☕ Friday's Brew & Banter: A Morning Well Spent 🌟

We kicked off the day with great energy at last Friday's Coffee & Networking event! It was another fantastic turnout filled with meaningful conversations, new connections, and familiar faces. Plus, we had a very special guest—Milo! He was the ultimate good boy, spreading smiles and making the morning even brighter.🐾

There’s something special about starting the day surrounded by like-minded professionals, and today didn’t disappoint. From laughs over coffee to swapping ideas and opportunities, it was a reminder of just how valuable this time together can be.

We love hosting this event and are so grateful to everyone who took time out of their morning to join us. Here’s to strong coffee and even stronger connections! 🤝

Not Just a Building—A Vision for the Future of Work

Clayco and Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) are moving 580 St. Louis-based team members into a newly renovated facility at 8640 Evans Avenue in Berkeley, Missouri. The 230,000-square-foot office, located in the NorthPark Development, will accommodate space for more than 1,000 employees, with the company planning to add at least 400 additional team members in the coming years.

The Russell Burns Building brings together Clayco’s companies and employees under one roof, creating a vibrant, collaborative environment. Completed between 2023 and 2024, the design emphasizes sustainability and adaptive reuse, showcasing Clayco’s commitment to building the workplace of the future.

Highlights of the space include a light-filled multistory atrium, wellness-focused fitness amenities, a health-conscious café, and direct connections to nature, all aimed at enhancing employee well-being and productivity. The project reflects LJC’s Integrated by Design approach, seamlessly blending architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture into a cohesive and inspiring workplace.

AVI Systems Rebrands as Forte: A Bold New Identity for the Future

One of our valued members has taken a major step forward—AVI Systems, a trusted name in audiovisual and unified collaboration solutions, has officially rebranded as Forte. This transformation reflects not just a new name and look, but a deeper evolution in vision, service, and commitment to clients across industries.

The name "Forte" signifies strength, specialization, and clarity, an identity that better represents the company’s refined focus and expansive capabilities in today’s fast-changing technology landscape. With this rebrand, Forte is emphasizing its role as a strategic partner for designing, building, and supporting communication and collaboration environments at scale.

While the name has changed, the core values and team that customers have come to trust remain the same. Forte continues to bring the same high standards of service, innovation, and reliability, now with a fresh, modern brand that reflects its future-forward approach.

We’re excited to see one of our members continue to evolve and grow! To learn more about Forte and the story behind the rebrand, check out the full announcement here.

Historic Broadview Hotel Reimagined as Senior Living Community

After sitting vacant for two decades, the iconic Broadview Hotel in East St. Louis has been transformed into a 110-unit affordable senior apartment community thanks to a $44.5 million adaptive reuse project.

Originally built in 1927, the seven-story landmark now offers modern, accessible housing for residents 55 and older—10% of which is reserved for veterans. The redevelopment was led by Efficacy Consulting & Development and designed by IMEG Corp, who provided full engineering services including structural, MEP, fire protection, and technology design.

Beyond housing, the revitalized space includes commercial amenities like a grocery store, coffee shop, fitness center, beauty salon, and a business incubator focused on minority-owned enterprises. A senior tech hub and event space round out the vision for a vibrant downtown community anchor.

Mayor Robert Eastern III called the project “awesome,” noting its role in restoring life and vitality to East St. Louis’s core. The new Broadview is more than housing—it’s a symbol of thoughtful preservation and hopeful progress.

By: SLC3

The coming year promises to be one of change, which can be daunting and exciting. While it's important to stay on top of new technologies, the key will be sharpening those soft skills.

Top 3 Leadership Skills for 2025

As the workplace continues to evolve, so must the people leading it. According to Aytekin Tank, founder and CEO of Jotform, the most effective leaders in 2025 will be those who embrace change and sharpen key human-centered skills. Here are the top three to focus on:

Everyday Excellence, One Habit at a Time with Jeff Koziatek

Habit #18: Smile

With or without a mirror, smiling can...

• Instantly release feel-good chemicals to the brain
• Change your attitude
• Spark hope
• Boost confidence

Smiles are an excellent, budget-friendly, and health-conscious tool to feel better.

Remember:

Smiles are free, unlimited, and contagious.

Performance Tips:

• Smiles are scientifically proven to improve the way you feel. Smile often, just for the heck of it.



• You don't have to see your smile to experience the benefits

Choosing the Right Construction Manager: What Really Matters

When it comes to the success of a construction project, choosing the right construction manager (CM) is a decision that carries serious weight. In their recent blog post, S. M. Wilson dives into the key factors that should guide this choice—not just experience and price, but the ability to collaborate, lead with integrity, and solve problems creatively. A great CM doesn’t just build structures—they build trust and lasting partnerships.

S. M. Wilson outlines what sets a top-tier CM apart, emphasizing qualities that go beyond the bid sheet. They stress the importance of cultural alignment and a team that can integrate seamlessly with your goals and values. Whether it’s a school, hospital, or commercial facility, success hinges on having a CM who’s as invested in the outcome as you are.

Key things to look for in a Construction Manager:

• A proven process backed by real results
• A collaborative, client-focused approach
• Transparent communication and problem-solving mindset
• Strong alignment with your organization’s mission and culture
• The ability to manage risks proactively and creatively
• ...