Hello SLC3 Members and Friends,
Last week, I had a conversation with a member who has chosen not to renew. Their reason? "You’re just like everyone else." Oof. That one stuck with me.
Not because it hurt my feelings (okay, maybe a little), but because it made me pause and ask: Are we telling our story clearly enough? Do our members truly know what makes SLC3 different — and why that difference matters?
Let me be direct: we are not just another networking group. We’re not here to throw mixers, hand out name tags, and send you on your way. We’re here to elevate the construction industry in our region — from the inside out. That means developing people, improving project outcomes, tackling workforce challenges, and staying ahead of the curve on everything from technology to DEI to risk management.
Our programs are not fluff. They’re strategic, relevant, and designed to move the needle where it counts:
✔ Training that builds talent
✔ Forums that spark critical conversations
✔ Resources that help you adapt in real-time
✔ Events that bring owners, contractors, and industry experts into one room — not just to shake hands but to solve problems
SLC3 isn’t a club. It’s a catalyst.
But here’s the truth: Our impact only grows when your people are in the room. When emerging leaders attend training. When project managers get insights that improve safety or reduce overruns. When your team is actively learning and engaging with others outside their four walls.
So I’m asking something of you — especially our senior leaders and decision-makers:
Encourage your team to take full advantage of what we offer. Don’t just renew a membership — activate it. Show up. Send someone new. Let them grow. Let them lead. Sure there are programs and events for BD and Marketing, but not all of them are designed for them. And an investment in your workforce IS an investment in growth and longevity.
This isn’t about one organization or one agenda. It’s about raising the bar for the entire industry in St. Louis. And frankly, if every group is doing the same thing, that’s a signal — not that we’re redundant — but that the need is real. What sets us apart is how we respond to that need.
If you’ve been a long-time supporter, thank you. If you’re new here, welcome. If it’s a perception vs. reality, we all will learn! And if you’ve got feedback or a challenge for us? Bring it. That’s how we get better.
Together, we can build something stronger — not just a better organization, but a better industry.
🗓️ Upcoming SLC3 Events
- April 15 – TRAINING - Winning More Business - Exclusive Opportunity!
Calling all C-Suite, Marketing, & Sales Professionals! This is for you!
- April 24 – TRAINING - University Bootcamp - AI in Action: Free Member Webinar
Step-by-step prompting workshop — write faster, work smarter.
- April 25 – NETWORKING - Free Friday Coffee & Networking
Come network and build new connections with us at our office!
- May 5 – NETWORKING - 39th Annual Golf Tournament
Almost sold out! Sponsorships still available — great visibility + great day on the course.
- May 13 – TRAINING - Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center Program & Tour
This event will review the team's planning and challenges for this project and will include a tour. PDH/LU's applicable.
I hope everyone has a successful and productive week, and if you are celebrating, Happy Easter and Happy Passover!
With appreciation,
Kelly Jackson
Executive Director, SLC3
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Mark Your Calendars – Exciting Events Ahead!
📅 TUESDAY! April 15: Winning More Business with Ann Carden (LAST CHANCE!) Winning More Business: Innovative Marketing & Sales Strategies for C-Suite, Marketing, and Sales
📅 April 24: SLC3 University Bootcamp: AI Prompting 101 Webinar REGISTER FOR EXCLUSIVE TRAINING
📅 April 25: FREE Friday Coffee Networking @ SLC3 HQ REGISTRATION REQUIRED
📅 May 5: Annual Golf Tournament - Just a few teams left! EVENT PAGE
| FACT OF THE WEEK: Did you know previous newsletters are available on our website? | | Want to sponsor our newsletters? Contact us! 50-60% Open Rates! Great opportunity for visibility and showing support! | |
The Marketing & Sales Playbook
You Can’t Afford to Miss!
Winning More Business: Innovative Marketing & Sales Strategies for
C-Suite, Marketing, and Sales
Tomorrow, April 15th @ Sunset 44 Bistro
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We are following up with our previous AI programs for those who want to learn more about AI prompting and the advantages of AI in your workday.
The SLC3 uses Chat GPT every day to help us run operations, market, develop content, conduct research, and more. Don't you want to save time? Sound better? Be more accurate? Get more done?
