Dear Members and Friends,
I am sure you agree that 2025 has begun with several devastating events. It's incredibly heartbreaking to see such devastation with the wildfires and of course, we started the new year with unfathomable news. This may be the year of unshakable resilience.
We want to help with disaster relief for the NC hurricane and CA wildfires and will be collecting cash donations for the Salvation Army. We hope you will help us with this so we can send some St. Louis support their way.
Last week I spoke of what's ahead and encouraged you to engage, collaborate, and innovate.
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Engage: Attend events, participate in discussions, and let your voice be heard.
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Collaborate: Share your expertise and seek out partnerships that strengthen our collective success.
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Innovate: Embrace new ideas and approaches that push boundaries and inspire progress.
Why is this so important? The reality is that if we don't do this, we don't grow, we don't improve, and we don't prosper. We are here to help with all of the above. Be on top of our calendar and take the initiative to participate. Our events are more than networking, so everyone is encouraged to attend. And, we don't accomplish the above without our full membership and our partners. NO MORE EXCUSES...if you want to be more successful I believe we offer the opportunity for you to achieve that no matter your professional level.
We are kicking off the year with what really is the most important program of the year as it is on Communication. I think everyone would agree this really is at the heart of the biggest challenges in the workplace. We have brought in a communications expert, Rhonda Travers to bring us insight. The cost is nominal, but the reward is great for you and your teams. Registration is still open. We should have a large group for this one! Communicate to Connect in Today's World is Thursday, January 16th.
Carrying through with the self-development theme, we have Rachel Wilkens speaking on Mentoring. Mentoring another is the best way to contribute to our overall workforce and to help your own organization. We are excited to hear more about this topic from her. All are welcome to the lunch program on January 23.
We also have the deadline for the Awards. Note, projects from the last two years are welcome. Our awards will be a semi-formal event and a great way to share accomplishments in front of our St. Louis AEC community. Take advantage and get your nominations and submissions in! We are extending the deadline to January 20th.
Lastly, if you are a fan of our organization I challenge you to share your enthusiasm with others in our industry and those who support it. We are beginning a referral program. If you refer a non-member for membership, we will enter you to win a $50 gift card as an appreciation gift from us for adding to our community. We do want to grow because by doing so we can have a greater impact on our region and we know you will appreciate making even more connections. So, reach out to non-members and invite them to be a guest. Talk to your vendors too. And if you are interested we have a spot for you on Membership!
As always, thanks for taking the time to read this letter and read what you need in this newsletter. We are always happy to bring you valuable content each week. We are a fantastic resource, so take advantage of that and reach out. Have a fabulous week and do consider what steps you need to take for self-development and growth!
Warm regards,
Kelly Jackson
Executive Director
SLC3
KJackson@SLC3.org
SLC3 Staff
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THIS THURSDAY!
Communicate to Connect
in Today's World
@ Sunset 44 Bistro
1.16.25
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WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP
LUNCH SEMINAR:
Let's Explore the Mission of Mentoring
@ Il Bel Lago
1.23.25
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NOMINATE YOUR PROJECTS!
SLC3 AEC SHOW ME AWARDS
EXTENDED DEADLINE:
SUBMISSIONS Due 01.20.25
Get recognized by Owners in the Region and showcase your work!
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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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HOK Will Bring Heart and History To Lambert Airport Designs
The firm’s recent work on LaGuardia Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport will inform how St. Louis-based HOK will approach its designs at Lambert.
The task of redesigning and reimagining St. Louis Lambert International Airport isn’t merely an opportunity for St. Louis-based design firm HOK to shape the future of the region.
It’s also an opening for the internationally recognized company to reconnect with its past.
In 1951, an earlier incarnation of HOK recruited a promising young architect named Gyo Obata to assist renowned principal Minoru Yamasaki with his designs for St. Louis’ new airport terminal. The project, which featured aerodynamic designs meant to celebrate the miracle of human aviation, earned both men widespread acclaim and helped create the firm we know today.
