AGCMO's First Annual DEI Summit Inspires Change

Last week, AGC of Missouri's First Annual DEI Summit left attendees feeling inspired, challenged, and more committed than ever to driving meaningful change in the construction industry.

The event emphasized the importance of showing up, leading with intention, and ensuring that inclusion goes beyond just having a seat at the table — it's about creating space for voices to be heard and valued. The summit featured powerful insights from speakers who have transformed challenges into success stories, reinforcing that progress requires collective effort.

Special thanks to Terron White for spearheading the event and to the incredible lineup of speakers, including Vincent C. Flewellen, Xavier Scruggs, Adrienne Dawson, Steven Player, Bridget Marzette-Bender, Neal Richardson, Shonnah Paredes, Bonnie Finger, Charles Henson, Missy Stuedle, Janelle Turner, Michael Kennedy Jr., Tracy Hart, Willy Pegues IV, Ralph Powell, and Roslyn Croft, for their leadership and dedication to fostering an inclusive industry.

GadellNet Celebrates International Women's Day with Powerhouse Speakers

GadellNet Consulting Services recently hosted its 3rd annual Women’s Event in celebration of International Women’s Day, featuring an incredible lineup of speakers.

The event welcomed inspiring leaders including Dr. Natissia Small, Ashley Pyle, Constance Gully, Jennifer Dolce, and Denise Purdy, who shared their insights and experiences. It was a powerful reminder of the impact women have in our community.

Special thanks to GadellNet's team for hosting and recognizing the contributions of women in the construction industry!

All Women Construction Career Expo Empowers Women to Succeed in Construction

Celebrating Women in Construction

The All Women Construction Career Expo held last Friday welcomed women from all walks of life — from high school students to veterans and those exploring new career paths.

Attendees had the chance to connect with industry professionals, explore apprenticeship opportunities, and learn about the rewarding careers the trades can offer. With countless companies sharing insights and tradeswomen offering mentorship, the event highlighted the industry's inclusivity and growth.

Special thanks to Construction Forum, SITE Improvement Association, MOWIT, Women of STEEL, Mid-America Sisterhood of Carpenters, Missouri Works Initiative, and R.G. Ross Construction Company for making this empowering event possible! The SLC3 was proud to be a part of the planning and support the event.

UPDATE: Mercy South Emergency Department Expansion

Feb. 27, 2025, Update

The start of major construction for Mercy South’s Emergency Department expansion is about to begin. Patients, visitors and co-workers need to be aware of the following changes that are now in place as part of this project:

• The emergency entrance is now temporarily located at the main entrance, which is under the blue awning facing Kennerly Road and accessible using the circle drive. Once inside the main lobby, emergency patients and visitors will enter the first door on their right to access the Emergency Department check-in and waiting room.

• EMS crews bringing patients to the Emergency Department by ambulance are now using a temporary EMS entrance located on the west wall of the Emergency Department. This entrance is along the main drive facing the Sindelar Cancer Center.

• A portion of the main drive has been narrowed to one lane and restricted to one-way ambulance only traffic to allow EMS crews to access the temporary EMS entrance. This restricted area of the main drive is located between the hospital and the Sindelar Cancer Center.

• Drivers needing to travel between the north (Kennerly Road) side of campus and the south (Schuessler Road) side of campus will need to take the marked detour on the existing road around the Sindelar Cancer Center.

• The parking lot located closest to the emergency entrance is permanently closed as this space will be used for the expanded footprint of the Emergency Department.

• A portion of the parking lot located near the Emergency Department and main entrance remains temporarily closed.

• The parking spaces that are now the closest spaces to the main entrance and emergency entrance have been restriped as disabled-accessible parking spaces. This location will continue to serve as disabled-accessible parking until the temporarily closed parking area is reopened.

• New fencing is in place to block off construction zones.

• New signage is in place to help navigate these changes on campus.

Patients and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of our free valet service, which is available weekdays under the blue awning at the main and emergency entrance. Our volunteers also provide a free shuttle service to and from the north (Kennerly Road) parking lots in our new fully enclosed GEM shuttles...

