August 31, 2026

Dear Members and Friends,

It seems like everyone I talk to lately is busy. Really busy.

Our industry hasn't exactly slowed down, calendars are packed, teams are stretched, and many of us have become much more selective about where we spend our time.

Somewhere along the way, though, I think we've lost a little of something that has always made our industry special—the relationships.

Not the LinkedIn connections. Not the stack of business cards. The actual relationships.

The people you can call when you need advice. The colleague who introduces you to someone you should know.

The person you met at an event five years ago who eventually became a client, mentor, employee, partner—or friend.

That's been on my mind lately.

How do we make it easier to find your people in this industry?

I think part of the answer is simply creating reasons to come together—and making those moments worth the time it takes to show up.

We have several of those opportunities coming up.

SEP 11 2nd Friday Coffee Networking (7:30-9am) @ JEMA* Sponsored

SEP 15 SLC3 Night @the Ballpark "Village" -All Inclusive Event!

October 8th

Our September 11, Friday Coffee, sponsored by JEMA, is exactly the kind of morning where you can grab a cup of coffee, catch up with someone you haven't seen in a while and hopefully meet someone new.

Our upcoming Owner's Chat gives us another kind of connection—the opportunity for candid conversation and greater understanding between those buying construction and the teams helping deliver it.

September 15 Night @Ballpark Village! Let’s enjoy some ballgame time in cooler weather and connect.

Then there's the October 23 Clay Shoot, which has always been one of those SLC3 events where relationships happen almost effortlessly. There's something about spending a few hours together outside the office that allows people to actually get to know one another.

And we're also preparing to announce an upcoming October 8^th, Project Management program focused on another important part of building a strong industry: helping our people become better at what they do. More details on that one are coming very soon!

As we head into fall, I'm going to challenge all of us—including myself—to be a little more intentional about connection.

Bring someone with you. Introduce yourself to someone you don't know. Invite the person you haven't seen in a while. Sit with someone new. Make the introduction that could help someone else.

You don't have to join another committee or add another major commitment to your calendar to be part of this community.

Sometimes you just have to show up.

You never know when you might find one of your people.

Have a wonderful week!

Warmly,

Kelly

Kelly Jackson

Executive Director

St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLC3)

AT A GLANCE...

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

News & Updates

St. Louis AI Innovation Center Positions Region for Tech-Driven Growth

$114M Lambert Maintenance

KAI Completes Hope & Restoration Community Center

Training & Education

Concrete Secrets: Three Things You May Not Know About the World's Most Used Building Material

Constructability: Designing Projects That Are Easier to Build

AEC Marketing: Are We Actually Listening to the Buyer?

AI: Did You Know?

ALL EVENTS

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Join us for 2nd Friday Coffee & Networking at JEMA

—a relaxed morning designed to help you make new connections, exchange ideas and build opportunities with fellow industry professionals.

📅 Friday, September 11

⏰ 7:30–9:00 AM

📍 JEMA | 2823 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63103

🎟️ Free event—registration required

Start your morning with great coffee and even better conversation.

Join SLC3’s Emerging Leaders for a Night at the Ballpark on Tuesday, September 15!

Connect with fellow members while enjoying St. Louis Cardinals baseball from the Hoffmann Brothers Rooftop, located on the third floor of Cardinals Nation in Ballpark Village and overlooking Busch Stadium.

The rooftop opens at 5:15 p.m., with the game beginning at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $105 per person and include food and an open bar. Space is limited, so register early for an evening of baseball, networking and fun!

Location: Hoffmann Brothers Rooftop at Cardinals Nation, 601 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63102

Ticket Price: $105 per person

Rooftop Opens: 5:15 p.m.

Game Begins: 6:45 p.m.

September SLC3 Owner Table Talk Chat

Wednesday, September 23 | 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. | Virtual

SLC3 Owner Members are invited to join this exclusive Zoom conversation about SLC3—why we exist, why we matter and how owners can benefit from greater participation.

This open forum offers a valuable opportunity for honest conversation, idea-sharing and connection among fellow Owner Members.

This event is exclusively for SLC3 Owner Members.

Ready. Aim. Network!

SLC3’s 14th Annual Sporting Clays Returns October 23

Join SLC3 on Friday, October 23, at Top Gun Sportsman’s Club in Lonedell, Missouri, for a day of friendly competition, meaningful connections, and unforgettable industry networking. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or joining for the camaraderie, this signature event brings together construction owners, design professionals, contractors, and industry partners for an experience that extends well beyond the shooting range.

