organizations and companies that are transforming the St. Louis Region\\\'s built environment into a more environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy place to live, work and play.&rdquo; <br /><br />Kimberly McKinney, chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis says Habitat is committed to LEED certification in all the homes they build: &ldquo;We realize that while building houses in partnership with our selected families helps them to realize the \\\"American Dream\\\" but we also understand that it is likely they will always struggle economically for the \\\"extras\\\".&nbsp; As such, it is important to us to build the most energy efficient and sustainable house possible. As a non-profit, we must be good stewards of the money donated to us but to be able to extend that to being good stewards of the earth is also important.&rdquo;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1430,521,2,2,1239382764,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 06:48 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:54:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Awards Honor Sustainability Leaders \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"growing_green_awards_honor_sustainability_leaders\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:54:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Awards Honor Sustainability Leaders \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:200:\"The U.S. Green Building Council- St. Louis Regional Chapter (USGBC) recognized eight organizations and indivduals as leaders in built sustainability at  its inaugural Growing Green Awards on March 31.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:9942:\"<p><img alt=\\\"Growing Green\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The U.S. Green Building Council- St. Louis Regional Chapter (USGBC) recognized eight organizations and indivduals as leaders in built sustainability at&nbsp; its inaugural Growing Green Awards on March 31.&nbsp; The program recognized people and organizations that are \\\"Transforming the Built Environment\\\" and sharing their knowledge of green building and sustainable practices.&nbsp; By choosing judges outside of the St. Louis area, the nominations were evaluated without any preconceived notions of the people and companies, USGBC said.</p>\n<p>Selected for recognition were:</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Innovator Category: WILLIAM A. KERR FOUNDATION</strong><br />The William A. Kerr Foundation transformed a historically significant building in an underdeveloped and often overlooked part of downtown St. Louis into an educational showplace for sustainable strategies. The foundation, a longtime advocate of environmental protection, committed to plans for LEED certification early on. In so doing, the Kerr Foundation Headquarters achieved the first LEED Platinum Certification in the City of St. Louis and only the second in the St. Louis region. The Kerr Foundation not only uses its building to continually educate the public on sustainability by hosting tours, meetings and events, but also funds sustainable causes throughout the region. <br /><em><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;They aimed very high. That&rsquo;s what we want to see, someone with high aspirations, going above and beyond, pushing the boundaries.&rdquo; </em><br /><strong><br />Residential Category: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SAINT LOUIS</strong><br />Habitat&rsquo;s mission is to eliminate substandard housing in our region and they are doing it with compassion, skill, creativity and a commitment to innovation in energy savings along with sustainable construction techniques and practices. All 27 homes in Habitat&rsquo;s 2008 Build were certified LEED Platinum in March 2009 and plans are well underway for 29 more LEED homes in the 2009 Build. The 2008 Build has been made a case study by Habitat for Humanity International and the Home Depot Foundation that will spread far beyond St. Louis. Much of what is being done here is being adopted as &lsquo;best practices&rsquo; in other parts of the country. And Habitat for Humanity St. Louis in turn, has incorporated building science improvements from other sources it has encountered in its work.<br /><br /><em>Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;They are really pushing the boundaries. Their social connection is a win-win for the entire community!&rdquo; and &ldquo;Just fantastic!&rdquo; <br /><br /></em><img alt=\\\"Growing Green\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"100\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/GrowingGreenAwardsLOGO.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"300\\\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><strong>Government Award: CITY OF CLAYTON</strong></em><br />The City of Clayton has a long standing tradition of environmental stewardship with its 15-year old residential recycling program, the establishment in 1997 of the Ecology and Environment Awareness Committee and the Tree City Designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. More recently, Clayton ramped up its commitment to being a sustainable leader in the region. In 2006, the Mayor signed the Mayor&rsquo;s Climate Protection Agreement and the Board of Alderman passed a resolution requiring all city-owned, operated and occupied new construction and major renovation to achieve LEED Silver Certification.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><em>Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;We can take what&rsquo;s happening here and apply it and use it nationwide as a great model for programs, regulations, building activity and so much more.&rdquo; and &ldquo;Absolutely fantastic!&rdquo;<br /></em><br /><strong>Government Category Special Mention: U.S. CONGRESSMAN RUSS CARNAHAN</strong><br /><br />Congressman Russ Carnahan is a strong advocate nationally and locally for high-performance green building and schools.&nbsp; He was the co-founder of the U.S. House of Representatives&rsquo; High-Performance Buildings Caucus and is also member of the Green Schools Caucus, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus, the House Biofuels Caucus and the Congressional Climate Change Caucus. Congressman Carnahan has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation which have consistently addressed green building, including green schools and green housing, green economic development, alternative energy, climate change and innovative green products. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;He has played a crucial role in promoting green building in Missouri. Having the government&rsquo;s involvement and support is a key component to transforming the built environment.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Quietly Green Category: Winner: RICHARD REILLY, BOA CONSTRUCTION</strong><br /><br />Richard Reilly has been with Boa Construction Company for over 25 years and now serves as COO. Richard is heavily involved in nonprofit organizations and local associations to promote green building without ever asking for anything in return.&nbsp; He dedicated numerous hours of LEED consulting time to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis&rsquo; 2008 build, introducing several other Boa employees to Habitat to increase the volunteer efforts from his company. Reilly&rsquo;s passion for sustainability is evident in all he does.&nbsp; The associations he chooses to be involved in and the way he completes his day-to-day tasks center on environmental issues.&nbsp; In addition, he encourages fellow employees to become involved in sustainable initiatives, which allows his influence to grow exponentially.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;His passion for sustainability is evident in all he does; he dedicates so much time and energy to actively promoting sustainability.&rdquo; and &ldquo;He seems to breathe it!&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Award 2:&nbsp; DAVID BERTORELL</strong>I<br /><br />David Bertorelli spent thirteen years as Facility Director and Director of Space Planning and Design at Enterprise Rent-A-Car\\\'s corporate headquarters in St. Louis. At Enterprise, David promoted the LEED philosophy within Enterprise and outside, while spearheading the company\\\'s first LEED CI certified project from start to finish, and positioning the company as the first rental car firm nationally to gain LEED certification. David was also instrumental in launching ReSource St. Louis, an organization aimed at reducing Construction and Demolition waste through reduction, recycling, and reuse. As the co-chair of Greening the Heartland 2008 Conference, David brought the 5-year old conference, hosted by USGBC-STL, to a new level, exceeding attendance, sponsorship and exhibitor participation and &ldquo;paying forward&rdquo; a profit to USGBC-Detroit, the host of Greening the Heartland 2009. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;His achievements have made a big impact throughout the entire corporation, and most importantly, have changed corporate culture for the better.&rdquo; <br /><br /><strong>Education Category:&nbsp; PARKWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT </strong><br /><br />Parkway realized the need for being environmentally proactive long before the going green trend became popular. Since 1990, the Parkway School District has implemented a number of programs focused on environmental compliance, waste diversion, energy conservation, water conservation and green cleaning practice under the Parkway Environmental Services Department, Parkway Planning and Construction or the Parkway Buildings and Grounds Department. The materials recovery program began in 1990 and has diverted 11,466 tons of material from the landfill since May of 2000, while the waste diversion has generated $263,800 in revenue. The District&rsquo;s energy conservation program focuses on the operational side and includes conservation measures implemented daily, over weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. The energy saved is the equivalent of removing 23,420 cars from the highway or planting the equivalent of 3,337,434 tree seedlings for 10 years. The average avoided utility expenses for the district have been $843,062 for each of the last 15 years. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;Educating our children is the best place to start. This is an area of maximum impact because educating children impacts their ideas, and thus our future. Their efforts and achievements towards this end are transformational.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Commercial Category: LOFTWORKS, LLC</strong><br /><br />Ten years ago, Craig Heller&rsquo;s company, LOFTWORKS, LLC, converted a long vacant warehouse space into the first for-sale condominiums in downtown St. Louis. LOFTWORKS recognized the potential of downtown St. Louis to be a neighborhood distinguished by sustainable lifestyles and building practices.&nbsp; After ten years, LOFTWORKS is completing another first: developing the first LEED Gold core-and-shell project in downtown St. Louis. LOFTWORKS&rsquo; commitment to maintaining the building with sound sustainable practices and transferring these practices to its other projects increases the level of commitment to creating a green downtown.&nbsp; LOFTWORKS has raised the bar for its future developments for all other developers downtown.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;They showed a real commitment to the community. We really liked the social equity component in their work. Their vision and community-centered approach truly broadened their engagement with the community.&rdquo;<br /><br />Next year&rsquo;s Growing Green Awards will be held Wednesday, March 31, 2010, and nominations will open at the first of the year.<br /><br /></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1431,521,2,2,1239384266,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"521\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 06:48 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Awards Honor Sustainability Leaders\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"growing_green_awards_honor_sustainability_leaders\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:54:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Awards Honor Sustainability Leaders \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:200:\"The U.S. Green Building Council- St. Louis Regional Chapter (USGBC) recognized eight organizations and indivduals as leaders in built sustainability at  its inaugural Growing Green Awards on March 31.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10189:\"<p><img alt=\\\"Growing Green\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The U.S. Green Building Council- St. Louis Regional Chapter (USGBC) recognized eight organizations and indivduals as leaders in built sustainability at&nbsp; its inaugural Growing Green Awards on March 31.&nbsp; The program recognized people and organizations that are \\\"Transforming the Built Environment\\\" and sharing their knowledge of green building and sustainable practices.&nbsp; By choosing judges outside of the St. Louis area, the nominations were evaluated without any preconceived notions of the people and companies, USGBC said.</p>\n<p>Judges were Mark Shapiro, Mark Shapiro AIA, Kansas City;&nbsp; Cindy Finstad, Mortensen Construction, Brookfield, WI ; Jeremy Signon, USGBC, Washington, DC; Kris Neurauter, Art Institute of Chicago; and Ken Brandson, Haworth, Inc. , Holland, MI.</p>\n<p>Selected for recognition were:</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Innovator Category: WILLIAM A. KERR FOUNDATION</strong><br />The William A. Kerr Foundation transformed a historically significant building in an underdeveloped and often overlooked part of downtown St. Louis into an educational showplace for sustainable strategies. The foundation, a longtime advocate of environmental protection, committed to plans for LEED certification early on. In so doing, the Kerr Foundation Headquarters achieved the first LEED Platinum Certification in the City of St. Louis and only the second in the St. Louis region. The Kerr Foundation not only uses its building to continually educate the public on sustainability by hosting tours, meetings and events, but also funds sustainable causes throughout the region. <br /><em><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;They aimed very high. That&rsquo;s what we want to see, someone with high aspirations, going above and beyond, pushing the boundaries.&rdquo; </em><br /><strong><br />Residential Category: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SAINT LOUIS</strong><br />Habitat&rsquo;s mission is to eliminate substandard housing in our region and they are doing it with compassion, skill, creativity and a commitment to innovation in energy savings along with sustainable construction techniques and practices. All 27 homes in Habitat&rsquo;s 2008 Build were certified LEED Platinum in March 2009 and plans are well underway for 29 more LEED homes in the 2009 Build. The 2008 Build has been made a case study by Habitat for Humanity International and the Home Depot Foundation that will spread far beyond St. Louis. Much of what is being done here is being adopted as &lsquo;best practices&rsquo; in other parts of the country. And Habitat for Humanity St. Louis in turn, has incorporated building science improvements from other sources it has encountered in its work.<br /><br /><em>Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;They are really pushing the boundaries. Their social connection is a win-win for the entire community!&rdquo; and &ldquo;Just fantastic!&rdquo; <br /><br /></em><img alt=\\\"Growing Green\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"100\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/GrowingGreenAwardsLOGO.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"300\\\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><strong>Government Award: CITY OF CLAYTON</strong></em><br />The City of Clayton has a long standing tradition of environmental stewardship with its 15-year old residential recycling program, the establishment in 1997 of the Ecology and Environment Awareness Committee and the Tree City Designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. More recently, Clayton ramped up its commitment to being a sustainable leader in the region. In 2006, the Mayor signed the Mayor&rsquo;s Climate Protection Agreement and the Board of Alderman passed a resolution requiring all city-owned, operated and occupied new construction and major renovation to achieve LEED Silver Certification.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><em>Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;We can take what&rsquo;s happening here and apply it and use it nationwide as a great model for programs, regulations, building activity and so much more.&rdquo; and &ldquo;Absolutely fantastic!&rdquo;<br /></em><br /><strong>Government Category Special Mention: U.S. CONGRESSMAN RUSS CARNAHAN</strong><br /><br />Congressman Russ Carnahan is a strong advocate nationally and locally for high-performance green building and schools.&nbsp; He was the co-founder of the U.S. House of Representatives&rsquo; High-Performance Buildings Caucus and is also member of the Green Schools Caucus, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus, the House Biofuels Caucus and the Congressional Climate Change Caucus. Congressman Carnahan has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation which have consistently addressed green building, including green schools and green housing, green economic development, alternative energy, climate change and innovative green products. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;He has played a crucial role in promoting green building in Missouri. Having the government&rsquo;s involvement and support is a key component to transforming the built environment.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Quietly Green Category: Winner: RICHARD REILLY, BOA CONSTRUCTION</strong><br /><br />Richard Reilly has been with Boa Construction Company for over 25 years and now serves as COO. Richard is heavily involved in nonprofit organizations and local associations to promote green building without ever asking for anything in return.&nbsp; He dedicated numerous hours of LEED consulting time to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis&rsquo; 2008 build, introducing several other Boa employees to Habitat to increase the volunteer efforts from his company. Reilly&rsquo;s passion for sustainability is evident in all he does.&nbsp; The associations he chooses to be involved in and the way he completes his day-to-day tasks center on environmental issues.&nbsp; In addition, he encourages fellow employees to become involved in sustainable initiatives, which allows his influence to grow exponentially.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;His passion for sustainability is evident in all he does; he dedicates so much time and energy to actively promoting sustainability.&rdquo; and &ldquo;He seems to breathe it!&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Award 2:&nbsp; DAVID BERTORELL</strong>I<br /><br />David Bertorelli spent thirteen years as Facility Director and Director of Space Planning and Design at Enterprise Rent-A-Car\\\'s corporate headquarters in St. Louis. At Enterprise, David promoted the LEED philosophy within Enterprise and outside, while spearheading the company\\\'s first LEED CI certified project from start to finish, and positioning the company as the first rental car firm nationally to gain LEED certification. David was also instrumental in launching ReSource St. Louis, an organization aimed at reducing Construction and Demolition waste through reduction, recycling, and reuse. As the co-chair of Greening the Heartland 2008 Conference, David brought the 5-year old conference, hosted by USGBC-STL, to a new level, exceeding attendance, sponsorship and exhibitor participation and &ldquo;paying forward&rdquo; a profit to USGBC-Detroit, the host of Greening the Heartland 2009. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;His achievements have made a big impact throughout the entire corporation, and most importantly, have changed corporate culture for the better.&rdquo; <br /><br /><strong>Education Category:&nbsp; PARKWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT </strong><br /><br />Parkway realized the need for being environmentally proactive long before the going green trend became popular. Since 1990, the Parkway School District has implemented a number of programs focused on environmental compliance, waste diversion, energy conservation, water conservation and green cleaning practice under the Parkway Environmental Services Department, Parkway Planning and Construction or the Parkway Buildings and Grounds Department. The materials recovery program began in 1990 and has diverted 11,466 tons of material from the landfill since May of 2000, while the waste diversion has generated $263,800 in revenue. The District&rsquo;s energy conservation program focuses on the operational side and includes conservation measures implemented daily, over weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. The energy saved is the equivalent of removing 23,420 cars from the highway or planting the equivalent of 3,337,434 tree seedlings for 10 years. The average avoided utility expenses for the district have been $843,062 for each of the last 15 years. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;Educating our children is the best place to start. This is an area of maximum impact because educating children impacts their ideas, and thus our future. Their efforts and achievements towards this end are transformational.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Commercial Category: LOFTWORKS, LLC</strong><br /><br />Ten years ago, Craig Heller&rsquo;s company, LOFTWORKS, LLC, converted a long vacant warehouse space into the first for-sale condominiums in downtown St. Louis. LOFTWORKS recognized the potential of downtown St. Louis to be a neighborhood distinguished by sustainable lifestyles and building practices.&nbsp; After ten years, LOFTWORKS is completing another first: developing the first LEED Gold core-and-shell project in downtown St. Louis. LOFTWORKS&rsquo; commitment to maintaining the building with sound sustainable practices and transferring these practices to its other projects increases the level of commitment to creating a green downtown.&nbsp; LOFTWORKS has raised the bar for its future developments for all other developers downtown.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;They showed a real commitment to the community. We really liked the social equity component in their work. Their vision and community-centered approach truly broadened their engagement with the community.&rdquo;<br /><br />Next year&rsquo;s Growing Green Awards will be held Wednesday, March 31, 2010, and nominations will open at the first of the year.<br /></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1432,522,4,2,1239384761,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 07:28 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:36:\"Belleville Hospital Plans Expansion \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"belleville_hospital_plans_expansion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:36:\"Belleville Hospital Plans Expansion \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:61:\"Belleville\\\'s Memorial Hospital plans a $24 million expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Bellleville, Memorial, expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:956:\"<div id=\\\"storycontent\\\">\n<p><a class=\\\"story_clink\\\" href=\\\"http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/related_content.html?topic=Memorial%20Hospital\\\">Memorial Hospital</a>&nbsp; in Belleville, IL plans to build a $24 million orthopedic and neurosciences center.</p>\n<p>The facility, which will be between 85,000 and 89,000 square feet,\nwill include orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon offices and an\noutpatient center for physical, occupational and hand therapy and\nsports medicine. An open MRI also will be available at the center,\nwhich will be located on Frank Scott Parkway. The two existing medical office buildings on\nMemorial&rsquo;s campus, which are both smaller than the proposed addition\nwill be fully leased by the end of the year.