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!

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.

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.

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...

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.

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...