SLC3 University Bootcamp: AI Prompting 101 Webinar
4.24.25 | 12 - 1:30 pm via Zoom
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Fuel Your Fridays: Brew Connections, Build Opportunities!
Come for the coffee, stay for the connections, and leave inspired
to build a better future together. Registration Required (Free).
4.25.25 @ SLC3 | 7:30 - 9:00 am
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5 TEAMS REMAIN!!
SLC3 39th Annual Golf Tournament // May 5 @ Whitmoor Country Club
| | LARGEST GOLF NETWORKING EVENT OF THE YEAR! |
Two tournaments in one day!
All morning teams are welcome to lunch and to stay the day, enjoying networking, fun with Cornhole Tournament, and even more food/drink!
Please read our information carefully to understand the events and agenda. Questions should go to Rebecca Hale.
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Our APP lets you access our membership directory, information, events, billing, and more.
DOWNLOAD ALREADY!
| | | Just go to your app store and search for MemberPlus. Then enter your username and password for InfoHub. This will gain your entry to our app which looks like the image! Please let us know if you have difficulty as we want all our members to have access! | |
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Boilin’ Up Good Times with Kozeny-Wagner!
We had a blast at Kozeny-Wagner’s Annual Crawfish Boil & 60th Anniversary Party! It was a fantastic evening filled with great food, fun conversations, and plenty of celebration.
We always enjoy supporting and spending time with our members, and this event was no exception.
Kozeny-Wagner has been a cornerstone in our community and continues to lead the way as our Platinum Training & Education Sponsor.
Thank you to Mike, Pat, and the whole Kozeny crew for having us! Congratulations on 60 incredible years—we're honored to be part of the journey!
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SLDC - Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority Initiates Condemnation Process for Dozens of North City properties
The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) of St. Louis has initiated the condemnation process for 87 neglected properties in North St. Louis, primarily owned by Northside Regeneration, LLC. LCRA, through the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), is offering over $1 million to purchase these parcels for redevelopment near the new National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) headquarters.
This action follows legislation passed a year ago allowing limited eminent domain in underused areas of Jeff-Vander-Lou, St. Louis Place, and Carr Square. If property owners reject the offer, legal proceedings will determine fair market value.
City leaders, including Mayor Tishaura Jones and Alderman Rasheen Aldridge, emphasize that the move is driven by community feedback and aims to hold absentee developers accountable while investing in long-neglected neighborhoods. Additional offers to other property owners in the area are planned.
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FGM Architects Celebrates Groundbreaking of Collinsville CUSD 10's Newest Building
Exciting growth is underway at the Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC)! In response to rising enrollment and increasing demand for skilled career training, CAVC is expanding with a brand-new building across from the current facility on the Collinsville High School campus.
The new space will eventually allow the center to grow from 15 to 23 dual-credit programs—supporting students from 10 area high schools in fields like auto mechanics, welding, cosmetology, nursing, and early childhood education. Once complete, the existing CAVC building will undergo renovations to further enhance student learning.
We join FGMA in celebrating the recent groundbreaking of this forward-looking project that helps prepare the next generation for success in the workforce.
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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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Clash or Collaboration?
Why Conflict Doesn’t Have to Be a Bad Word
“Conflict isn’t always a problem—it’s often the first step toward better solutions, stronger teams, and real growth.”
By: SLC3
Let’s face it—conflict is inevitable. Whether it’s a miscommunication on a job site, differing opinions in a team meeting, or the classic tension between field and office staff, we’ve all been there. But here’s the good news: conflict isn’t always a problem. In fact, when managed well, it can lead to better decisions, stronger relationships, and real innovation. According to CPP’s Workplace Conflict and How Businesses Can Harness It report, U.S. employees spend 2.8 hours per week dealing with conflict—costing companies $359 billion in lost productivity annually. That’s not just drama—it’s dollars.
Don't Let it Burn: The Cost of Avoiding Conflict
Ignoring conflict might seem easy, but it’s also the most expensive. Avoidance can lead to resentment, misalignment, and even safety risks in the construction industry. A Harvard Business Review study found that managers spend up to 40% of their time dealing with interpersonal conflict. That’s nearly half a workweek spent putting out fires that could’ve been prevented with a proactive approach...
Tools, Not Tantrums: How to Handle Disagreements Like a Pro
Good conflict management isn’t about avoiding disagreements—it’s about navigating them with emotional intelligence. That means staying calm, actively listening, and choosing words that de-escalate rather than ignite. The Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) identifies five common approaches: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating. The key? Knowing when to use each one...
