Ozarks Profile - Danny Hyde

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What is your job?|ret||ret||tab|

Hyde has been a business representative for the Car-penters' District Council of Kansas City & Vicinity for 10 years.|ret||ret||tab|

"The territory I cover includes 13 counties in southwest Missouri. My duties include assisting with negotiations, contract interpretation, providing support to our members and contractors, monitoring the construction market, and developing and nurturing community relationships," Hyde said. |ret||ret||tab|

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Tell us about your organization.|ret||ret||tab|

"The primary function of the carpenters' union is to help all working carpenters to earn a good day's pay for a good day's work, while realizing the benefits of a pension and health care for their families," Hyde said. "Identifying the contractors who share these sound business principles is part of our success. We also provide training for both journeyman carpenters and apprentices, and a stable work force for the contractor base in this area." Hyde added that Local 978 in Springfield has about 475 members.|ret||ret||tab|

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What is your past/present involvement in the construction industry?|ret||ret||tab|

Hyde has been a carpenter for more than 28 years. "I have worked on all types of construction from residential to commercial to industrial. I have enjoyed a varied career, and I'm still learning and keeping abreast of changes in the marketplace." |ret||ret||tab|

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What led you to your present position?|ret||ret||tab|

"Working as a union carpenter has been good for me and for my family. I had an opportunity to give something back to the organization and, hopefully, to other carpenters who want some of the same things," Hyde said. |ret||ret||tab|

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What are some of the changes you've seen in the industry?|ret||ret||tab|

"The industry is using more construction management and fewer general contractors than in the past. I personally don't view this as a positive change for the consumer. ... We are also seeing quite a few of the more experienced and skilled tradesmen reaching retirement age," Hyde said. "That's why we put so much emphasis on our apprenticeship and training programs. We have to keep up with ever-changing technology and materials, and we have to supply skilled tradesmen."|ret||ret||tab|

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How would you describe the construction industry for this area?|ret||ret||tab|

"Springfield and the surrounding area has one of the most stable construction markets in the country. While there have been some wild swings in manpower requirements in some parts of the country, this area has been remarkably consistent overall for the past 10 years," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

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What can you tell us about your family?|ret||ret||tab|

"Linda, my lovely bride of 30 years, and I have two grown children and a granddaughter who just moved to Virginia. We're still adjusting to the phone bills," he said.|ret||ret||tab|

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How do you most enjoy spending your free time?|ret||ret||tab|

Hyde said working with community service agencies means a lot to him. "I have worked with the United Way for many years. Lately I have also been working with the newly formed Faith-Labor Alliance of the Ozarks, an interfaith coalition, to help fill needs in the community," Hyde said. He also enjoys golf. " I certainly enjoy my time with family and friends, and I read quite a lot, but golf is my outlet." |ret||ret||tab|

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