Dear Members and Friends,
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 Did you know that while St. Patrick’s Day is widely associated with Ireland, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade actually took place in the U.S.? In 1737, Boston held the first recorded celebration—a tradition that has grown into massive parades and festivities across the country. Whether you’re celebrating with a parade, some good luck, or just enjoying a touch of green, we hope your day is filled with joy and levity!
Mark Your Calendars – Exciting Events Ahead!
📅 March 18: Safety Forum – OSHA Updates & Serious Injury/Fatality Prevention
📅 March 20: Present to Impress Lunch Program
📅 March 26: SLC3 Show Me Awards Gala – Register Now!
📅 April 15: Winning More Business with Ann Carden (HINT: Wouldn't be wise to miss this one!)
🏆 SLC3 Show Me Awards Gala – March 26th
We’re just days away from the biggest night of the year! Over 200 attendees are already registered, and we want YOU to be part of this incredible evening!
Two dynamic emcees will be leading the night—Dallas Amsden and Jeff Koziatek—both amazing speakers who are sure to entertain and engage the audience. Don’t miss out! If you haven’t secured your spot yet, now’s the time to register! ps. Cocktails, good food, and the industry all dressed in their cocktail best!
Project Updates – Let Us Know What You Think!
Have you been requesting our project updates spreadsheet? New projects are added each week, and we’re currently monitoring engagement to determine whether to continue providing this valuable data. If you find it useful, let us know!
As always, thank you for your support. We appreciate your participation and engagement in everything we do.
Have a lucky week, and Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀
Best regards,
Kelly Jackson
Executive Director, SLC3 – St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers
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FUN HOLIDAY FACT:
St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish! 🇮🇪😲
St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain (likely in modern-day Wales or Scotland) around 385 AD. As a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. After several years, he escaped, returned home, and later became a Christian missionary. Eventually, he went back to Ireland, spreading Christianity and becoming the patron saint of Ireland.
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SAFETY FORUM:
OSHA 2025 Updates, Serious Injury & Fatality Prevention: Work Zone Safety Solutions
3.18.25 @ LiUNA
This is THE opportunity to stay ahead of industry trends, network with safety professionals, and discover solutions that can make a real impact in your teams' safety!
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LUNCH SEMINAR - REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!!
Present to Impress: How to Make an Impact Speaking, Presenting, and Facilitating
3.20.25 @ IL Bel Lago
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Struggling with confidence in presentations? Want to command the room and leave a lasting impact?
Join us for an exclusive session with renowned speaker Amy Lemire, where you'll discover the top keys to effective communication, strategies to overcome fear, and techniques to influence any audience with confidence. Hosted by the Women's Leadership Committee – but open to everyone!
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SLC3 SHOW ME AWARDS
Registration is Closing Soon!
March 26, 5:00 - 8:30 pm
@ Hilton St. Louis Frontenac
| Note: Congrats to all the finalists! We appreciate those who nominated the projects, companies, and individuals for our awards. Finalists submitted for the awards are based on the submission and chosen to be finalists and/or winners. | | Specialty Contractor of the Year Award Sponsor | |
Rising Star Award Sponsor | |
REGISTRATION IS OPEN! DON'T MISS THIS!
Winning More Business: Innovative Marketing & Sales Strategies for
C-Suite, Marketing, and Sales
4.15.25 @ Sunset 44 Bistro
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What You Will Learn:
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Positioning is Everything: Become the First Choice (Not Just an Option) & Stop Competing On Price
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Selling Without ‘Selling’: Equip Your Team to Win More Business
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High-Impact Marketing: Attract Ideal Clients Without Chasing Business
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Authority & Influence: How to Build Credibility and Stay Top-of-Mind
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MINIMAL TEAMS REMAINING! DON'T WAIT ANY LONGER!
SLC3 39th Annual Golf Tournament // May 5 @ Whitmoor Country Club
| | LARGEST GOLF NETWORKING EVENT OF THE YEAR! |
Note, this event is first come, first served. We don't make exceptions and are always fair with registrations. So please remember favors don't happen for this one. We love you all, but we purposely do not make exceptions to be fair to everyone else. Two tournaments, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Both are the same, but we will not be doubled up on holes in the morning to make the event faster.
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.
| | WE HAVE AN APP EVERYONE! DOWNLOAD IT! | | | 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! | | Contact Lydia Meyer to join a committee! | |
Do you know the SLC3's four key pillars?
We are driven by innovation, continuing education, equity empowerment, and collaboration.
These aspects are what push us to bring our members as many benefits to the table as possible. For our region and for the AEC industry as a whole, it is essential to stay connected, continue learning, and focus on what we can do to better one another.
If you're not a member, do any of those aspects align with your organization? If so, please reach out to learn more.