</p>\n<p>Pending state approval, Memorial plans to break ground at the end of\nthe year with completion slated for the summer of 2011. Memorial, a\n313-bed hospital, reported $239.8 million in 2008 revenue.</p>\n</div>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1433,523,4,2,1239386560,'a:25:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 07:42 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"CVS Pharmacies Plan Major Push Here\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"cvs_pharmacies_plan_major_push_here\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"CVS Pharmacies Plan Major Push Here\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:125:\"CVS Pharmacies has had discussions with St. Louis contractors and unions about building a significant number of stores here. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:36:\"CVS, pharmacies, unions, contractors\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:907:\"<p>CVS Pharmacies has had discussions with St. Louis contractors and unions about building a significant number of stores here.</p>\n<p>Currently two stores have been announced. One will be built at the southwest corner of Lemay Ferry Road\nand Lindbergh Boulevard and the other at\nthe northeast corner of Gravois and Hampton avenues. CVS recently opened the only Downtown St. Louis pharmacy in the lobby of the AT&amp;T building at 909 Olive St.</p>\n<p>CVS officials have sought favorable terms from union leaders and contractors as a ramp-up to acquiring locations and beginning the push into St. Louis. Sources told CNR that nation\\\'s largest pharmacy chain indicated an intention to take on its major competitor, Walgreen\\\'s, head-on.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n<p>The 13,000-square-foot stores will have drive-thru windows and photo\ndevelopment services. Cedarwood Development of Akron, Ohio, is the\ndeveloper.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";}'),(1434,523,4,2,1239386595,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"523\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 07:42 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"CVS Pharmacies Plan Major Push Here\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"cvs_pharmacies_plan_major_push_here\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"CVS Pharmacies Plan Major Push Here\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:125:\"CVS Pharmacies has had discussions with St. Louis contractors and unions about building a significant number of stores here. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:36:\"CVS, pharmacies, unions, contractors\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:907:\"<p>CVS Pharmacies has had discussions with St. Louis contractors and unions about building a significant number of stores here.</p>\n<p>Currently two stores have been announced. One will be built at the southwest corner of Lemay Ferry Road\nand Lindbergh Boulevard and the other at\nthe northeast corner of Gravois and Hampton avenues. CVS recently opened the only Downtown St. Louis pharmacy in the lobby of the AT&amp;T building at 909 Olive St.</p>\n<p>CVS officials have sought favorable terms from union leaders and contractors as a ramp-up to acquiring locations and beginning the push into St. Louis. Sources told CNR that nation\\\'s largest pharmacy chain indicated an intention to take on its major competitor, Walgreen\\\'s, head-on.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n<p>The 13,000-square-foot stores will have drive-thru windows and photo\ndevelopment services. Cedarwood Development of Akron, Ohio, is the\ndeveloper.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1435,523,4,2,1239386725,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"523\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 07:42 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"CVS Pharmacies Plan Major Push Here\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"cvs_pharmacies_plan_major_push_here\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"CVS Pharmacies Plan Major Push Here\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:125:\"CVS Pharmacies has had discussions with St. Louis contractors and unions about building a significant number of stores here. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:36:\"CVS, pharmacies, unions, contractors\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:910:\"<p>CVS Pharmacies has had discussions with St. Louis contractors and unions about building a significant number of stores here.</p>\n<p>Currently two stores have been announced. One will be built at the southwest corner of Lemay Ferry Road\nand Lindbergh Boulevard and the other at\nthe northeast corner of Gravois and Hampton avenues. CVS recently opened the only Downtown St. Louis pharmacy in the lobby of the AT&amp;T building at 909 Chestnut St.</p>\n<p>CVS officials have sought favorable terms from union leaders and contractors as a ramp-up to acquiring locations and beginning the push into St. Louis. Sources told CNR that nation\\\'s largest pharmacy chain indicated an intention to take on its major competitor, Walgreen\\\'s, head-on.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n<p>The 13,000-square-foot stores will have drive-thru windows and photo\ndevelopment services. Cedarwood Development of Akron, Ohio, is the\ndeveloper.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1436,523,4,2,1239388706,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"523\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 07:42 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"CVS Pharmacies Plan Major Push Here\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"cvs_pharmacies_plan_major_push_here\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:35:\"CVS Pharmacies Plan Major Push Here\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:125:\"CVS Pharmacies has had discussions with St. Louis contractors and unions about building a significant number of stores here. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:36:\"CVS, pharmacies, unions, contractors\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:947:\"<p>CVS Pharmacies has had discussions with St. Louis contractors and unions about building a significant number of stores here.</p>\n<p>Currently two stores have been announced. One will be built at the southwest corner of Lemay Ferry Road\nand Lindbergh Boulevard and the other at\nthe northeast corner of Gravois and Hampton avenues. CVS recently opened the only Downtown St. Louis pharmacy in the lobby of the AT&amp;T building at 909 Chestnut St.</p>\n<p>CVS officials have sought favorable terms from union leaders and contractors as a ramp-up to acquiring locations and beginning the push into St. Louis. Sources told CNR that representatives of CVS told them the nation\\\'s largest pharmacy chain indicated an intention to take on its major competitor, Walgreen\\\'s, head-on.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>\n<p>The 13,000-square-foot stores will have drive-thru windows and photo\ndevelopment services. Cedarwood Development of Akron, Ohio, is the\ndeveloper.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1437,522,4,2,1239388810,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"522\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 07:28 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Belleville Hospital Plans Expansion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"belleville_hospital_plans_expansion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:36:\"Belleville Hospital Plans Expansion \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:61:\"Belleville\\\'s Memorial Hospital plans a $24 million expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Bellleville, Memorial, expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:956:\"<div id=\\\"storycontent\\\">\n<p><a class=\\\"story_clink\\\" href=\\\"http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/related_content.html?topic=Memorial%20Hospital\\\">Memorial Hospital</a>&nbsp; in Belleville, IL plans to build a $24 million orthopedic and neurosciences center.</p>\n<p>The facility, which will be between 85,000 and 89,000 square feet,\nwill include orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon offices and an\noutpatient center for physical, occupational and hand therapy and\nsports medicine. An open MRI also will be available at the center,\nwhich will be located on Frank Scott Parkway. The two existing medical office buildings on\nMemorial&rsquo;s campus, which are both smaller than the proposed addition\nwill be fully leased by the end of the year.</p>\n<p>Pending state approval, Memorial plans to break ground at the end of\nthe year with completion slated for the summer of 2011. Memorial, a\n313-bed hospital, reported $239.8 million in 2008 revenue.</p>\n</div>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1438,522,4,2,1239388905,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"522\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 07:28 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Belleville Hospital Plans Expansion\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"belleville_hospital_plans_expansion\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:36:\"Belleville Hospital Plans Expansion \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:61:\"Belleville\\\'s Memorial Hospital plans a $24 million expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:32:\"Bellleville, Memorial, expansion\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:866:\"<div id=\\\"storycontent\\\">\n<p><a href=\\\"http://www.memhosp.com/\\\">Memorial Hospital</a> in Belleville, IL plans to build a $24 million orthopedic and neurosciences center.</p>\n<p>The facility, which will be between 85,000 and 89,000 square feet,\nwill include orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon offices and an\noutpatient center for physical, occupational and hand therapy and\nsports medicine. An open MRI also will be available at the center,\nwhich will be located on Frank Scott Parkway. The two existing medical office buildings on\nMemorial&rsquo;s campus, which are both smaller than the proposed addition\nwill be fully leased by the end of the year.</p>\n<p>Pending state approval, Memorial plans to break ground at the end of\nthe year with completion slated for the summer of 2011. Memorial, a\n313-bed hospital, reported $239.8 million in 2008 revenue.</p>\n</div>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1439,521,2,2,1239416907,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"521\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 06:48 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"49\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Awards Honor Sustainability Leaders\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"growing_green_awards_honor_sustainability_leaders\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:54:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Awards Honor Sustainability Leaders \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:200:\"The U.S. Green Building Council- St. Louis Regional Chapter (USGBC) recognized eight organizations and indivduals as leaders in built sustainability at  its inaugural Growing Green Awards on March 31.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10240:\"<p><img alt=\\\"Growing Green\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The U.S. Green Building Council- St. Louis Regional Chapter (USGBC) recognized eight organizations and indivduals as leaders in built sustainability at&nbsp; its inaugural Growing Green Awards on March 31.&nbsp; The program recognized people and organizations that are \\\"Transforming the Built Environment\\\" and sharing their knowledge of green building and sustainable practices.&nbsp; By choosing judges outside of the St. Louis area, the nominations were evaluated without any preconceived notions of the people and companies, USGBC said.</p>\n<p>Judges were Mark Shapiro, AIA, LEED AP, BNIM, Kansas City;&nbsp; Cindy Finstad, Mortensen Construction, Brookfield, WI ; Jeremy Sigmon, LEED AP,&nbsp; USGBC Advocacy Coordinator, Washington, DC; Kris Neurauter, Sustainable Design Leader, Gensler, Chicago; and Ken Brandson, Haworth, Inc. , Holland, MI.</p>\n<p>Selected for recognition were:</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Innovator Category: WILLIAM A. KERR FOUNDATION</strong><br />The William A. Kerr Foundation transformed a historically significant building in an underdeveloped and often overlooked part of downtown St. Louis into an educational showplace for sustainable strategies. The foundation, a longtime advocate of environmental protection, committed to plans for LEED certification early on. In so doing, the Kerr Foundation Headquarters achieved the first LEED Platinum Certification in the City of St. Louis and only the second in the St. Louis region. The Kerr Foundation not only uses its building to continually educate the public on sustainability by hosting tours, meetings and events, but also funds sustainable causes throughout the region. <br /><em><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;They aimed very high. That&rsquo;s what we want to see, someone with high aspirations, going above and beyond, pushing the boundaries.&rdquo; </em><br /><strong><br />Residential Category: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SAINT LOUIS</strong><br />Habitat&rsquo;s mission is to eliminate substandard housing in our region and they are doing it with compassion, skill, creativity and a commitment to innovation in energy savings along with sustainable construction techniques and practices. All 27 homes in Habitat&rsquo;s 2008 Build were certified LEED Platinum in March 2009 and plans are well underway for 29 more LEED homes in the 2009 Build. The 2008 Build has been made a case study by Habitat for Humanity International and the Home Depot Foundation that will spread far beyond St. Louis. Much of what is being done here is being adopted as &lsquo;best practices&rsquo; in other parts of the country. And Habitat for Humanity St. Louis in turn, has incorporated building science improvements from other sources it has encountered in its work.<br /><br /><em>Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;They are really pushing the boundaries. Their social connection is a win-win for the entire community!&rdquo; and &ldquo;Just fantastic!&rdquo; <br /><br /></em><img alt=\\\"Growing Green\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"100\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/GrowingGreenAwardsLOGO.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"300\\\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><strong>Government Award: CITY OF CLAYTON</strong></em><br />The City of Clayton has a long standing tradition of environmental stewardship with its 15-year old residential recycling program, the establishment in 1997 of the Ecology and Environment Awareness Committee and the Tree City Designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. More recently, Clayton ramped up its commitment to being a sustainable leader in the region. In 2006, the Mayor signed the Mayor&rsquo;s Climate Protection Agreement and the Board of Alderman passed a resolution requiring all city-owned, operated and occupied new construction and major renovation to achieve LEED Silver Certification.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><em>Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;We can take what&rsquo;s happening here and apply it and use it nationwide as a great model for programs, regulations, building activity and so much more.&rdquo; and &ldquo;Absolutely fantastic!&rdquo;<br /></em><br /><strong>Government Category Special Mention: U.S. CONGRESSMAN RUSS CARNAHAN</strong><br /><br />Congressman Russ Carnahan is a strong advocate nationally and locally for high-performance green building and schools.&nbsp; He was the co-founder of the U.S. House of Representatives&rsquo; High-Performance Buildings Caucus and is also member of the Green Schools Caucus, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus, the House Biofuels Caucus and the Congressional Climate Change Caucus. Congressman Carnahan has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation which have consistently addressed green building, including green schools and green housing, green economic development, alternative energy, climate change and innovative green products. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;He has played a crucial role in promoting green building in Missouri. Having the government&rsquo;s involvement and support is a key component to transforming the built environment.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Quietly Green Category: Winner: RICHARD REILLY, BOA CONSTRUCTION</strong><br /><br />Richard Reilly has been with Boa Construction Company for over 25 years and now serves as COO. Richard is heavily involved in nonprofit organizations and local associations to promote green building without ever asking for anything in return.&nbsp; He dedicated numerous hours of LEED consulting time to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis&rsquo; 2008 build, introducing several other Boa employees to Habitat to increase the volunteer efforts from his company. Reilly&rsquo;s passion for sustainability is evident in all he does.&nbsp; The associations he chooses to be involved in and the way he completes his day-to-day tasks center on environmental issues.&nbsp; In addition, he encourages fellow employees to become involved in sustainable initiatives, which allows his influence to grow exponentially.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;His passion for sustainability is evident in all he does; he dedicates so much time and energy to actively promoting sustainability.&rdquo; and &ldquo;He seems to breathe it!&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Award 2:&nbsp; DAVID BERTORELL</strong>I<br /><br />David Bertorelli spent thirteen years as Facility Director and Director of Space Planning and Design at Enterprise Rent-A-Car\\\'s corporate headquarters in St. Louis. At Enterprise, David promoted the LEED philosophy within Enterprise and outside, while spearheading the company\\\'s first LEED CI certified project from start to finish, and positioning the company as the first rental car firm nationally to gain LEED certification. David was also instrumental in launching ReSource St. Louis, an organization aimed at reducing Construction and Demolition waste through reduction, recycling, and reuse. As the co-chair of Greening the Heartland 2008 Conference, David brought the 5-year old conference, hosted by USGBC-STL, to a new level, exceeding attendance, sponsorship and exhibitor participation and &ldquo;paying forward&rdquo; a profit to USGBC-Detroit, the host of Greening the Heartland 2009. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;His achievements have made a big impact throughout the entire corporation, and most importantly, have changed corporate culture for the better.&rdquo; <br /><br /><strong>Education Category:&nbsp; PARKWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT </strong><br /><br />Parkway realized the need for being environmentally proactive long before the going green trend became popular. Since 1990, the Parkway School District has implemented a number of programs focused on environmental compliance, waste diversion, energy conservation, water conservation and green cleaning practice under the Parkway Environmental Services Department, Parkway Planning and Construction or the Parkway Buildings and Grounds Department. The materials recovery program began in 1990 and has diverted 11,466 tons of material from the landfill since May of 2000, while the waste diversion has generated $263,800 in revenue. The District&rsquo;s energy conservation program focuses on the operational side and includes conservation measures implemented daily, over weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. The energy saved is the equivalent of removing 23,420 cars from the highway or planting the equivalent of 3,337,434 tree seedlings for 10 years. The average avoided utility expenses for the district have been $843,062 for each of the last 15 years. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;Educating our children is the best place to start. This is an area of maximum impact because educating children impacts their ideas, and thus our future. Their efforts and achievements towards this end are transformational.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Commercial Category: LOFTWORKS, LLC</strong><br /><br />Ten years ago, Craig Heller&rsquo;s company, LOFTWORKS, LLC, converted a long vacant warehouse space into the first for-sale condominiums in downtown St. Louis. LOFTWORKS recognized the potential of downtown St. Louis to be a neighborhood distinguished by sustainable lifestyles and building practices.&nbsp; After ten years, LOFTWORKS is completing another first: developing the first LEED Gold core-and-shell project in downtown St. Louis. LOFTWORKS&rsquo; commitment to maintaining the building with sound sustainable practices and transferring these practices to its other projects increases the level of commitment to creating a green downtown.&nbsp; LOFTWORKS has raised the bar for its future developments for all other developers downtown.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;They showed a real commitment to the community. We really liked the social equity component in their work. Their vision and community-centered approach truly broadened their engagement with the community.&rdquo;<br /><br />Next year&rsquo;s Growing Green Awards will be held Wednesday, March 31, 2010, and nominations will open at the first of the year.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"49\";}'),(1679,606,10,2,1247468304,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"606\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-06-20 06:32 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"62\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"Third Annual ASA Lakeside BBQ Competition\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:41:\"third_annual_asa_lakeside_bbq_competition\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:41:\"Third Annual ASA Lakeside BBQ Competition\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:86:\"Free industry BBQ sponsored by the American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:26:\"ASA, BBQ, Creve Coeur Park\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:32:\"Creve Coeur Park (Sailboat Cove)\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-07-15 05:32 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:21:\"3:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:2026:\"<p>Third Annual ASA Lakeside</p>\n<p><strong>BBQ Competition</strong></p>\n<p>Sponsored by the American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council</p>\n<p>Wednesday, July 15, 2009</p>\n<p>Creve Coeur Park (Sailboat Cove)<br />(Directions: Take Highway 70 to Earth City Express-South and make a left<br />on Marine Avenue. Drive approximately &frac14; mile and park is on your right)</p>\n<p>3:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.</p>\n<p>This is your opportunity to meet the members of ASA.</p>\n<p>Come be a part of the fun!</p>\n<p>All members will be participating in a BBQ cook-off.</p>\n<p>You judge the best BBQ. Bring your appetite!</p>\n<p>Last Year\\\'s Champion: Gallop, Johnson &amp; Neuman</p>\n<p>This event will be set up like a trade show...<br />you just walk around and introduce yourself to all the members displaying.</p>\n<p>Members Participating (but not limited to):</p>\n<ul>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li>A.R.T. Concrete &amp; Tool Supply</li>\n<li>Allen Roofing</li>\n<li>American Steel Fabrication, Inc.</li>\n<li>Bi-State Fire Protection</li>\n<li>Bobcat of St. Louis</li>\n<li>Budrovich Contracting</li>\n<li>Collier Business Advisors</li>\n<li>Compton Roofing </li>\n<li>Eqdeals, Inc.</li>\n<li>Expert Rentals<br /></li>\n<li>Fabick CAT/Rents</li>\n<li>Gallop, Johnson &amp; Neuman</li>\n<li>Haberberger, Inc.