“HOK was essentially founded off the back of the first Lambert project,” says Eli Hoisington, the firm’s co-CEO. “You look at the work that came out of that, and it really helped launch our company over 70 years ago. Emotionally, there’s a respect for that that’s really important.”
Last week, airport director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge announced that a team led by HOK was chosen to design the renovated airport. The Lambert project is unique in that the vision calls for the consolidation of the two existing terminals. Hoisington says there have been only a handful of similar terminal consolidation projects completed in the United States during the past decade. “And HOK has done two of them,” he says.
The firm’s work on those two projects, at New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport in Utah, provides clues about what St. Louisans can expect from the airport project leading up to its completion, projected in 2031.
The new LaGuardia, which has earned rave reviews for both its beauty and functionality, provides a blueprint for how HOK will likely navigate the process of revamping the airport even while it remains in use. The design team will be tasked with drafting a plan for construction to only minimally impact existing operations.
“The takeaway from LGA over to here is that you have these similar sorts of ambitious projects where you’re building a new terminal and you’re doing it while maintaining operations in an existing terminal,” Hoisington says. “That takes a lot of thought—and not just in designing the end state. The question is: How do you design it for multiple phases so that it is operational and functional throughout the course of building a new airport around an existing airport? It’s an interesting challenge.”
The major difference between the LaGuardia and Lambert projects is that LaGuardia was a full terminal replacement. There are existing pieces of Lambert, particularly the iconic domed arches of the present-day Terminal 1, that HOK will retain.
“We want to reuse that, to keep that structure, and keep the domes,” Hoisington says. “We don’t just want to have it there as something you think of as a cool piece of history. We want to truly reuse it and give it new life. That’s because, (A) it’s a great structure, and (B) it’s part of the story. It’s really cool when you can marry the old and new together.”
At Salt Lake City’s airport, Hoisington says HOK prioritized efficiency for travelers and airlines alike.
“LaGuardia, no doubt, has some theatrics, because it had to,” he says. “If you look at Salt Lake City, it has the counterpoint of being very efficient and super understandable and clear. It’s easy to navigate and super easy to transfer. Those are cues I think we’ll build off of as we go forward.”
Why It Matters: For many travelers, the airport serves as their first impression of St. Louis. Given HOK's history in the region—and at Lambert—the firm seems as invested as anyone in making sure future first impressions are positive. To bring the ambitious project to the finish line, HOK will be leading a team composed of local experts such as EXP, David Mason + Associates, Arcturis, Trivers, and The Lawrence Group.
What’s Next: After working through contract details with Lambert officials, HOK will spend the better part of the next year and a half drafting designs in time for the targeted construction kickoff in mid-to-late 2026.
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UHY Expands; Joined by Two Firms
UHY announces it is expanding by joining with two accounting firms, effective January 1, 2025. These strategic combinations introduce three new offices to UHY’s U.S. footprint and strengthen the firm's presence in Michigan and Missouri. This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting year of growth, with additional mergers anticipated throughout 2025.
UHY expands its already large presence in Michigan by joining with accounting firm Tama, Budaj & Raab, P.C. (TBR). TBR has been in business for more than 50 years and is a full-service accounting firm committed to exceptional client and community service. All professional and administrative team members will become part of UHY and continue in their current roles. The entire team will relocate to UHY’s existing office in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
In Missouri, UHY has joined with accounting firm Botz Deal & Company, P.C. Botz Deal is a full-service firm with three St. Louis-based locations in St. Charles, St. Peters, and Wentzville. The firm was founded in 1969 and provides services to privately owned businesses and their owners, not-for-profit organizations, and governmental entities, as well as individual tax planning and preparation. All professional and administrative team members will become part of UHY and continue in their current roles.
