Dear Members and Friends of the SLC3,
The last couple of weeks have tested us—in more ways than one.
On May 16, an EF3 tornado swept through the St. Louis region, leaving a 23-mile scar across our city and forever changing neighborhoods like The Ville and Greater Ville. It’s been nearly two weeks since that devastating day, and the cleanup, recovery, and heartbreak continue. Like many of you, I wish I could’ve done more—said more—in the immediate aftermath. Unfortunately, the timing coincided with a big personal transition as I closed on a new home on Tuesday and moved in Thursday of last week, and have been needing more personal time lately for other family matters.
Let’s just say the chaos was not limited to the weather and the devastation to our amazing city and our community.
That said, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible volunteers, my amazing staff, and those of you who stepped in and stepped up while I was slightly underwater (figuratively… thank goodness). Your support filled a much-needed gap and kept us moving forward when my head was in two places at once.
We also said farewell to our very own Lydia Meyer last week—our youngest (by far) and a treasure of our organization. On her final day, we celebrated not just her work, but the friendship and legacy she leaves behind. Lydia will be missed, but her impact remains woven into the fabric of SLC3.
And today, on this Memorial Day, we pause to reflect and honor the brave souls who gave everything for our freedom. It’s a moment for gratitude, reverence, and remembering that our liberties weren’t given, they were earned.
But here’s the good news—summer is here. And there’s something about summer in St. Louis that just feels right. Longer evenings. Backyard laughter. The smell of fresh-cut grass. And yes, plenty of new energy bubbling up at SLC3.
So as we rebuild, reflect, and shift into a new season, I hope you’ll join me in embracing the next chapter with a full heart and some much-needed sunshine.
We’re still here. We’re still strong. And we’ve got a lot of living—and leading—to do.
Warmly,
Kelly Jackson
Executive Director
St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers (SLC3)
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Mark Your Calendars – Exciting Events Ahead!
📅 JUNE 13: 2nd Friday Coffee & Networking @ SLC3 HQ
REGISTER NOW
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SECTION: News & Updates
STL Devastation and How to Help
Construction Updates (STL Region)
SLDC Assessing Storm Damage Sustained by Businesses in the City of St. Louis
Storybook Walk Unveiled at Weinand Park
SECTION: Training & Education
Construction Tech Toolbox
Everyday Excellence, One Habit at a Time with Jeff Koziatek: Habit #22: Knowledge
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FREE June's 2nd Friday Coffee & Networking
June 13 @ SLC3 HQ
7:30 - 9:00 am
Kickstart your morning with great coffee and even better conversations!
Designed for anyone wanting to connect in the AEC industry, this monthly gathering is your chance to connect, collaborate, and cultivate opportunities in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Note: This is a free event but registration is required.
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Honoring Memorial Day
Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it’s a solemn reminder of the cost of freedom.
Across generations and branches of service, these heroes made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the ideals we hold dear. Their courage and commitment laid the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy every day—from the right to speak freely to the ability to gather safely as a community.
As we gather with loved ones, enjoy the sunshine, or prepare for the summer ahead, we encourage everyone to take a moment of reflection. Whether through a quiet thought, a flag flown in their honor, or a simple “thank you” whispered on the breeze—let us never forget those who gave all.
On behalf of the SLC3, we extend our deepest gratitude to the fallen and their families. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
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When the Sky Turned: A Tornado’s Toll on St. Louis and the Road Ahead
On May 16, 2025, St. Louis was changed forever. An EF3 tornado carved a 23-mile path of destruction through the heart of our city, leaving entire communities reeling in its wake. Neighborhoods like The Ville and Greater Ville, steeped in history and pride, were hit hard—some reduced to splinters and silence.
Five people lost their lives.
Over 5,000 homes, churches, and businesses were damaged or destroyed.
The St. Louis Zoo’s Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing was damaged. More than 23,000 homes and businesses lost power.