<br /></li>\n<li>Hanneke Hardware</li>\n<li>Irwin Products </li>\n<li>C. E. Jarrell Contracting</li>\n<li>K &amp; D Counter Tops</li>\n<li> K &amp; K Supply</li>\n<li> Kodiak Equipment </li>\n<li>Luby Equipment </li>\n<li>Midwest Aerials &amp; Equipment</li>\n<li>Motor Service, Inc.<br /></li>\n<li>Nu Way, Inc.</li>\n<li>RubinBrown </li>\n<li>Sun Rental</li>\n<li>United Rentals </li>\n</ul>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Cornhole Tournament-Sponsored by Irwin Product</p>\n<p>Live band<strong><br /></strong></p>\n<p><strong>Reservations are not required but are preferred.<br />Call Reba at (314) 214-1664 or reba@asamidwest.com.<br />Cost is FREE for all attendees.<br />P.O. Box 270 -Union, Missouri 63084 - (314) 214-1664 - Fax (314) 214-1665</strong></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"62\";}'),(1442,524,10,2,1239994428,'a:33:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"524\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:16 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:2:\"10\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:21:\"Seal the Deal Seminar\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:21:\"seal_the_deal_seminar\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:22:\"Seal the Deal Seminar \";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:101:\"Tom Woodcock\\\'s tips and techniques for construction sales and marketing through current conditions. \";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:46:\"Woodcock, Seal the Deal, sales, marketing, ASA\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:106:\"Quality Inn Amphitheatre 2434 Old Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 (next to Syberg’s on Dorsett)\";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-05-07 07:16 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:19:\" 8:00 a.m. – Noon\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:2257:\"<p>Continental breakfast included.<br />Cost:&nbsp; $50 ASA Members; $65 Non-Members<br />Reservations due before May 1, 2009<br />NO SHOWS WILL BE BILLED!</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Seal the Deal\\\" height=\\\"170\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/seal-the-deal.jpg\\\" width=\\\"281\\\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><br /><strong>1. Cutting Through Tough Economic Conditions</strong><br />We will be discussing techniques in both sales and marketing to combat the practices used in a tough economy.&nbsp; Companies have to contend with ridiculous pricing schemes, unrealistic demands and inexperience with customers.&nbsp; This topic will deal directly with taking hold of your sales dynamic and working it effectively, regardless of where the economy trends.<br /><br /><strong>2. Market Thrifty, Sell Strong</strong><br />Stop blowing money on marketing ideas that don&rsquo;t work!&nbsp; Determine the most effective way to promote to customers while saving money.&nbsp; No need for an expensive campaign, just an intelligent one that&rsquo;s enacted.&nbsp; Properly link the marketing with your sales focus and have them team up to be even more effective.&nbsp; The how to&rsquo;s of doing just that.<br /><br /><strong>3. Educating Your Customer</strong><br />Do you have a strategy, system or format to educate your customers on making the best bidding choice?&nbsp; Probably not.&nbsp; You most likely put more effort into getting your &ldquo;number&rdquo; than getting your customer.&nbsp; An educated customer is the best customer.&nbsp; It&rsquo;s your job to teach them how to make the best choices in your trade.<br /><strong><br />4. Common Errors in Construction Selling</strong><br />Contractor after contractor make the same mistakes day in and day out.&nbsp; Repeating ineffective selling behaviors will contribute to scratching and clawing for every job.&nbsp; Being untrained, nervous or shy should not be a barrier to success.&nbsp; A few good practices can alleviate the pressure.&nbsp; We will point out many regularly made errors and present counter methods to eliminate them.<br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;For registration, go to&nbsp;<a href=\\\"http://www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com \\\" title=\\\"Seal the Deal\\\"> www.tomwoodcocksealthedeal.com </a>or call 314-775-9217.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1466,525,2,2,1240012842,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:264:\"(A Column by Publisher Tom Finan)\n\nIn the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5152:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, and one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry, framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1467,531,4,2,1240013619,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"531\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 01:12 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:31:\"ASA Midwest Honors \\\"Best GCs\\\"\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:27:\"asa_midwest_honors_best_gcs\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:31:\"ASA Midwest Honors \\\"Best GCs\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:113:\"Local subcontractors held their annual celebratory gala on April 4 to honor the best contractors in the business.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3050:\"<p>Local subcontractors held their annual celebratory gala on April 4 to honor the best contractors in the business. The American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council hosted the 16th Annual Awards Gala at the Hilton Ballpark.&nbsp; <br /><br />ASA members nominate and vote for the best general contractor in three categories based on the size of the business. Past winners of the general contractor awards nominate and vote for the best subcontractors.<br /><br />The criteria for best general contractors are: Bid Ethics Practice, Equitable Contract Provisions, Safety Policy &amp; Practice, Payment Practices, Jobsite Supervision, Scheduling Coordination, Subcontractor Relations and Administrative Procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />The yardsticks for best subcontractors are: Bid Ethics Practice, Safety Policy &amp; Practices, Jobsite Supervision, Communication, Scheduling Coordination, Project Relations, Administrative Procedures and Quality Workmanship.&nbsp; <br /><br />All voting is kept confidential until the awards ceremony.&nbsp; <br /><br />The winners of the 2008 Awards Gala were: <br />&bull; Best General Contractor Category A (above $50 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Alberici Constructors, Inc., <br />&bull; Best General Contractor Category B ($20 - $50 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Kadean Construction Company, <br />&bull; Best General Contractor Category C (under $20 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Landco Construction. <br />&bull; Best MEP Subcontractor Category A (above $11.5 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Kaemmerlen Electric, <br />&bull; Best MEP Subcontractor Category B (under $11.5 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Duct Systems, Inc., <br />&bull; Best Specialty Subcontractor Category A (above $11.5 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Flooring Systems, Inc. and <br />&bull; Best Specialty Subcontractor Category B (under $11.5 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Bazan Painting Company.<br /><br />Other awards given at the gala were:<br />&bull; Best General Contractor Field Employee&mdash;Cal Barton, McCarthy Building Companies, <br />&bull; Best General Contractor Office Employee&mdash;Diane York, Kadean Construction Company&nbsp; <br />&bull; Best Engineer Award was given to Warren Kohm of Ross &amp; Baruzzini, Inc.&nbsp; <br /><br />ASA Member Safety Awards were given to: <br />&bull; Division I (over 1,000,000 man hours)&mdash; Sachs Electric Company, <br />&bull; Division II (500,000 &ndash; 1,000,000 man hours)&mdash;PayneCrest Electric &amp; Communications, <br />&bull; Division III (200,000 &ndash; 500,000 man hours)&mdash;Midwest Service Group, <br />&bull; Division IV (100,000 &ndash; 200,000 man hours)&mdash;ACME Constructors, <br />&bull; Division V (50,000 &ndash; 100,000 man hours)&mdash;Construction Services 2000, Inc., Grant Contracting, Parkway Construction Services, and Swanson Masonry, Inc., and <br />&bull; Division VI (under 50,000 man hours)&mdash;American Steel Fabrication, Inc., Freeman Contracting, Lindberg Waterproofing, Inc. and Oreo &amp; Botta</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1531,551,10,2,1241789943,'a:32:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:2:\"10\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-05-08 03:32 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"54\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:22:\"LEED Building Showcase\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:22:\"leed_building_showcase\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_58\";s:22:\"LEED Building Showcase\";s:11:\"field_ft_58\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_62\";s:72:\"USGBC-St. Louis is presenting it\\\'s sixth annual LEED Building Showcase.\";s:11:\"field_ft_62\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_59\";s:21:\"LEED, USGBC, showcase\";s:11:\"field_ft_59\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_63\";s:55:\"AmerenUE Headquarters Auditorium, 1901 Chouteau Avenue \";s:11:\"field_ft_63\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_57\";s:19:\"2009-05-12  2:32 AM\";s:15:\"field_offset_57\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_56\";s:0:\"\";s:15:\"field_offset_56\";s:1:\"y\";s:11:\"field_id_55\";s:9:\"5:30 p.m.\";s:11:\"field_ft_55\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_60\";s:9192:\"<table border=\\\"0\\\" cellpadding=\\\"0\\\" cellspacing=\\\"0\\\" class=\\\"MsoNormalTable\\\" style=\\\"height: 833px;\\\" width=\\\"456\\\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"orange\\\" style=\\\"padding: 3.75pt; background: orange none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 99%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;\\\" width=\\\"99%\\\">\n<div>\n<p align=\\\"center\\\" class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;\\\"><strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Trebuchet MS; color: #fefefe; font-size: x-large;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 24pt; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: #fefefe;\\\">LEED Building Showcase</span></span></strong></strong><strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Trebuchet MS; color: #fefefe; font-size: xx-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: #fefefe;\\\"> </span></span></strong></strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Trebuchet MS; color: #fefefe; font-size: xx-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 7.5pt; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: #fefefe; font-weight: bold;\\\"><br /> <strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Trebuchet MS;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;;\\\">&nbsp;<em><span style=\\\"font-style: italic;\\\">&nbsp;</span></em></span></span></strong></strong></span></span></strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Trebuchet MS; color: #fefefe; font-size: medium;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;; color: #fefefe;\\\"></span></span></p>\n</div>\n</td>\n<td bgcolor=\\\"orange\\\" style=\\\"padding: 3.75pt; background: orange none repeat scroll 0% 0%; width: 1%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;\\\" width=\\\"1%\\\"></td>\n</tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\\\"2\\\" style=\\\"padding: 3.75pt;\\\">\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 3.75pt;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\">&nbsp;</span></span><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\">St.\n            Louis</span></span><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\"> now boasts 57 LEED Certified\n          Projects (25 commercial and 32 homes) and over 100 LEED Registered\n          Projects. This program will feature presentations on four local\n          projects pursuing LEED certification.&nbsp; <strong><span style=\\\"font-weight: bold;\\\"><br /> <br /> Featured Projects</span></strong></span></span></p>\n<div>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\">Animal House - City of St. Louis</span></span></li>\n<li><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\">Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis\n          2008 JeffVanderLou Build</span></span></li>\n<li><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\"> Harrison Education\n          Center - St. Louis Community\n            College</span></span></li>\n<li><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\"> <strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal;\\\">Monsanto</span></span></strong></strong><strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; font-weight: normal;\\\"> Center - Missouri Botanical\n            Garden</span></span></strong></strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-weight: bold;\\\"></span></strong></span></span></li>\n</ul>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 3.75pt;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\"><strong><span style=\\\"font-weight: bold;\\\"> <br /> <strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana;\\\">When</span></span></strong></strong></span></strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\n          <br /> Tuesday, May 12,&nbsp;2009<br /> 5:30 - Registration &amp; Networking<br /> 6:15 - 7:30- Presentation&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 3.75pt;\\\"><strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\">&nbsp;</span></span></strong></strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\"></span></span></p>\n<p class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 12pt;\\\"><strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\">Where</span></span></strong></strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;\n          <br /> AmerenUE Headquarters<br /> Auditorium (just off the atrium)<br /> 1901 Chouteau Avenue<br /> St. Louis, MO 63103<br /> </span></span><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c;\\\"><a href=\\\"http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102564380735&amp;s=265&amp;e=001P59JfiLSF5ZLPO_g7HkYyemb8D7_Hb4UFJa0oLr7YIkHW7wwd6i1bjCaK-LbCahOgutuHZcSTRORj11EsxYY5A99coYOXTIHnM_0vwJM4U9iSX13XJOrICNShyXSuZFjKAiPXZwY5zY9dWGkJzCQQNpNyJ7vNljsb266yk-2taL7quz9dWPEypOaQoeJ7UbxCExL5dXwc1o=\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\"><span style=\\\"color: #0033ff;\\\"><span style=\\\"color: #0033ff;\\\">map</span></span></a><br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana;\\\">Fee</span></span></strong></strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-weight: bold;\\\"><br /> </span></strong>Free to USGBC-STL members and students<br /> $20.00 for Non-members<br /> &nbsp;<br /> <strong><strong><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana;\\\">Please\n          RSVP to:</span></span></strong></strong> <a href=\\\"mailto:usgbc-stl@mobot.org\\\" target=\\\"_blank\\\"><span style=\\\"color: #0033ff;\\\"><span style=\\\"color: #0033ff;\\\">usgbc-stl@mobot.org</span></span></a> or call (314) 577-0225.</span></span></p>\n<p align=\\\"center\\\" class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;\\\"><em><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-style: italic;\\\">Water will be provided in large containers. Please help to\n          reduce the environmental impact of USGBC-STL Programs by bringing\n          your own refillable water bottle.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> AIA/CEU\\\'s &amp; Certificates of Attendance are available.<br /> AIA members, please be prepared to sign in <br /> with your AIA number.</span></span></em></p>\n<div>\n<p align=\\\"center\\\" class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 3.75pt; text-align: center;\\\"><strong><em><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;\\\">Program Sponsored by</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;\\\"></span></span></em></strong></p>\n</div>\n<div>\n<p align=\\\"center\\\" class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"margin-bottom: 3.75pt; text-align: center;\\\"><strong><em><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;\\\">Axis St.\n            Louis, from Chemical Distribution, Inc.</span></span></em></strong><strong><em><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: x-small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 10pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;\\\"></span></span></em></strong></p>\n</div>\n<p align=\\\"center\\\" class=\\\"MsoNormal\\\" style=\\\"text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.75pt;\\\"><strong><em><span style=\\\"font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-size: small;\\\"><span style=\\\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Verdana; color: #5c788c; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;\\\">KAI Design &amp; Build</span></span></em></strong></p>\n</div>\n</td>\n</tr>\n</tbody>\n</table>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"54\";}'),(1471,525,2,2,1240074809,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:264:\"(A Column by Publisher Tom Finan)\n\nIn the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5151:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry and framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1472,525,2,2,1240075379,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:264:\"(A Column by Publisher Tom Finan)\n\nIn the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5159:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial, social and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry and framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1473,534,2,2,1240506583,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-23 06:44 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"40 Years of Voice, 20 Years of Excellence\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"40_years_of_voice_20_years_of_excellence\";s:4:\"save\";s:10:\"Quick Save\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:42:\"40 Years of Voice, 20 Years of Excellence \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:187:\"On September 24th \\\"party\\\" benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held. recognizing excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:1362:\"<p>On September 24th a <em>St. Louis CNR</em> benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held.&nbsp; The event will recognize excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades.</p>\n<p>The 20th annual<em> St. Louis CNR </em>Regional Excellence Awards will be presented at a dinner event at the Missouri Athletic Club. The event will also be a \\\"birthday party,\\\" marking CNR\\\'s 40th year as the \\\"Voice for the St. Louis Construction Industry.\\\"</p>\n<p>\\\"The St. Louis construction industry has been an incredibly warm and receptive \\\'family\\\' for our efforts at CNR,\\\" said CNR Publisher Tom Finan. \\\"We felt that it would be fitting to make this celebration into something lasting by assisting Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to create affordable housing.\\\"</p>\n<p>In addition to the Regional Excellence awards, <em>CNR</em> will present the first Thomas J. Finan, Jr. award, recognizing humanitarian contributions to the St. Louis community by members of the construction industry. The award is named in honor of the founder of <em>CNR.</em></p>\n<p>Last year, St. Louis Habitat constructed 27 LEED Platinum-certified homes, a fact that was recognized at the recent USGBC \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards. St. Louis Habitat is currently the third-largest developer of LEED-certified housing in the United States.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";}'),(1474,534,2,2,1240506610,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"534\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-23 06:44 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"40 Years of Voice, 20 Years of Excellence\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"40_years_of_voice_20_years_of_excellence\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:42:\"40 Years of Voice, 20 Years of Excellence \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:187:\"On September 24th \\\"party\\\" benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held. recognizing excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:1362:\"<p>On September 24th a <em>St. Louis CNR</em> benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held.&nbsp; The event will recognize excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades.</p>\n<p>The 20th annual<em> St. Louis CNR </em>Regional Excellence Awards will be presented at a dinner event at the Missouri Athletic Club. The event will also be a \\\"birthday party,\\\" marking CNR\\\'s 40th year as the \\\"Voice for the St. Louis Construction Industry.\\\"</p>\n<p>\\\"The St. Louis construction industry has been an incredibly warm and receptive \\\'family\\\' for our efforts at CNR,\\\" said CNR Publisher Tom Finan. \\\"We felt that it would be fitting to make this celebration into something lasting by assisting Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to create affordable housing.\\\"</p>\n<p>In addition to the Regional Excellence awards, <em>CNR</em> will present the first Thomas J. Finan, Jr. award, recognizing humanitarian contributions to the St. Louis community by members of the construction industry. The award is named in honor of the founder of <em>CNR.</em></p>\n<p>Last year, St. Louis Habitat constructed 27 LEED Platinum-certified homes, a fact that was recognized at the recent USGBC \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards. St. Louis Habitat is currently the third-largest developer of LEED-certified housing in the United States.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";}'),(1475,534,2,2,1240578154,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"534\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-23 06:44 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"51\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"40 Years of Voice, 20 Years of Excellence\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"40_years_of_voice_20_years_of_excellence\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:42:\"40 Years of Voice, 20 Years of Excellence \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:187:\"On September 24th \\\"party\\\" benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held. recognizing excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:37:\"Regional Excellence, Habitat, CNR, 40\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:6919:\"<p>On September 24th a <em>St. Louis CNR</em> benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held.&nbsp; The event will recognize excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Regional Excellence\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/regional.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The 20th annual<em> St. Louis CNR </em>Regional Excellence Awards will be presented at a dinner event at the Missouri Athletic Club. The event will also be a \\\"birthday party,\\\" marking CNR\\\'s 40th year as the \\\"Voice for the St. Louis Construction Industry.\\\"</p>\n<p>\\\"The St. Louis construction industry has been an incredibly warm and receptive \\\'family\\\' for our efforts at CNR,\\\" said CNR Publisher Tom Finan. \\\"We felt that it would be fitting to make this celebration into something lasting by assisting Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to create affordable housing.\\\"</p>\n<p>In addition to the Regional Excellence awards, <em>CNR</em> will present the first Thomas J. Finan, Jr. award, recognizing humanitarian contributions to the St. Louis community by members of the construction industry. The award is named in honor of the founder of <em>CNR.