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your SLC3 Membership: The Power of Active Engagement

Membership Is a Two-Way Street

Joining the SLC3 is an incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and grow within the industry. But here’s the catch—simply signing up won’t magically bring all the benefits to your doorstep. Membership is a two-way street; the more you put in, the more you get out. Attending events, getting involved in committees, and engaging with fellow members are what truly unlock the value of being part of this organization. If you’re not actively participating, you might miss out on some of the best opportunities SLC3 offers!

The Perks of Getting Involved

Active participation isn’t just about showing up—it’s about making meaningful connections and seizing every chance to grow. When you engage, you can:

• Expand Your Professional Network – Build relationships with industry leaders, potential clients, and trusted partners.
• Stay Ahead of Industry Trends – Attend workshops and seminars that keep you informed on best practices and emerging technologies.
• Make an Impact – Join a committee, contribute your expertise, and help shape the direction of the industry.
• Develop Leadership Skills – Taking on an active role within SLC3 can boost your confidence and professional growth.

Simply put, engagement opens doors—ones that remain closed if you’re just a name on the list.

Why Sitting on the Sidelines Doesn’t Work

Let’s be honest—passive membership rarely leads to results. If you’re not showing up, networking, or utilizing the resources available, it’s easy to feel like you’re not getting much out of the organization. But that’s not because the value isn’t there—it’s because participation is the key to unlocking it! SLC3 is designed to support and elevate its members, but that only works when members take the initiative to be part of the action.

Take the First Step—Get Engaged!

So, what’s next? If you’ve been a member but haven’t fully tapped into everything SLC3 has to offer, now’s the perfect time to start! Attend an event, introduce yourself to someone new, volunteer for a committee, or join a discussion. Your membership is a powerful tool—but only if you use it. The success of our organization depends on the collective engagement of our members, and we’d love to see you take full advantage of everything available. Let’s build, learn, and grow together!

Not a Member Yet? Join Us Today!

If you’re not already a member of SLC3, now is the perfect time to join our vibrant community. As a member, you’ll have access to a wealth of resources, including:

• Educational Programs – Benefit from workshops, seminars, and training sessions designed to keep you at the forefront of industry developments.
• All Industry Stakeholders in One Room – SLC3 is uniquely "Owner" led, bringing together key decision-makers from across the construction ecosystem. Whether you're an owner, contractor, supplier, or service provider, being part of SLC3 means you’re in the room with the people who drive industry change.
• Networking Opportunities – Connect with a diverse group of professionals, from industry leaders to peers, fostering relationships that can lead to new opportunities.
• Influence and Advocacy – Participate in shaping best practices and policies that impact the construction industry in the St. Louis region.
• Exclusive Events – Enjoy member-only events that provide both professional growth and social engagement.
• ...

The Influence of Perception vs. Perspective on Construction Safety Performance

By: Chuck Twellmann, MS, PE, PMP, Manager Transmission Construction Services, Ameren, SLC3 Health & Safety Committee Chair

Introduction

In the construction industry, safety is paramount due to the inherently hazardous nature of the work environment. Both individual perceptions of risk and broader perspectives informed by organizational policies play crucial roles in shaping safety performance on construction sites (Haslam, Hide, Gibb, Gyi, Pavlovich, & Duff, 2018; Zou, Zhang, & Wang, 2018). This article examines the distinctions between perception and perspective, their impact on construction safety performance, and strategies for integrating these elements to foster a robust safety culture on-site.

Defining Perception and Perspective in Construction Safety

In a construction context, perception is how workers interpret and respond to potential hazards based on personal experience, training, and sensory input. For instance, a construction worker who has witnessed a fall might perceive a routine task at height as highly dangerous, influencing their behavior on the job (Zou et al., 2018). Such subjective interpretations can either enhance vigilance or, if skewed, lead to undue stress and inefficiencies.

Perspective involves understanding the broader context of safety, incorporating company policies, industry regulations, and collective knowledge gained through training and experience. In construction, a perspective that considers past incident data, regulatory standards, and best practices helps workers assess risks more objectively, leading to balanced decision-making and improved safety outcomes (Haslam et al., 2018).

