Building Better Neighborhoods: How SLDC's Project Connect Is Shaping the Future of North St. Louis

Project Connect is a community-driven initiative led by the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) aimed at revitalizing six North St. Louis neighborhoods: St. Louis Place, Old North St. Louis, JeffVanderLou, Carr Square, Columbus Square, and Hyde Park. Originally launched to assess the impact of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA) new West Campus, the project has evolved to align public investments with community needs and aspirations.

Through the "Our Plan" neighborhood planning process, residents and stakeholders collaborate to shape future development, focusing on land use, zoning, and infrastructure improvements. Key infrastructure projects include enhancements to major corridors like Jefferson Avenue and Cass Avenue to improve accessibility, safety, and economic opportunities.

Project Connect ensures that disinvested areas are not left behind during growth, fostering inclusive development that reflects the vision of local communities. The initiative encourages public participation, offering various opportunities for residents to get involved and contribute to the transformation of their neighborhoods...

S. M. Wilson Takes on Webster Ice Arena

S. M. Wilson & Co. and Chiodini Architects have partnered with the City of Webster Groves on a design-build renovation of the Webster Ice Arena, located at 33 E. Glendale Avenue. This project, funded through the voter-approved Proposition W bond, aims to modernize the aging facility by replacing the original ice sheet and refrigeration equipment. Demolition is currently underway, with completion expected by late summer 2025.

The renovation team also includes B32 Engineering, bringing specialized expertise in ice rink systems. This collaboration builds on previous successful projects among the firms, such as the R.P. Lumber Center in Edwardsville, IL, and the Brentwood Ice Rink in Brentwood, MO.

Joe Mendica, Facility Superintendent for Webster Groves, expressed confidence in the team's ability to deliver an updated facility that the community will enjoy for years to come. Michael Chiodini, President of Chiodini Architects, emphasized the synergy between design and construction in revitalizing the arena. Andrew Ahlers, Project Manager at S. M. Wilson, highlighted the company's commitment to building strong relationships and going "Beyond the Build."

This renovation is part of the city's broader Destination WG! initiative, which includes various recreation facility upgrades funded by the $22.1 million Proposition W bond approved in April 2024.

Smarter Meetings: Tech Tools and Habits That Make Every Department More Efficient

In the fast-paced world of construction, time is money—and nowhere is that more obvious than in meetings. Whether you're in HR, accounting, project management, or leadership, you've likely experienced meetings that could’ve been shorter, sharper, or skipped altogether. But meetings aren't going away anytime soon. The good news? With the right tools and habits, they can become significantly more productive—and less painful.

1. Use the Right Tools to Stay on Track

Modern meeting tools can drastically cut down on confusion and repetition. Platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet are now staples, but it’s how you use them that matters. Features like screen sharing, live chat, and file integration help centralize information and reduce follow-up emails. Tools like Otter.ai, Sembly, and Fireflies.ai offer real-time...

2. Set Clear Agendas and Expectations

Even the best technology can’t save a poorly planned meeting. A structured agenda sent in advance gives participants a chance to prepare—and signals that their time will be respected. Harvard Business Review found that only 37% of meetings actively use agendas, yet those that do are significantly more likely to end on time and...

3. Follow Up with Action, Not Just Notes

Efficient meetings don't end when the call does. Summarizing key takeaways and assigning clear next steps—ideally within an hour—keeps momentum going and builds accountability. Many AI tools now integrate directly with platforms like Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Planner, turning action items into tasks with just a click...

Everyday Excellence, One Habit at a Time with Jeff Koziatek

Habit #20: Stack Pebbles

We effortlessly remember the big losses but easily forget our big wins. The little wins we accumulate along the way almost always go unnoticed, and yet…

When we achieve AND recognize small wins, we can build personal trust, positive momentum, healthy self-confidence and move the needle on larger projects.

Don’t waste your wins. Stack pebbles and build a mountain of success.

Remember:

Success comes through small, obtainable, easily achievable goals.

Performance Tips:

• Record your small wins. The method isn’t as important as the actual visual tracking and growing a factual history of victories.



• Build momentum FAST by stacking SMALL pebbles. Look for wins that are easily achievable and 100% in your control.

• Acknowledge “small” wins to create big momentum and belief of capability.

The Crucial Role of Leadership in Safety Outcomes

Leadership behavior is one of the most predictive factors in shaping safety outcomes. When leaders visibly prioritize safety, employees are more likely to adopt safe behaviors themselves. Sankar and Anandh (2023) emphasize that safety-specific transformational leadership—where leaders actively communicate a clear safety vision and motivate teams toward it—significantly improves...

Practical Applications in Construction Environments

1. Reinforce Safety as a Core Value

Safety must be reinforced at every opportunity—not only during incidents or inspections. Toolbox talks, project planning meetings, and even daily check-ins should include safety as a standing agenda item.

2. Role Model the Standard

When senior leaders wear proper PPE, follow entry protocols, and ask safety-focused questions during site visits, they communicate that safety is non-negotiable. It also empowers front-line supervisors to do...

3. Connect Safety to Performance

Too often, performance is measured in output alone. Organizations committed to excellence reframe performance to include safety metrics, and they ensure those metrics influence recognition, promotions, and incentives...