</em></p>\n<p>Last year, St. Louis Habitat constructed 27 LEED Platinum-certified homes, a fact that was recognized at the recent USGBC \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards. St. Louis Habitat is currently the third-largest developer of LEED-certified housing in the United States.</p>\n<p><br />The St. Louis Construction News and Real Estate Regional Excellence Awards recognize those projects completed in the previous year that, in sum, demonstrate excellence in design and construction, and a positive contribution to the St. Louis community. <br /><br />Now in their 20th year, the Regional Excellence Awards are the only comprehensive awards recognizing the best results of the construction industry when all the sectors -- owners, designers, and contractors -- work together as a team. The judges this year were: Judges were John Berendzen, principal, Fox Architects and past president, St. Louis Chapter AIA: Dr. Steve Bannes, director, Graduate School of Construction Management, Washington University; Paula Crews, director, sustainability practice, Paradowski Creative; Dr. John Gaal, director of education, St. Louis Carpenters\\\' District Council; and Thomas Finan, publisher of St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate.<br /><br />The awards will be presented at CNR\\\'s 40th Anniversary Celebration, \\\"A Celebration: 40 Years of Excellence,\\\" to be held in September at the Missouri Athletic Club. The event will be a fundraiser for&nbsp; St. Louis Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements for a date are being finalized. &nbsp;<br /><br />The winners of the 2009 Regional Excellence Awards are:<br /><strong><br />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<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The $35 million redevelopment of27 buildings along the former 14th Street Pedestrian Mall is one of the largest and most exciting neighborhood redevelopment projects in the city.&nbsp; In addition to breathing new life into the abandoned buildings along the former mall, this development will restore the 2600 and 2700 blocks of N. 14th Street as a drivable but pedestrian-friendly street<br /><br /><br /><strong>Historic Renovation</strong><br />Cannon Design Headquarters - Powerhouse Building<br />Owner: Cannon Design<br />Architect: Cannon Design<br />General Contractor: R.G. Ross Construction Company<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The &ldquo;ship in a bottle&rdquo; design and construction reclaimed a long abandoned power plant and brownfield site as a modern, environmentally sensitive office building in a renovated historic skin.<br /><br /><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.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Transforming a 45-year-old wastewater treatment plant into a new&nbsp; $57 million wastewater treatment plant while 30 million gallons per day of sewage flow through it &ndash; amazing.<br /><br /><strong><br />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<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The new &ldquo;green&rdquo; city hall in Cottleville is a fitting symbol for the bikeable-walkable-sustainable community that Cottleville has become..&nbsp; When construction was completed on the town&rsquo;s $5.3 million city hall and police station in December, city government could boast that their new home used 30 percent less energy than a similar traditional building and reduced water pollution by capturing and treating water on site.<br /><br /><br /><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 Associates<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Built on a challenging site under a highway and on top of an old lake bed and abandoned cinder deposit bins, the St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center provides Downtown St. Louis a much needed public transit center to serve Amtrak passenger trains, Greyhound Buses, MetroLink, Metro buses and taxis. And it has the capacity to serve a future commuter train<br /><br /><br /><strong>High-Tech</strong><br />Pfizer Building MM <br />Owner: Pfizer<br />Architect: Flad Architects<br />General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Green construction, building information modeling, and innovative use of heat recovery wheels make this cell banking facility a stand out project.<br /><br /><strong>Creative Renovation</strong><br />Shock City Studios<br />Owner: Blueprint Concepts, LLC<br />Architect: The Lawrence Group<br />General Contractor: The Lawrence Group Projects<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The historic renovation of an old ice warehouse into a state of the art recording studio was an inspired idea.<br /><br /><strong><br />Editor&rsquo;s Choice: Corporate Headquarters</strong><br />Solae<br />Owner: Clayco, Inc.<br />Architect: Cannon Design<br />General Contractor: Clayco, Inc.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: A unique four-buildings-in-one design and sustainable design features produced a fitting headquarters for a growing biotech company.<br /><br />&nbsp;<br /></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/regional.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"51\";}'),(1545,559,4,2,1242398342,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-05-15 04:24 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"55\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:50:\"Gray Completes Impact Strategies’ Headquarters  \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:45:\"gray_completes_impact_strategies_headquarters\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:49:\"Gray Completes Impact Strategies’ Headquarters \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:149:\"Gray Design Group recently completed the interior of a building in Fairview Heights, which includes the headquarters of contractor Impact Strategies.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:12:\"Impact, Gray\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2413:\"<p>Gray Design Group completed architectural and interior design services for the new 20,000-square-foot, multi-tenant Fountains Court Building in Fairview Heights, Ill., which houses the 5,000-square-foot headquarters of commercial builder, Impact Strategies. Gray&rsquo;s design team created a brand identity consistent with Impact&rsquo;s corporate image, using multi-textural interior and exterior materials and exposed structure as prominent design features.</p>\n<p>&ldquo;We worked with Impact on creating a facility that highlights its excellent craftsmanship skills,&rdquo; said Wendy Gray, principal, Gray Design Group. &ldquo;The usage of exterior materials allowed us to maximize the design budget while creating a very unique atmosphere that evokes a strong architectural presence and quality.&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />Impact&rsquo;s clients are greeted with a gridded glass wall of varied glass types and colors that acts as a shared backdrop central to both reception and the client collaboration center. A large, centrally located kitchen/lounge doubles as additional meeting space. <br />&nbsp;<br />Gray&rsquo;s design team included Gray and Principal Toby Heddinghaus, along with project manager Ashley Smith.<br />&nbsp;<br />Gray is a leader in creating spaces that are true reflections of companies&rsquo; brand identities. The firm recently won the Award of Merit in Midwest Construction&rsquo;s Best of 2008 competition for its interior design work on KPFF Consulting Engineers&rsquo; office in Des Peres, Mo. <br />&nbsp;<br />Impact Strategies is a full-service commercial builder primarily serving the 16-county St. Louis metropolitan region, specializing in retail, commercial, health care, senior housing and warehousing. Visit Impact on the Web at www.buildwithimpact.com/ &lt;http://www.buildwithimpact.com/&gt; .&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />&nbsp;<br />Founded in 1982, Gray Design Group provides full-service architectural and interior design, locally and nationwide, through its St. Louis design studio. Recent interiors projects include Parkside Financial Bank and the interior design of the new 230,000-square-foot Brady Commons Student Union at University of Missouri-Columbia. Gray currently is providing architectural and interior design services for Elsevier and Schattdecor. For more information, visit www.graydesigngroup.com &lt;http://www.graydesigngroup.com&gt; . <br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"55\";}'),(1481,473,4,2,1240578766,'a:28:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"473\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-03-06 07:25 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:3:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"51\";i:2;s:2:\"45\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:49:\"\\\"Meet the Machines\\\"  Family Event This Saturday\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:44:\"meet_the_machines_family_event_this_saturday\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:48:\"\\\"Meet the Machines\\\" Family Event This Saturday\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:118:\"This Saturday Budrovich Companies along with several major sponsors will, once again, present \\\"Meet the Machines\\\".  \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:28:\"Meet the Machines, Budrovich\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2955:\"<h4>Bring your Family To \\\"Meet The MACHINES\\\"</h4>\n<p><strong>Saturday April 25, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.<br /></strong><strong>Location: Budrovich Excavating &amp; Contracting<br /> 10328 Lake Bluff Drive </strong></p>\n<p>The Budrovich Companies along with several major sponsors will, once again, present \\\"Meet the Machines\\\".&nbsp; Building on the unqualified success of the inaugural event in 2005, and the overwhelming growth since, the event promises much more in 2009.&nbsp; Last year&rsquo;s event drew approximately 12,000 attendees.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Meet the Machines\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"163\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/meet-the-machines1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />Many sponsors such as McCarthy Building Companies, MC Industrial, Guarantee Electrical Schnuck&rsquo;s, Luby Equipment Company, JD Kutter Insurance, AmeriSure, Manitowoc Crane and others have seen the explosive growth of the free event and are supporting it through full sponsorships, in-kind donations and volunteers.&nbsp;</p>\n<p>The event will be held Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.&nbsp; This exciting family outing is held at the Budrovich Excavating &amp; Contracting headquarters, which is in an old quarry located at 10328 Lake Bluff Drive in St. Louis, MO.</p>\n<p>The purpose of the educational event is to introduce children, ages 3-15 years old, to the heavy equipment side of the construction business.&nbsp; Guests should arrive at the north gate and stop at the registration table.&nbsp; The first 1,500 kids will receive their Meet the Machines hard hat and other giveaways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>This year&rsquo;s event promises more interactive elements.&nbsp; Children and adults, alike, will have the opportunity to climb aboard and explore giant excavation and hoisting machinery.&nbsp; Additionally, visitors can participate in hands-on, educational activities such as &ldquo;digging&rdquo; for prizes or operating a crane via a training simulator.&nbsp; There will be games and prizes, face painting and opportunities to get pictures taken with a local sports team mascot, other local celebrities and, of course, the heavy machinery itself.&nbsp; An operator skill challenge will allow the youngsters to see professionals operate heavy equipment for contest prizes.&nbsp; Food and beverages will be provided to attendees at a minimal cost.&nbsp;</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Meet the Machines\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"365\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/meet-the-machines4.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"244\\\" />The Budrovich Companies specialize in site utility excavation, mass &amp; finish grading, crane rental, and residential, commercial and industrial land development.&nbsp; Budrovich employs nearly 150 skilled operators, laborers and teamsters in the St. Louis metropolitan region, utilizing nearly 90 pieces of excavation &amp; grading equipment and 40 mobile hydraulic cranes.&nbsp;</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"51\";s:10:\"category_2\";s:2:\"45\";}'),(1449,525,2,2,1239997625,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:229:\"In the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5152:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, and one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry, framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1450,521,2,2,1239998819,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"521\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-10 06:48 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Awards Honor Sustainability Leaders\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:49:\"growing_green_awards_honor_sustainability_leaders\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:54:\"\\\"Growing Green\\\" Awards Honor Sustainability Leaders \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:200:\"The U.S. Green Building Council- St. Louis Regional Chapter (USGBC) recognized eight organizations and indivduals as leaders in built sustainability at  its inaugural Growing Green Awards on March 31.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:10240:\"<p><img alt=\\\"Growing Green\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The U.S. Green Building Council- St. Louis Regional Chapter (USGBC) recognized eight organizations and indivduals as leaders in built sustainability at&nbsp; its inaugural Growing Green Awards on March 31.&nbsp; The program recognized people and organizations that are \\\"Transforming the Built Environment\\\" and sharing their knowledge of green building and sustainable practices.&nbsp; By choosing judges outside of the St. Louis area, the nominations were evaluated without any preconceived notions of the people and companies, USGBC said.</p>\n<p>Judges were Mark Shapiro, AIA, LEED AP, BNIM, Kansas City;&nbsp; Cindy Finstad, Mortensen Construction, Brookfield, WI ; Jeremy Sigmon, LEED AP,&nbsp; USGBC Advocacy Coordinator, Washington, DC; Kris Neurauter, Sustainable Design Leader, Gensler, Chicago; and Ken Brandson, Haworth, Inc. , Holland, MI.</p>\n<p>Selected for recognition were:</p>\n<p><br /><strong>Innovator Category: WILLIAM A. KERR FOUNDATION</strong><br />The William A. Kerr Foundation transformed a historically significant building in an underdeveloped and often overlooked part of downtown St. Louis into an educational showplace for sustainable strategies. The foundation, a longtime advocate of environmental protection, committed to plans for LEED certification early on. In so doing, the Kerr Foundation Headquarters achieved the first LEED Platinum Certification in the City of St. Louis and only the second in the St. Louis region. The Kerr Foundation not only uses its building to continually educate the public on sustainability by hosting tours, meetings and events, but also funds sustainable causes throughout the region. <br /><em><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;They aimed very high. That&rsquo;s what we want to see, someone with high aspirations, going above and beyond, pushing the boundaries.&rdquo; </em><br /><strong><br />Residential Category: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SAINT LOUIS</strong><br />Habitat&rsquo;s mission is to eliminate substandard housing in our region and they are doing it with compassion, skill, creativity and a commitment to innovation in energy savings along with sustainable construction techniques and practices. All 27 homes in Habitat&rsquo;s 2008 Build were certified LEED Platinum in March 2009 and plans are well underway for 29 more LEED homes in the 2009 Build. The 2008 Build has been made a case study by Habitat for Humanity International and the Home Depot Foundation that will spread far beyond St. Louis. Much of what is being done here is being adopted as &lsquo;best practices&rsquo; in other parts of the country. And Habitat for Humanity St. Louis in turn, has incorporated building science improvements from other sources it has encountered in its work.<br /><br /><em>Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;They are really pushing the boundaries. Their social connection is a win-win for the entire community!&rdquo; and &ldquo;Just fantastic!&rdquo; <br /><br /></em><img alt=\\\"Growing Green\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"100\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/GrowingGreenAwardsLOGO.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"300\\\" /></p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<p><em><strong>Government Award: CITY OF CLAYTON</strong></em><br />The City of Clayton has a long standing tradition of environmental stewardship with its 15-year old residential recycling program, the establishment in 1997 of the Ecology and Environment Awareness Committee and the Tree City Designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. More recently, Clayton ramped up its commitment to being a sustainable leader in the region. In 2006, the Mayor signed the Mayor&rsquo;s Climate Protection Agreement and the Board of Alderman passed a resolution requiring all city-owned, operated and occupied new construction and major renovation to achieve LEED Silver Certification.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br /><em>Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;We can take what&rsquo;s happening here and apply it and use it nationwide as a great model for programs, regulations, building activity and so much more.&rdquo; and &ldquo;Absolutely fantastic!&rdquo;<br /></em><br /><strong>Government Category Special Mention: U.S. CONGRESSMAN RUSS CARNAHAN</strong><br /><br />Congressman Russ Carnahan is a strong advocate nationally and locally for high-performance green building and schools.&nbsp; He was the co-founder of the U.S. House of Representatives&rsquo; High-Performance Buildings Caucus and is also member of the Green Schools Caucus, the Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus, the House Biofuels Caucus and the Congressional Climate Change Caucus. Congressman Carnahan has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation which have consistently addressed green building, including green schools and green housing, green economic development, alternative energy, climate change and innovative green products. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;He has played a crucial role in promoting green building in Missouri. Having the government&rsquo;s involvement and support is a key component to transforming the built environment.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Quietly Green Category: Winner: RICHARD REILLY, BOA CONSTRUCTION</strong><br /><br />Richard Reilly has been with Boa Construction Company for over 25 years and now serves as COO. Richard is heavily involved in nonprofit organizations and local associations to promote green building without ever asking for anything in return.&nbsp; He dedicated numerous hours of LEED consulting time to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis&rsquo; 2008 build, introducing several other Boa employees to Habitat to increase the volunteer efforts from his company. Reilly&rsquo;s passion for sustainability is evident in all he does.&nbsp; The associations he chooses to be involved in and the way he completes his day-to-day tasks center on environmental issues.&nbsp; In addition, he encourages fellow employees to become involved in sustainable initiatives, which allows his influence to grow exponentially.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;His passion for sustainability is evident in all he does; he dedicates so much time and energy to actively promoting sustainability.&rdquo; and &ldquo;He seems to breathe it!&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Award 2:&nbsp; DAVID BERTORELL</strong>I<br /><br />David Bertorelli spent thirteen years as Facility Director and Director of Space Planning and Design at Enterprise Rent-A-Car\\\'s corporate headquarters in St. Louis. At Enterprise, David promoted the LEED philosophy within Enterprise and outside, while spearheading the company\\\'s first LEED CI certified project from start to finish, and positioning the company as the first rental car firm nationally to gain LEED certification. David was also instrumental in launching ReSource St. Louis, an organization aimed at reducing Construction and Demolition waste through reduction, recycling, and reuse. As the co-chair of Greening the Heartland 2008 Conference, David brought the 5-year old conference, hosted by USGBC-STL, to a new level, exceeding attendance, sponsorship and exhibitor participation and &ldquo;paying forward&rdquo; a profit to USGBC-Detroit, the host of Greening the Heartland 2009. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp;&nbsp; &ldquo;His achievements have made a big impact throughout the entire corporation, and most importantly, have changed corporate culture for the better.&rdquo; <br /><br /><strong>Education Category:&nbsp; PARKWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT </strong><br /><br />Parkway realized the need for being environmentally proactive long before the going green trend became popular. Since 1990, the Parkway School District has implemented a number of programs focused on environmental compliance, waste diversion, energy conservation, water conservation and green cleaning practice under the Parkway Environmental Services Department, Parkway Planning and Construction or the Parkway Buildings and Grounds Department. The materials recovery program began in 1990 and has diverted 11,466 tons of material from the landfill since May of 2000, while the waste diversion has generated $263,800 in revenue. The District&rsquo;s energy conservation program focuses on the operational side and includes conservation measures implemented daily, over weekends, holidays, and summer breaks. The energy saved is the equivalent of removing 23,420 cars from the highway or planting the equivalent of 3,337,434 tree seedlings for 10 years. The average avoided utility expenses for the district have been $843,062 for each of the last 15 years. <br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments:&nbsp; &ldquo;Educating our children is the best place to start. This is an area of maximum impact because educating children impacts their ideas, and thus our future. Their efforts and achievements towards this end are transformational.&rdquo;<br /><br /><strong>Commercial Category: LOFTWORKS, LLC</strong><br /><br />Ten years ago, Craig Heller&rsquo;s company, LOFTWORKS, LLC, converted a long vacant warehouse space into the first for-sale condominiums in downtown St. Louis. LOFTWORKS recognized the potential of downtown St. Louis to be a neighborhood distinguished by sustainable lifestyles and building practices.&nbsp; After ten years, LOFTWORKS is completing another first: developing the first LEED Gold core-and-shell project in downtown St. Louis. LOFTWORKS&rsquo; commitment to maintaining the building with sound sustainable practices and transferring these practices to its other projects increases the level of commitment to creating a green downtown.&nbsp; LOFTWORKS has raised the bar for its future developments for all other developers downtown.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; comments: &ldquo;They showed a real commitment to the community. We really liked the social equity component in their work. Their vision and community-centered approach truly broadened their engagement with the community.&rdquo;<br /><br />Next year&rsquo;s Growing Green Awards will be held Wednesday, March 31, 2010, and nominations will open at the first of the year.</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:37:\"/images/uploads/wheres-the-growth.