SLC3 12th Annual Sporting Clays

What an amazing day we had at our 12th Annual Sporting Clays! Thank you to all of our wonderful sponsors and to everyone who participated, you made the day great! And a special thank you to Jeff Baumgartner for volunteering. We couldn't have done it without you!

With perfect weather and an even better venue, we had the best time at Top Gun Sportsman's Club. A big shout out and thank you to Rebecca Hale for her time planning and executing such a fun event, she did a fantastic job and we can't wait for next year! Click below for more photos!

Trautman successfully leveraged approximately $110 million to date of outside funding sources from federal or state grants, ensuring that residents’ tax contributions are used to their maximum potential. Project highlights include public-private partnerships Trojan Park and Chain of Rocks Park, along the St. Vincent and Mississippi Greenways, respectively. The agency’s latest ambitious project is Brickline Greenway, a bold vision to connect 14 city neighborhoods and four anchor parks with 10 miles of greenway, infused with public art, trees and plants, and inclusive economic development.

“The people’s vision for a vibrant region connected with greenways has never been stronger; this is an opportunity for a new leader to bring energy and insight to the strength and momentum we have in our 25th year,” said Trautman. “It has been a true honor to deliver on a mission this powerful and dynamic. I am incredibly grateful to our remarkable Board of Directors, who are consistently thoughtful, strategic, and regional in their approach, to our passionate and competent staff who do what’s right, to our dedicated and collaborative partners who make this possible, and to our amazing community members, who guide our efforts, hold us accountable and for whom we do this work. I am especially excited for the visionary leaders involved in the Brickline Greenway to bring that project fully to life in 2030.”

“Bringing the St. Louis region together to advance a big, ambitious idea like the Brickline Greenway takes a unique talent, and Susan Trautman has led this work in the spirit of collaboration and with vision, tireless commitment, and grace. I’ve seen this first-hand working with Susan for nearly a decade now. Susan’s stewardship of GRG more broadly has also been transformational, and she has left an enduring legacy that will serve as the strong foundation her successor can build upon,” said Greater St. Louis, Inc. CEO Jason Hall. “Susan is also a friend, and I’m excited for her to enjoy the next chapter after her distinguished career of service to St. Louis.”

“Susan’s incredible dedication and civic leadership has been truly instrumental in growing the impact of Great Rivers Greenway and strengthening our region the past 15 years,” said Penny Pennington, managing partner of Edward Jones. “Her impact and commitment will continue to advance transformative projects like the Brickline Greenway, connecting the people and visitors of St. Louis to outdoor spaces and spurring tremendous economic growth.” 

The search for Trautman’s replacement will begin in the next month. The Great Rivers Greenway Board of Directors is working with consultants to support the search for candidates who have executive leadership experience with managing private and public funding streams, building relationships with elected leaders and donors, board management, operations and talent oversight, and strategic problem-solving. Like all roles, the position will be posted online. Anyone can subscribe for email alerts when jobs are posted.

Oculus Inc. Celebrates 30 Years!

Oculus Inc., an architecture firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, is celebrating 30 years of innovative design and architectural solutions. Founded in 1994, the firm has since grown to include offices in other cities like Dallas and Portland. They specialize in a wide range of architectural services, including building design, interior design, strategic planning, and move management.

Oculus is known for its client-focused approach, creating designs that are not only visually striking but also functional and efficient. Their portfolio includes notable projects across various sectors, such as healthcare facilities, commercial spaces, retail environments, and hospitality. Some of their standout projects include the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center and the Rawlings Experience retail space. The firm is also recognized for their strong partnerships with clients, ensuring that each project aligns with the business needs and vision of the client.

The leadership team at Oculus is a key driver of their success. Among their leadership figures are Lisa Bell-Reim, President, and Ron Reim, Executive Vice President. Director of Marketing is Shevaun McNaughton, a well-respected industry veteran.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary highlights their enduring presence in the industry and their evolution into one of the leading architectural firms in the region.

Pictured include leaders mentioned.

CD Companies Celebrates 65 Years and Celebrates Big!

