Fifth annual seminar addresses construction industry challenges

There’s room for 100 women to attend The National Association of Women In Construction’s fifth annual Construction A-Z seminar on Sept. 19 at Great Southern Bank. Karrie Smith, business administrator with Sapp Design Associates Architects PC and acting construction industry chairwoman for local NAWIC chapter No. 366, said there were about 25 tickets still available as of Sept. 13.

The free seminar, presented by NAWIC Chapter No. 366, features a roster of guest speakers who will address the challenges women face as they work in the construction industry. The guest speakers are:

• Ralph Manley, developer and Spring-field City Council member;

• Lisa Drew-Alton, architect;

• Jim Brawner, motivational speaker;

• Angela R. Morelock, certified forensic accountant at BKD LLP;

• Leslie G. Thomas, New York Life Insurance Co.;

• Loa Freeman, president and director, Success Naturally Inc. Yoga and Image Center;

• Ginger Gooch, associate attorney, Husch & Eppenberger LLC; and

• Susan J. Mattheis, department manager, Lowe’s No. 422 in Springfield.

Smith said the seminar is designed to help women in the construction industry, whether their roles are in banking, real estate, engineering, architecture or other areas of construction. Women in those types of jobs, she said, are eligible to join NAWIC.

“Any woman can join in the construction industry (including) students,” she said. “We have speakers every month” in addition to volunteer opportunities and programs.

NAWIC Chapter No. 366 meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Monday of every month at Cartoon’s, 1614 S. Glenstone Ave.

For information about seminar tickets or about the organization, Smith can be reached at (417) 877-9600.