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1451,512,2,2,1239998844,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"512\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-03 05:23 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:53:\"St. Louis AIA  Helps Young Designers Hit by Recession\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:51:\"st_louis_aia_helps_young_designers_hit_by_recession\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:53:\"St. Louis AIA  Helps Young Designers Hit by Recession\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:133:\"The St. Louis Chapter AIA is providing financial assistance in professional development to young designers impacted by firm cutbacks.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:0:\"\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:29:\"AIA, assistance, scholarships\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:2426:\"<p><img alt=\\\"Helping Hand\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/helping-hand.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The St. Louis Chapter AIA is providing financial assistance in professional development to young designers impacted by firm cutbacks in the face of declining work on the boards. AIA issued the following statement in an email to its members:</p>\n<p>\\\"Last week, the trustees of the AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund met.\nThe state of the economy and its devastating effect on our industry and\nprofession was one of our topics. We know that the number of unemployed and under-employed architects\nand interns continues to grow. Many firms face extinction as more and\nmore construction projects are placed on hold.</p>\n<p>\\\"To assist our profession during these uncertain days, the AIA St.\nLouis Scholarship Fund is allocating funds to be made available to\nunemployed/underemployed architects and interns on their pathway to\nlicensure. The funds will be processed through the AIA St. Louis office\nas interest-free loans, to be paid back when full time employment\nreturns, and then on a mutually agreeable and in a reasonable time\nframe. These are unique times, and we are undertaking a unique way to\nsupport the St. Louis architectural community.</p>\n<p>\\\"The funds may be borrowed for ARE testing and preparation, LEED\ncertification testing and preparation, or for computer classes for\nRevit, BIM or programs that will make you a better architect or intern\nwhen you return to work. We will also consider applications for other\nprofessional growth and development opportunities.</p>\n<p>\\\"We know that there are impending deadlines such as the LEED testing\ndeadline and the 3.1 ARE... We want the funds to be\navailable immediately for these deadlines.</p>\n<p>\\\"The AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund is able to undertake this unique\nstimulus program because of the generosity of its donors and the\nongoing support it receives. We therefore, must express our gratitude\nto the founders and trustees of the Fund for developing and growing the\nfund to allow us to continue to invest in our profession.\\\"</p>\n<p>A link to the AIA application form is available by <a href=\\\"/blogfiles/aia_application.pdf\\\">clicking here</a>.&nbsp; Email the form to <a href=\\\"mailto:mswatek@aia-stlouis.org\\\">Michelle Swatek</a> executive director. Email or call 314.621.3484 for more information.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:32:\"/images/uploads/helping-hand.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),(1452,526,4,2,1239999474,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 10:12 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:44:\"Premier Renews McCarthy Healthcare Agreement\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:44:\"premier_renews_mccarthy_healthcare_agreement\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:44:\"Premier Renews McCarthy Healthcare Agreement\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:86:\"Premier, Inc. has renewed a national agreement with McCarthy Building Companies, Inc..\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:28:\"McCarthy, Premier,healthcare\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:2175:\"<p>The group purchasing division of the healthcare alliance <a href=\\\"http://www.premierinc.com\\\">Premier, Inc. </a>has renewed a national agreement with <a href=\\\"http://www.mccarthy.com\\\">McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.</a> to provide construction management services/general contracting and consulting services to Premier\\\'s more than 1,500 acute care hospital members.&nbsp; McCarthy is one of the nation\\\'s leading healthcare builders, with offices nationwide.<br /><br />Since 2003, McCarthy has offered Premier members comprehensive construction management and/or general contracting services on renovation, replacement and new facility healthcare projects, as well as a menu of consultant services directly related to healthcare capital improvements.&nbsp; Consulting services include such areas as: selection of the appropriate project delivery method for the owner\\\'s needs, assisting the owner in the refinement of internal systems to ensure successful project outcomes and structured utilization of Premier\\\'s Supplier agreements.<br /><br />\\\"We are pleased to have McCarthy continue to provide our members a diverse range of construction services,\\\" explained Mark Kearschner, director, Construction Services with Premier.&nbsp; \\\"Over the last 6 years McCarthy has demonstrated it could meet our members\\\' needs in offering cost- competitive terms and conditions for their services.\\\"<br /><br />\\\"Healthcare has always been a major part of our company\\\'s expertise, and through this program, the Premier member hospitals have an opportunity to take advantage of the both GPO benefits and McCarthy\\\'s industry leading service,\\\" said John Kreidich, manager Healthcare Services with McCarthy. \\\"We are excited to continue to offering services to Premier members for another 3 years.\\\"<br /><br />In the last six years, the contract value for all McCarthy projects involving Premier owners exceeds $2 billion, with work completed with more than a dozen hospital systems across America. The Premier healthcare alliance is more than 2,100 U.S. hospitals and 54,000-plus other healthcare sites working together to improve healthcare quality and affordability.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1453,525,2,2,1239999553,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:244:\"BY TOM FINAN  \nIn the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5152:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, and one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry, framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1454,527,4,2,1240000122,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 10:22 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:31:\"Spidle joins Burns & McDonnell \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:28:\"spidle_joins_burns_mcdonnell\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:31:\"Spidle joins Burns & McDonnell \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:88:\"Craig Spidle has joined Burns & McDonnell to direct the St. Louis design/build practice.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:39:\"Spidle, design/build, Burns & McDonnell\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:1254:\"<p>Craig Spidle has joined Burns &amp; McDonnell to direct the national engineering firm&rsquo;s design/build practice in St. Louis, Breck Washam, associate vice president and general manager of St. Louis area operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>\n<p>Spidle has more than 30 years experience in construction and design/build. Prior to joining Burns &amp; McDonnell, he was president of CRB Builders in St. Louis.&nbsp; Earlier in his career, he served as vice president and general manager of the Global Industrial Group and Construction Division Manager at the former Sverdrup Corp., a national engineering, architecture and construction firm.</p>\n<p>Over his 30-year career, Spidle has amassed a diverse project portfolio that includes pharmaceutical, high tech manufacturing, food and beverage, aviation, energy, and infrastructure projects valued at more than $1 billion. <br /><br />&ldquo;Craig is one of our region&rsquo;s premier design/build experts,&rdquo; says Washam.&nbsp; &ldquo;He&rsquo;s a great addition to this growing part of our business<br /><br />Burns &amp; McDonnell, one of the nation&rsquo;s oldest engineering firms, with a multi-disciplined staff of more than 3,000. More than 150 professionals staff the St. Louis regional offices.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1455,528,4,2,1240003992,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 11:27 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:34:\"Hanneke Adds Koskolos, Colatruglio\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:33:\"hanneke_adds_koskolos_colatruglio\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:34:\"Hanneke Adds Koskolos, Colatruglio\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:114:\"Hanneke Hardware & Industrial Supply has appointed Dean Koskolos as an account manager on its outside sales team. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:30:\"Hanneke, Colatruglio, Koskolos\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:263:\"<p>Hanneke Hardware &amp; Industrial Supply has appointed Dean Koskolos as an account manager on its outside sales team. Hanneke has also appointed Cheryl Colatruglio as their Home D&eacute;cor Development Manager at the Hanneke Home Center location in Affton</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1456,529,4,2,1240004710,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 11:27 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"7\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:34:\"Hanneke Adds Koskolos, Colatruglio\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:33:\"hanneke_adds_koskolos_colatruglio\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:34:\"Hanneke Adds Koskolos, Colatruglio\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:114:\"Hanneke Hardware & Industrial Supply has appointed Dean Koskolos as an account manager on its outside sales team. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:30:\"Hanneke, Colatruglio, Koskolos\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:263:\"<p>Hanneke Hardware &amp; Industrial Supply has appointed Dean Koskolos as an account manager on its outside sales team. Hanneke has also appointed Cheryl Colatruglio as their Home D&eacute;cor Development Manager at the Hanneke Home Center location in Affton</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"7\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1457,525,2,2,1240009839,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:245:\"BY TOM FINAN  \n\nIn the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5152:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, and one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry, framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1458,530,4,2,1240010756,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 01:14 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes  for Bucks\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"roads_tussle_with_other_transportation_modes_for_bucks\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:57:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes   for Bucks \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:197:\"Urban and rural interests continue to be at loggerheads, as traditional road building interests vie with advocates of rail, bus, bike greenway and other modes of transportation for scarce dollars. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:48:\"transportation, Missouri Transportation Alliance\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:12798:\"<p>Missouri&rsquo;s Great Transportation Debate entered Round Two recently with Missouri Transportation Alliance spokesman Jewel Patek saying that the challenges of arriving at a consensus plan for transportation were greater in urban areas. As if to illustrate that point, the two district chairpeople of the Missouri Transportation Alliance found their call for better roads fall a little flat when they brought it to St. Louis in March. A cross section of citizens representing everyone from service workers to CEOs responded that transportation means more than roads and a transportation plan is more than a list of projects.<br /><br />The Missouri Transportation Alliance was founded last autumn to develop and recommend a statewide transportation program for the next decade to enhance road safety, replace failing bridges, grow the economy, and create &ldquo;quality&rdquo; jobs. It was founded because the road construction made possible by voter approval of Amendment 3 in 2004 is coming to an end and new funding must be found to continue the same level of highway work. Construction groups, such as the Associated General Contractors, SITE Improvement Association, the Eastern Missouri Laborers&rsquo; District Council, and the St. Louis Building &amp; Construction Trades Council are among the group&rsquo;s core &ldquo;stakeholders.&rdquo;<br /><br />The Missouri Transportation Alliance was founded just in time to face the recession and get caught in the crossfire of a dispute over the spending of extra federal highway money made available by the &ldquo;stimulus&rdquo; act &ndash; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. So, when Bill McKenna and Susan Stauder opened up the transportation alliance&rsquo;s second round of public hearings with a meeting in the student government chambers at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, they encountered some push back.<br /><br />At a meeting in the Student Government Chamber at the University of Missouri &ndash; St. Louis on St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day, McKenna and Stauder displayed maps showing how little road construction is planned for the Missouri Department of Transportation&rsquo;s (MoDOT) District 6 in the 2009-2013 period compared to how much construction took place from 1999-2008. District 6 consists of St. Louis city and county, and St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin counties. <br /><br />McKenna also displayed graphics showing how much truck traffic has increased on roads in the state in the last ten years, and said Missouri could become a regional distribution hub if the state could maintain and improve its roads. According to McKenna, Missouri is within a 10-hour drive of half of the country\\\'s population. With improvements to the state\\\'s highway system, river ports and railways, &ldquo;it could become the nation\\\'s premier central distribution point and bring tens of thousands of additional jobs to the state,&rdquo; he said. But if Missouri does not invest more in its infrastructure, it could lose the competitive battle for distribution center jobs to Kansas or Illinois, he added.<br /><br />Many people in the audience of about 55 expressed more interest in moving people than in moving products, however, and they expressed more interest in alternatives to the use of private autos on public roads than they did in building more roads.<br /><br />Garry Earls, chief operating officer of St. Louis County, said the county&rsquo;s top goal is expanding the region&rsquo;s light rail system, MetroLink. Representatives of the Service Employees International Union said bus service is crucial. Bob Baer, president and CEO of Metro, said his agency wants money to operate buses and the light rail system.<br /><br />&nbsp;&ldquo;We should be talking about growth goals and revitalizing the built cores,&rdquo; said Thomas Shrout, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. &ldquo;We need density at transit stops. Your report has to include how zoning and laws have to encourage that vision. A bridge in Tuscumbia is not part of a vision. It is just a project,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Bicycle enthusiasts also criticized the highway department for focusing only on cars and called for incorporating bicycle lanes in highway and bridge designs.<br /><br />But the torrent of demands also raised concerns about cost. &ldquo;The cost of road transportation is tremendous. Then add in mass transit, ports, and railroads and the tax needed to fund it all is exorbitant. How will you decide what is to be included,&rdquo; asked Steve Hoven, corporate vice president &ndash; public affairs of SSM Health Care?<br /><br />But Bill McKenna, statewide chairman and District 6 co-chair of the Missouri Transportation Alliance is an old hand at dealing with those sorts of questions and controversies. As chairman of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, he faced tugs-of-war every time funding came up, said Tom Stevener, vice president of business development at Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc. &ldquo;There is always contention over how much money goes to rural areas and how much goes to urban areas,&rdquo; Stevener said. &ldquo;Outstate people always feel they are getting the short end of the stick and mobilize behind the Farm Bureau to get more,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Patek is familiar with those controversies, too. In 2004, he successfully managed a campaign to amendment the Missouri Constitution to dedicate all state motor fuel taxes and vehicle user fees to roads and bridges, effectively taking about $130 million out of the general fund and redirecting it to road construction and maintenance. The promise of Amendment 3, as it was called, was that the money would be used to make roads safer and smoother and to fix failing bridges. The newly-dedicated tax stream leveraged bonds that financed a $1.7 billion gusher of projects that quickly raised that quality of Missouri&rsquo;s state roads from among the worst in the nation to among the best, and also reduced traffic deaths, but little of the money was directed towards fixing failing bridges. All the bond money will have been spent by the end of this year, however, and Amendment 3 revenue will be unavailable for any new projects for many more years to come as it is dedicated to paying off that bond. It is the exhaustion of the Amendment 3 bond that prompted the formation of the Missouri Transportation Alliance.<br /><br />Listening to county and municipal agencies and finding compromises between local agencies and a common ground on which to erect a transportation plan is the task that McKenna and the transportation alliance have set for themselves. McKenna displayed the skills that will help him do that at the meeting at the University of Missouri &ndash; St. Louis. Over the course of the forum, it became clear that there was broad and deep support for mass transit among the St. Louis attendees. <br /><br />Susan Stauder, co-chair of District 6 and vice president - infrastructure and public policy for the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), expressed that support when she said, &ldquo;There is a very great need to look at mass transportation. It is one of the things we need in our toolbox to get people around&hellip;We have a very successful mass transit system, but we&rsquo;re losing about 1/3 of the service at the end of the month. We need to fix it. It is a real jewel. We need to preserve and expand it.&rdquo;<br /><br />McKenna first explained that the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, despite their names, cannot fund transit. &ldquo;The problem with the existing system is that the transportation department is funded like a highway department: taxes go into a road fund and the constitution says that money cannot be used for anything but roads and bridges,&rdquo; McKenna said.<br /><br />When Earls pushed back, saying that if the purpose of the forum was to find out what were local priorities for transportation, then St. Louis County&rsquo;s priority is expanding Metrolink to double revenue miles and reach 95 percent of the county&rsquo;s population. McKenna shot back: &ldquo;It has to be something that is saleable statewide.&rdquo;<br /><br />But after several more speakers weighed in to back Metrolink, McKenna accepted that for metro St. Louis, transit has to be part of a statewide transportation plan. &ldquo;Obviously, mass transit is important to St. Louis. That is a sea change. We&rsquo;ve never had state funding for mass transit before,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; <br /><br />St. Louis&rsquo;s commitment to a multimodal transportation system is more than just verbal. A multimodal system does not just include mass transit as an option, but it also provides connections between different types of transportation. The Gateway Transportation Center, which opened in November 2008, is an example of that commitment. The project was funded by federal, state and local government agencies, with participation from Amtrak, Greyhound and MetroLink. Construction on the project began in 2006 with construction of a MetroBus station at 14th and Spruce Streets that links MetroLink riders to the downtown bus system and vice versa. That was followed by the construction of a 37,000-square-foot Multimodal Center at 15th and Spruce Streets. <br /><br />The Multimodal Center houses Amtrak train and Greyhound bus operations, a food court and concourse linkage between Greyhound, Amtrak and MetroLink. Don Koppy, vice president and director of architecture at KAI Design &amp; Build, said the $27 million Multimodal Center was designed and built with an eye on the future. Koppy, who began working with an earlier design of the project in 1996, said that Amtrak&rsquo;s current service does not justify the expense of connecting it to the Multimodal Center, &ldquo;but the city decided to put infrastructure in place for when commuter rail comes into the city, and commuter rail makes sense if people are going to go out to the exurbs. So it was planned for long term.&rdquo; <br /><br />&ldquo;We invested in a multimodal system,&rdquo; Koppy said. &ldquo;The Multimodal Center is at a centralized location and from there you can go to the airport or get on a train, a bus, or a cab, and in the future you will be able to get on commuter rail. I don&rsquo;t know what else we could have, except we don&rsquo;t have bikes,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Joining KAI on the project were: K&amp;S Associates as the general contractor, Jacobs Civil Engineering, landscape architect SWT Design Inc., and St. Louis-based Kiku Obata &amp; Company. <br /><br />Transit is important in many areas of the state, not just St. Louis, Stevener said. &ldquo;Kansas City operates a bus system and they have the same problems we do,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Places like Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, Columbia and Jefferson City also have transit systems. There are a lot of OATS (Older Adult Transportation Service) systems out-state, and in southeast Missouri there is MTS based in Fredericksburg. There are more and more folks out there who are becoming dependent on transit of some form or other, if just because people are getting older. I think there is demand even out-state for something more than roads and bridges,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I think the guys at the state understand that. For years I&rsquo;ve heard the commission (Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission) talk about total transportation, now called multimodal, but the difficulty is where the money comes from. Most funding comes from fuel tax and it is dedicated by the constitution to roads and bridges, so they can&rsquo;t spend it on anything else,&rdquo; he added. And when it comes to going to the legislature for funding from general revenue, &ldquo;you&rsquo;re in competition with everything else. That is real fisticuffs,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Finding a plan that has broad support throughout the state is just the first part of the process. The second part if figuring out to fund it to avoid fisticuffs in the general assembly.<br /><br />&ldquo;The motor fuel tax is probably the silliest way to collect a tax there has ever been, because it can&rsquo;t keep up with inflation,&rdquo; Stevener said. &ldquo;If you apply an inflation factor of three percent a year, we&rsquo;re collecting the same amount of money now as when we first put in a tax in the 1920s to go from dirt roads to macadam.