Council News
Supplier/Service Provider Council Closes Out another Great Year
By Ashlee Peno, Chief Structural Engineer, Special Inspections & Design, LLC
It feels like I utter this phrase way too much this time of year, but wow, did this year go by fast! As my term as Chairperson of the Supplier/Service Provider (SSP) Council comes to a close, I would like to take this time to thank my fellow council members for all of their support, insight, and hard work. Our main focus this year was the continued development and promotion of the AGC 1st campaign. I hope all of our members have heard of the AGC 1st campaign by now, but in case you haven’t or maybe you just need a refresher, AGC 1st is an initiative designed to promote the benefits of members supporting members. By working with other members, you are acknowledging their contribution to the construction industry and more specifically, the built environment in Missouri through participation in the AGC. For more information, please visit the AGC 1st website.
In addition to my Chair role, I also had the privilege of serving on the AGC Board of Directors and the Building Division Board of Directors for 2018. As an engineer, I don’t often really get to see first-hand the full scope of services provided by the AGC to it’s Contractor and Subcontractor members or to delve into issues constructors are facing today, such as workforce development, labor relations, and construction legislation. This has been an interesting and educational experience, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity. The people that make up the Board of Directors and Building Division Board are truly leaders in their fields. They are highly knowledgeable and committed to improving the construction industry in Missouri.
There’s often the misconception that the AGC is unwelcoming of females in the construction industry. But I can attest that this has not been my experience. As a young female (ok, ok, relatively young? Youngish?), my input has been welcomed and valued. Perhaps this is due in part to the trail-blazing of some of my female colleagues who are leaders in this industry: Amy Berg (S. M. Wilson & Co.), Tracy Hart (Tarlton Corporation) Pat Schaefer (D & S Fencing Co., Inc.) and Becky Spurgeon (Interface Construction Corporation, and the 2019 Chair-Elect of AGCMO’s Board of Directors) to name but a few.
So I’m challenging my fellow female colleagues: Attend at least one event in 2019 – and while you’re there, seek me out!
In closing, I would like to congratulate J.D Glisson as he takes on the role of SSP Chairperson. I look forward to seeing where he leads us. As one final plug for the AGC 1st campaign, I would like to remind everyone that the best way to get the most value out of your membership is to get involved! The opportunities are out there. If you don’t know where to start, reach out to the AGC staff, and they can help you find the best fit. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and the best of luck in 2019.