The day includes morning and afternoon shooting sessions, donuts in the am, a BBQ lunch catered by Kenrick’s, an adult beverage/awards dinner, and a fireside reception to close out the evening.

Not a shooter? Join the reception and dinner for $100.

Team registration: $1,440 for members | $1,680 for nonmembers

Individual shooters: $360 for members | $420 for nonmembers

Reception and dinner only: $100

📍 Top Gun Sportsman’s Club: 4273 State Highway 47, Lonedell, MO 63060

📅 Friday, October 23, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.

View Event Information and Register

Required waivers: Each team member must complete both the SLC3 waiver and the Top Gun online waiver.

Completed SLC3 waivers should be emailed to Morgan McDevitt.

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: Aleksandar Milenkov Promoted to President of KAI Engineering

Please join SLC3 in congratulating Aleksandar Milenkov, PE, LEED AP, on his promotion to President of KAI Engineering!

A trusted partner and proven leader, Aleksandar has established himself as a respected engineering industry expert and valued advisor to clients. Throughout his career with KAI, he has also earned a reputation as a thoughtful, steady manager committed to supporting his teams and delivering excellence.

As KAI Engineering continues to grow, Aleksandar’s leadership and technical expertise will help guide the practice into its next chapter. His advancement is an exciting example of the strong leadership shaping our region’s design and construction industry.

Congratulations to Aleksandar and the entire KAI Enterprises team on this well-deserved milestone!

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT: Poettker Industrial Celebrates Five Years

Five years. More than 214 projects. More than 700 miles of transmission lines. And more than 3,000% growth.

SLC3 member Poettker Industrial Services is celebrating its fifth anniversary—and an impressive five years of growth, innovation and impact across the utility and infrastructure construction industry.

Founded in 2021 by President Kimberly Schlautman, the woman-owned construction firm specializes in utility, infrastructure and renewable energy construction. Schlautman founded the company in honor of her late father, Charles Poettker, a construction industry leader and veteran.

“After returning from war, he set out to build something of value, and that same guiding principle drives our business today,” Schlautman said. “We’re proud to help build the critical infrastructure that powers our communities and supports future generations.”

In just five years, Poettker Industrial has grown its operations by more than 3,000%, completed 214+ projects, supported construction of more than 700 miles of transmission lines, and expanded its work in substations, grid interconnections and renewable energy. The company has also earned recognition as a Top Specialty Contractor by ENR Midwest and a fastest-growing business by the St. Louis Business Journal.

Safety and quality have remained central to that growth. Poettker Industrial self-performs 43% of its work and has earned Ameren's Contractor Sustained Safety Excellence Award after achieving both Best in Class – High Volume and Eagle Awards for three consecutive years.

For SLC3 members, Poettker Industrial's milestone is a great example of the expertise, entrepreneurship and commitment to excellence helping strengthen our region's construction industry and the critical infrastructure that supports our communities.

Congratulations to the entire Poettker Industrial team on five years—and here's to what's next! 🎉

NEWS & UPDATES

St. Louis AI Innovation Center Positions Region for Tech-Driven Growth

GeoSTL is leading the development of the St. Louis AI Innovation Center, a new regional hub designed to advance artificial intelligence, geospatial technology and high-performance computing. The initiative brings together major technology partners—including World Wide Technology, Google and Amazon Web Services—alongside local universities, workforce organizations and industry leaders.

The Center will support innovation across sectors with strong ties to the St. Louis economy, including architecture, engineering, construction, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, transportation and national security. Its programming is expected to include workforce development, startup support and access to advanced computing resources.

Why it matters to SLC3 members: AI and geospatial technologies are rapidly changing how projects are planned, designed, built and managed. This investment could provide local firms with greater access to emerging tools, specialized talent and collaborative opportunities—while strengthening St. Louis’ position as a national center for technology and innovation.

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: $114M Lambert Maintenance

A major infrastructure investment is underway at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, where construction is progressing on a new $114.9 million Airfield Maintenance and Snow Removal Equipment Facility.

The 285,000-square-foot complex will replace an aging facility dating to the 1960s and consolidate operations currently spread across nine buildings. The new complex will support snow removal, vehicle maintenance and repair, equipment storage, materials warehousing, landscaping and other critical 24/7 airport operations.

Beyond additional space, the project is designed to improve operational efficiency, equipment protection and severe-weather response. The main operations building is also targeting LEED Silver certification.