<br /><br />&ldquo;We have to do away with this archaic motor fuel tax and go to something more universally based, and get away from a dedication to roads and bridges make funding available for all transportation. Lots and lots of other states do that as normal business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1459,531,4,2,1240010800,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 01:12 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:31:\"ASA Midwest Honors \\\"Best GCs\\\"\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:27:\"asa_midwest_honors_best_gcs\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:31:\"ASA Midwest Honors \\\"Best GCs\\\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:113:\"Local subcontractors held their annual celebratory gala on April 4 to honor the best contractors in the business.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:3111:\"<p>ASA Midwest Council Hosts 16th Annual Awards Gala<br /><br />Local subcontractors held their annual celebratory gala on April 4 to honor the best contractors in the business. The American Subcontractors Association-Midwest Council hosted the 16th Annual Awards Gala at the Hilton Ballpark.&nbsp; <br /><br />ASA members nominate and vote for the best general contractor in three categories based on the size of the business. Past winners of the general contractor awards nominate and vote for the best subcontractors.<br /><br />The criteria for best general contractors are: Bid Ethics Practice, Equitable Contract Provisions, Safety Policy &amp; Practice, Payment Practices, Jobsite Supervision, Scheduling Coordination, Subcontractor Relations and Administrative Procedures.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /><br />The yardsticks for best subcontractors are: Bid Ethics Practice, Safety Policy &amp; Practices, Jobsite Supervision, Communication, Scheduling Coordination, Project Relations, Administrative Procedures and Quality Workmanship.&nbsp; <br /><br />All voting is kept confidential until the awards ceremony.&nbsp; <br /><br />The winners of the 2008 Awards Gala were: <br />&bull; Best General Contractor Category A (above $50 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Alberici Constructors, Inc., <br />&bull; Best General Contractor Category B ($20 - $50 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Kadean Construction Company, <br />&bull; Best General Contractor Category C (under $20 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Landco Construction. <br />&bull; Best MEP Subcontractor Category A (above $11.5 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Kaemmerlen Electric, <br />&bull; Best MEP Subcontractor Category B (under $11.5 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Duct Systems, Inc., <br />&bull; Best Specialty Subcontractor Category A (above $11.5 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Flooring Systems, Inc. and <br />&bull; Best Specialty Subcontractor Category B (under $11.5 million in gross revenues)&mdash;Bazan Painting Company.<br /><br />Other awards given at the gala were:<br />&bull; Best General Contractor Field Employee&mdash;Cal Barton, McCarthy Building Companies, <br />&bull; Best General Contractor Office Employee&mdash;Diane York, Kadean Construction Company&nbsp; <br />&bull; Best Engineer Award was given to Warren Kohm of Ross &amp; Baruzzini, Inc.&nbsp; <br /><br />ASA Member Safety Awards were given to: <br />&bull; Division I (over 1,000,000 man hours)&mdash; Sachs Electric Company, <br />&bull; Division II (500,000 &ndash; 1,000,000 man hours)&mdash;PayneCrest Electric &amp; Communications, <br />&bull; Division III (200,000 &ndash; 500,000 man hours)&mdash;Midwest Service Group, <br />&bull; Division IV (100,000 &ndash; 200,000 man hours)&mdash;ACME Constructors, <br />&bull; Division V (50,000 &ndash; 100,000 man hours)&mdash;Construction Services 2000, Inc., Grant Contracting, Parkway Construction Services, and Swanson Masonry, Inc., and <br />&bull; Division VI (under 50,000 man hours)&mdash;American Steel Fabrication, Inc., Freeman Contracting, Lindberg Waterproofing, Inc. and Oreo &amp; Botta</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1460,530,4,2,1240010897,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"530\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 01:14 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes  for Bucks\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"roads_tussle_with_other_transportation_modes_for_bucks\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:57:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes   for Bucks \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:198:\"Urban and rural interests continue to be at loggerheads, as traditional road building supporters vie with advocates of rail, bus, bike greenway and other modes of transportation for scarce dollars. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:48:\"transportation, Missouri Transportation Alliance\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:12798:\"<p>Missouri&rsquo;s Great Transportation Debate entered Round Two recently with Missouri Transportation Alliance spokesman Jewel Patek saying that the challenges of arriving at a consensus plan for transportation were greater in urban areas. As if to illustrate that point, the two district chairpeople of the Missouri Transportation Alliance found their call for better roads fall a little flat when they brought it to St. Louis in March. A cross section of citizens representing everyone from service workers to CEOs responded that transportation means more than roads and a transportation plan is more than a list of projects.<br /><br />The Missouri Transportation Alliance was founded last autumn to develop and recommend a statewide transportation program for the next decade to enhance road safety, replace failing bridges, grow the economy, and create &ldquo;quality&rdquo; jobs. It was founded because the road construction made possible by voter approval of Amendment 3 in 2004 is coming to an end and new funding must be found to continue the same level of highway work. Construction groups, such as the Associated General Contractors, SITE Improvement Association, the Eastern Missouri Laborers&rsquo; District Council, and the St. Louis Building &amp; Construction Trades Council are among the group&rsquo;s core &ldquo;stakeholders.&rdquo;<br /><br />The Missouri Transportation Alliance was founded just in time to face the recession and get caught in the crossfire of a dispute over the spending of extra federal highway money made available by the &ldquo;stimulus&rdquo; act &ndash; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. So, when Bill McKenna and Susan Stauder opened up the transportation alliance&rsquo;s second round of public hearings with a meeting in the student government chambers at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, they encountered some push back.<br /><br />At a meeting in the Student Government Chamber at the University of Missouri &ndash; St. Louis on St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day, McKenna and Stauder displayed maps showing how little road construction is planned for the Missouri Department of Transportation&rsquo;s (MoDOT) District 6 in the 2009-2013 period compared to how much construction took place from 1999-2008. District 6 consists of St. Louis city and county, and St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin counties. <br /><br />McKenna also displayed graphics showing how much truck traffic has increased on roads in the state in the last ten years, and said Missouri could become a regional distribution hub if the state could maintain and improve its roads. According to McKenna, Missouri is within a 10-hour drive of half of the country\\\'s population. With improvements to the state\\\'s highway system, river ports and railways, &ldquo;it could become the nation\\\'s premier central distribution point and bring tens of thousands of additional jobs to the state,&rdquo; he said. But if Missouri does not invest more in its infrastructure, it could lose the competitive battle for distribution center jobs to Kansas or Illinois, he added.<br /><br />Many people in the audience of about 55 expressed more interest in moving people than in moving products, however, and they expressed more interest in alternatives to the use of private autos on public roads than they did in building more roads.<br /><br />Garry Earls, chief operating officer of St. Louis County, said the county&rsquo;s top goal is expanding the region&rsquo;s light rail system, MetroLink. Representatives of the Service Employees International Union said bus service is crucial. Bob Baer, president and CEO of Metro, said his agency wants money to operate buses and the light rail system.<br /><br />&nbsp;&ldquo;We should be talking about growth goals and revitalizing the built cores,&rdquo; said Thomas Shrout, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. &ldquo;We need density at transit stops. Your report has to include how zoning and laws have to encourage that vision. A bridge in Tuscumbia is not part of a vision. It is just a project,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Bicycle enthusiasts also criticized the highway department for focusing only on cars and called for incorporating bicycle lanes in highway and bridge designs.<br /><br />But the torrent of demands also raised concerns about cost. &ldquo;The cost of road transportation is tremendous. Then add in mass transit, ports, and railroads and the tax needed to fund it all is exorbitant. How will you decide what is to be included,&rdquo; asked Steve Hoven, corporate vice president &ndash; public affairs of SSM Health Care?<br /><br />But Bill McKenna, statewide chairman and District 6 co-chair of the Missouri Transportation Alliance is an old hand at dealing with those sorts of questions and controversies. As chairman of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, he faced tugs-of-war every time funding came up, said Tom Stevener, vice president of business development at Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc. &ldquo;There is always contention over how much money goes to rural areas and how much goes to urban areas,&rdquo; Stevener said. &ldquo;Outstate people always feel they are getting the short end of the stick and mobilize behind the Farm Bureau to get more,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Patek is familiar with those controversies, too. In 2004, he successfully managed a campaign to amendment the Missouri Constitution to dedicate all state motor fuel taxes and vehicle user fees to roads and bridges, effectively taking about $130 million out of the general fund and redirecting it to road construction and maintenance. The promise of Amendment 3, as it was called, was that the money would be used to make roads safer and smoother and to fix failing bridges. The newly-dedicated tax stream leveraged bonds that financed a $1.7 billion gusher of projects that quickly raised that quality of Missouri&rsquo;s state roads from among the worst in the nation to among the best, and also reduced traffic deaths, but little of the money was directed towards fixing failing bridges. All the bond money will have been spent by the end of this year, however, and Amendment 3 revenue will be unavailable for any new projects for many more years to come as it is dedicated to paying off that bond. It is the exhaustion of the Amendment 3 bond that prompted the formation of the Missouri Transportation Alliance.<br /><br />Listening to county and municipal agencies and finding compromises between local agencies and a common ground on which to erect a transportation plan is the task that McKenna and the transportation alliance have set for themselves. McKenna displayed the skills that will help him do that at the meeting at the University of Missouri &ndash; St. Louis. Over the course of the forum, it became clear that there was broad and deep support for mass transit among the St. Louis attendees. <br /><br />Susan Stauder, co-chair of District 6 and vice president - infrastructure and public policy for the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), expressed that support when she said, &ldquo;There is a very great need to look at mass transportation. It is one of the things we need in our toolbox to get people around&hellip;We have a very successful mass transit system, but we&rsquo;re losing about 1/3 of the service at the end of the month. We need to fix it. It is a real jewel. We need to preserve and expand it.&rdquo;<br /><br />McKenna first explained that the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, despite their names, cannot fund transit. &ldquo;The problem with the existing system is that the transportation department is funded like a highway department: taxes go into a road fund and the constitution says that money cannot be used for anything but roads and bridges,&rdquo; McKenna said.<br /><br />When Earls pushed back, saying that if the purpose of the forum was to find out what were local priorities for transportation, then St. Louis County&rsquo;s priority is expanding Metrolink to double revenue miles and reach 95 percent of the county&rsquo;s population. McKenna shot back: &ldquo;It has to be something that is saleable statewide.&rdquo;<br /><br />But after several more speakers weighed in to back Metrolink, McKenna accepted that for metro St. Louis, transit has to be part of a statewide transportation plan. &ldquo;Obviously, mass transit is important to St. Louis. That is a sea change. We&rsquo;ve never had state funding for mass transit before,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; <br /><br />St. Louis&rsquo;s commitment to a multimodal transportation system is more than just verbal. A multimodal system does not just include mass transit as an option, but it also provides connections between different types of transportation. The Gateway Transportation Center, which opened in November 2008, is an example of that commitment. The project was funded by federal, state and local government agencies, with participation from Amtrak, Greyhound and MetroLink. Construction on the project began in 2006 with construction of a MetroBus station at 14th and Spruce Streets that links MetroLink riders to the downtown bus system and vice versa. That was followed by the construction of a 37,000-square-foot Multimodal Center at 15th and Spruce Streets. <br /><br />The Multimodal Center houses Amtrak train and Greyhound bus operations, a food court and concourse linkage between Greyhound, Amtrak and MetroLink. Don Koppy, vice president and director of architecture at KAI Design &amp; Build, said the $27 million Multimodal Center was designed and built with an eye on the future. Koppy, who began working with an earlier design of the project in 1996, said that Amtrak&rsquo;s current service does not justify the expense of connecting it to the Multimodal Center, &ldquo;but the city decided to put infrastructure in place for when commuter rail comes into the city, and commuter rail makes sense if people are going to go out to the exurbs. So it was planned for long term.&rdquo; <br /><br />&ldquo;We invested in a multimodal system,&rdquo; Koppy said. &ldquo;The Multimodal Center is at a centralized location and from there you can go to the airport or get on a train, a bus, or a cab, and in the future you will be able to get on commuter rail. I don&rsquo;t know what else we could have, except we don&rsquo;t have bikes,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Joining KAI on the project were: K&amp;S Associates as the general contractor, Jacobs Civil Engineering, landscape architect SWT Design Inc., and St. Louis-based Kiku Obata &amp; Company. <br /><br />Transit is important in many areas of the state, not just St. Louis, Stevener said. &ldquo;Kansas City operates a bus system and they have the same problems we do,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Places like Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, Columbia and Jefferson City also have transit systems. There are a lot of OATS (Older Adult Transportation Service) systems out-state, and in southeast Missouri there is MTS based in Fredericksburg. There are more and more folks out there who are becoming dependent on transit of some form or other, if just because people are getting older. I think there is demand even out-state for something more than roads and bridges,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I think the guys at the state understand that. For years I&rsquo;ve heard the commission (Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission) talk about total transportation, now called multimodal, but the difficulty is where the money comes from. Most funding comes from fuel tax and it is dedicated by the constitution to roads and bridges, so they can&rsquo;t spend it on anything else,&rdquo; he added. And when it comes to going to the legislature for funding from general revenue, &ldquo;you&rsquo;re in competition with everything else. That is real fisticuffs,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Finding a plan that has broad support throughout the state is just the first part of the process. The second part if figuring out to fund it to avoid fisticuffs in the general assembly.<br /><br />&ldquo;The motor fuel tax is probably the silliest way to collect a tax there has ever been, because it can&rsquo;t keep up with inflation,&rdquo; Stevener said. &ldquo;If you apply an inflation factor of three percent a year, we&rsquo;re collecting the same amount of money now as when we first put in a tax in the 1920s to go from dirt roads to macadam.<br /><br />&ldquo;We have to do away with this archaic motor fuel tax and go to something more universally based, and get away from a dedication to roads and bridges make funding available for all transportation. Lots and lots of other states do that as normal business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1461,530,4,2,1240010937,'a:27:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"530\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 01:14 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:1:\"4\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"4\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes  for Bucks\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:54:\"roads_tussle_with_other_transportation_modes_for_bucks\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:57:\"Roads Tussle With Other Transportation Modes   for Bucks \";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:199:\"Urban and rural interests continue to be at loggerheads, as traditional road building supporters vie with advocates of rail, bus, bike greenways and other modes of transportation for scarce dollars. \";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:48:\"transportation, Missouri Transportation Alliance\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:12798:\"<p>Missouri&rsquo;s Great Transportation Debate entered Round Two recently with Missouri Transportation Alliance spokesman Jewel Patek saying that the challenges of arriving at a consensus plan for transportation were greater in urban areas. As if to illustrate that point, the two district chairpeople of the Missouri Transportation Alliance found their call for better roads fall a little flat when they brought it to St. Louis in March. A cross section of citizens representing everyone from service workers to CEOs responded that transportation means more than roads and a transportation plan is more than a list of projects.<br /><br />The Missouri Transportation Alliance was founded last autumn to develop and recommend a statewide transportation program for the next decade to enhance road safety, replace failing bridges, grow the economy, and create &ldquo;quality&rdquo; jobs. It was founded because the road construction made possible by voter approval of Amendment 3 in 2004 is coming to an end and new funding must be found to continue the same level of highway work. Construction groups, such as the Associated General Contractors, SITE Improvement Association, the Eastern Missouri Laborers&rsquo; District Council, and the St. Louis Building &amp; Construction Trades Council are among the group&rsquo;s core &ldquo;stakeholders.&rdquo;<br /><br />The Missouri Transportation Alliance was founded just in time to face the recession and get caught in the crossfire of a dispute over the spending of extra federal highway money made available by the &ldquo;stimulus&rdquo; act &ndash; the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. So, when Bill McKenna and Susan Stauder opened up the transportation alliance&rsquo;s second round of public hearings with a meeting in the student government chambers at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, they encountered some push back.<br /><br />At a meeting in the Student Government Chamber at the University of Missouri &ndash; St. Louis on St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day, McKenna and Stauder displayed maps showing how little road construction is planned for the Missouri Department of Transportation&rsquo;s (MoDOT) District 6 in the 2009-2013 period compared to how much construction took place from 1999-2008. District 6 consists of St. Louis city and county, and St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin counties. <br /><br />McKenna also displayed graphics showing how much truck traffic has increased on roads in the state in the last ten years, and said Missouri could become a regional distribution hub if the state could maintain and improve its roads. According to McKenna, Missouri is within a 10-hour drive of half of the country\\\'s population. With improvements to the state\\\'s highway system, river ports and railways, &ldquo;it could become the nation\\\'s premier central distribution point and bring tens of thousands of additional jobs to the state,&rdquo; he said. But if Missouri does not invest more in its infrastructure, it could lose the competitive battle for distribution center jobs to Kansas or Illinois, he added.<br /><br />Many people in the audience of about 55 expressed more interest in moving people than in moving products, however, and they expressed more interest in alternatives to the use of private autos on public roads than they did in building more roads.<br /><br />Garry Earls, chief operating officer of St. Louis County, said the county&rsquo;s top goal is expanding the region&rsquo;s light rail system, MetroLink. Representatives of the Service Employees International Union said bus service is crucial. Bob Baer, president and CEO of Metro, said his agency wants money to operate buses and the light rail system.<br /><br />&nbsp;&ldquo;We should be talking about growth goals and revitalizing the built cores,&rdquo; said Thomas Shrout, executive director of Citizens for Modern Transit. &ldquo;We need density at transit stops. Your report has to include how zoning and laws have to encourage that vision. A bridge in Tuscumbia is not part of a vision. It is just a project,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Bicycle enthusiasts also criticized the highway department for focusing only on cars and called for incorporating bicycle lanes in highway and bridge designs.<br /><br />But the torrent of demands also raised concerns about cost. &ldquo;The cost of road transportation is tremendous. Then add in mass transit, ports, and railroads and the tax needed to fund it all is exorbitant. How will you decide what is to be included,&rdquo; asked Steve Hoven, corporate vice president &ndash; public affairs of SSM Health Care?