GOBSA fosters professionalism in construction industry

The Greater Ozarks Building Systems Association took shape in 1981 as a local chapter of the National Metal Building Dealers Association. Four years later, the local organization withdrew its charter from the national group but continued as an independent association. GOBSA has now become one of the major construction-oriented organizations in the area.

The current membership consists of general contractors, subcontractors, ma-terial and equipment suppliers, service providers, architects, engineers, design professionals and insurance providers, as well as developers, real estate agents and other related professions. We hold regular monthly dinner meetings throughout the year at the Sheraton, with a variety of guest speakers from all facets of life.

We have two golf outings, one in the spring and one in the fall each year, to raise money for our scholarship fund. This past fall, we had local long driver professional Dan Boever put on a demonstration for our participants.

We also have a two-day lake outing in late June for our members, with a Friday night bass tournament and a houseboat lake cruise on Saturday afternoon, The Christian County Shrine Club Cook Crew prepares one of the finest steak dinners for us on Saturday evening, then it's back to the lake for a late cruise.

We also have a full-costume Hallo-ween party, with prizes available for best costumes in different categories.

For several years, GOBSA has awarded several thousand dollars in scholarships to deserving students studying in the construction profession. This year, we are awarding one $500 scholarship to a Southwest Missouri State University student in the construction management program, and two $300 scholarships to Ozarks Technical Community College students in the construction job site supervision program. We have always tried to target students with strong grade point averages, as well as someone from our area who plans to stay in our area. Our organization is committed to putting money raised, educations spent and training obtained, back into our area.

GOBSA membership is open to companies and people interested in promoting and improving professionalism in the construction industry for southwest Missouri. Our mission statement is as follows:

To organize and promote general interests of the building industry in Springfield.

To develop knowledge and coordination between all parties, to promote better relationships with building owners, public bodies, architects, engineers, code officials and material manufacturers.

To promote a high professional standard of conduct.

To promote proper safety standards and protection in the construction industry.

To educate, encourage efficiency, and sound business methods for industry.

We can be reached at PO Box 4989 Springfield, MO 65808-4989, or by visiting our Web site at www.GOBSA.org. We would be glad to send you a membership directory and application for membership.

We are proud to be a part of Salute to Construction.

(Jay Miller, vice president of Ron Miller Hardware & Specialty Sales Inc. in Springfield, is president of the Greater Ozarks Building Systems Association.)