How Perception Influences Construction Safety Performance

Risk Assessment:

On a construction site, individual risk assessments based solely on personal perception can lead to inconsistent safety practices. Workers who underestimate risks may neglect critical safety protocols, while those who overestimate hazards might delay work unnecessarily or cause operational inefficiencies (Zou et al., 2018).

Behavioral Responses:

A worker’s immediate reaction to hazards is influenced by their personal perception. For example, if safety gear is viewed as cumbersome due to past negative experiences, compliance may decrease. Conversely, if workers perceive safety measures as essential safeguards, adherence to protocols is likely to improve (Haslam et al., 2018).

Communication and Reporting:

Perceptions of the reporting system and safety culture can affect whether workers report near-misses or potential hazards. In environments where workers view safety issues as trivial or fear reprisal, underreporting becomes an issue, hindering proactive improvements on site (Zou et al., 2018).

The Role of Perspective in Enhancing Construction Safety Culture

Balanced Decision-Making:

Integrating personal perceptions with an informed perspective helps workers make better decisions. A perspective enriched by safety data, regulatory guidelines, and structured training can moderate personal biases, ensuring a more balanced approach to risk (Haslam et al., 2018).

Targeted Training and Education:

Regular, comprehensive safety training tailored to construction hazards broadens workers’ perspectives by providing objective insights and sharing real-world case studies. This approach helps shift reliance from subjective impressions to evidence-based risk management (Zou et al., 2018)...

Everyday Excellence, One Habit at a Time with Jeff Koziatek

Habit #11: Dead Weight

WE are responsible and accountable for OURSELVES.

People are free to receive from us and choose how they respond. Their response is their responsibility, not ours.

When we pick up 100% responsibility for another person, we turn them into an object to manipulate or an obstacle to overcome – and pick up weight that we cannot move and was never ours to carry in the first place.

Remember:

We are not responsible for the thoughts, feelings, or actions of others.

Performance Tips:

• Take responsibility for how you show up and what you offer – not how your offer is received.

• When we carry the weight of responsibility for how someone else shows up, we shackle ourselves to expectations outside of our control, deplete our resources, and diminish our own performance.

BEYOND THE BUILD | Women in Construction – Together We Rise

The room buzzed with energy as laughter and conversation filled the air. Women engaged in meaningful networking, crafted vision boards to map out their futures, and delved into discussions on professional development, AI, and effective communication. This year’s ACGMO Women of STEEL conference provided an incredible opportunity to forge valuable professional connections and lasting friendships.



“Our annual conference is by far our most attended and impactful event. Each year, it brings together women from all corners of the construction industry to connect, learn, and grow. The conference has created a space where women can share their experiences, gain valuable insight from industry leaders, and leave feeling empowered to take on new challenges,” said Katey Twehous, one of the founders of Women of STEEL, an Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCMO) organization, and the Director of Marketing and Technology with Twehous Excavating. 

“It’s not just about professional development—it’s about fostering a sense of community and belonging in an industry where women have historically been underrepresented. This event’s energy, support, and motivation make it a highlight of the year for me and many of our attendees.” 

Founded in 2022, Women of STEEL (WOS) – Seeking to Engage, Elevate, and Lead – empowers women to grow, connect, and lead. Living up to its mission, ‘Women of STEEL provides engagement opportunities for women in AGCMO member firms, fostering leadership development, personal growth, and civic outreach.’

“We seek to engage, elevate and lead women of all ages and backgrounds to enrich their lives and enhance the construction industry,” said Amanda Rodgers, a member of WOS Leadership Team. Rodgers also serves as the Communications Coordinator with the AGCMO.

In its first year, the organizers exceeded their expectations, reaching more than 500 women and engaging member firms throughout the state.

“As the number of women in the construction industry continues to grow, organizations like Women of STEEL are more essential than ever. While progress has been made, women in construction still face unique challenges, including access to mentorship, professional development opportunities, and representation in leadership roles,” said Charlyce Ruth, a Women of STEEL Leadership Team member and the AGCMO’s SW MO Manager / Workforce Development...