Kim Buche

Salute to Construction has several purposes. The primary objective is to let students know about the design and construction industry. For two focus weeks and throughout the year we have speakers from our industry visit the local schools to inform students about the variety of careers available in the design and construction industry. There are several facets to our industry, not just physical labor, although that is very important. Some people are better suited for management or design. We also have delivery people, salesmen, secretaries, bookkeepers, etc. We try to let kids know that the industry is made up of many diverse careers. The key is finding something that fits their needs and abilities.

The second purpose is to promote a positive image of our industry. Yes, we can be dirty and noisy and occasionally cause a temporary traffic delay. Yet, upon completion, we have an intersection that flows smoother, a better school, an advanced medical facility or new homes. The third purpose is to celebrate the design and construction industry. This is accomplished at the annual banquet. Contributing organizations recognize scholarship recipients as well as individuals and entities that have excelled within the industry during the past year.

What is your job, and how did you get involved with Salute?

I am the project manager for Elegant Homes and Design of the Ozarks LLC. We are currently building homes in the Golden Meadows and Olde Ivy subdivisions. Later this year we will begin home construction in the Augusta Hills and Vintage Hills subdivisions.

Several years ago I was appointed as the Salute to Construction liaison for the Greater Ozarks Building Systems Association. Salute to Construction is something I truly believe in and became more involved with over the years until I became the Salute coordinator in 2002.

What is the biggest challenge to organizing this event?

Fortunately, the members of the Salute council are very involved in our efforts. Everyone serves on a committee so the tasks are not the responsibility of one or two individuals. The biggest challenge in being the Salute coordinator is keeping it fresh. We try to come up with new ideas each year. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. Last year was phenomenal! We had a great turnout for the proclamation ceremony that kicks off Salute to Construction each year and includes many dignitaries. The schools were very receptive to our speakers and the banquet was a huge success. It made it very hard to change very much this year.

How has Salute changed in recent years?

We have made a couple of notable changes in recent years. We are very proud to have some of the trades join our council. Last year, we added Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers, Local 15; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 453; and United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Local 978. This year, we added Plumbers & Pipefitters, Local 178. The trades contribute so much to Salute to Construction, including many speakers when we visit the local schools.

We also have added a Web site. The primary purpose is to serve as a resource for students looking for more information about a career in the design and construction industry.

What would you like to see happen with it in the future?

There have been several great ideas presented by the Salute council members this year that could be implemented in future years. We seem to focus on how to reach kids the most. We visit middle and high schools; in the future we would like to extend into the elementary schools. We have also discussed getting involved in local competition relating to our industry and contributing some kind of a hands-on exhibit to the community.

Why is Salute to Construction so important to the construction and design industries?

Our work force is shrinking while the demand is growing. In the design and

construction industry, we are very

fortunate that most of our jobs are not outsourced. One of the largest concerns of local business owners in the industry is the lack of qualified prospective employees. The Salute council and its organizations’

members are all working together to help overcome this challenge. We also

emphasize excellence within the industry. We have many talented people and caring entities in our community that make us all proud to be a part of construction and design.

[[In-content Ad]]