We want to provide as many benefits to as many individuals and organizations as possible. If you are a member, we greatly appreciate you and your continued support! If you have questions, ask us. We want to hear from you and we want you involved. Join us in bettering the STL AEC Industry!
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MoDOT Announces 2025 Major STL Work
From Construction Forum
With nearly 180 projects across four counties and the city of St. Louis, drivers may encounter some type of construction this year on many of the routes they use daily.
Most of those projects are taking care of the existing system, rehabilitating bridges, replacing signals and sidewalks, and resurfacing to ensure the roadways remain safe and operational for all users.
The work totals a nearly $1.7 billion investment in the region’s roads and bridges, as well as a $600 million investment by the state legislature in the region as part of the Improve I-70 Design-Build Project #2 between Warrenton and Wentzville.
Some of the work and impacts include:
- Interstate 55 bridge and pavement improvements – This project replaces or rehabilitates the driving surfaces on several bridges along I-55 between I-44 and River Des Peres. This year, crews will work between River Des Peres and Loughborough on both the northbound and southbound lanes. Drivers can expect closed and shifted traffic lanes between Weber and Loughborough as crews remove and replace the driving surface on several bridges. Crews will pave portions of the interstate and associated interchanges as bridge work is completed. The project continues through late 2025.
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- Interstate 55 Corridor Upgrades in Jefferson County- This is a three-year design-build project which adds a third lane within the eight-mile section of I-55 just north of the Route Z interchange in Pevely (where the 3-lane section currently ends) to I-55/U.S. Route 67 in Festus. The project is underway. Intersection improvements will be made at I-55 and Route Z, McNutt, and the U.S. Route 67 interchanges. Minor work is also planned at the Route A Interchange.
- I-64 at the Missouri River – Rehabilitation of the westbound Boone Bridge over the Missouri River – One lane will be closed in each direction on the interstate, and two lanes of westbound traffic will be moved to the eastbound bridge. Begins this spring and should be complete early next year.
- I-64 Outer Road bridge replacement- Bridge replacement and roadway improvements at the I-64 Outer Road (Technology Drive) at Dardenne Creek. The outer road will be closed during this work with a detour between Route K and Winghaven. Begins summer 2025 and completed in 2026
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IMPACT Strategies Completes Construction of New U-Haul Storage Facility in Champaign, IL
Champaign, IL – February 25, 2025
IMPACT Strategies, Inc. announces the completion and opening of the new five-story U-Haul® Storage Facility consisting of both Self Storage and U-Box Storage in Champaign, Illinois at 306 E. University Ave. Despite facing tight site restrictions along with inclement winter weather at the project’s onset, IMPACT successfully completed the building on schedule for U-Haul to occupy in early January.
With this completion, this five-story building totals over 84,000 square feet, providing 1,125 indoor storage units and U-Box warehouse with capacity to hold 700 containers. These U-Box containers provide consumers with an easy, efficient, and secure way to ship and store belongings. Along with self-storage, U-Haul customers will also have truck and trailer sharing services available to them – which is useful to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign students with the campus near the facility.
The structure of this facility consists of a heavy structural steel frame with elevated slabs on the metal deck for the upper floors. The building exterior utilizes insulated metal panels (IMP) which are known for their superior thermal properties, design flexibility and fast installation time.
This marks the second completed project with U-Haul, with the first project located in Springfield, IL. IMPACT is nearing completion of its third U-Haul project – a two-building complex in Wentzville, MO. All three projects will total 290,306 square feet of new facilities for U-Haul, the industry leader in DIY moving since 1945.
IMPACT Strategies served as the construction manager in Champaign, IL with ISG, Inc. as the architect-of-record for the project. The completion of this project adds to the depth of IMPACT’s experience and expertise in constructing warehousing facilities.
“We are honored to complete our second project with U-Haul and excited to continue our valued relationship with another location currently in progress” said Nick Walker, Vice President, Project Development & Strategy at IMPACT Strategies. “We are grateful to have obtained and retain their continued role as a Trusted Advisor throughout the entire construction process.”
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Construction Updates (STL Region) |
ATTENTION HERE!
Project opportunity links will only be displayed in the InfoHub for members. Email Kjackson@slc3.org for access to the latest project list. It's in Excel for sorting and available to members only.
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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 #12: Focus
Our focus impacts our....
● perception of the present
● direction of growth
● future possibilities
● problem solving ability
When we focus on finding the failures, we sidestep seeing the success.
We can’t hit a target we don’t have and we can’t hit what we want when we are too busy looking at something else.
Remember:
Focus determines direction.
Performance Tips:
- What you focus on gets your attention and resources - it can also appear larger and more important than objects in your periphery. Intentionally put your focus on what is healthy and appropriate.
- Balance present reality with future potential by clarifying the goal, acknowledging the current situation, addressing current challenges, and course correcting along the way to maintain focused effort.
