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November 24, 2025
Dear Leaders, Members and Friends,
As we enter Thanksgiving week, I find myself reflecting on what it truly means to be grateful.
Gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s an action. It’s the way we show up for our teams, our organizations, and our community. And one of the most meaningful expressions of gratitude we can offer is the investment we make in the people around us.
This season naturally reminds us of the importance of connection. But connection cannot flourish without growth — personal, professional, and communal. The question I encourage every leader to ask right now is simple: Are you investing in your people?
Work is important, yes. But work alone does not create leaders. Work alone does not develop skill, expand perspective, or inspire impact. Growth comes from learning, engaging, contributing, and stretching beyond the day-to-day.
It comes from participating in community. It comes from continuing education. It comes from making meaningful connections with the people and the world around us.
Knowledge, they say, is power — and in our industry, knowledge is also competitive advantage. It’s the difference between leading and lagging. Between adaptation and stagnation. Between building the future and reacting to it.
And yet, when I look at our engagement this year, I can’t help but ask: Where is the investment?
We host educational programs one to two times per month — more than 21 opportunities this year alone. Opportunities intentionally designed to strengthen our workforce, expand our understanding, and equip you with the tools needed to lead confidently in a rapidly evolving AEC environment.
Each program represents hours of planning, collaboration, and industry insight. We spend significant time listening — asking what skills are needed most in this region, which speakers can provide the highest value, and what knowledge will make the greatest difference in your organizations.
Our goal is simple but powerful: to help you build a stronger team, a stronger tomorrow, and ultimately a stronger community.
So, as we gather with family and friends this week, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on the growth of your people. Are they equipped? Are they engaged? Are they being supported in ways that help them reach their full potential — not only at work but as leaders, citizens, and contributors to our shared future?
Thanksgiving reminds us to be grateful. But it also reminds us to give — to invest generously in what matters most.
And our people will always matter most.
Best always,
Kelly Jackson
Executive Director, SLC3
P.S. NOT TO LATE TO REGISTER!!!
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Mark Your Calendars – Exciting Events Ahead!
📅 DECEMBER 2: Membership Networking Event (5:30 PM - 8 PM)@ Greenbriar Hills Country Club
RSVP HERE
📅 DECEMBER 8: Owners Chat (2 PM - 3 PM)@ ZOOM
RSVP HERE
📅 DECEMBER 11: Annual AEC Update & Economic Forecast 2026 (7:00 AM - 11:30 AM)@ Holiday Inn SW
RSVP HERE
📅 DECEMBER 16: JUST OPENED! Women's Leadership Lunch & Learn: Unsung Heroines of Business - Breaking Barriers
(11:30 AM - 2:00 PM)@ Greenbriar Hills Country Club
RSVP HERE
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INSIDE
News & Updates
PARIC Corporation: Building Answers in Hospitality & Beyond
Tarlton Corp. earns top construction award for renovation work on Old Courthouse in St. Louis
Training/Education
Everyday Excellence With Jeff Koziatek - Habit 48: The Audition
THANKSGIVING Fun Facts!
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HOW CAN I HELP YOU BE MORE SUCCESSFUL? ARE WE CURIOUS? OR ARE WE JUST GETTING IT DONE?
Attendees walked away with actionable steps they could apply within their teams to improve their communications. And let's face it, everyone could use improvement as we aren't perfect, right?
Dallas Amsden brought his unique energy and expertise to share how we can be more effective in our communications especially in how we "flip the script" in what we do now and have been taught through the generations in how to lead. This was most interesting and inspiring as it made a lot of sense that what we learned from others isn't necessarily a good thing or they way to "practice leadership."
Dallas led about 45 of us in a powerful program around proactive accountability, curiosity-driven leadership, and closing communication gaps—offering attendees practical strategies they can apply immediately within their teams and organizations.
Perhaps we all need to consider whether our communication style as a leader or supporter is working? If you ask yourself, "why doesn't she get this, I explained it to her? or "he repeatedly forgets to complete assignments or doesn't complete them as expected." If team members are not performing well, is it only the team member or is it the leader's communication skills? Are we asking questions such as how I can I help you? What can help you be more successful?
Dallas did a fantastic job at helping us all to consider our communication skills and what improvements we need to make as well as how others could improve. If you would like to book Dallas Amstead, Communicate2Succeed, for your organization, his information is: 314-478-4105 or dallas@communicate2succeed.com. Completely worth the investment in your team!
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DID YOU DOWNLOAD OUR APP????