Mayor Cara Spencer estimates the total damage at over $1 billion—a staggering blow, especially to areas already grappling with economic challenges.
The images are haunting: rooftops ripped off like paper, power lines tangled in tree limbs, families left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. But through the chaos, something else emerged—something we’ve seen time and time again in St. Louis. Resilience.
Neighbors didn’t wait for marching orders—they started clearing debris. Volunteers brought meals. Strangers checked on the elderly. This is who we are. But now, we need all hands on deck.
Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. And this is your invitation to help.
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Here’s How You Can Make an Immediate Difference
💸 Donate to Tornado Relief Efforts
Every dollar makes an impact, and two verified funds are making a direct difference:
🛒 Donate Urgently Needed Supplies
Top 35 most-needed items include:
- Canned proteins, shelf-stable meals, baby formula, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, diapers, and PPE.
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Reusable grocery bags and totes are especially needed at some locations.
Drop-off Sites:
- St. Louis Area Foodbank
- 📍 70 Corporate Woods Dr., Bridgeton, MO
- 🕗 Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM | Sat 8 AM–12 PM
- O’Fallon Park Rec Complex
- 📍 4343 W. Florissant Ave., STL 63115
- 🕙 10 AM–3 PM (Non-perishables + reusable bags)
- Urban League
- 📍 1408 N. Kingshighway Blvd., STL 63113
- 📍 4144 Martin Luther King Dr. (serving The Ville neighborhood)
🧰 Construction Supplies & Skilled Labor (From OSHA) Urgently Needed
If you’re in the trades—or know someone who is—your expertise is vital right now.
Supplies Needed:
- Tarps
- Plywood
- 2x4s
- Screws
- Work gloves
- Masks and PPE
Volunteers Needed:
- Carpenters
- Roofers
- General contractors
- Laborers
- Demo/cleanup crews
To coordinate help or materials:
- 🧩 Katelind Hosie, United Way – katelind.hosie@unitedwaystl.org | 314-539-4266
- 🏗️ Rick Moeckel, Clayco – moeckelr@claycorp.com | 314-753-7922
✋ Sign Up to Volunteer
United Way is coordinating cleanup and recovery crews across affected neighborhoods.
🔗 Sign up to volunteer here »
Opportunities will be updated daily. You don’t need experience—just a willing heart.
| | | Photo credit CNN and St. Louis Post Dispatch | |
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Former CEO (Landmark Contract Management) Bradley Harry Hornburg Passed on May 15
Bradley Harry Hornburg, 79, of St. Louis, Missouri, died peacefully on May 15, 2025, at home with his beloved wife, Connie, by his side.
Brad was born in Silver Creek, New York, to Gib and Ada (Bradley) Hornburg. He went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from The University of Missouri-Rolla, presently known as Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). After graduating from college, Brad fulfilled his military obligations at Fr. Dix in New Jersey before embarking on a long and successful career in the construction industry.
Brad’s early professional successes include becoming Vice President of Fruin-Colnon Contracting in St. Louis MO and President of Ellerbe-Becket in Minneapolis MN. In 1987 he founded Landmark Contract Management, where he served as CEO for over 25 years.
He is survived by his wife, Connie (Midden), their blended family of children.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Pillar Catholic Church, 401 S. Lindbergh Blvd., on Tuesday, May 27, at 11:00 AM. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately at the Frontenac Hilton, 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd., Clayton entrance.
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Storybook Walk Unveiled at Weinand Park
Weinand Park is now home to a new and improved Storybook Walk, a community-driven project celebrating literacy, creativity, and outdoor activity. Made possible by a collaborative effort between local organizations and students, the Storybook Walk features a rotating selection of stories and artwork displayed along a walking path. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on May 7 to officially open the new attraction.
The project was a collaborative effort between S. M. Wilson, LCCOA, and Elite Tool in coordination with Lincoln County R-III School District CAPS and ARTEffect students.
