SCA encourages careers in construction industry

It has been an honor and a privilege to be the president of Springfield Contractors Association in 1999. This year we have seen many changes: new faces, new projects, new companies, new technology and our new office building. "Salute '99: 99 Salutes" has everyone thinking of the public and personal reasons we salute our industry.

This year's Salute to Design & Construction has our members again working toward encouraging our young people to get interested in the construction industry by participating in Career Days at our local schools. The work force in our industry has dwindled to an all-time low.

Our job, as representatives of the construction industry, is to encourage and motivate our young people. The scholarships presented at the Awards Banquet help encourage and benefit the next generation of our work force.

The Springfield Contractors Association is made up of 331 member firms that touch thousands of lives. We include general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associate members. It is our mission to further the interests of the local construction industry while providing a safe work environment for employees and the general public.

We further strive to cultivate working relationships with local government agencies, community leaders, architects and engineers.

We believe that fulfillment of this mission is pivotal to the development of our community.

We act as a team, all working together to promote quality and good, fair working practices throughout the industry. Our biggest effort so far is the way we have joined forces to build our new office building. Our committees work hard as teams to achieve our goals and help us improve our organization.

Our Pig Roast, Golf Outing, Casino Party and other events and fund-raisers are made possible through teamwork and lots of volunteers. Our main team leader is Sheryl Letterman, our executive director. She has been with us for 13 years, and she is devoted to our organization. With her on our team, everyone's workload is lighter.

The Springfield Contractors Association has many obligations and duties throughout the year.

Our members take pride in belonging to one of the largest and strongest local organizations promoting the construction industry.

We take pride in our growth and progress and want our members to benefit from their membership.

Our SCA Membership Directory is a useful tool and is available to anyone. Kathy Baer is in charge of our Employment Referral Service, keeping track of people who are looking for work and providing their names to our members who need help. She assists with all of the business of the association.

As president, I have learned a great deal this past year. The contractors association has brought me in touch with many new faces.

I have made new friends and found that working with an upbeat spirit is the best gift you can get or give. We all have a lot of work to do before our day is done, and it is much more pleasant to be happy at what you do.

I encourage our young people to pick a profession they enjoy. We all must work, so enjoy your work.

Construction has been the best career choice for me. I have become part of a respected work force that can achieve any dream.

That young girl who graduated from high school so long ago had no idea where her interest in construction would lead her. To become owner of my own company and president of such an influential organization is quite an honor. And I never forget that only with God's grace and the help and support of many people did it become a reality.

(Debra Ferguson is president of the Springfield Contractors Association and owner of D. Ferguson Construction.)