<br /><br />But Bill McKenna, statewide chairman and District 6 co-chair of the Missouri Transportation Alliance is an old hand at dealing with those sorts of questions and controversies. As chairman of the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, he faced tugs-of-war every time funding came up, said Tom Stevener, vice president of business development at Horner &amp; Shifrin, Inc. &ldquo;There is always contention over how much money goes to rural areas and how much goes to urban areas,&rdquo; Stevener said. &ldquo;Outstate people always feel they are getting the short end of the stick and mobilize behind the Farm Bureau to get more,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Patek is familiar with those controversies, too. In 2004, he successfully managed a campaign to amendment the Missouri Constitution to dedicate all state motor fuel taxes and vehicle user fees to roads and bridges, effectively taking about $130 million out of the general fund and redirecting it to road construction and maintenance. The promise of Amendment 3, as it was called, was that the money would be used to make roads safer and smoother and to fix failing bridges. The newly-dedicated tax stream leveraged bonds that financed a $1.7 billion gusher of projects that quickly raised that quality of Missouri&rsquo;s state roads from among the worst in the nation to among the best, and also reduced traffic deaths, but little of the money was directed towards fixing failing bridges. All the bond money will have been spent by the end of this year, however, and Amendment 3 revenue will be unavailable for any new projects for many more years to come as it is dedicated to paying off that bond. It is the exhaustion of the Amendment 3 bond that prompted the formation of the Missouri Transportation Alliance.<br /><br />Listening to county and municipal agencies and finding compromises between local agencies and a common ground on which to erect a transportation plan is the task that McKenna and the transportation alliance have set for themselves. McKenna displayed the skills that will help him do that at the meeting at the University of Missouri &ndash; St. Louis. Over the course of the forum, it became clear that there was broad and deep support for mass transit among the St. Louis attendees. <br /><br />Susan Stauder, co-chair of District 6 and vice president - infrastructure and public policy for the St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association (RCGA), expressed that support when she said, &ldquo;There is a very great need to look at mass transportation. It is one of the things we need in our toolbox to get people around&hellip;We have a very successful mass transit system, but we&rsquo;re losing about 1/3 of the service at the end of the month. We need to fix it. It is a real jewel. We need to preserve and expand it.&rdquo;<br /><br />McKenna first explained that the Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission, despite their names, cannot fund transit. &ldquo;The problem with the existing system is that the transportation department is funded like a highway department: taxes go into a road fund and the constitution says that money cannot be used for anything but roads and bridges,&rdquo; McKenna said.<br /><br />When Earls pushed back, saying that if the purpose of the forum was to find out what were local priorities for transportation, then St. Louis County&rsquo;s priority is expanding Metrolink to double revenue miles and reach 95 percent of the county&rsquo;s population. McKenna shot back: &ldquo;It has to be something that is saleable statewide.&rdquo;<br /><br />But after several more speakers weighed in to back Metrolink, McKenna accepted that for metro St. Louis, transit has to be part of a statewide transportation plan. &ldquo;Obviously, mass transit is important to St. Louis. That is a sea change. We&rsquo;ve never had state funding for mass transit before,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp; <br /><br />St. Louis&rsquo;s commitment to a multimodal transportation system is more than just verbal. A multimodal system does not just include mass transit as an option, but it also provides connections between different types of transportation. The Gateway Transportation Center, which opened in November 2008, is an example of that commitment. The project was funded by federal, state and local government agencies, with participation from Amtrak, Greyhound and MetroLink. Construction on the project began in 2006 with construction of a MetroBus station at 14th and Spruce Streets that links MetroLink riders to the downtown bus system and vice versa. That was followed by the construction of a 37,000-square-foot Multimodal Center at 15th and Spruce Streets. <br /><br />The Multimodal Center houses Amtrak train and Greyhound bus operations, a food court and concourse linkage between Greyhound, Amtrak and MetroLink. Don Koppy, vice president and director of architecture at KAI Design &amp; Build, said the $27 million Multimodal Center was designed and built with an eye on the future. Koppy, who began working with an earlier design of the project in 1996, said that Amtrak&rsquo;s current service does not justify the expense of connecting it to the Multimodal Center, &ldquo;but the city decided to put infrastructure in place for when commuter rail comes into the city, and commuter rail makes sense if people are going to go out to the exurbs. So it was planned for long term.&rdquo; <br /><br />&ldquo;We invested in a multimodal system,&rdquo; Koppy said. &ldquo;The Multimodal Center is at a centralized location and from there you can go to the airport or get on a train, a bus, or a cab, and in the future you will be able to get on commuter rail. I don&rsquo;t know what else we could have, except we don&rsquo;t have bikes,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Joining KAI on the project were: K&amp;S Associates as the general contractor, Jacobs Civil Engineering, landscape architect SWT Design Inc., and St. Louis-based Kiku Obata &amp; Company. <br /><br />Transit is important in many areas of the state, not just St. Louis, Stevener said. &ldquo;Kansas City operates a bus system and they have the same problems we do,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Places like Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, Columbia and Jefferson City also have transit systems. There are a lot of OATS (Older Adult Transportation Service) systems out-state, and in southeast Missouri there is MTS based in Fredericksburg. There are more and more folks out there who are becoming dependent on transit of some form or other, if just because people are getting older. I think there is demand even out-state for something more than roads and bridges,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />&ldquo;I think the guys at the state understand that. For years I&rsquo;ve heard the commission (Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission) talk about total transportation, now called multimodal, but the difficulty is where the money comes from. Most funding comes from fuel tax and it is dedicated by the constitution to roads and bridges, so they can&rsquo;t spend it on anything else,&rdquo; he added. And when it comes to going to the legislature for funding from general revenue, &ldquo;you&rsquo;re in competition with everything else. That is real fisticuffs,&rdquo; he said.<br /><br />Finding a plan that has broad support throughout the state is just the first part of the process. The second part if figuring out to fund it to avoid fisticuffs in the general assembly.<br /><br />&ldquo;The motor fuel tax is probably the silliest way to collect a tax there has ever been, because it can&rsquo;t keep up with inflation,&rdquo; Stevener said. &ldquo;If you apply an inflation factor of three percent a year, we&rsquo;re collecting the same amount of money now as when we first put in a tax in the 1920s to go from dirt roads to macadam.<br /><br />&ldquo;We have to do away with this archaic motor fuel tax and go to something more universally based, and get away from a dedication to roads and bridges make funding available for all transportation. Lots and lots of other states do that as normal business,&rdquo; he said.</p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1462,532,4,2,1240011991,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"4\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 01:42 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"20\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"LEED For Retail: Developers seeing BLACK through GREEN \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"leed_for_retail_developers_seeing_black_through_green\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_26\";s:54:\"LEED For Retail: Developers seeing BLACK through GREEN\";s:11:\"field_ft_26\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_31\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_44\";s:242:\"Green is a market differentiator.  Even in today’s tumultuous economy, building owners, property managers, and tenants are maintaining their commitments to green building and sustainability as key components of their real estate portfolios.\";s:11:\"field_ft_44\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_28\";s:12:\"retail, LEED\";s:11:\"field_ft_28\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_29\";s:8249:\"<p><em>by Kurt Thompson<br />Market Leader for ecostrategy<br />Oculus Inc.</em><br /><br />Green is a market differentiator.&nbsp; Even in today&rsquo;s tumultuous economy, building owners, property managers, and tenants are maintaining their commitments to green building and sustainability as key components of their real estate portfolios.&nbsp; With investments at an all-time low for new construction and the leasing outlook bleak, building owners and developers are now retrofitting their existing retail and other commercial building stock to increase the value and marketability of their overall portfolios.&nbsp;&nbsp; A new tool called LEED for Retail is coming online this year, and savvy developers are teaming up with architects and sustainability consultants to bolster their balance sheets with green retail building retrofits in a down market.&nbsp; <br /><br />The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) has created LEED for Retail to accommodate the unique nature of the retail environment, while keeping in mind the different types of spaces that retailers need for their distinctive product lines. There are two different tracks to follow with LEED for Retail:&nbsp; LEED Retail NC, which is aligned with the developers&rsquo; role; and LEED Retail CI, which is aligned more with the tenants&rsquo; role in retail property design and construction.&nbsp; Both systems are divided into five categories in which credits (points) can be achieved:<br />&bull; Sustainable Sites<br />&bull; Water Efficiency<br />&bull; Energy &amp; Atmosphere<br />&bull; Materials &amp; Resources<br />&bull; Indoor Environmental Quality<br />&bull; Innovation &amp; Design Process<br /><br />The total number of prerequisites and credits achieved by a project determines the certification level of that project.&nbsp; Certification levels include Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. <br /><br />LEED Retail NC puts greater emphasis on site selection and energy performance, whereas LEED Retail CI emphasizes material selection and indoor environmental quality as the main drivers of its rating system.&nbsp; The LEED for Retail reference guide will be formatted to LEED 2009 standards, and is expected to become available by the end of the first quarter of 2009 when the pilot versions are finalized.&nbsp; As part of the LEED 2009 changes, the certification scale under LEED for Retail varies between each track. LEED Retail NC has a higher maximum point threshold, requires one additional prerequisite, and requires projects to receive a greater number of points to achieve minimum certification.<br /><strong><br />Why Invest in Green Retail Building?</strong><br /><br />There are several retail industry drivers influencing developers, building owners and property managers to build green.&nbsp; The most powerful is the potential to lower operating expenses and increase resale values.&nbsp; A 2007 study conducted by Davis Langdon concluded that on resale values alone, a LEED building sold for a $171 per square foot premium versus comparable &lsquo;non-green&rsquo; (brown) buildings designed and built just a few years prior.&nbsp; The CoStar Group recently presented a study that found that rent rates in LEED buildings were on average $11.33 per square foot greater than comparable non-LEED peers.&nbsp; LEED certified buildings also have higher occupancy rates, nationally, by approximately 360 basis points or 3.6%, according to the CoStar Group.&nbsp; All of these traits increase the marketability of a project and create opportunities for developers to maximize their return on investment.<br /><br />The second most critical factor pushing commercial real estate developers into green retail building is market competition.&nbsp; Nearly 90% of the respondents to a national survey on Green Building published by National Real Estate Investor said they will own, lease, or manage some form of green building or real estate within the next five years.&nbsp; If your firm is not engaging in sustainable development practices, the strength of your holdings is likely to decrease as tenant demand and government incentives drive investment away from non-green buildings and into your competitor&rsquo;s green building down the street or across the road.<br /><br />Commercial retail developers are acting quickly to take advantage of a green building&rsquo;s benefits.&nbsp; Among the top trends developers are utilizing in their projects are energy efficiency, sustainable site development, and water efficiency.&nbsp; LEED for Retail recognized these trends and stacked the points in each category by working with developers to maximize their benefit.&nbsp; Smart developers are leveraging these strategies to reduce operating expenses and structuring leases to profit from green building and sustainable design. <br /><br />Energy efficiency is a fundamental driver of LEED.&nbsp; There are seventeen possible points to choose from in this category, which represent the greatest potential for cost savings.&nbsp; Approximately one third of the total savings associated with green building can be attributed to energy efficiency, which is about $0.30 to $0.39 per square foot in a LEED Silver plus building, according to a recent study led by the CoStar Group.&nbsp; Developers and landlords can realize a part of these savings by structuring lease deals appropriately.&nbsp; For example, benchmark the energy costs of older, similar properties to quantify the savings of your project and guarantee a lower cap rate on operating expense cap by some percentage.&nbsp; Pass these savings through to your triple net tenants in expense.<br /><br />Oculus Inc. and ecostrategy recently helped a retail landlord in Chicago to meet the burdens of new &lsquo;green&rsquo; planned development zoning requirements while also saving money and generating positive publicity.&nbsp; A modular green roof system was utilized to cover nearly 100% of the project&rsquo;s flat roof space.&nbsp; This creative solution reduced the landlord&rsquo;s burden for the remainder of the development significantly, and generated a great deal of positive exposure through local media.&nbsp; The green roof enhanced their public image and elevated their brand to &lsquo;top of mind&rsquo; among the consumers.<br /><br />The second major trend for developers is sustainable site development.&nbsp; Sustainable site development encourages developers to analyze local population and infrastructure density as well as the availability of alternative transportation methods in order to maximize the site efficiency of the development.&nbsp; A smaller footprint in a more densely developed area has the potential to require less capital to construct, reduces the environmental impact of the project, and reduces urban sprawl.&nbsp; Brownfield redevelopment can also be a critical strategy for sustainable sites, especially when redevelopment credits are available through the local and national government, which reduce the developers&rsquo; investment and provide positive marketing exposure for a project. <br /><br />Water efficiency can lower development costs and help maintain lower operating expenses through innovative, yet straightforward solutions that reduce the amount of potable water used for non-essential items.<br /><br />In order to be successful at implementing green building practices for retail developments or retrofits, the entire project team must be on board from day one of the project.&nbsp; Partnering with the right architect, sustainability consultant, and contractor is paramount to minimizing the cost impact of green design.&nbsp;&nbsp; With the right team in place, developers can achieve these benefits for a cost premium between 2% and 7%, depending on the local market, the intensity of sustainable design elements, and the commitment of the project team, according to CoStar Group.&nbsp; <br /><em><br />Kurt Thompson is the Market Leader for ecostrategy, which provides sustainability and environmental strategy consulting and education services to clients of Oculus Inc.&nbsp; Oculus Inc. is a WBE-Certified, full-service architecture and consulting services firm with offices in St. Louis and Dallas. </em><br /></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"20\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1463,533,5,2,1240012201,'a:26:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"5\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:0:\"\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:0:\"\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 01:48 PM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"13\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:55:\"LEED For Retail: Developers seeing BLACK through GREEN \";s:9:\"url_title\";s:53:\"leed_for_retail_developers_seeing_black_through_green\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Submit\";s:11:\"field_id_20\";s:54:\"LEED For Retail: Developers seeing BLACK through GREEN\";s:11:\"field_ft_20\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_25\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_id_45\";s:206:\"Even in today’s tumultuous economy, building owners, property managers, and tenants are maintaining their commitments to green building and sustainability as key components of their real estate portfolios\";s:11:\"field_ft_45\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_22\";s:13:\" LEED, retail\";s:11:\"field_ft_22\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_23\";s:8243:\"<p><em>by Kurt Thompson<br />Market Leader for ecostrategy<br />Oculus Inc.</em><br /><br />Green\nis a market differentiator.&nbsp; Even in today&rsquo;s tumultuous economy,\nbuilding owners, property managers, and tenants are maintaining their\ncommitments to green building and sustainability as key components of\ntheir real estate portfolios.&nbsp; With investments at an all-time low for\nnew construction and the leasing outlook bleak, building owners and\ndevelopers are now retrofitting their existing retail and other\ncommercial building stock to increase the value and marketability of\ntheir overall portfolios.&nbsp;&nbsp; A new tool called LEED for Retail is coming\nonline this year, and savvy developers are teaming up with architects\nand sustainability consultants to bolster their balance sheets with\ngreen retail building retrofits in a down market.&nbsp; <br /><br />The United\nStates Green Building Council (USGBC) has created LEED for Retail to\naccommodate the unique nature of the retail environment, while keeping\nin mind the different types of spaces that retailers need for their\ndistinctive product lines. There are two different tracks to follow\nwith LEED for Retail:&nbsp; LEED Retail NC, which is aligned with the\ndevelopers&rsquo; role; and LEED Retail CI, which is aligned more with the\ntenants&rsquo; role in retail property design and construction.&nbsp; Both systems\nare divided into five categories in which credits (points) can be\nachieved:<br />&bull; Sustainable Sites<br />&bull; Water Efficiency<br />&bull; Energy &amp; Atmosphere<br />&bull; Materials &amp; Resources<br />&bull; Indoor Environmental Quality<br />&bull; Innovation &amp; Design Process<br /><br />The\ntotal number of prerequisites and credits achieved by a project\ndetermines the certification level of that project.&nbsp; Certification\nlevels include Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. <br /><br />LEED\nRetail NC puts greater emphasis on site selection and energy\nperformance, whereas LEED Retail CI emphasizes material selection and\nindoor environmental quality as the main drivers of its rating system.&nbsp;\nThe LEED for Retail reference guide will be formatted to LEED 2009\nstandards, and is expected to become available by the end of the first\nquarter of 2009 when the pilot versions are finalized.&nbsp; As part of the\nLEED 2009 changes, the certification scale under LEED for Retail varies\nbetween each track. LEED Retail NC has a higher maximum point\nthreshold, requires one additional prerequisite, and requires projects\nto receive a greater number of points to achieve minimum certification.<br /><strong><br />Why Invest in Green Retail Building?</strong><br /><br />There\nare several retail industry drivers influencing developers, building\nowners and property managers to build green.&nbsp; The most powerful is the\npotential to lower operating expenses and increase resale values.&nbsp; A\n2007 study conducted by Davis Langdon concluded that on resale values\nalone, a LEED building sold for a $171 per square foot premium versus\ncomparable &lsquo;non-green&rsquo; (brown) buildings designed and built just a few\nyears prior.&nbsp; The CoStar Group recently presented a study that found\nthat rent rates in LEED buildings were on average $11.33 per square\nfoot greater than comparable non-LEED peers.&nbsp; LEED certified buildings\nalso have higher occupancy rates, nationally, by approximately 360\nbasis points or 3.6%, according to the CoStar Group.&nbsp; All of these\ntraits increase the marketability of a project and create opportunities\nfor developers to maximize their return on investment.<br /><br />The\nsecond most critical factor pushing commercial real estate developers\ninto green retail building is market competition.&nbsp; Nearly 90% of the\nrespondents to a national survey on Green Building published by\nNational Real Estate Investor said they will own, lease, or manage some\nform of green building or real estate within the next five years.&nbsp; If\nyour firm is not engaging in sustainable development practices, the\nstrength of your holdings is likely to decrease as tenant demand and\ngovernment incentives drive investment away from non-green buildings\nand into your competitor&rsquo;s green building down the street or across the\nroad.<br /><br />Commercial retail developers are acting quickly to take\nadvantage of a green building&rsquo;s benefits.&nbsp; Among the top trends\ndevelopers are utilizing in their projects are energy efficiency,\nsustainable site development, and water efficiency.&nbsp; LEED for Retail\nrecognized these trends and stacked the points in each category by\nworking with developers to maximize their benefit.&nbsp; Smart developers\nare leveraging these strategies to reduce operating expenses and\nstructuring leases to profit from green building and sustainable\ndesign. <br /><br />Energy efficiency is a fundamental driver of LEED.&nbsp;\nThere are seventeen possible points to choose from in this category,\nwhich represent the greatest potential for cost savings.&nbsp; Approximately\none third of the total savings associated with green building can be\nattributed to energy efficiency, which is about $0.30 to $0.39 per\nsquare foot in a LEED Silver plus building, according to a recent study\nled by the CoStar Group.&nbsp; Developers and landlords can realize a part\nof these savings by structuring lease deals appropriately.&nbsp; For\nexample, benchmark the energy costs of older, similar properties to\nquantify the savings of your project and guarantee a lower cap rate on\noperating expense cap by some percentage.&nbsp; Pass these savings through\nto your triple net tenants in expense.<br /><br />Oculus Inc. and\necostrategy recently helped a retail landlord in Chicago to meet the\nburdens of new &lsquo;green&rsquo; planned development zoning requirements while\nalso saving money and generating positive publicity.&nbsp; A modular green\nroof system was utilized to cover nearly 100% of the project&rsquo;s flat\nroof space.&nbsp; This creative solution reduced the landlord&rsquo;s burden for\nthe remainder of the development significantly, and generated a great\ndeal of positive exposure through local media.