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Dear Members and Friends of SLC3,
Yes, yes, we are late on this issue this week! As we head into this week’s newsletter, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of Juneteenth—a day that marks not only the end of slavery in the United States, but also serves as a powerful reminder of the work still ahead in the pursuit of equity and justice. For an organization like ours, with equity and empowerment as a core pillar, honoring this holiday isn’t just symbolic—it’s essential. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge our shared history, celebrate Black contributions, and continue building spaces—both literally and figuratively—that are inclusive and uplifting for all.
We encourage everyone to use this time for learning, reflection, and action.
On a lighter and equally meaningful note, I want to give a big shout-out to our team and members who joined us Monday for the golf outing benefiting the Women’s Safe House. It was a beautiful day in Forest Park, full of fun and friendly competition in support of a critical mission: helping women and children escape violence and rebuild their lives. We’re proud to stand behind this cause—and proud to be in the company of others who care just as deeply.
And yes—congratulations to member, Guy Gevers, who walked away with the big raffle prize! We expect your victory speech at the next event, Guy.
We also have exciting news! We have a new team member! Please be sure to reach out to her and welcome her to the SLC3 community! She is new to the industry, but brings great enthusiasm to learn and to meet everyone! Check out more about Maria DeBellis in this newsletter!
This issue has some great content, so be sure to set aside time for reading! It’s good stuff. Next week is our women’s lunch. Don’t forget to register!!!
I hope you all enjoyed Father’s Day Sunday. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!
I wish you all a thoughtful Juneteenth. As always, thank you for being part of a community that leads with purpose.
Warm regards,
Kelly Jackson
Executive Director
Follow me on LinkedIn
| It's okay to be a follower! | The team supporting the Women's Safe House on Monday! | |
Mark Your Calendars – Exciting Events Ahead!
📅 JUNE 26: Women's Leadership Lunch - Memorable Connections - Don't Miss Out!
REGISTER NOW
📅 JULY 17: Technology Panel - AI In Construction: Transforming the Industry from the Ground Up
REGISTRATION OPEN
📅 JULY 23: SLC3 University Bootcamp Webinar: LInkedIn is a Goldmine
REGISTER NOW
📅 JULY 24: SLC3 Board Meeting Virtual 7:30-9:30 am
RSVP rhale@slc3.org
📅 JULY 30: OWNER ONLY Owner’s 180° Plan Meeting (Consumer's Only)
RSVP rhale@slc3.org
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INSIDE
News/Updates
Bond Architects is Transforming St. Louis' Nonprofits and Schools with Trauma-Informed Design
Construction Updates (STL Region)
Why Honoring Juneteenth Matters for an Organization Committed to Equity & Empowerment
Development Underway at Mercy Wentzville Hospital
Training/Education
Communication Breakdown: When Leadership Doesn't Lead the Conversation
Top 5 Takeaways In Sustainable Construction
Neuroaesthetics & Biophilic Design: Where Science Meets Space
10 Signs You Have a Great Manager
Everyday Excellence, One Habit at a Time with Jeff Koziatek: Habit #25: Environment
Fun Facts From the Field
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MEET OUR NEW MARKETING & MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR!!!
This week, we welcome Maria DeBellis (Day_Bel_lis) to our team as our new Marketing & Membership Coordinator! Maria is excited to step into this important role and looks forward to bringing enthusiasm and a positive energy to the SLC3.
A native of the St. Louis area, Maria was happy to return here after graduating from the University of Missouri – Columbia in 2022. She earned her BA in Journalism with an emphasis in Strategic Communications. Maria comes to us with a diverse background in marketing, having worked across multiple industries including - healthcare, housing, automotive, and HVAC. In her previous role at Copeland, she took on project management, event planning, and collaborated with several teams on branding and content strategy-- giving her a well-rounded perspective. She hopes to use this perspective to make a positive impact in all our efforts.
When she’s not office, she still enjoys being active and creative. In her free time you can find her out on a run, reading, walking her dog and finding new recipes on Pinterest!
Maria is truly excited to get to know our members and eager to learn about our organization. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome! Give her a follow on LinkedIn! Email: mdebellis@slc3.org
| | Once again visited with members last Friday, along with new members and prospective members on a Friday...the 2nd Friday!!! Come and visit or better yet, sponsor our next Coffee at your office! Contact Rebecca! | | | | Effective networking is NOT just showing up and mingling. Will you be remembered and do you have any actionable steps afterwards? This is your safe place to connect, so come hang with us! | | |
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Bond Architects is Transforming St. Louis' Nonprofits and Schools with Trauma-Informed Design | |
Andrea Giovando believes design has the power to improve your day–and even your life.
