SCA supports commercial construction, related fields

The Springfield Contractors Associa-tion was formed in 1953 for the purpose of improving working relationships and our industry standards. Each year it seems that it is more difficult to achieve success in business than the year before. I am sure our industry is not alone in that.

It is to that end the Springfield Con-tractors Association works. Our 370 member firms are primarily engaged in commercial construction and related fields. Our members take pride in their membership in SCA as we represent the highest standards of excellence in our in-dustry. Participation in professional associations is a key component to continuing growth and success for any business, and our members put a high value on the opportunities SCA provides.

Our association works with various governmental agencies and public owners in an effort to help them understand our industry's problems and eliminate as many of those problems as possible. At the same time, realizing it is a two-way street, we are able to make changes that help owners and our community.

We meet regularly and work with the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects for the same general purpose. However, our joint goal goes farther. We are all striving to not only make our industry relationships work smoothly, but to improve the image of the construction industry and the overall quality of work.

Rules and regulations

Building codes and laws that affect our industry are continually changing. The Springfield Contractors Association works with other associations in our industry in an effort to improve codes, regulations and laws for the benefit of our members and the community. We then keep our members informed of changes. This is done through newsletters and printed information, as well as seminars.

Educational seminars are presented to help keep our members informed about a variety of construction topics, especially those relating to safety and changes in OSHA regulations.

Cultivating interest

Our organization promotes our industry in an effort to encourage young people to enter our work force. We work cooperatively with the department of industrial management and the Con-struction Club at Southwest Missouri State University, and with the construction program at Ozarks Technical Com-munity College. We provide scholarships to local students in both schools, as well for students at the Hammons School of Architecture at Drury University.

During Salute to Construction Career Days in the fall, we give talks at area middle and high schools discussing our industry and answering questions. SCA also makes speakers available throughout the year as requested.

Jobs and job seekers

Our organization provides a central location for taking and processing applications from people wanting employment in construction, making the names of qualified workers available to our members through the Springfield Contractors Employment Referral Ser-vice. This service is a tremendous benefit for our members as well as workers looking for work.

On the lighter side, we provide several social activities throughout the year such as golf outings, the annual SCA Pig Roast and monthly general meetings.

(Wayne D. Towe is the 2002 president of the Springfield Contractors Association.)