"UHY is proud to welcome TBR and Botz Deal to our growing, forward-thinking firm,” says Steve McCarty, UHY US Chief Executive Officer. “These combinations exemplify our commitment to strategic growth—expanding within our established markets as well as breaking new ground in targeted regions across the nation.”
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Market at Olive Retail Project Welcomes Dierbergs as Newest Anchor Store - Clayco
The development team behind the Market at Olive retail project, spanning both sides of Olive Boulevard between I-170 and McKnight/Woodson Roads in University City, announced today that Dierbergs has purchased a 7-acre site within the Costco-anchored development. The team, comprising Bob Clark (Clayco), Larry Chapman (Seneca Commercial Real Estate), Caroline Saunders (general counsel for the project), and David Hutkin (Hutkin Properties Group, LLC), revealed that Dierbergs plans to build a 75,000-square-foot store.
In addition to Costco, Target and Dierbergs, the 47-acre retail project includes notable brands such as Chick-fil-A, First Watch, Chipotle, Chase Bank, Panera, AT&T, Raising Cane’s, Jersey Mike’s, 7 Brew, and Sport Clips. Additional retailers and restaurants will be announced in 2025, building on the Market at Olive’s role as a central gathering place for the community.
“Adding Dierbergs to world-class anchors Target and Costco at the Market at Olive is a proud moment for University City. In addition to great shopping choices for consumers, the Market at Olive also has expanded employment opportunities in our community,” said Terry Crow, Mayor of University City. “It has been very productive working with Bob Clark, Larry Chapman, Caroline Sauders, David Hutkin and their team to attract such outstanding companies to do business in University City.”
Greg Dierberg, CEO of Dierbergs Markets, Inc. stated, “As a local, family-owned business, Dierbergs is excited to grow and become part of this vibrant development, and we look forward to serving the University City community for generations to come.”
“I’m thrilled to see Dierbergs joining The Market at Olive development,” said Bob Clark, Founder and Executive Chairman of Clayco. “A high-quality grocery store like Dierbergs will not only provide incredible options for local families but also enhance the vibrancy and convenience of the area. I’m proud to see this vision coming to life and can’t wait to see how it serves our community.”
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Construction Updates (STL Region) |
ATTENTION HERE!
Please be notified we are no longer providing updates to you via the newsletter regarding project updates and opportunities. We have access to the State's conceptual through final planning and construction opportunity lists. We are happy to provide this to our active members via our InfoHub. The Excel lists make it easier for your business development team to search for opportunities. More details and how to get further information on these projects are coming soon. We hope this is a resource you find extremely useful to help you make 2025 the most successful year yet! If you are an active member with the SLC3 you should receive an email from InfoHub containing attachments. The two attachments have full details. If you do not receive this by end of day, you can reach out to Kelly Jackson at kjackson@slc3.org.
EXAMPLE PROJECTS FOUND:
Concordia Seminary Single Student Housing - Campus Plan Phase 3 $15M
Planet Fitness / Arnold $7.6M
Providence Apartments (LIBERTY, MO) $180M
RFQ Engineering - MO123 Culvert Replacement, MO83 Culvert Repair, RteO Culvert Repair $845K
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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 #4: Awareness
- What influences the way you see yourself?
- Who do you allow to speak into your life?
- What circumstances do you allow to define you?
- Are the messages you hear building you up or tearing you down?
- Just because people are close to you, doesn't automatically make them right.
Remember:
Choose to surround yourself with people who believe in and inspire you.
Performance Tips:
- Your circumstances and other people do not have to define you.
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YOU are the author of YOUR story - NOT someone else. Pick up the pen and write your own story with honesty, compassion, courage, and hope.
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How To Encourage Tech Adoption Across Generations
Baby Boomers and Gen Z face different challenges adopting workplace tools, but collaborative training can bridge the gap, CIOs say.
As Gen Z employees take up a larger share of jobs and older workers retire at later ages, onboarding is a challenge for technology chiefs. Generational differences can result in varying levels of comfort with technology, with AI often acting as an accelerator.