The principal and senior interior designer at Bond Architects was first introduced to the formal concept of trauma-informed design while working with Places for People–a local nonprofit that offers personalized, evidence-based care for mental health and substance-use disorders. The firm has applied the theory to every one of its projects, from libraries to schools to community organizations physical environments have on mood and behavior, and applies insights from psychology, sociology, and neuroscience to create spaces that feel welcoming, safe, and respectful of an individual’s identity and dignity,” according to Bond Architects.
In building Places for People’s new center, that meant incorporating comfort and autonomy of choice into the architecture, from private, serene sitting areas to spaces that foster communal activity without threat of sensory triggers.
“When you come into that space, you have people literally coming off the streets that are at their lowest of low moments,” Giovando says. “They have no idea what to do next. So the first thing that we wanted to do was give them a space that was beautiful. I wanted them to realize that they were coming into a place where they could change their life.”
The practicalities of that goal, which Giovando says also referenced neuroaesthetics and biophilic design, involved:
- Rebranding the entryway “panic room” into a secure, safe space with no corners and plenty of open visibility
- Creating waiting rooms attuned to self-soothing
- Utilizing color theory to select cooler, more calming tones
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Development Underway at Mercy Wentzville Hospital
A public hearing to approve the preliminary development plan and a rezoning for the new Mercy Hospital in Wentzville was held at the May 28 Board of Aldermen meeting.
George Stock of Stock & Associates Consulting Engineers said the project includes two lots. The first will accommodate the 75-bed, 280,000 square-foot hospital. The hospital height is limited to 150 feet, and the proposed plan limits future add-on buildings to a 100-foot height. Future expansions of up to 200 beds and 885,000 square-feet are also included. The parking area will feature 851 spaces along the northeast and southern sides.
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Sports Authority Greenlights $54M for Dome Upgrades
The owner of the Dome at America’s Center on Wednesday (June 10th) OK’d a plan to spend $54 million on upgrades over three years, tapping further into its Rams settlement money.
The Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority’s board voted to begin with several projects, totaling $17.4 million, in fiscal 2026, beginning July 1:
- $4.4 million for elevator and escalator improvements;
- $4 million for the replacement of exterior signs, including the Interstate 70 sign;
- $2.7 million for painting concourse ceilings and replacing discontinued lights in suites;
- $2.1 million for mechanical infrastructure, including replacement of components for a rooftop exhaust system and duct detectors inside air handlers;
- $1.7 million for general repairs and replacements;
- $1.1 million for office and locker room upgrades; and
- $300,000 for suite furniture upgrades, including replacement of bar stools and addition of high-top tables.
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Keeley Construction Group Welcomes Cannon Adams to Lead Safety
Keeley Construction announced the permanent hire of former intern Canon Adams. Canon spent three summers and four semesters with Keeley as an intern and co-op. He is leading the safety efforts of the #CivilEnergy team. Canon graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety and Health in December 2024.
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Former HOK Leader Heads to BSA LifeStructures as Healing Practice Director
Paul Whitson has more than 30 years of professional experience in the planning and design of healthcare facilities, including experience in academic medical centers, ambulatory facilities, cancer centers, and sports medicine. Paul’s experience includes all three major program areas in academic health centers. On the clinical side, he has worked at scales as small as individual physician practices to tertiary care hospitals. For research programs, he has worked at the level of integrating new PI recruits into the AHC enterprise, to state-of-the-art translational research programs. His experience in medical and allied health education includes an understanding of the interdisciplinary, integrative, and collaborative nature of those programs.
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Mercy Hires Stephanie Jeffries as Executive Director of PD&C
Stephanie Jeffries (formerly Executive Director at Paric) is leading teams at Mercy through the planning, design and construction of strategic and routine capital projects. Stephanie has been a leader in healthcare and holds a deep understanding of construction management and client advocacy. Stephanie brings her knowledge to anticipate challenges and streamline communications, safeguarding successful outcomes for Mercy projects. Stephanie earned her BS in Construction Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and her Master’s in Business Administration from Lindenwood University.
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Construction Updates (STL Region) | | | | |
ATTENTION HERE!
Above are example searches for the report we can provide to our members for project opportunities. From concept to bid. The top image shows the most recent search for concept or current bid. The second is a snapshot of 18,680 projects we found. Want to see more? Watch for your email with the membership code.
| | Why Honoring Juneteenth Matters for an Organization Committed to Equity & Empowerment | | |
As an organization that holds equity and empowerment as a core pillar, honoring Juneteenth is not just appropriate—it’s essential. This holiday marks the painful yet pivotal moment in American history when the final enslaved people were told they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is a reminder that freedom, justice, and access have never been delivered equally or easily. It is a day to acknowledge that systemic inequities don't disappear with a single law, memo, or moment—they require intentional, ongoing work.