Construction began in October 2025 and is expected to be completed in late 2027. The project is the first phase of Lambert’s larger West Airfield Program, with a new West Deicing Pad planned as the next phase.

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Project: Airfield Maintenance & Snow Removal Equipment Facility

Owner: St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Investment: $114.9 million

Size: 285,000 SF

Construction: October 2025 – Late 2027

Sustainability: Main building targeting LEED Silver

PROJECT TEAM

Prime Designer / Architect / Structural Engineer: Jacobs

MEP Engineering: KAI

Program Management: KWAME Building Group + HR Green

General Contractor: Wright Construction Services

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: KAI Completes Hope & Restoration Community Center

“Forty-five years ago, my father started KAI with the goal of transforming communities—not just the physical environment, but also transforming the lives of people who use those facilities. For many of KAI’s employees, this project spoke to their hearts.”

— Michael Kennedy Jr., CEO of KAI Enterprises

That vision is powerfully reflected in KAI Enterprises’ completion of The Covering House’s new Hope & Restoration Community Center. The $9 million, 17,000-square-foot residential treatment facility provides around-the-clock care for survivors of sex trafficking between the ages of 12 and 18.

The thoughtfully designed center includes two residential wings and dedicated spaces for individual and group therapy, education, recreation and sensory integration—creating a safe, supportive environment where young people can heal and rebuild their futures. KAI provided both design and construction services for the project.

For SLC3 members, this project is a meaningful example of how the design and construction industry can extend far beyond bricks and mortar. Through collaboration, specialized expertise and purpose-driven design, our industry has the ability to create spaces that strengthen essential organizations, serve vulnerable populations and transform lives throughout our community.

AEC Marketing: Are We Actually Listening to the Buyer?

AEC firms spend significant time and money pursuing work—networking, attending events, preparing qualifications, developing proposals, and hiring business development professionals.

But there is an important question firms should ask:

Are our marketing and business development efforts aligned with how owners actually want to buy?

Through industry research, years of experience, and conversations with buyers of design and construction services—suggest there is a disconnect.

#1. Stop Making Business Development a Revolving Door

Relationships matter tremendously as you know, so why is there so much change? Business owners frequently experience turnover among the business development professionals assigned to their organizations locally and elsewhere. This has grown significantly in the last 5 years.

Every departure can mean starting over: new introductions, new explanations of priorities and another person learning the owner’s organization. Not to mention more of the owner’s time and frankly, patience.

That’s particularly problematic in an industry built heavily around repeat business. And if you are in an area with many alternative choices, you may not be the choice next time.

Relationships should therefore belong to the firm, not just one business developer.

Better approach: Create multiple connections within important accounts. Introduce leadership, project managers, and technical professionals early so the relationship survives personnel changes. Owners and partners will take notice.

#2. Owners Want to Meet the People Doing the Work

One of the clearest findings in AEC business development research is the importance of the seller-doer. When I came into the industry in the late 1990’s, it was the norm and rare to have non-technical degree professionals in BD roles.

Today, it’s more common to have non-technical BD professionals opening doors and managing prospecting, while seller-doers are closing.

Research from SMPS Foundation and Stambaugh Ness found that 89% of AEC firms use seller-doers. A major driver is client preference for meeting the professionals who would actually work on their projects. That means your BD professional may open the door—but shouldn’t always walk through it alone.

Bring your project executive, architect, engineer, superintendent, estimator, project manager or subject-matter expert into the conversation when appropriate.

The person who sells the work and the people who deliver it should not feel like two completely different companies.

3. Don’t Wait for the RFP to Start Marketing

If your first serious conversation about an opportunity occurs when the RFP arrives, you may already be behind.

AEC buyers research firms well before formal procurement begins. They are looking at experience, reputation, referrals, expertise, and whether a firm understands their organization and challenges.

Business development should therefore be about learning before selling.

Ask:

· What is driving this project?

· What concerns the owner most?

· What happened on previous projects?

· What expertise will really matter?

· What constraints could affect delivery?

· What does success look like to this particular owner?

That intelligence should ultimately shape the pursuit.

Continue with blog below...

CONT. TO BLOG

Constructing Communication Confidence Speaker Dallas Amsden Earns Five Stars

Dallas Amsden brought energy, insight and immediately useful strategies to SLC3’s Constructing Communication Confidence program—and our members responded with rating his presentation a five-out-of-five.

