GOBSA: GOBSA strong in tradition

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Jack Miller, owner of Jack Miller Construction, is president of Greater Ozarks Building Systems Association.|ret||ret||tab|

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Greater Ozarks Building Systems Association recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. We had many past presidents in attendance. |ret||ret||tab|

The event was held at the Sheraton and included dinner, dancing and a slide show featuring pictures of our club at various events throughout the years.|ret||ret||tab|

Twenty years says a lot about a small organization with no paid positions. It takes a lot of volunteer work, and we have been fortunate to have had so many talented people step up and do their part over the years. |ret||ret||tab|

Our treasury is in better shape than anytime since I have been a member. We continue to give scholarships away each year to young people starting out in the construction industry. |ret||ret||tab|

The three recipients this year include Wyndell Campbell at Southwest Missouri State University, and Mary Sorg and Timothy Hanna at Ozarks Technical Community College.|ret||ret||tab|

In the GOBSA tradition, we start each year with the President's Party. This event is our changing of the guard. |ret||ret||tab|

It is our chance to celebrate the volunteers that have been serving our organization during the last year and recognize those who are getting ready to lead us in the coming year.|ret||ret||tab|

Our club was once again a participant in the 2002 Sertoma Chili Cookoff to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs. We won first place in our category. We think the first round of judges ate up all the chili, not leaving any for the final judging for grand champion. I thought it was our best batch ever.|ret||ret||tab|

We are very proud that one of our members, Rental Service Corporation, has been grand champion for the last two years. We increased the amount of chili we cooked from five gallons in 2001 to 10 gallons of chili in 2002. |ret||ret||tab|

That serves a lot of people one spoonful at a time.|ret||ret||tab|

Our annual Lake Outing in June is always a big success. It started out at Kimberling Inn. We had great weather and a wonderful time. Friday night was the bass tournament. |ret||ret||tab|

While the fishermen were competing for prize money, the nonfishermen enjoyed the lake in style on Wade Warren's cruise ship. Saturday was spent cruising Table Rock Lake and enjoying each other's company. |ret||ret||tab|

The Christian County Cook Crew, all Shriner volunteers, once again served us a wonderful steak dinner Saturday afternoon followed by a cruise on the lake until midnight.|ret||ret||tab|

We, again this year, had spring and fall golf tournaments at Hidden Valley Golf Links, with close to 50 players and more than 30 hole sponsors at each event.|ret||ret||tab|

Our club comprises primarily construction-related firms, including contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associate members. |ret||ret||tab|

Many of our members are active in other organizations as well as volunteers in the community. |ret||ret||tab|

Several individuals speak each year during career days, encouraging young people to consider the design and construction industry for their career. GOBSA members are proud to be a part of Salute to Construction.|ret||ret||tab|

The GOBSA mission statement is:|ret||ret||tab|

to organize and promote general interest of the building industry in Springfield;|ret||ret||tab|

to develop knowledge and coordination between all parties to promote better relationships with building owners, public bodies, architects, engineers, code officials and material manufacturers;|ret||ret||tab|

to promote a high professional standard of conduct;|ret||ret||tab|

to promote proper safety standards and protection in the construction industry; and|ret||ret||tab|

to educate, encourage efficiency and sound business methods for industry.|ret||ret||tab|

We have good people coming up to take over the leadership of our club. As I retire as president, I still see GOBSA remaining a strong force in helping our city, helping our members prosper, and always volunteering where there is a need.|ret||ret||tab|

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