16 minute read
MBI's Perspective - Treasures from the Past
MBI'S Perspective
Treasures From the Past
BY CHAD KLEPPE PRESIDENT/CEO Like many of you who have experienced a move or a transition, the process of packing up and preparing for our move to the new MBI headquarters has unearthed some pretty cool things from days gone by. It is always fun to see what MBI was like back in the day – whenever that “day” may have been. If you are like me, it is hard sometimes to get rid of publications, pictures and the volumes of files that have been accumulated over the years (in my case - 21 years). Even if the documents are currently stored on a hard drive or floating around on cloud-based storage somewhere, separating / condensing / purging old paper-based files are hard exercises for someone like me. It is kind of funny that I am way behind on my schedule of “cleaning out files” tasks. The biggest culprit of me being slow is that I am constantly being distracted by so many various items from MBI’s past – be it a random letter from 2002 Legislative Session on the
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importance of maintaining the discipline of designating state funds for major maintenance needs as part of the infrastructure budget or a series of pictures from the 2005 Construction Golf Classic and Smoker. All of these “artifacts” reflect back on some really great times that demonstrate MBI’s mission and importance to both the industry and its member-firms.
Though I have found that my files are relatively young compared to those that have collected in some of this building’s built-in storage cabinets. The hardest files to clean out in a timely fashion are the volumes of pictures – many of which are black and white. These pictures help us get a feel of what the conventions and membership gatherings were like many years ago.
These photos showed how the association brought together leaders from all corners of the state to conduct MBI’s business of being the voice of the industry. It also showed how times have changed. For instance, an abundance of smoke-filled rooms were the norm and seemingly everybody smoked. But, these photos allow you to get a true sense of how the industry has evolved as well. Today’s photo logs show a much more diverse and younger crowd compared to those convention snapshots from the 1930’, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. These comparisons shed light on how our industry has evolved – and in some respects – shows how we still have a lot of work to do to become a more diverse and inclusive construction industry. As we combed through journals, we found ledgers showing some of the financials from when MBI started as an organization. Likewise, I found the original minutes from the first MBI Board of Directors meeting. One of a hand full of motions made and approved during that inaugural meeting included the first bylaws, as well as a dues schedule stating an initiation fee of $2.00 and a $1.00 monthly assessment that could be paid quarterly. Fortunately, from what I could tell that motion was unanimously approved. Even the property abstract – which has not been touched since the late 1960’s – revealed original documents from as far back 1878 and provided a glimpse of what downtown Des Moines looked like when the various parcels were first surveyed and platted. All of those keep-sakes that have survived multiple cleanings over the years help to give you a sense of how MBI is rich in its history and how important the role that MBI plays in bringing together all facets of the Iowa construction industry. However, as MBI prepares to enter its next chapter with a new and more functional headquarters building, you can be sure that even though the surroundings will be different, MBI’s commitment to the membership and the Iowa commercial construction industry will not change.
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TIME TO HIT THE RESET BUTTON
BY CHAD KLEPPE PRESIDENT | CEO
From time to time it is necessary for a little refresh, or in some cases a reset all together. This is exactly what is happening with MBI. Most likely you have heard about our new headquarters project and may have already seen some of the renderings. Now is the time for the entire membership to see first-hand the new facility and take notice on how new programs will be delivered to members.
To kick-off this momentous occasion, MBI is planning to celebrate by holding a grand opening event for all members to attend, providing you a chance to see first-hand the new building. On Wednesday, October 26th, MBI invites all members to help usher in a new era with the association. This event will officially open the doors to all members and signify a new approach to how MBI will provide better services to
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members. We plan to have leaders from MBI, as well as local dignitaries in attendance to mark this great occasion. This event is open to all members and will feature complementary food and drinks. Members are encouraged to attend and walk through the new space, while catching up with fellow construction colleagues.
MBI's Grand Opening Event! 10.26.22 | 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
As part of the program on October 26th, MBI is hosting leaders from the past to share in a lunch event, in which past Board chairs are invited to partake in The Chairmen’s Luncheon. It will be great to bring together past Board chairs to allow them a first-hand opportunity to see MBI’s new building. At this lunch, there will also be an unveiling of a special art piece that pays homage to each past Board chair.
But if you can’t wait until the end of October....
SCOTT KLOSOSKY
FUTURE POINT OF VIEW
and really want to want to get a sneak-peak on what the building looks like on the inside, mark Wednesday, September 14th on your calendar. The building’s capabilities will be on full display as MBI will host a keynote and workshop by Scott Klososky. Scott’s program will focus on the integration of technology and humanity – a term he calls HUMAOLGY ®. Participants have the luxury of either attending in person or joining virtually. The keynote is sure to get people thinking, while the workshop will be highly engaging whether you are sitting in the room or in your office.