CIOs are looking to help all workers adapt to new tools, resorting to the use of buddies and coaches and maintaining a diverse set of training modules — both virtual, in person or a combination of the two.
The goal is to help workers benefit from the strengths of their counterparts, regardless of age.
Cybersecurity assessment firm Schellman learned some lessons on technology adoption while upgrading its case management system from older software developed more than seven years ago. The company swapped out a legacy “walled garden” list-based system with a more flexible platform-based architecture. The upgrade meant bridging workforce generation gaps.
Younger workers who can seamlessly switch between different technology platforms in their personal lives may be more comfortable with an ecosystem-based approach where multiple software tools connect with one another. They may grow frustrated using an older system they deem too restrictive.
By contrast, older workers accustomed to having all the information in one place may struggle to use a platform that requires them to navigate across several tools laid out in a non-linear way, said Schellman CIO Christopher Kouzios.
“Younger workers might say ‘Can you add more features?’” said Kouzios. “Folks who are used to the older platform might say ‘Why is there stuff all over the place? I had a routine, and my routine has now changed.’”
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Resistance to Change
Xavier Rebeuf, chief product and technology officer at Paris-based banking software firm SBS, said the company wants all its developers to use technology to carry out API tests. Adoption has lagged for some workers over the age of 40 who are accustomed to delegating manual testing tasks, he said.
SBS uses two types of technology to conduct tests, including open source tool k6, and a generative AI testing tool, Rebeuf said.
Some older workers “only want only to specify the test and to delegate it to someone else to execute, which is not the pattern we want to use right now,” said Rebeuf. “There’s a learning curve for sure to understand how to code that” using k6, according to Rebeuf. Older workers have also voiced trust concerns related to the generative AI testing tool.
Other firms also report that older workers may be more wary of AI and consequently are less likely to adopt it compared to their younger counterparts. For example, software company Pegasystems recently rolled out a contract summarization AI tool. Experienced employees accustomed to researching contracts without assistance gave the tool a lukewarm reception.
“They’re just used to doing things a certain way. Maybe it’s doing all the research on their own, summarizing it, and then making decisions,” said Pegasystems CIO David Vidoni. “They’re warming up to it, but I think it comes with just not trusting [it]…”
Reverse Mentoring
Companies have devised a few learning approaches to encourage tech adoption across age categories. One way is through a “buddy” system, where older workers are paired with younger ones.
This approach lets older workers benefit from younger colleagues’ fluency with technical tools, while younger workers can gain from older colleagues’ experience as they seek to gain more value from workplace tools, said Kouzios.
Schellman offers technology training modules that combine in-person and virtual instruction, given that older workers tend to prefer traditional classroom instruction while their younger counterparts may be more willing to use virtual self-service tools.
In addition, the company pairs onboarded employees with workers familiar with important technologies, said Kouzios.
“The gap bridge is Gen X,” he said, noting that many buddy volunteers are either Gen X or are older millennials — workers who may be equally comfortable working with new and legacy systems…
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Mastering In-Person Presentations: From Awkward to Engaging |
Delivering an effective in-person presentation requires more than just knowing your material. It’s about connecting with your audience, commanding the room, and delivering your message with confidence and impact. If you’ve ever struggled with awkward pauses, monotone delivery, or standing stiffly in one spot, these practical tips will help you become a more engaging and persuasive speaker.
1. Eliminate Awkward Pauses
Awkward silences can undermine your confidence and disrupt the flow of your presentation. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Prepare and practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times so you’re comfortable with the material. Knowing your content inside and out reduces the likelihood of stumbling.
- Use pauses intentionally: Silence doesn’t have to be awkward. Pausing at key moments can emphasize a point and give your audience time to process.
- Have a backup phrase: If you lose your place, use a transitional phrase like, “Let’s take a closer look at…” to regain momentum.