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AI Has Turned On The Lights — Now Construction Must Focus, Adjust And Evolve
For years, construction professionals have relied on instinct and tradition, often working with limited visibility into risks and inefficiencies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) flips the switch, suddenly illuminating patterns and insights that once took months— or longer— to uncover, if at all. But visibility alone changes nothing; what matters is how we adjust our behavior to embrace its insight and act upon what we now see. Like stepping from a dimly lit room into bright daylight, we must recalibrate and adapt.
AI is not a substitute for (human experience and) expertise—it merely enhances it by providing faster, data-driven insights. It enables professionals - be it contractors, brokers, insurers, etc. - to apply their specialized knowledge more effectively, bridging skill gaps independently and reducing reliance on fragmented, external resources that are often time-consuming to access. AI is a force multiplier; just as a power tool enhances a carpenter’s efficiency, AI can supercharge human decision-making.
However, unlocking AI’s full potential requires more than just new technology—it demands a fundamental shift in how we approach problem-solving, decision-making, and collaboration. Instead of fearing that AI will replace jobs or lessen individual contributions, it should be seen as a powerful assistant that increases efficiency, giving workers more time for strategic thinking and performing higher-value tasks. Professionals must move beyond habit-driven thinking and embrace AI as an active partner as part of their daily workflow. Just as CAD and BIM amplified design and project management expertise, AI is the next evolution in construction—enhancing data interpretation, risk forecasting, and decision-making. Learning to collaborate with AI effectively will help users refine skills, improve processes, reduce research time, automate repetitive tasks, and identify important trends faster.
The Innovation Mindset: Changing How We Lead, Train, and Learn
For AI adoption to be successful, we must rethink how we lead, train, and learn. Leaders must do more than implement AI—they must model the behavior shifts that are critical for success.
This means encouraging experimentation, fostering curiosity, and helping teams learn to trust AI’s insights while applying human judgment. Leaders must evolve and work alongside their teams to guide them through training. Traditional workplace training emphasized memorization, learning established processes, and predefined methodologies.
However, with AI, training and education is less about process and far more about learning to collaborate with it and focus on people’s ability to think critically, interpret data, and ask the right questions.
Training and educational programs must also adapt. Instead of rigid instruction, we need to focus on building the skills needed to navigate and utilize AI effectively, such as:
- Asking better questions to refine AI results.
- How to leverage AI for problem-solving in scheduling, risk management, and budgeting.
- How to interpret AI-generated insights instead of accepting them at face value.
- Identifying bias and uncertainty in AI outputs.
- Maintaining strategic human oversight.
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Many first encounter generative AI without formal instruction, experimenting on their own. Naturally, early results are often disappointing. This happens for several reasons: the AI has not yet learned anything about the individual’s expertise, style, or desired outcomes, and the user is still learning how to guide it effectively. It’s like an apprentice learning to operate an excavator —clumsy at first, but with practice, they learn how to manipulate the machine to operate faster, safer and with more precision.
This is a critical turning point in the learning journey. Those who abandon AI after early frustrations will continue to operate less effectively, while others learn to master the tool, work more efficiently and improve their results, which will in time, help transform the industry.
However, AI mastery is not a one-time achievement. The key to AI is continual learning and adaptation as the technology evolves, continually enhancing its capabilities and incorporating new tools at a rapid pace. The most successful professionals won’t simply learn how to ask AI the right questions, interpret insights, and apply human judgment; they will continuously refine their skills, remaining agile as AI further expands what is possible.
The Future of Work in Construction: The Role of AI in Critical Thinking
Construction is built on certainty— a beam must hold a certain weight, a foundation must be level, etc. but AI operates in probabilities. It identifies trends, forecasts delays, and suggests enhancements, but it cannot (and should not) make the final call. That’s where human expertise and critical thinking remain irreplaceable.
AI can tell you the likelihood of a delay based on weather forecasts and supply chain disruptions, but a project manager still needs to decide how to mitigate the risk. AI can analyze thousands of safety reports, but a site supervisor must determine how to implement proactive safety measures.
The future of construction will be shaped by those who embrace AI as an advisor—not a replacement—to improve decision-making.
AI is Here—The Construction Industry Must Catch Up
AI already guides daily decisions—powering navigation apps, voice assistants, predictive text, and fraud detection. Now, it’s reshaping how construction professionals work and make critical choices. From risk management and safety analysis, to scheduling optimization, AI is already proving its value in the industry.
Many hesitate to adopt AI, not because they doubt its power, but because it challenges the way they’ve always worked. The real challenge isn’t in the technology itself—it’s in how people embrace new ways of thinking.
As AI reshapes the construction industry, professionals need new skills that teach them how to leverage it as a strategic asset. As with any major industry shift, those who adapt will survive and those who adapt sooner, will thrive. The most successful contractors, developers, and engineers won’t just react to change—they will shape it. The firms that embrace AI now—investing in both technology and workforce development—will be the ones defining the future of construction.