Just go to your app store and search for MemberPlus. Then enter your username and password for InfoHub. This will gain your entry to our app which looks like the image! Please let us know if you have difficulty as we want all our members to have access!
| | “You can’t afford not to be at the table. The people who shape the future of our industry are the ones showing up.” Kelly Jackson | We are actively recruiting for: Training and Education, Membership, Health & Safety, Emerging Leaders and Women's Leadership. Please contact Maria DeBellis to discuss your interest to serve. info@slc3.org | | |
Thanksgiving: A Season for Gratitude in the
AEC Community
By: Kelly Jackson
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As Thanksgiving approaches, our industry — like each of us personally — gets a rare moment to pause. In the AEC world, where every day is measured in milestones, deadlines, and constant momentum, this season offers something we don’t often give ourselves: space. Space to reflect, to regroup, and to reconnect with what matters most.
Thanksgiving is more than a holiday on the calendar; it’s an invitation to look at our work, our people, and our community through the lens of gratitude. And in the AEC community, gratitude carries a special meaning. Our work quite literally builds the world around us. The structures we plan, design, and construct shape communities for generations. That perspective alone is something worth appreciating.
But gratitude also shows up in quieter, more personal ways — in the teams that support us, the mentors who guide us, and the colleagues who encourage us to grow. None of our projects, our achievements, or our progress happens in isolation. It’s the collaboration between organizations, the partnerships across disciplines, and the collective commitment to quality and integrity that keep our industry strong.
This season invites us to reflect on that.
Who has invested in you this year? Who helped you solve a problem, offered advice, shared knowledge, or opened a door?
These contributions often happen in small moments, yet they shape our leadership and our success in meaningful ways.
Thanksgiving also invites us to consider the ways we invest in others — especially our employees and emerging leaders. In an industry that evolves quickly and demands continuous learning, growth is not optional. It is essential. When we equip our people with knowledge, training, and opportunities to connect, we strengthen not just their careers, but the entire AEC ecosystem.
Gratitude and growth go hand in hand. When we appreciate our people, we naturally want to support them. We want to see them thrive, contribute, innovate, and lead. And when our workforce grows stronger, our region grows stronger.
As we reflect on the past year, let us celebrate what we have accomplished together — the challenges met, the projects completed, the new ideas sparked, and the resilience shown in times of change. Let us also acknowledge the commitment each of you brings to this industry and to the greater St. Louis area.
And most importantly, let us carry gratitude forward — not as a once-a-year tradition, but as a leadership mindset. Gratitude inspires patience, courage, connection, and generosity. It reminds us of our shared purpose: to build a better tomorrow, both structurally and culturally.
This Thanksgiving, I am deeply grateful for our members, our partners, and the continued passion that fuels this association.
May your holiday be filled with rest, connection, and moments of meaningful reflection.
And may the spirit of gratitude guide us through the work ahead.
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Global Electrical Equipment Manufacturer H-J Enterprises Selects PARIC To Expand Production & Warehouse Facilities
The H-J Family of Companies has selected PARIC to design and build expanded production and warehouse facilities in High Ridge that will add opportunity for about 150 additional employees.
The H-J Family of Companies, organized in 1969, has grown to become a global leader in the heavy electrical industry, with offices and employees in 12 nations doing business in more than 70 countries.
A vertically integrated manufacturer, H-J maintains in-house resources for product development from concept to design through testing and final production. These resources include electrical, mechanical and material flow simulation software, full tool and die design and manufacture and a fully equipped test lab for all electrical, mechanical, chemical and environmental test requirements.
The company’s products are vital components in electrical transformers, switchgear systems and other essential parts of the world’s power distribution and transmission network.
Construction has begun on the 80,000-square-foot pre-engineered metal building and is planned for completion in late 2026. The Jefferson County Planning and Zoning Commission approved the manufacturing company’s proposed development plan last December.
PARIC, one of the largest privately owned construction companies in the Midwest, focuses on building excellence while also building answers to the special challenges impacting their customers’ operations. With teams in St. Louis, Kansas City and throughout the region, PARIC teams routinely deliver for clients within the industrial, manufacturing, healthcare, senior living, hospitality, multi-family, academic and historic renovation markets.
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Tarlton Corp. earns top construction award for renovation work on Old Courthouse in St. Louis
Tarlton Corp. received the top award at the 2025 AGC of Missouri Construction Keystone Awards for its $27.2 million, two-year renovation of the historic Old Courthouse in St. Louis. The firm won in the General Contractor/Construction Manager/Prime Contractor category for projects between $20 million and $100 million.
Funded through a public-private partnership between the National Park Service and the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, the project marked the final phase of the $380 million CityArchRiver initiative— the largest public-private partnership in National Park Service history.