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In addition to a new office, MBI is also proud to unveil its new logo (see inside cover). This logo represents a new and exciting era in which MBI embraces the continuous growth and evolution of those who construct Iowa’s built environment. MBI is proud of its 110-year history and feels the new logo demonstrates how the industry has changed and how the association can continue to be committed to “elevating” the commercial building industry through advocacy, education and resources.
These are exciting times for MBI for all of those involved and we appreciate your interest and continued support of this great organization. If you are planning to attend any or all of the grand opening festivities, please contact Nichole Fry at NFry@MBI.Build.
Here is a schedule of events for the Grand Opening:
Wednesday, September 14th, 2022
Sneak-Peak Program with Scott Klososky - Focus on Tomorrow's Tech...Today! A Vision for the Future of Industry Technology (Keynote by Scott Klososky) - Practical Tech Strategies for Tomorrow and Beyond (Workshop by Scott Klososky)
These programs will be delivered via a hybrid model, in which you can attend in person or virtually.
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Noon – 2:00 p.m. - Chairmen’s Lunch - Special Invite 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. - Grand Opening Celebration - Come enjoy construction camaraderie at its best while touring MBI’s new facility. Open to all MBI member firms and their employees.
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MBI PAC
BUILDERS ACTION FUND
The MBI-PAC is the most recognizable tool that our membership has deployed for legislative advocacy at the Iowa Capitol. It has strategically helped this organization develop and support relationships with pro-business and pro-construction candidates for years.
Building off the MBI-PAC’s success, we created the Builders’ Action Fund as a way to recognize those members who are contributing. There are different contribution levels within the Builders’ Action Fund that MBI members can participate in, where you are then recognized differently for those contributions.
Contact Ben Hammes at BHammes@MBI.Build for more information on how to participate and support your MBI-PAC.
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ELEVATE
MBI'S NEW BUSINESS & EVENTS CENTER
BY CHAD KLEPPE PRESIDENT | CEO
During the initial phases of the feasibility study that took an in depth look at the prospects of a new corporate headquarters for MBI, there was one item that continually came up during discussions with the Board, members and staff. This one particular item centered on the need for a large classroom/meeting facility to accommodate the numerous trainings, classes and association gatherings. That desire to have such a feature then became more prevalent during the property search and once a location was identified and an acquisition made, the design phase focused on creating a state-of-the-art classroom that would be flexible, convenient and easy to use.
The new business and events center named Elevate that is part of the MBI headquarters, will provide members with a new look and new features to our existing educational offerings. Having a training space to call home will now allow for customized room arrangements and add a great deal of flexibility in scheduling our educational events.
From a training delivery standpoint, members will now have access to three different types of training – in-person, hybrid, and virtual.
The in-person approach will include our traditional leadership development programs like Cornerstone Academy, The Leadership Experience, and Building a Safety Champion as well as full and half day workshops. These programs are best suited for personal interaction, which adds to the caliber of the program for all the attendees, as well as the instructors.
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The hybrid approach will be on display for the first time on September 14th with a seminar called Focus on Tomorrow’s Tech…Today! For this program, and others like it in the near future, there will simultaneously be both an in-person audience at the MBI training center as well as attendees joining virtually. This hybrid approach allows for attendees to participate in person or from another location. Our goal is to create programs and provide content that will be informative and engaging, regardless of how (or more appropriately – where) a participant chooses to be part of the program.
Finally, our virtual approach to training will be held from the MBI office (broadcasted) without an audience or from any location in which our instructor is located. The content will be delivered fully online. Examples of programs that will be available to interested participants includes our entire MBI Live Online Learning and Development curriculum that will feature topics such as Bluebeam, Procore, and Primavera P6 training.
As you can see, regardless of how members choose to participate in educational and leadership development programs, the vision of bringing new ways of delivering classes is upon us. Should you have any questions or want to learn more about MBI’s various educational offerings, please contact Tom Fulcher at TFulcher@MBI.Build.
2022 - 2023 CORNERSTONE ACADEMY
A Solid Foundation for Construction Professionals
A construction leadership development program designed to introduce attendees to several facets of the commercial industry, a wealth of knowledge and allows the attendee to grow their professional networks.
REGISTER TODAY!
All classes will be conducted at our NEW business & events center! Register today at www.MBI.Build/cornerstone-academy
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THE BREAKFAST 10 CLUB
BY BEN HAMMES DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Nostalgia. Many of you feel it as you read the title of this article. While we won’t be recreating and acting out the 1985 hit “The Breakfast Club” anytime soon, we are excited to tell you about the newest creation of our own MBI Breakfast Club. Beginning in December 2022, we’ll be hosting a series of bi-monthly Breakfast Club gatherings available exclusively to MBI members.