In an industry focused on risk management, those who ignore AI do so at their own peril. AI is not an existential threat—it’s an opportunity to transform the way we do business and gain a competitive advantage. We need to embrace it and lead the way.
AI is lighting the way to the future. Now, it’s time to adapt—or be left in the dark...
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Sales & Use Taxes Can Result In Unexpected Liabilities – UHY BLOG
Contractors face complex issues when dealing with sales and use taxes and the impact the taxes may have on the organization. Missteps can lead to unexpected audit results with significant tax assessments, resulting in a major influence on financial statements. What should a contractor consider, that will help minimize the tax effect and a negative aspect to profits?
State-Specific Tax Treatments And Requirements.
Most states have a general rule that contractors are consumers of the materials used to fulfill their construction contracts. Under the rules, the contractor would pay sales tax directly to the vendor or remit use tax on the purchased materials. This “general rule” applies when the contract is construction related to real property. However, since nothing is “easy” in the tax world, each state has specific laws.
Some states have certain construction exemptions, other states may charge tax on the construction services provided. Contractors can also be viewed as retailers or manufacturers, which alter the dynamics of the taxability of the type of activity performed.
Thinking of the potential tax impact starts at the beginning of the project. When bidding, understand and reach an agreement with the customer - discuss the true nature of the project and the taxes involved. What should be considered?
· What is the nature of the project?
· What type of contract will be issued?
· Are there any tax exemptions that can flow through from the customer to the contractor?
Whether the project is for the construction of real property, or the installation of tangible personal property is ruled by each state’s tax laws. States may consider the manner of affixation and permanence, whether property becomes “permanent” or merely a “fixture.” Differing state rules could result in different tax exposure even though the contracts could be identical, but performance of the contract occurs in various states.
Impact Of Contract Type On Taxes
Tax treatment can be affected by the type of the contract. “Lump-sum” contracts do not separately state charges for materials, labor, overhead, and similar charges. Under a lump-sum contract, the contractor is treated as the end consumer of materials incorporated into real property. The contractor is responsible for paying tax on all materials. “Time and material” contracts itemize charges for material, labor, supplies, and other charges. States will treat time and material contracts as sales of tangible personal property with installation. Under time and material contracts, materials are purchased and transferred to the customer as nontaxable sales for resale, but then the contractor would need to collect tax on the property installed. continued...
| | | | 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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Pictured left to right: Kyle Ogden (President), Kyle Runge (Vice President of Finance), and Rob Johnes (CEO). |
Helmkamp Celebrates 87 Years of Excellence with a Strategic Succession Plan and Key Leadership Promotions
East Alton, IL – Helmkamp Construction Company is pleased to announce our long-term succession plan and three long-term employee promotions that will help drive the company into the future.
Kyle Ogden has been promoted to President where he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company as well as support business development, employee engagement, and long-term planning for the company. Ogden joined Helmkamp as a project management intern in 2007. He subsequently grew his career to Project Director, and then Vice President in recent years. He has made a strong and consistent contribution to the company's success over the last two decades with cross-industry projects, building client relationships, and as a mentor to the rest of the team.
“My goals for the company are simple… continue to provide the level of service and professionalism that both our long-term clients have become accustomed to and that which turns new clients into long-term clients. I also want to continue to perfect Helmkamp’s culture that has been built over our long history which results in Helmkamp teammates staying here for a long time. We have a great group of people here. I am excited about the opportunities we have in front of us and feel confident that the combination of these things will result in the continued long-term success for both our employees and our clients,” said Ogden.
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SEND US YOUR UPDATES!
info@slc3.org
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IMPACT STRATEGIES PROMOTES MANNING TO VP OF OPERATIONS
Scott Manning was recently promoted to Vice President of Operations at IMPACT Strategies, Inc. Scott has been at IMPACT for over 14 years, previously holding roles of Senior Project Manager and Director of Construction Operations.
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CHRISTNER PROMOTES RAU TO CORPORATE MARKET LEADER
Ashley Rau was recently promoted from Senior Interior Designer & Project Manager to Corporate Market Leader at Christner Architects.
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BSA LIFESTRUCTURES ADDS BLOCHA AS DESIGN PRINCIPAL
BSA LifeStructures recently hired Andrew Blocha as a Design Principal. Andrew is based out of BSA's Houston, Texas office and will collaborate with team members across the United States.
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STL Tech Week
March 31st - April 4th
STL TechWeek is 5 full days of disruptive and emerging technology at venues across the St. Louis Metro. All events are free and open to the public.
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SAME Sporting Clays Event
Tuesday, April 15th
10:30 am @
St. Louis Skeet & Trap Club
18854 Franklin Rd,
Pacific, Mo 63069
Download Flyer
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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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