CD Companies celebrated their 65^th Anniversary last Thursday with a big party at their office in Maplewood. A great amount of their work is not local. But they provide full AEC services throughout the country. The local office employs 140 staff. They service most industries but have had more difficulty getting traction in the St. Louis area.

CD Companies is a comprehensive architectural and engineering firm headquartered in St. Louis, MO. It operates under multiple divisions, such as CASCO, and offers a wide array of services spanning architecture, engineering, and construction consulting. Their expertise includes building design, prototype development, structural engineering, and a variety of specialty services tailored to industries like healthcare, retail, entertainment, and corporate environments.

CD Companies (including its CASCO division) is known for a client-centric approach, merging design functionality with aesthetic appeal, whether for ground-up projects, renovations, or expansions. The firm boasts a team of experienced architects and engineers who aim to meet and exceed client expectations through well-crafted, efficient construction documents and design solutions.

The firm also emphasizes a strong company culture that prioritizes work-life balance, offering benefits like flexible work hours, remote work options, and profit-sharing opportunities. Their headquarters is based in Maplewood, MO​.

Member Highlight: LJC, Clayco, & Poettker: SIUE Health Sciences Complex Milestone

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) leadership, the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), design-build firms Clayco + Poettker, and city and state officials gathered this morning to celebrate a significant construction milestone. A “final pour” ceremony marked the last structural concrete pour on the new $105 million health science building at the SIUE campus.

During the event, attendees toured the 176,000 square foot building that will accommodate the School of Pharmacy and School of Nursing, and signed concrete columns that will be hidden within the walls of the building.

“Through Rebuild Illinois, we’re making key infrastructure investments that create opportunities for Illinoisans across the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today’s milestone in the completion of the new SIUE Health Sciences Complex reflects our commitment to building world-class learning environments. This state-of-the-art facility will provide aspiring healthcare professionals with the tools and skills they need to succeed and lead in their field.”

The scope of work involves constructing a three-story health science building that includes new academic classrooms, teaching and simulation laboratories, and administrative offices. Additionally, site circulation will be improved around the complex, two parking lots will be resurfaced, and several sidewalks will be connected for the campus community.

The joint venture project team from Clayco + Poettker, in collaboration with the design firms Lamar Johnson Collaborative, Inc. and Christner, Inc, mobilized on site in spring 2023. The cohesive partnership has remained on schedule, with the health science center approaching 45% completion. The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) is overseeing the project’s design and construction in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated projects.

“CDB is excited to see construction advancing on the new health science building at SIUE,” said Capital Development Board Executive Director, TJ Edwards. “This transformational project will support students interested in the healthcare industry and provide opportunities for interdisciplinary partnerships, clinical training, and student research and collaboration.”

Over the past 12 months, more than 8,000 cubic yards of concrete and 905 tons of rebar have been used during construction. Approximately 70 trades men and women are working at the project site each week, recording over 60,000 hours on the job. Substantial completion is expected in spring 2025.

“This project has been a remarkable journey, and today’s ceremony signifies not just the progress the Clayco + Poettker team has made, but the commitment and collaboration of everyone involved,” said Elizabeth Zucker, President of Clayco’s St. Louis Business Unit. “The SIUE Health Sciences Complex is set to become a beacon of innovation and learning, and we are thrilled to be a part of this transformative development and look forward to completing a space that will inspire future generations and support the pursuit of knowledge in the sciences."

HAI, established in 1966, is one of the oldest and most respected independent building enclosure consultants in the country. Glenn Heitmann, president & CEO of Heitmann & Associates shares “This merger will generate substantial synergies for our companies, clients, projects and the built environment. We look forward to this collaboration, anticipating a seamless transition while maintaining our tradition of providing exceptional service, quality work and results.”

The acquisition of HAI by ECS became effective on August 31, 2024. HAI continues to provide building enclosure consulting services to its clients throughout the transition.

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental, and facilities consulting services. ECS is employee-owned with more than 2,700 employees in 90-plus offices and testing facilities across the United States. ECS is currently ranked #64 in Engineering News- Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2024) and #28 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2024).