Join us at 7:30 am for a cup of coffee and a time to network with colleagues. Beginning around 8:00 am, we’ll have a few announcements on what’s coming up for MBI followed by a brief presentation that is of relevance to the membership. We promise to have you out of there by 9:00 am so you can start your day.
The first three sessions will be legislatively focused in nature as we will be in the middle of legislative session. We’ll have special guests, vendors and others participate in these meetings, which will be a great opportunity to connect with your colleagues. There will also be a virtual component. While we haven’t figured out how to send coffee to you virtually, busy members can plug-in virtually to our new facility and hear what the speaker’s have to say.
These meetings are FREE to members and will be an excellent opportunity to show you what our new building is capable of. The only thing we’ll ask of you is an RSVP for those attending in-person so we know how many donuts and pastries to order! Stay tuned, we’ll have more information available on our website at www.MBI.Build and please reach out to Ben Hammes at BHammes@MBI.Build with questions about the Breakfast Club.
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RECAP
SUMMER INTERN SERIES
BY ADAM DOBRASKA MEMBER SERVICES ASSOCIATE
MBI’s first Summer Intern Series was a huge success! Each company that participated was able to sign up 2 interns to experience this year’s 4 session series. Make sure that when this becomes available next year, you register your interns as early as you can! The best part is that it is FREE for members to sign up their interns in this program!
The first session was a kickoff meeting at DCI Group's office to introduce the interns to MBI as an association, and to explain the advocacy, education and resources available to members of MBI. The intent of this meeting is also to show how this series will enhance their overall internship experience. Not only were they introduced to MBI, but they were also able to meet with their peers that are in similar internships at different companies. The second session focused solely on networking and a social event. We merged the interns and the YBUILDER program for this session so that the interns could meet young professionals in the industry. They were able to do this while we attended the ICUBS baseball game for a night out at the ballpark. Everyone had a fun time watching baseball, and meeting with the YBUILDERs!
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Y YBUILDER
Young Builders Unite in Linking Developing & Enhancing Relationships
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTERS
Cal Beyer Holmes Murphy
Rachel Geilenfeld Chevron Renewable Fuels
The third session focused on mental health and how it plays a vital role in the construction industry. Holmes Murphy and Associates, LLC was gracious enough to allow us to utilize one of their conference rooms for this meeting. We had a wonderful speaker discuss the importance of mental health and how to recognize issues with people. Cal Beyer with Holmes Murphy gave our interns a presentation on a topic that is often not spoken about enough in the construction industry. Cal provided handouts to highlight his presentation, and this session acted as a lunch and learn for the interns. Cal also made the presentation engaging by having the interns use the interactive polling app from their phones to answer a multitude of questions. The fourth session was located at The Republic on Grand for another lunch and learn focused on etiquette in dining and networking. Rachel Geilenfeld was the speaker for this session. Rachel was excellent in speaking about the “do’s and don’ts” of dining, and how to properly network in a business atmosphere. An impressive presentation for sure! MBI is very excited about the intern series moving forward, and how it will evolve over the years to come. What a fun way to introduce the next generation of workers to the association. Please utilize this wonderful new program when it is available each Summer.
For questions regarding the MBI Summer Intern Series, please direct those to me at ADoBraska@MBI.Build.
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MBI MEMBER EXCLUSIVE
Webinars Scheduled for September and October You Don't Want to Miss!
Register Online at www.MBI.Build/Events
SEPTEMBER
Cybersecurity and Ransomware - Protect Yourself and Your Company
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
With today’s advanced threats and rapidly evolving malware, paired with an increasingly virtual workforce, your company faces data security risk exposures from internal and external sources every day. This webinar will address and provide demonstrations on the common ways companies are attacked, and how you can protect yourself and your company from becoming a victim.
Presenters: Jack Potter, RSM US LLP - Des Moines, IA | Adam Sachsel, RSM US LLP - Des Moines, IA
OCTOBER
OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Many employers with more than 10 employees are required to keep a record of serious workrelated injuries and illness. This information helps employers, workers, and OSHA evaluate the safety of a workplace, understand industry hazards, and implement worker protections to reduce and eliminate hazards -preventing future workplace injuries and illnesses. This webinar will explain the process to determine if an injury or illness is recordable, when injuries or illnesses do not need to be recorded, reporting requirements, retention requirements, and the electronic submission of records.
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Presenter: Christopher Downs, Iowa OSHA - Des Moines, IA