Preserving a Landmark
Built between 1839 and 1862, the Old Courthouse is a cornerstone of American history, known for groundbreaking civil rights cases including the Dred and Harriet Scott freedom suits and Virginia Minor’s fight for women’s voting rights.
Tarlton’s renovation focused on improving safety, accessibility, and long-term preservation while honoring the building’s historic character. Updates included the Courthouse’s first-ever elevator, complete HVAC and fire suppression replacements, and a custom scaffolding system to install sprinkler heads inside the 192-foot rotunda dome.
During construction, the team uncovered original wood trusses, plaster ceilings, brick vaults, and a century-old underground structure—all carefully documented. The project also involved restoring 150 historic windows, refinishing original wood floors, and safely removing hazardous materials.
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Keep Your Pipes Flowing This Holiday Season: Illinois American Water Shares Safe Disposal Tips for Fats, Oils & Grease | |
With holiday cooking in full swing, Illinois American Water is reminding residents to take simple steps to protect their home plumbing and community wastewater systems. The key? Properly disposing of fats, oils, and grease—commonly known as FOGs.
“Protecting your pipes can prevent expensive repairs—properly disposing of fats, oils, and greases keeps plumbing clear, reduces sewer backups, and helps ensure safe, clean water for our communities,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water. “By developing good disposal habits, households can contribute to healthier local waterways and a stronger infrastructure for all.”
Smart Ways to Dispose of FOGs
Prevent clogs and backups by following these easy holiday kitchen habits:
- Don’t rinse FOGs down the drain. Even garbage disposals can’t prevent buildup that leads to blockages.
- Use a strainer, not the drain. Place a sink basket or strainer to catch food scraps, then toss them in the trash.
- Scrape before washing. Remove all leftover food, fats, oils, and grease from dishes into the garbage before rinsing or washing.
For more guidance on what should never go down your drain, click here.
Beyond FOGs: Other Items to Keep Out of Your Pipes
Plumbing blockages also occur when hygiene products and non-flushable items enter the wastewater system. Only water, human waste, and toilet paper should ever be flushed.
Items that must always go in the trash include:
- Wipes of any kind (even those labeled “flushable”)
- Cotton swabs
- Dental floss
- Contact lenses
- Paper towels and tissues
To learn more about what not to flush, click here.
Protect Your Home—and the Environment
By adopting these simple practices, residents can enjoy a trouble-free holiday season while helping safeguard pipes, homes, and the broader environment.
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Thankful for the Hands That Build: AEC Appreciation Ideas | |
As we enter the Thanksgiving, it’s a natural moment for showing appreciation to the people who help move our industry forward. The AEC community is built on teamwork, trust, and an incredible amount of hard work happening behind the scenes. From craft workers in the field to office teams, subcontractors, and owners, every project depends on a network of dedicated professionals.
This season offers a perfect opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and strengthen the relationships that make our work possible. Here are some people to keep in mind to thank and a few ways firms can show gratitude in meaningful, lasting ways.
Recognizing Field Teams
Our field teams are at the heart of project delivery, often working long hours and braving tough weather to keep jobs on track. A small gesture can go a long way—whether it’s a warm onsite lunch, seasonal treats, branded cold-weather gear, or a simple but sincere thank-you during morning huddles.
Highlighting crews in company newsletters or social posts can also give teams well-deserved recognition and boost jobsite morale.
Appreciating Office Staff, PMs, and Support Teams
Behind every successful project are estimators, project managers, coordinators, and administrative staff keeping everything running smoothly. Personalized notes from leadership, meeting shoutouts, or even an early-release day around the holiday can communicate appreciation.
Investing in professional development is another powerful way to say thank you—showing that growth and opportunity matter.
Thanking Subcontractors & Trade Partners
Strong subcontractor relationships are essential in AEC. A quick phone call, a year-end appreciation message, or a public thank-you post can reinforce how important these partners are to project success. Some firms also host appreciation breakfasts or create recognition programs to celebrate exceptional teamwork and safety performance.
Showing Appreciation to Owners
A thoughtful thank-you to clients and owners helps strengthen long-term relationships. Whether through handwritten notes, a small token of appreciation, or invitations to project milestones, gestures that express gratitude help reinforce trust and partnership—especially as firms look ahead to next year’s pipeline.
Celebrating Project Milestones as Shared Wins
Thanksgiving is a great time to spotlight the progress your team has made throughout the year—topping-out ceremonies, project completions, and groundbreakings all provide opportunities to highlight contributions across the entire project team. Sharing milestone photos or short recap videos helps everyone feel part of something meaningful.
Meaningful Thanks Doesn’t Have to Be Big
Even small gestures matter. Social media shoutouts, thank-you boards in the office, or peer-to-peer recognition can help create a culture of appreciation. Gratitude doesn’t require a big budget—it requires intention.