Building Stronger Teams, One Tough Conversation at a Time
Conflict, when handled well, builds trust—not tension. It encourages transparency, fuels problem-solving, and leads to better decisions...
Stay Tuned: We’re Just Getting Started
This August, we’ll be digging deeper into the world of conflict management in an upcoming program you won’t want to miss. From understanding different communication styles to learning how to turn conflict into collaboration...
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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 #16: Body Care
Like a car, our bodies require maintenance.
- stretch it
- strengthen it
- detail it
- heal it
A body in pain, can be easily distracted, exhausted, slow to respond, and experience an altered perception of reality.
What does your body need today?
Remember:
A body properly cared for, is reliable, and ready to perform at peak levels on demand.
Performance Tips:
- Your body needs downtime. Stretch it. Strengthen it. Relax with a bath, massage, or shower.
- You alone are responsible for your body. Treat your body like an owner - not a renter.
- A body poorly maintained devours extra resources and is less efficient. Use preventative care whenever possible.
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The Psychology of Safety: Building a Culture of Trust and Engagement
Marsh McLennan Agency's interactive article, Psychology of Safety, explores how creating a psychologically safe environment is essential to building a strong and sustainable safety culture in the workplace. Psychological safety means employees feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas, and admitting mistakes without fear of blame or retaliation—paving the way for proactive safety behaviors and stronger team performance.
Key takeaways include:
- Leadership Commitment: Effective safety cultures start at the top. Leaders who visibly prioritize safety—through both words and consistent actions—set the tone for the entire organization...
- Open Communication: A culture of safety thrives when communication is clear, two-way, and judgment-free. Employees should feel encouraged to speak up about risks or suggest improvements without fear of negative consequences...
- Continuous Training: Safety is not a one-and-done initiative. Ongoing training ensures that employees at every level stay informed about current safety protocols, best practices, and evolving risks...
- Recognition and Feedback: Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator. Recognizing employees who model safe behaviors encourages others to follow suit...
| | | | If you are considering joining us, contact Lydia Meyer about Membership. Don't miss our member-only activities and perks! | 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! | | |
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
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INTERTEK-PSI WELCOMES TRAVOUS AS INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE/ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES MANAGER
Intertek-PSI recently announced the addition of Juliette Travous as Hygiene/Environmental Services Manager, bringing with her 36 years of leadership in Industrial Hygiene and Environmental Health & Safety.
Juliette joins Intertek–PSI after two decades with Parkway Schools, where she developed and led comprehensive Environmental Health & Safety programs. Her extensive background includes work across K–12 and higher education facilities, healthcare, construction projects, manufacturing environments, and commercial property development.
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SSM HEALTH FOUNDATION WELCOMES CHINDEMI AS PRESIDENT & REGIONAL VP OF PHILANTHROPY
SSM Health recently welcomed Craig T. Chindemi, CFRE, as the new President and Regional Vice President of Philanthropy. Craig brings more than 35 years of experience in philanthropy, institutional advancement, and strategic fundraising.
Prior to joining SSM Health, he served as Vice President and Chief Development Officer for the Ascension Southwest Region at Ascension Borgess Health System.
| SEND US YOUR PROMOTIONS & NEW HIRES! info@slc3.org | |
ARCO Construction Welcomes Two New Project Managers
ARCO Construction is pleased to announce the addition of two talented project managers to its team: Britney Oliver and Klara Schildroth. Both began their careers with ARCO through the company's Co-Op program, gaining hands-on experience and demonstrating a strong commitment to ARCO’s Core Values.
Britney Oliver
Britney joins the Northwest Arkansas office as a Project Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. During her time with ARCO, she contributed to projects such as First Street Flats, VIA, The Lorrel, and NEO Vantage Point. Britney is excited to be part of ARCO’s expansion in the Northwest Arkansas region.
Klara Schildroth
Klara steps into her role as Project Manager in the Senior Living | Multi-Family division at the St. Louis office. A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, she has worked on projects including Jasper Apartments and One Foundry Way. Klara is eager to continue growing in the field and contribute to ARCO's ongoing projects.
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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
Lydia Meyer // Marketing & Membership Coordinator
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