Build a Stronger Marketing Foundation with Digital Content That Converts

In today’s fast-paced digital world, relying solely on word-of-mouth or traditional advertising is no longer enough for construction companies. The firms that stand out are the ones that embrace content marketing to educate their audience, showcase their work, and establish authority in the industry. 

Whether you’re a general contractor or a specialty firm, digital marketing can be a powerful tool to help you attract new projects and build lasting relationships with clients.

1. Showcase Completed Projects

One of the best ways to build trust is by highlighting your successful projects. Create detailed case studies that outline your process, challenges you overcame, and the end results. Share these across your website, social media, and even in email newsletters.

2. Address Common Client Questions

Construction projects can be very complex, and clients often have questions about timelines, costs, and materials. Creating blog posts or videos can answer these common questions. Not only does this position you as an expert, but it also helps educate and reassure potential clients.

3. Focus on Visual Content

In the construction industry, visuals speak louder than words. Use high-quality photos and videos to show the progress of your projects, from breaking ground to the finished build. Also, drone footage, time-lapse videos, and before-and-after shots are particularly engaging.

4. Optimize for Local SEO in St. Louis

As a St. Louis-based construction company, targeting local clients is crucial for growing your business. By creating content tailored to the St. Louis area, such as highlighting completed projects in neighborhoods like Central West End, Clayton, or Chesterfield, you can improve your search engine rankings and connect with local homeowners and businesses. 

Alberici Corp. Announces Leadership Transitions

From Construction Forum

Alberici Corporation, which oversees the St. Louis-based global construction firm’s enterprises including Alberici Constructors and Flintco, with operations across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is pleased to announce the promotion of four executives. These internal promotions continue to demonstrate the company’s consistent commitment to long-term succession planning and position it for the next stage of strategic growth.



Effective immediately, Greg Hesser will become executive chairman of the board of Alberici Corp. serving alongside Greg Kozicz who will remain non-executive chairman. Hesser will oversee the enterprise’s strategic planning, governance, and continue to work closely with the executive leadership team to support day-to-day operations. Hesser joined Alberici in 1997 and brings significant experience to his role from his notable career at Alberici. Most recently Hesser served as president and chief executive officer of Alberici Constructors, Inc. during a period of significant growth.

Richard Jaggers is appointed president and chief executive officer of Alberici Corp., following the retirement of Peter Kozicz. Alberici thanks Peter for his significant contributions during his 12 years at the company. Jaggers joined the company in 2015, and since 2017, has served as chief financial officer of Alberici Corp.

Jose Garcia succeeds Hesser as president of Alberici Constructors, Inc. and will oversee all aspects of the day-to-day operations. A graduate of West Point, Garcia previously served as executive vice president, president of Alberici’s automotive and Mexican operating companies and leads Alberici’s industry-leading safety program.

Fred Biermann has been promoted to chief operating officer of Alberici Constructors, Inc. in addition to his current role as president of Alberici Industrial, which executes work in the heavy industrial, civil and marine markets.

“Throughout my career at Alberici, we’ve focused on people development, and preparing our team to take on new challenges,” said Hesser. “As I step in to the executive chairman role, it’s immensely satisfying to see these executive promotions, which reflect our focus on providing growth opportunities for the talented people throughout our organization. I look forward to continuing to support our clients and teams as we work together to drive our shared success forward.”

From 2013 to 2015 she served as first assistant director and then, later, as director of government affairs for the St. Louis Association of REALTORS® where she lobbied on behalf of its 7,000 person membership in St. Louis City and County. Later she worked as an attorney at St. Louis law firm McDonnell and McDonnell, handling general litigation.

In 2021 she founded The McDonnell Group, LLC, a governmental affairs consultancy specializing in trade associations. While serving as a consultant McDonnell represented AGCMO in St Louis City and County by monitoring legislation and advocating on behalf of the association.

She successfully worked on legislation and also built, and currently leads the St. Louis Housing Solutions Coalition on behalf of the St Louis Association of REALTORS®.

“We are fortunate to be able to benefit from Maureen’s extensive experience in local, state and national governmental affairs,” said Leonard Toenjes, CAE, AGCMO president. “I’m elated that we are able to add someone of such high quality to continue and expand our advocacy program.”