This time of year reminds us that success in AEC is never achieved alone. It’s the result of countless hands, ideas, and partnerships working together to create something lasting. As we give thanks, we also strengthen the foundation for collaboration, retention, and resilience in the year ahead.
From all of us at SLC3, thank you for the work you do every day—and happy Thanksgiving.
| | | | Winter Means Budget Season: Planning Resources, Staffing, and Project Pipelines for the Year Ahead - SLC3 -St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers | |
As temperatures drop and the pace of outdoor work shifts, winter becomes more than just a change in weather for AEC firms—it signals the beginning of budget season. This is the time when leaders assess current performance, forecast upcoming needs, and make key decisions that shape the year ahead.
While some teams focus on winterizing jobsites and maintaining productivity in the cold, it’s equally important to use this time to strengthen strategic planning across resources, staffing, and project pipelines. Winter offers a valuable window to reflect, recalibrate, and ready your organization for success.
Evaluating Resources for the Coming Year
Before looking ahead, firms must take stock of where they stand. Winter is the ideal time to assess equipment usage, material spend, technology investments, and operational costs from the past year. Are your current resources aligned with the projects in your pipeline? Are there inefficiencies that can be addressed before spring mobilization begins?
By analyzing performance trends now, organizations can make informed decisions on whether to upgrade equipment, renegotiate supplier agreements, or invest in new tools that improve efficiency. This early planning helps avoid rushed or reactive spending once construction season picks up.
Strategic Staffing: Getting Ahead of Labor Needs
The labor market in AEC remains highly competitive, and winter provides a crucial opportunity to evaluate workforce levels with clarity. Consider the roles that were hardest to fill this year, the positions that will be needed for next year’s projects, and the skills that may be in short supply.
Proactive planning might include:
- identifying upcoming staffing gaps
- engaging craft workers and field teams early
- strengthening training and development programs
- refining retention strategies before turnover rises in spring
By forecasting staffing needs now, firms gain a head start in recruiting and are better prepared to build strong, fully resourced teams for upcoming work.
CONTINUED ON WEBSITE...
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Jeff Koziatek
Keynote Speaker and Executive Coach
Do what matters. Love the outcome.
“Free Download: 4 Ridiculously Fun Ways to 10x Performance.”
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Bond Architects' Andrea Giovando Serves on Awards Panel
Bond Architects announced that Principal and Senior Interior Designer Andrea Giovando served on the jurors’ panel for this year’s Metamorphosis Awards. Presented by retrofit magazine, the awards recognize outstanding achievements in adaptive reuse and renovation projects.
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CD Companies Adds Three New Team Members
Yazmin Rendon joins as a Mechanical Designer, working remotely and bringing four years of experience from a Kansas City firm. She is a graduate of Kansas State University.
Jordan Thompson has been hired as an Architectural Designer II. A graduate of Washington University’s Sam Fox School, she brings eight years of experience and is currently pursuing architectural licensure.
Mark Kuhlman joins the team as a Senior Electrical Engineer. Licensed in more than 30 states, he adds nearly two decades of experience across a wide range of project types.
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Bond Architects Welcomes Sue King To The Team
Bond Architects welcomes Sue King, AIA, NCARB, as Senior Project Manager. Sue brings extensive experience across all phases of building design and construction, including schedule and budget management, team coordination, document review, and contractor collaboration.
“Sue’s depth of project management experience makes her a tremendous asset to our team,” said Michelle Wells, Principal and Lead Architectural Designer at Bond Architects.
| | | | Let's be sure to welcome our newest members! We look forward to partnering with you! | |  | |
SLC3 2025 Officers:
Michael Hargrave, BJC HealthCare - President
Vince Nutt, BJC HealthCare - 1st Vice President
Mark Flannery, 2nd Vice President
Anna Leavey, Anna Leavey Consulting, LLC - Secretary
Danielle Thomas, Hazelwood SD, Treasurer
Frank Niemerg, Ameren - Immediate Past President
Kelly Jackson, Executive Director
| DON'T FORGET: If you are a member of the SLC3 you can access all our members in the InfoHub. Make sure to login and regularly check it out! | If you are considering joining us, contact Kelly Jackson about Membership. Don't miss our member-only activities and perks! | | SHARE WITH US AND WE WILL SHARE YOUR EVENTS! | | |
St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers
301 Sovereign Ct, Suite 101, Ballwin, MO 63011
636.394.6200 | info@slccc.net | slccc.net
Staff:
Kelly Jackson // Executive Director
Rebecca Hale // Event & Office Manager
Maria DeBellis // Marketing & Membership Coordinator
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