Troy Buchanan High School received the inaugural $1,000 SKILLED® grant from S. M. Wilson to enhance the City’s existing Storybook Walk. “ This project perfectly embodies what SKILLED is all about—empowering students to apply their creativity and technical skills to make a real difference in their community,” said Amanda Bohnert, Chief Marketing Officer and founder of SKILLED at S. M. Wilson. “It’s inspiring to see young people take ownership of a project that promotes literacy, learning, and public space in such a meaningful way.”
Students from Troy Buchanan High School CAPS program designed, created and installed durable display boards intended to withstand weather and time. “Through the improvement of our Storybook Walk, we hope to reach community members and enhance the park’s recreational purpose,” stated the students in their application for the SKILLED grant.
S. M. Wilson launched the SKILLED® Construction Career Education Program in 2019 to provide hands-on learning opportunities from Kindergarten through college, introducing students to careers in the skilled trades.
The Storybook Walk aims to promote literacy, a love of reading, art, and outdoor activity for children and families in the community.
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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.
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Construction Tech Toolbox: Must-Have Apps for the Field in 2025
The jobsite doesn’t look like it did 10—or even five—years ago, and that’s a good thing. Construction teams today are blending grit with gadgets, and the right technology can make all the difference in keeping projects on time, on budget, and less stressful for everyone involved. Whether you’re managing crews, reviewing plans, or tracking hours, there's an app out there to make the day smoother. The key is finding tools that are easy to use and actually solve a problem, not just look flashy in the app store.
Stay Connected with Smarter Communication
Let’s start with communication. Fieldwire continues to be a crowd favorite for jobsite coordination. It’s built specifically for construction teams and allows for task management, issue tracking, plan viewing, and even punch lists—all from your phone or tablet. Another big player is Raken, which simplifies daily reporting, time tracking, and safety checklists. With voice-to-text and photo documentation, it saves field crews from drowning in paperwork at the end of a long day.
Plan Access in Real-Time
For blueprints and plans, PlanGrid (now part of Autodesk Build) remains a top contender. It offers real-time access to drawings, revisions, and RFIs, helping crews stay aligned and avoid costly errors. Need something lightweight but powerful? Bluebeam Revu is still a go-to for markup and collaboration—especially on tablets and desktops.
Track Time Without the Hassle
When it comes to time tracking and workforce management, BusyBusy and ClockShark offer intuitive interfaces that work well even for those who aren't especially tech-savvy. These apps simplify clock-ins, track labor costs, and help supervisors get a real-time view of who's on site and when.
Tech is a Tool—Let the Team Drive
Of course, the best tech is only helpful if your team actually uses it. Look for tools that integrate easily with what you’re already doing and offer solid customer support. Most importantly, involve the field team in choosing new tools—if it doesn’t work for them, it won’t work at all. As we move deeper into 2025, embracing the right apps can help construction teams reduce rework, improve safety, and spend more time building and less time troubleshooting.
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Taryn Pullium Delivers on Promise to Help us with our Career Path!
Last Wednesday Taryn presented on ways we can all improve our path to achieving the career we want. But it was also a huge reminder and boost to learn methods for improving everything from confidence and building on planning for success. Another fantastic learning experience to better our industry which is always through our people!
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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 #22: Knowledge
Learning maintains neuroplasticity - which helps to keep brains healthy!
As our knowledge grows, our belief that we are valuable and worth investing in ALSO grows.
Stand ready and alert with the curiosity of an eager student, to observe and reflect on the world.
You are worth investing in.
Remember:
You are never too old to learn something new.
Performance Tips:
● Make a commitment to seek out something new every day.
● You can learn something from each relationship you have, and every person you meet, regardless of background or age. Engage others with a culture of curiosity.
| | | | If you are considering joining us, contact Lydia Meyer about Membership. Don't miss our member-only activities and perks! | | |
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! | | 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
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