SCA promotes construction, serves community

The Springfield Contractors Associa-tion was formed in 1953 to provide a vehicle to promote common interests of the contracting community. From this humble beginning by 22 general contractors we have grown to more than 350 diversified firms that are involved in all areas of construction.

Our membership includes general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, arch-itects, materials suppliers, financial institutions, legal firms, insurance representatives and a small group of honorary members, all working together to build the Ozarks.

To say we are diversified, experienced and well-qualified is an understatement of an SCA member's ability to provide quality and cost-effective construction services throughout southwest Missouri.

SCA is a regional construction organization and not affiliated with any national organization, so all our efforts can be concentrated on improving our industry in this area. Our membership includes firms throughout southwest Missouri, Kansas City, St. Louis and Arkansas.

Strengths

One of our strengths is the ability to work throughout the community via a wide array of committees, including liaison work with the city, City Utilities and Greene County, Southwest Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Com-munity College, Springfield Public Schools and the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The committee leadership is encouraged to work through issues, concerns and problem areas by bringing all affected parties together frequently enough to provide a good understanding of what needs to be done to ensure success for all parties involved. Our track record with this kind of leadership is excellent.

We also provide monthly meetings for members to meet and interact and our monthly newsletter is used to disseminate information about our association and industry-related topics. Social activities include the popular Pig Roast in July and a packed Golf Outing in August.

Our members cooperated and donated what they could to build our facility at 1313 N. Nias, housing not only the SCA office, but also the local F.W. Dodge Plans Room facility, which is open to SCA members for plan review.

Worker availability

The Springfield Contractors Employ-ment Referral Service makes the names of qualified workers available to SCA members when they are ready to hire. People looking for work may fill out one form for use by all SCA members when making hiring decisions. This service is provided at no cost to the potential employee and at no additional cost to members.

We support training programs for work force development for our industry and award $4,000 annually in scholarships to students at Southwest Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Commun-ity College and the School of Architec-ture at Drury University.

We will present the annual Developer of the Year Award at the Salute to Design and Construction Awards Banquet on Nov. 8. We award this prestigious honor to recognize an outstanding individual or organization in our community that epitomizes the quality projects we build.

Membership base

Our continued success is dependent upon the people in the organization. We have an excellent membership base, a very well-qualified staff and widespread member support. All are willing to get involved and produce positive results for our industry.

We are pleased to be a part of the Salute to Design and Construction and view it as a constructive way to honor the people who distinguish themselves, their employers and the construction industry with quality craftsmanship and professional standards.

(Bill Adams, past president of Conco Quarries, is president of the Spring-field Contractors Association.)