Throughout the session, Dallas challenged attendees to communicate with greater confidence, clarity, authenticity and curiosity. Members explored how to create memorable interactions, build trust, lead conversations with purpose and confidently move clients and colleagues toward the next “yes.” The program offered practical techniques participants could begin applying right away in meetings, presentations, project discussions and everyday professional interactions.

In addition to gaining valuable tools to strengthen their communication and leadership skills, participating members also earned credentialed professional-development learning credit for completing the program—combining meaningful education with credit toward their continuing-learning requirements.

Thank you to Dallas for an engaging, high-impact presentation and to every SLC3 member who joined us ready to learn, participate and grow.

Concrete Secrets: Three Things You May Not Know About the World's Most Used Building Material

Concrete is everywhere—from sidewalks and bridges to hospitals, schools, and skyscrapers. Yet despite being one of the most common construction materials on Earth, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Here are three fascinating facts about the material that literally supports our world.

🏗️ Concrete Doesn’t Actually “Dry”

Most people think concrete hardens because the water evaporates. In reality, concrete cures, not dries.

When water is mixed with cement, a chemical reaction called hydration begins. As cement particles react with water, they form microscopic crystals that bind sand and aggregate together into an incredibly strong material.

Here’s the surprising part: as long as moisture is available, that reaction continues. Concrete gains most of its strength within the first 28 days, but it can continue becoming stronger for years.

Why it matters: That’s why contractors carefully protect freshly placed concrete from drying out too quickly. Proper curing improves strength, durability, and resistance to cracking.

🚚 The Tallest Concrete Pump Ever Used

Moving concrete isn’t as simple as pouring it from a truck—especially when you’re building skyscrapers.

One of the world’s tallest concrete pumping operations occurred during construction of the Jeddah Tower in Saudi Arabia. Specialized pumping equipment successfully pushed concrete to a height of 1,851 feet (564 meters)—an engineering achievement that required custom concrete mixes, enormous pump pressures, and precise coordination.

Owner Perspective Series | Week 2

Constructability: Designing Projects That Are Easier to Build

Last week, we explored how Front-End Planning helps owners reduce risk before construction begins. This week, we turn to another Construction Industry Institute (CII) Best Practice that is becoming increasingly valuable as skilled labor becomes harder to secure: Constructability.

Simply put, constructability means designing projects with construction in mind. It brings contractors, specialty trades, and construction managers into the planning and design process early to identify potential challenges before they reach the field.

When labor is limited, every hour on the jobsite matters. A design that requires excessive rework, sequencing changes, or difficult installation methods can quickly consume valuable labor and drive up costs.

According to CII research, projects that implement formal constructability reviews have demonstrated:

3% average reduction in project costs
5% average reduction in project schedules
Improved safety performance
Reduced rework and field changes
Higher quality outcomes

Constructability isn’t about changing the design vision—it’s about making sure the design can be built efficiently, safely, and with the resources available.

As competition for skilled trades increases, successful projects will depend on more than finding labor. They’ll depend on making the best possible use of every craft professional on the jobsite.

Owner Takeaway

The cheapest change is the one made before construction begins. Involving construction experts early can eliminate field conflicts, reduce delays, and help scarce labor stay productive instead of solving preventable problems.

AI: Did You Know?

You don't have to know how to write the perfect prompt.

Just tell AI:

"Ask me questions until you have enough information to help me."

It will guide the conversation and build the prompt with you.

CALL FOR COMMITTEE MEMBERS? TIME TO HELP...

Much of the work we do is driven by member volunteers, and right now our committees could use a few more voices and helping hands. Committee service offers an opportunity to influence priorities, collaborate with peers, and support initiatives that impact the industry and our region. If you’re willing to get involved—even in a small way—we invite you to sign up.

Committee Info

HELP US KEEP THE PICTURE CURRENT

The construction and development landscape across the region continues to move quickly—and keeping our information accurate and relevant matters.

We’ve recently updated our construction and development listings to reflect new projects, changes in scope, and activity across the greater St. Louis area. These updates help ensure that our members have access to timely, useful insight into what’s being built, redeveloped, and planned throughout the region.

That said, no one has a better pulse on what’s happening than the people working in it every day. If you’re aware of a project that’s underway, planned, or evolving—or if you notice something that needs to be updated—we invite you to share it with us. Your input helps strengthen the resource for everyone.

Keeping this information current is a collaborative effort, and we appreciate your help in making it as accurate and valuable as possible.

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