Industry contributes to economy, environment

These 99 Reasons to Salute Design & Construction were submitted by members of the Salute Council. We do not intend to imply that these are the only reasons to salute design and construction, but they are 99 of the reasons to salute our industry.

We hope this list will serve as a springboard for each reader to think about his or her own reasons to salute design and construction. Please feel free to fax your suggestions for the next list to 862-6892. Sheryl Letterman, Salute Council

We Salute Our Contributions to Our Community:

?A healthy, vibrant construction industry is the best indicator of a healthy, vibrant society and economy.

?Everyone interacts every day with buildings and landscape.

?People in construction build the future.

?Quality design and construction is an investment in the future for communities and their residents.

?Home builders have helped make this one of the most desirable places to live and work.

?Architects, engineers and builders work with codes and code officials to protect the public safety.

?Construction professionals are dedicated to the improvement of working conditions.

?We design and construct buildings that are energy-efficient.

?People in construction provide housing for all income levels.

?We are interested in protecting buildings of historic significance through renovation or adaptive reuse.

?Competitors work together for the good of the industry.

?Springfield Contractors Association has taken an active role in mentoring construction students and including them in monthly association meetings.

?Professional engineers obligate themselves to honesty in dealing with the public and the construction industry.

?Architects design spaces that evoke emotional responses: amusement parks are fun, libraries are quiet and churches can be holy places for quiet meditation.

?Mechanical contractors protect the health of the community with sewage systems, clean water and clean air.

?People throughout the industry serve on city and county boards to improve this area.

?Professional engineers bring objectivity to the design process for contractors, owners and the public.

?Local people have input into code revisions.

?Professionals of the design and construction community serve OTC in an advisory capacity for technology programs in carpentry, masonry, drafting and design and Project CREW,

?Members of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers ensure proper conditioning of the interior environment, which impacts the health, safety and comfort of a building's occupants and products.

?Industry professionals raise money for worthy causes.

?Membership in the Mechanical Contractors Association reflects the integrity of our members.

?Construction professionals uphold fair and honest business practices.

?Construction professionals build wisely to preserve and protect the environment.

?Construction professionals serve on local committees interested in the development of Civic Park.

?Construction professionals explore new materials and techniques for energy efficiency.

?Construction professionals support charities and civic causes.

?Construction professionals help public bodies use taxpayers' money wisely.

?The design and construction industry creates new life for Springfield.

We Salute Support for Education:

?We understand the importance of sparking student interest in the construction industry at an early age.

?There is a steady supply of college students who are interested in and worthy of industry scholarships.

?We obligate ourselves to maintain a high level of technical knowledge in our areas of practice.

?Educational opportunities exist for all skill levels and trades.

?Industry professionals share their experiences during Career Day presentations at local public schools.

?We present seminars to disseminate information.

?In 1998, 114 Career Day volunteers spoke to 1,625 students in 33 sessions at 26 schools.

?Professional engineers support education with model bridge-building and middle school math contests, K-4 model bridge presentations and career night college presentations.

?Professional organizations offer seminars and training to keep members abreast of the changing industry.

?Well-paying jobs are available for construction graduates.

?Architects educate the public by hosting events like Architecture Week.

?Local manufacturers, suppliers, contractors and architects open their doors for student tours and training opportunities.

?The Home Builders Association contributes annually to support the nontraditional training program for women in construction at OTC.

?In the past five years, more than 200 students have benefitted from scholarships and grant money gifted from the design and construction industry.

?Jobs are available for design students.

?Professional organizations participate in scholarship fund raising.

?An increasing number of local construction companies participate in cooperative education internship programs.

We Salute Physical Products Industry:

?Quality design and construction projects can be functioning works of art.

?Architects, interior architects, interior designers, landscape architects and city planners design exterior and interior spaces for public and private use.

?Construction provides the buildings and infrastructure to assist in community growth and development.

?Construction projects show the end result of a cooperative effort among owners, architects, engineers, contractors and suppliers.

?Developers have improved commercial areas of Springfield specifically the industrial park and downtown.

?Recent intersection and road improvements have finished ahead of schedule.

?Residential developers have created wonderful subdivisions for families.

?We improve the quality of life: beautiful buildings, good roads, affordable housing, variety of shopping, etc.

?Architects design museums, hospitals, restaurants, schools, office buildings, churches, warehouses, airports, sports facilities, judicial facilities, etc.

?Interior designers combine excellent architecture and interior design to create exciting, dynamic commercial and residential spaces.

?Local people build schools.

?Local people build outstanding medical facilities.

?Local people build roads.

?Local people build office buildings.

?Local people build bridges.

?Local people build the Ozarks.

We Salute Impact on the Economy:

?Construction is the fourth largest factor of the Springfield area economy.

?Construction professionals know that a growing community is good for our industry.

?Springfield's highest ranking category of sales is building materials and hardware store sales.

?A typical worker goes through $7,000 in materials every month.

?Architects work with zoning officials and city planners to establish long-range and short-range plans for city growth.

?The reopening of old Route 66 will bring renewed vigor to downtown.

?Continued economic growth in the Springfield area keeps experienced and skilled carpenters and construction workers in demand.

?Construction fuels the economic growth of the community.

?Seventy-five craftspeople work on a typical residential job.

?Annual sales of building materials and hardware store sales are $350 million.

?Construction is one of the area's largest industries which provides jobs, tax revenue and increased economic impact.

?The design and construction industry has a total economic impact (direct and indirect) on the Springfield area economy of $682 million.

?Building materials and hardware store sales have increased 40 percent since 1995.

We Salute Opportunities for Individual Growth:

?Design and construction professionals have the opportunity to affiliate in professional organizations.

?The Springfield Contractors Association Employment Referral Service puts people who want to work in touch with member companies who need help.

?People in construction are proud to be a part of the industry.

?Construction provides jobs in many fields for all skill levels.

?We get to serve on neat and rewarding committees.

?The industry provides opportunities to do satisfying work.

?Subcontractors build 90 percent of all projects.

?Architects coordinate the efforts of other design professionals during design.

?Ninety-four percent of the 1999 OTC construction graduates were women.

?The design and construction industry provides opportunities for females to go into nontraditional jobs.

?Our employees exhibit quality craftsmanship.

?Our industry provides opportunities to make a good living.

We Salute Design & Construction Just Because ...

?Streets and sidewalks keep tires and feet out of the mud.

?Tall buildings give aircraft something to look for.

?Sometimes we get to play golf on company time at golf outings.

?Alcohol can be a reimbursable expense.

?Lots of hot pig, cold beer and good friends at the Pig Roast.

?Our jobs keep us away from the screaming kids for 10 to 12 hours a day.

?There are not enough caves to go around!

?We all just get along so darn well.

?Monthly newsletters provide an opportunity to see our names in print.

?The Shrimp Feed: good food, fun and networking for scholarships.

?The industry provides employment for our hard-working children and parents.

?R.E.S.P.E.C.T.