&nbsp; The green roof enhanced\ntheir public image and elevated their brand to &lsquo;top of mind&rsquo; among the\nconsumers.<br /><br />The second major trend for developers is sustainable\nsite development.&nbsp; Sustainable site development encourages developers\nto analyze local population and infrastructure density as well as the\navailability of alternative transportation methods in order to maximize\nthe site efficiency of the development.&nbsp; A smaller footprint in a more\ndensely developed area has the potential to require less capital to\nconstruct, reduces the environmental impact of the project, and reduces\nurban sprawl.&nbsp; Brownfield redevelopment can also be a critical strategy\nfor sustainable sites, especially when redevelopment credits are\navailable through the local and national government, which reduce the\ndevelopers&rsquo; investment and provide positive marketing exposure for a\nproject. <br /><br />Water efficiency can lower development costs and help\nmaintain lower operating expenses through innovative, yet\nstraightforward solutions that reduce the amount of potable water used\nfor non-essential items.<br /><br />In order to be successful at\nimplementing green building practices for retail developments or\nretrofits, the entire project team must be on board from day one of the\nproject.&nbsp; Partnering with the right architect, sustainability\nconsultant, and contractor is paramount to minimizing the cost impact\nof green design.&nbsp;&nbsp; With the right team in place, developers can achieve\nthese benefits for a cost premium between 2% and 7%, depending on the\nlocal market, the intensity of sustainable design elements, and the\ncommitment of the project team, according to CoStar Group.&nbsp; <br /><em><br />Kurt\nThompson is the Market Leader for ecostrategy, which provides\nsustainability and environmental strategy consulting and education\nservices to clients of Oculus Inc.&nbsp; Oculus Inc. is a WBE-Certified,\nfull-service architecture and consulting services firm with offices in\nSt. Louis and Dallas. </em></p>\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"13\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1464,525,2,2,1240012376,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:264:\"(a column by Publisher Tom Finan)\n\nIn the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5152:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, and one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry, framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1465,525,2,2,1240012639,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"50\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:263:\"A Column by Publisher Tom Finan)\n\nIn the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5152:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, and one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry, framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"50\";}'),(1476,534,2,2,1240578333,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"534\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-23 06:44 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"51\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"40 Years of Voice, 20 Years of Excellence\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"40_years_of_voice_20_years_of_excellence\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:42:\"40 Years of Voice, 20 Years of Excellence \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:198:\"On September 24th a \\\"birthday party\\\" benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held. recognizing excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:37:\"Regional Excellence, Habitat, CNR, 40\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:6932:\"<p>On September 24th a <em>St. Louis CNR</em> \\\"birthday party\\\" benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held.&nbsp; The event will recognize excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Regional Excellence\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/regional.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The 20th annual<em> St. Louis CNR </em>Regional Excellence Awards will be presented at a dinner event at the Missouri Athletic Club. The event will also be a \\\"birthday party,\\\" marking CNR\\\'s 40th year as the \\\"Voice for the St. Louis Construction Industry.\\\"</p>\n<p>\\\"The St. Louis construction industry has been an incredibly warm and receptive \\\'family\\\' for our efforts at CNR,\\\" said CNR Publisher Tom Finan. \\\"We felt that it would be fitting to make this celebration into something lasting by assisting Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to create affordable housing.\\\"</p>\n<p>In addition to the Regional Excellence awards, <em>CNR</em> will present the first Thomas J. Finan, Jr. award, recognizing humanitarian contributions to the St. Louis community by members of the construction industry. The award is named in honor of the founder of <em>CNR.</em></p>\n<p>Last year, St. Louis Habitat constructed 27 LEED Platinum-certified homes, a fact that was recognized at the recent USGBC \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards. St. Louis Habitat is currently the third-largest developer of LEED-certified housing in the United States.</p>\n<p><br />The St. Louis Construction News and Real Estate Regional Excellence Awards recognize those projects completed in the previous year that, in sum, demonstrate excellence in design and construction, and a positive contribution to the St. Louis community. <br /><br />Now in their 20th year, the Regional Excellence Awards are the only comprehensive awards recognizing the best results of the construction industry when all the sectors -- owners, designers, and contractors -- work together as a team. The judges this year were: Judges were John Berendzen, principal, Fox Architects and past president, St. Louis Chapter AIA: Dr. Steve Bannes, director, Graduate School of Construction Management, Washington University; Paula Crews, director, sustainability practice, Paradowski Creative; Dr. John Gaal, director of education, St. Louis Carpenters\\\' District Council; and Thomas Finan, publisher of St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate.<br /><br />The awards will be presented at CNR\\\'s 40th Anniversary Celebration, \\\"A Celebration: 40 Years of Excellence,\\\" to be held in September at the Missouri Athletic Club. The event will be a fundraiser for&nbsp; St. Louis Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements for a date are being finalized. &nbsp;<br /><br />The winners of the 2009 Regional Excellence Awards are:<br /><strong><br />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<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The $35 million redevelopment of27 buildings along the former 14th Street Pedestrian Mall is one of the largest and most exciting neighborhood redevelopment projects in the city.&nbsp; In addition to breathing new life into the abandoned buildings along the former mall, this development will restore the 2600 and 2700 blocks of N. 14th Street as a drivable but pedestrian-friendly street<br /><br /><br /><strong>Historic Renovation</strong><br />Cannon Design Headquarters - Powerhouse Building<br />Owner: Cannon Design<br />Architect: Cannon Design<br />General Contractor: R.G. Ross Construction Company<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The &ldquo;ship in a bottle&rdquo; design and construction reclaimed a long abandoned power plant and brownfield site as a modern, environmentally sensitive office building in a renovated historic skin.<br /><br /><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.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Transforming a 45-year-old wastewater treatment plant into a new&nbsp; $57 million wastewater treatment plant while 30 million gallons per day of sewage flow through it &ndash; amazing.<br /><br /><strong><br />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<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The new &ldquo;green&rdquo; city hall in Cottleville is a fitting symbol for the bikeable-walkable-sustainable community that Cottleville has become..&nbsp; When construction was completed on the town&rsquo;s $5.3 million city hall and police station in December, city government could boast that their new home used 30 percent less energy than a similar traditional building and reduced water pollution by capturing and treating water on site.<br /><br /><br /><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 Associates<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Built on a challenging site under a highway and on top of an old lake bed and abandoned cinder deposit bins, the St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center provides Downtown St. Louis a much needed public transit center to serve Amtrak passenger trains, Greyhound Buses, MetroLink, Metro buses and taxis. And it has the capacity to serve a future commuter train<br /><br /><br /><strong>High-Tech</strong><br />Pfizer Building MM <br />Owner: Pfizer<br />Architect: Flad Architects<br />General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Green construction, building information modeling, and innovative use of heat recovery wheels make this cell banking facility a stand out project.<br /><br /><strong>Creative Renovation</strong><br />Shock City Studios<br />Owner: Blueprint Concepts, LLC<br />Architect: The Lawrence Group<br />General Contractor: The Lawrence Group Projects<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The historic renovation of an old ice warehouse into a state of the art recording studio was an inspired idea.<br /><br /><strong><br />Editor&rsquo;s Choice: Corporate Headquarters</strong><br />Solae<br />Owner: Clayco, Inc.<br />Architect: Cannon Design<br />General Contractor: Clayco, Inc.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: A unique four-buildings-in-one design and sustainable design features produced a fitting headquarters for a growing biotech company.<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/regional.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"51\";}'),(1477,534,2,2,1240578427,'a:30:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"534\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-23 06:44 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:2:{i:0;s:2:\"15\";i:1;s:2:\"51\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:41:\"40 Years as Voice, 20 Years of Excellence\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:40:\"40_years_of_voice_20_years_of_excellence\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:42:\"40 Years as Voice, 20 Years of Excellence \";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:198:\"On September 24th a \\\"birthday party\\\" benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held. recognizing excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades. \";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:37:\"Regional Excellence, Habitat, CNR, 40\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:6932:\"<p>On September 24th a <em>St. Louis CNR</em> \\\"birthday party\\\" benefiting Habitat for Humanity will be held.&nbsp; The event will recognize excellence in the construction industry here and CNR\\\'s role as the industry voice for four decades.</p>\n<p><img alt=\\\"Regional Excellence\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/regional.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" />The 20th annual<em> St. Louis CNR </em>Regional Excellence Awards will be presented at a dinner event at the Missouri Athletic Club. The event will also be a \\\"birthday party,\\\" marking CNR\\\'s 40th year as the \\\"Voice for the St. Louis Construction Industry.\\\"</p>\n<p>\\\"The St. Louis construction industry has been an incredibly warm and receptive \\\'family\\\' for our efforts at CNR,\\\" said CNR Publisher Tom Finan. \\\"We felt that it would be fitting to make this celebration into something lasting by assisting Habitat for Humanity in their efforts to create affordable housing.\\\"</p>\n<p>In addition to the Regional Excellence awards, <em>CNR</em> will present the first Thomas J. Finan, Jr. award, recognizing humanitarian contributions to the St. Louis community by members of the construction industry. The award is named in honor of the founder of <em>CNR.</em></p>\n<p>Last year, St. Louis Habitat constructed 27 LEED Platinum-certified homes, a fact that was recognized at the recent USGBC \\\"Growing Green\\\" awards. St. Louis Habitat is currently the third-largest developer of LEED-certified housing in the United States.</p>\n<p><br />The St. Louis Construction News and Real Estate Regional Excellence Awards recognize those projects completed in the previous year that, in sum, demonstrate excellence in design and construction, and a positive contribution to the St. Louis community. <br /><br />Now in their 20th year, the Regional Excellence Awards are the only comprehensive awards recognizing the best results of the construction industry when all the sectors -- owners, designers, and contractors -- work together as a team. The judges this year were: Judges were John Berendzen, principal, Fox Architects and past president, St. Louis Chapter AIA: Dr. Steve Bannes, director, Graduate School of Construction Management, Washington University; Paula Crews, director, sustainability practice, Paradowski Creative; Dr. John Gaal, director of education, St. Louis Carpenters\\\' District Council; and Thomas Finan, publisher of St. Louis Construction News &amp; Real Estate.<br /><br />The awards will be presented at CNR\\\'s 40th Anniversary Celebration, \\\"A Celebration: 40 Years of Excellence,\\\" to be held in September at the Missouri Athletic Club. The event will be a fundraiser for&nbsp; St. Louis Habitat for Humanity. Arrangements for a date are being finalized. &nbsp;<br /><br />The winners of the 2009 Regional Excellence Awards are:<br /><strong><br />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<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The $35 million redevelopment of27 buildings along the former 14th Street Pedestrian Mall is one of the largest and most exciting neighborhood redevelopment projects in the city.&nbsp; In addition to breathing new life into the abandoned buildings along the former mall, this development will restore the 2600 and 2700 blocks of N. 14th Street as a drivable but pedestrian-friendly street<br /><br /><br /><strong>Historic Renovation</strong><br />Cannon Design Headquarters - Powerhouse Building<br />Owner: Cannon Design<br />Architect: Cannon Design<br />General Contractor: R.G. Ross Construction Company<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The &ldquo;ship in a bottle&rdquo; design and construction reclaimed a long abandoned power plant and brownfield site as a modern, environmentally sensitive office building in a renovated historic skin.<br /><br /><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.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Transforming a 45-year-old wastewater treatment plant into a new&nbsp; $57 million wastewater treatment plant while 30 million gallons per day of sewage flow through it &ndash; amazing.<br /><br /><strong><br />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<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The new &ldquo;green&rdquo; city hall in Cottleville is a fitting symbol for the bikeable-walkable-sustainable community that Cottleville has become..&nbsp; When construction was completed on the town&rsquo;s $5.3 million city hall and police station in December, city government could boast that their new home used 30 percent less energy than a similar traditional building and reduced water pollution by capturing and treating water on site.<br /><br /><br /><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 Associates<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Built on a challenging site under a highway and on top of an old lake bed and abandoned cinder deposit bins, the St. Louis Gateway Transportation Center provides Downtown St. Louis a much needed public transit center to serve Amtrak passenger trains, Greyhound Buses, MetroLink, Metro buses and taxis. And it has the capacity to serve a future commuter train<br /><br /><br /><strong>High-Tech</strong><br />Pfizer Building MM <br />Owner: Pfizer<br />Architect: Flad Architects<br />General Contractor: McCarthy Building Companies<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: Green construction, building information modeling, and innovative use of heat recovery wheels make this cell banking facility a stand out project.<br /><br /><strong>Creative Renovation</strong><br />Shock City Studios<br />Owner: Blueprint Concepts, LLC<br />Architect: The Lawrence Group<br />General Contractor: The Lawrence Group Projects<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: The historic renovation of an old ice warehouse into a state of the art recording studio was an inspired idea.<br /><br /><strong><br />Editor&rsquo;s Choice: Corporate Headquarters</strong><br />Solae<br />Owner: Clayco, Inc.<br />Architect: Cannon Design<br />General Contractor: Clayco, Inc.<br /><br />Judges&rsquo; Comment: A unique four-buildings-in-one design and sustainable design features produced a fitting headquarters for a growing biotech company.<br /><br />&nbsp;</p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:28:\"/images/uploads/regional.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"15\";s:10:\"category_1\";s:2:\"51\";}'),(1478,525,2,2,1240578479,'a:29:{s:9:\"weblog_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:8:\"entry_id\";s:3:\"525\";s:6:\"sticky\";s:1:\"n\";s:14:\"allow_comments\";s:1:\"n\";s:16:\"allow_trackbacks\";s:1:\"n\";s:10:\"entry_date\";s:19:\"2009-04-17 08:55 AM\";s:15:\"expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:23:\"comment_expiration_date\";s:0:\"\";s:8:\"category\";a:1:{i:0;s:2:\"16\";}s:9:\"author_id\";s:1:\"2\";s:10:\"new_weblog\";s:1:\"2\";s:6:\"status\";s:4:\"open\";s:14:\"trackback_urls\";s:0:\"\";s:18:\"versioning_enabled\";s:1:\"y\";s:5:\"title\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:9:\"url_title\";s:35:\"greg_behlman_and_finishing_the_race\";s:6:\"submit\";s:6:\"Update\";s:10:\"field_id_5\";s:35:\"Greg Behlman and Finishing the Race\";s:10:\"field_ft_5\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_9\";s:264:\"(A Column by Publisher Tom Finan)\n\nIn the photo of me resplendent in spandex,  that you\\\'ll see when you click to read the rest of this column, I\\\'m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I\\\'ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood.\";s:10:\"field_ft_9\";s:4:\"none\";s:11:\"field_id_13\";s:1:\"4\";s:10:\"field_id_7\";s:18:\"Greg Behlman, race\";s:10:\"field_ft_7\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"field_id_8\";s:5159:\"<p><em>&ldquo;The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong&hellip;&rdquo;<br /><br />&ldquo;I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.&rdquo;</em><br /><br />In the photo of me resplendent in spandex accompanying this column I&rsquo;m displaying what is probably the broadest smile I&rsquo;ve shown in any photo ever taken of me, dating back to childhood. <br /><br /><img alt=\\\"Tom Bike\\\" class=\\\"table-left\\\" height=\\\"243\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/tom-bike.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"150\\\" />I began the day the photo was taken in bone-chilling desert cold and finished it in beating Tucson, AZ sun. I had just ridden a bicycle 110 miles. The professional riders had completed their ride hours before me. But I had not given up. I had finished. <br /><br />Right now you may be struggling to stay in the race. Even if you&rsquo;re holding your own you may feel some days like you&rsquo;re running out of gas. In bicycling that&rsquo;s called &ldquo;bonking&rdquo;.&nbsp; Riders who have trained for distance pay careful attention to their intake of liquid and food while riding. Allow yourself to become dehydrated and your muscles will cramp; forget to eat and you&rsquo;ll &ldquo;bonk&rdquo;&mdash; run out of energy and be completely unable to continue. <br /><br />Attending to the family, spiritual, physical, business, financial, social and intellectual parts of our life and keeping them in balance are particularly hard in times like these. But they were never more important than they are right now. That balance is critical to our attitude. And attitude, backed by the right amount of fuel in all aspects of our life is what enables us to finish the race. <br /><br />I recently attended a half-day seminar presented by national sales coach Tom Hopkins. Early in his career Hopkins was taught that whatever kind of day, week or month he was having, the proper response when people asked how things were going was &ldquo;Unbelievable.&rdquo; &ldquo;Either way that pretty well covers it,&rdquo; Hopkins said.&nbsp; Tom Woodcock from Seal the Deal, whose column runs in CNR, encourages his clients to do the same.<br /><br />I was sharing stories with a group of folks during cocktails at a Midwest Council American Subcontractors Association meeting. The question went round the group about how business was going, prompting a lot of eye rolling. I was just a couple of days out of the Tom Hopkins seminar, so I told the group about Tom Hopkin&rsquo;s suggestion. <br /><br />That exchange led to a dinner conversation between myself and Dave Behlman, one of the fellows in the group. The Behlman family owns Behlman Builders, a large finish carpentry and framing, firm, plus drywall and crane companies. I have worked with the Behlman brothers on some projects and we have become friends.<img alt=\\\"Greg Behlman\\\" class=\\\"image-left\\\" height=\\\"303\\\" src=\\\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\\\" style=\\\"float: left;\\\" width=\\\"266\\\" /><br /><br />At dinner Dave and I found out that our stories were very similar. We both grew up in families of seven children with contractor dads. We both remembered that when things were lean in construction growing up it had meant day-old bread stores and powdered milk. We talked about understanding what it takes to get through tough times in business and in life. <br /><br />Dave recalled a few years back when his mom was still alive they were sitting at the kitchen table talking about the time when Dave and his siblings were growing up.&nbsp; Dave&rsquo;s son was listening and his jaw began to drop. &ldquo;Grandma, were you poor?,&rdquo; the boy asked. Dave&rsquo;s mom thought about the question and said, \\\"I guess we WERE poor. But we didn\\\'t know it.\\\"<br /><br />Dave asked me if I had heard the latest news about his brother Greg, who is vice president at Behlman Builders. Last July Greg was diagnosed with cancer that a spread to a large mass pressing the kidneys on his back.&nbsp; He went through 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which lasted through November. <br /><br />I had seen Greg around the first of the year and he looked great.&nbsp; But on January 31st he went to the emergency room with a high fever. An infection, which perplexes his doctors to this day, had attacked his lungs. It was probably some vestige of the weakness caused by the chemo. For a while it was touch-and-go. But day-by-day Greg has come back. When Dave talked to me his brother was scheduled to go to a rehab center. <br /><br />Dave&rsquo;s pride for his brother was obvious in his eyes as he told me the story. &ldquo;My brother is determined to be there for his family,&rdquo; Dave said. &ldquo;He may end up needing to walk with an oxygen tank, but he will walk down the aisle when his daughters get married.&rdquo;<br /><br />That&rsquo;s what finishing the race is all about.</p>\n<p><br /><em>If you\\\'d like to see how Greg\\\'s doing or drop him a note, visit <a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\">his web page at CaringBridge.com</a>. </em><a href=\\\"http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gregbehlman/guestbook\\\"><br /></a></p>\";s:11:\"field_id_42\";s:34:\"/images/uploads/greg-behlman_1.jpg\";s:11:\"field_id_43\";s:0:\"\";s:11:\"field_ft_43\";s:4:\"none\";s:10:\"category_0\";s:2:\"16\";}'),