NAWIC: Local association supports women in construction

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Sherri Bollinger is president of the National Association of Women in Construction Southwest Missouri Chapter No. 366 and assistant project manager for Varsity Contractors Inc. Stephanie San Paolo, NAWIC vice president, is administrative assistant with Walton Construction LLC.|ret||ret||tab|

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The National Association of Women in Construction Chapter No. 366 was chartered in October 2001. The association's mission is to enhance the success of all women involved in the construction industry. The members are enthusiastic women in construction who are dedicated and excited about the industry. |ret||ret||tab|

Total membership for all chapters in the United States has grown to more than 6,200 and three chapters in the Canadian provinces. International affiliation agreements include NAWIC-Australia, NAWIC-New Zealand and South African Women in Construction. |ret||ret||tab|

NAWIC promotes and supports causes of all women in construction, whose careers range from the skilled trades to business ownership. |ret||ret||tab|

The association offers its members the opportunity to enhance their job skills through education and leadership. The NAWIC Education Foundation offers courses in fundamentals of construction terminology, processes, procedures, technology and an overview of the industry. |ret||ret||tab|

Certifications are available and include Construction Industry Technician, Construction Document Specialist and Certified Construction Associate. Seminars are held throughout the year and include many construction-related topics. |ret||ret||tab|

This year's annual "Construction A-Z Seminar" included construction ethics, construction loans, AIA documentation, workers' compensation insurance and general liability, and drugs in the workplace. Regina Lansdown of Anthony and Associates coordinated the event that brought together more than 75 attendees from all aspects of construction.|ret||ret||tab|

NAWIC not only promotes education through various seminars and courses but also is dedicated to assisting in the education of local students to advance their construction careers. The National Education Foundation recognizes and makes available financial assistance through scholarships. |ret||ret||tab|

The southwest Missouri chapter is fortunate to have the foundation's immediate past president, Carol Kueker of Springfield Glass, in our own backyard. Through the NEF's Founder's Scholarship Foundation, more than $50,000 has been awarded to various recipients in the construction-related programs to further their construction education. |ret||ret||tab|

NAWIC and the local chapter are concentrating this year on educating elementary students by exposing them to the Block-Kids Building program. Kueker will work with this year's local construction industry chairman, Mary Beeson of DeWitt and Associates, with this exciting opportunity. |ret||ret||tab|

The Block-Kids Building program is a national building competition that is sponsored on the local level by NAWIC chapters and other organizations. It introduces elementary school children to the construction industry and promotes interest in future careers.|ret||ret||tab|

The competition involves the construction of various structures with interlocking blocks and additional miscellaneous materials. Local winners advance to regional competition, and one semi-finalist from each region is entered in the national program competition. Prizes are awarded. |ret||ret||tab|

NAWIC members learn leadership throughout the year with the opportunity to belong to many committees and eventually the ability to run for office. |ret||ret||tab|

NAWIC offers professional education, finance, construction industry, and membership committees. These committees interact not only with members, but also with local community leaders in sponsoring events, publications and educational opportunities for all members on the local, regional and national levels.|ret||ret||tab|

Many employers ask the question, "How can a NAWIC membership work for me or my company?" The answer is simple. Through NAWIC membership, the employee increases knowledge of the job, gains exposure for the company by interacting with community projects, develops leadership, and broadens potential subcontractor and supplier relationships. |ret||ret||tab|

Together, NAWIC and the local chapter help companies create a more positive image of women's roles in the construction industry at a minimal cost.|ret||ret||tab|

This year NAWIC Southwest Missouri Chapter No. 366 is proud to be a sponsor of the Salute to Construction. The chapter will present two awards at the Salute to Construction banquet: Outstanding Women in Construction Rosebud Award and Vesta Award. |ret||ret||tab|

The chapter is always looking for new members to add to the quality and worth of the organization. Come join in the fun of learning; you'll have a great time.|ret||ret||tab|

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