2. Avoid Standing in One Spot
Remaining stationary can make your presentation feel static and uninteresting. Instead:
- Move with purpose: Walk to different parts of (click read more for all the steps!)
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If you are considering joining us, contact Lydia Meyer about Membership. Don't miss our member-only activities and perks! | | |
SLC3 2025 Officers & Leaders:
Michael Hargrave, BJC HealthCare - President
Bill Dyer, Avison Young/Pace Properties - 1st Vice President
Vince Nutt, BJC HealthCare - 2nd Vice President
Frank Niemerg, Ameren - Immediate Past President
Anna Leavey, Anna Leavey Consulting, LLC - Secretary
Mark Winschel, ASC Group/Four Fourteen - Past President
Kelly Jackson, Executive Director
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UB GREENSFELDER PROMOTES SIX ATTORNEYS TO PARTNER
UB Greensfelder LLP is pleased to announce that Kevin M. Bandy, Michael P. Benson, Erica N. Carducci, Ashtyn N. Saltz, Lauren E. Surdyke, and Lauren L. Wood have been elevated to partner, effective January 1, 2025.
Representing various practice areas in offices across the firm, Bandy and Carducci are based in Cincinnati, while Benson, Surdyke, and Wood are in St. Louis, and Saltz is based in Cleveland. These six attorney promotions mark the first new partner class since the firm’s February 2024 merger, which combined Ulmer & Berne and Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale...
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HOLLAND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES PROMOTES JONES TO PROJECT DIRECTOR
Adam Jones was recently promoted to Project Director at Holland Construction Services. Adam has been with Holland for about four years and previously held the role of Senior Project Manager.
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SEND US YOUR UPDATES!
info@slc3.org
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AUSTIN SMITH CELEBRATES
5 YEARS WITH S. M. WILSON
Congratulations to Austin Smith, Estimator, on celebrating his 5th year with S. M. Wilson!
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SCI ENGINEERING ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT - TREY COAD
SCI Engineering, Inc. (SCI) announced the promotion of Trey Coad to President. Trey will play a vital role in driving the company’s strategic initiatives, fostering culture, and ensuring sustainable growth.
"With a proven track record of success in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry, Trey brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. His strong background in due diligence services, combined with his exceptional ability to connect with clients and collaborate across the industry, makes him a standout leader. Trey’s strong reputation for innovative thinking, exceptional leadership, and deep understanding of the design and construction landscape, positions him to elevate SCI’s impact and success."
“We are thrilled to announce Trey Coad as the new President of SCI Engineering,” said Scott Harding, CEO. “Trey has been a pivotal force in
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driving growth across our regional locations and strengthening operations at our headquarters. His exceptional creativity, relentless drive to succeed, and ability to build meaningful relationships make him an outstanding leader. Combined with his entrepreneurial mindset and sharp business acumen, he is well-positioned to guide SCI into an exciting and prosperous future.”
Trey shared his enthusiasm by stating, “It is an honor to step into this role and continue the legacy of SCI’s remarkable leaders. Our focus will remain on what has been the backbone of the company for the past 47 years – our people. Listening to, understanding and investing in our clients and our employees has been and will continue to be essential to the company’s success. I am grateful to be part of such an incredible team, and I look forward to the amazing opportunities ahead.”
Established in 1978, SCI Engineering is a multi-discipline engineering firm with six offices and nearly two hundred employees. The company offers a comprehensive suite of consulting services in the fields of Geotechnical, Environmental, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Construction Materials Testing & Inspection. SCI provides national support in diverse sectors including residential, industrial/manufacturing, healthcare, education, transportation, and energy. Recognized as a Top Workplace, SCI’s commitment to excellence and engagement has solidified its reputation as a trusted employer and industry partner.
Please join us in congratulating Trey on this well-deserved promotion. Congrats to Trey for his promotion and SCI with your next chapter!
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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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