By recognizing Juneteenth, we:
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Affirm our values: Equity is not just a statement—it's a commitment. Observing this day signals that we’re willing to listen, learn, and act in ways that reflect our principles.
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Honor Black resilience and excellence: This is a time to celebrate culture, history, and the enduring contributions of Black Americans to every facet of society—including our industry.
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Create space for reflection and growth: Empowerment includes educating ourselves and others, and Juneteenth offers a powerful opportunity to foster understanding, empathy, and progress within our teams and communities.
In recognizing Juneteenth, we aren’t just marking a date on the calendar—we’re living out our promise to build a more inclusive and equitable future.
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Top 5 Takeaways on Sustainable Materials in Construction | |
1. Sustainability Starts with Smart SourcingChoosing locally sourced and renewable materials-like bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled steel-reduces transportation emissions and supports the regional economy. Bonus: they often come with unique character and durability.
2. Recycled ≠ InferiorModern recycled materials are engineered to...
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🌿QUICK READ: Neuroaesthetics & Biophilic Design: Where Science Meets Space
Neuroaesthetics is the study of how our brains respond to aesthetic experiences—especially visual ones. It explores how color, shape, light, and texture impact our mood, cognition, and well-being. When applied to architecture and design, it helps create spaces that don’t just look good—they feel good.
Biophilic design takes this one step further by emphasizing our innate connection to nature. It integrates natural elements like daylight, greenery, organic patterns, flowing water, and ventilation into the built environment. The goal? To reduce stress, boost focus, and promote overall health—just by how we design the space around us.
Together, neuroaesthetics and biophilic design support a human-centered approach to building. Whether it's a workplace, hospital, school, or community hub, these concepts remind us that good design isn’t just functional—it’s neurological. And that’s a powerful edge in the construction and design world.
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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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Everyday Excellence, One Habit at a Time with Jeff Koziatek
Habit #25: ENVIRONMENT
The spaces you fill with life, work and play matter.
An organized environment, free of distractions, can send subtle messages that you are worth caring for.
Eliminate obstacles that cause you to trip and stumble through your day and watch your peace, happiness, motivation, optimism, and problem solving skills rise.
Remember:
The places you live, work, and play affect the ways you think, see yourself, and see the world.
Performance Tips:
● Give yourself a productivity boost - maintain a clean, organized working environment.
● Make the space where you do life - a place of rest and comfort. Make your HQ your personal refueling station.
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COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN: WHEN LEADERSHIP DOESN'T LEAD THE CONVERSATION (IN CASE YOU MISSED IT LAST WEEK) | |
Author: Kelly Jackson, Executive Director
In the design and construction industry, we pride ourselves on being efficient, direct, and solution-focused. And rightfully so—when you’re managing million-dollar projects and high-stakes timelines, there’s no time for fluff. But in the push to get things done, there’s a blind spot that quietly undermines productivity, morale, and even project outcomes: the way leaders communicate with their teams.
Let’s be real—most engineers and project managers didn’t get into this business because they love small talk. Communication tends to be transactional: timelines, specs, budgets, decisions. It’s all about data, not dialogue. But when you move into a leadership role, the game changes. You’re no longer just solving technical problems—you’re leading people. And people problems don’t come with blueprints.
When Managers Manage, but Don’t Lead
The problem many teams face isn’t that communication doesn’t happen. It’s that the style and intent behind it don’t align with leadership best practices. A common dynamic:
- The manager issues a directive.
- The employee executes—or doesn’t—and confusion brews.
- Frustration builds on both sides.
It’s not about authority. It’s about alignment. Leaders who don’t adapt their communication style often default to “tell mode,” especially under pressure. But “telling” isn’t the same as leading. Leadership communication is intentional. It includes listening, clarifying expectations, asking questions, showing empathy, and creating psychological safety. Yes, even on a jobsite.
And no, it’s not about getting soft. It’s about getting smart.
Engineers Are Trained to Solve Problems—Just Not People Problems
Here’s the kicker: many of our industry’s professionals are trained in hard skills—math, systems, mechanics, scheduling. Communication? That’s usually a footnote in the curriculum. So it’s no surprise that interpersonal skills are often the Achilles’ heel of even the most technically brilliant team leads.
This gap shows up in subtle ways:
- A supervisor who delivers feedback like a punch list—with no explanation or encouragement.
- A project manager who assumes silence equals agreement.
- A team lead who thinks “I told them” ....
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SLC3 2025 Officers:
Michael Hargrave, BJC HealthCare - President
Bill Dyer, Avison Young/Pace Properties - 1st Vice President
Vince Nutt, BJC HealthCare - 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 | f 636.394.9641 | info@slccc.net | slccc.net
Staff:
Kelly Jackson // Executive Director
Rebecca Hale // Event & Office Manager
Maria DeBellis // Marketing & Membership Coordinator
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