Association News Connector - Fall 2023

■ SEAA Honors Two Individuals for Their Positive Impact on the Steel Construction Industry

During the annual convention in April 2023 in St. Augustine, Florida, Geoff Kress, President of Gardner-Watson Decking, Oldsmar, Florida, and Bryan McClure, Partner in Trivent Safety Consulting, Westminster, Colorado, received two of SEAA’s most prestigious recognitions. Kress received the William Davis Service award, and McClure was named Person of the Year.

The William Davis Service Award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a life-long commitment to service in the steel construction industry. The award is the association’s highest honor, and is not issued annually. Recipients of the Person of the Year award have dedicated many hours supporting the association and providing their expertise.

2023 William Davis Service Award

Kress joined SEAA just 23 years ago as a vendor representing G&G Distributors, a supplier of pneumatic tools for fastening deck. But within five years, he made the leap to open his own decking construction company in addition to the tool supply company. Seeking advice and knowledge from others, he started sitting in on board meetings, eventually being voted in as a Director and Officer. He served as Treasurer for seven years. In 2011 he was named Person of the Year.

Kress served as President (2020-2022) during one of the more pivotal transitions in the association’s history: through the global pandemic and during the absence of a full time Executive Director. Rather than allow these challenges to hinder SEAA initiatives, Kress took advantage of the bylaws to name a larger Executive

Committee in order to draw on more knowledge and advice, implemented frequent leadership meetings, and restructured committees to get more people involved. “He reinvigorated the leadership and positioned the association for a new era of growth,” said Heron.

2023 Person of the Year

One of the initiatives that the association had been kicking around for many years finally got legs under the tenure of Bryan McClure as Chairman of the Safety & Education Committee—completion of 80+ Ironworker Training Videos. The videos align with specific learning modules in the SEAA/NCCER Ironworker Custom Curriculum, and can be used to prepare employees for achieving Ironworker Level 1, 2 or 3, Rigger, Signalperson, or Crane Operator certifications. Access to the videos are free to member companies through the newly launched SteelPros Training Portal.

“This project required someone with the subject matter expertise to manage it. From selecting locations for shooting, to overseeing scripting accuracy, and proofing videos—this was a huge endeavor,” said Pete Gum, Executive Director. “He always has a smile on his face and frequently pitches in when needed, but this video project was a mammoth task that will impact members for years to come,” said Gum.

McClure has served as a SEAA Director since 2017 and led the Safety & Education Committee as Chairman from 2019 to 2022. He is currently serving as Secretary of the Board.

Geoff Kress of Gardner-Watson Decking (second from left) was named 2023 William Davis Service Award recipient.

Trivent Safety's Bryan McClure (left) was named 2023 Person of the Year. With him (left to right) are David Deem, SEAA President, Drew Heron, Awards Chairman, and Pete Gum, Executive Director.

■ Keynote Speaker Announced for 2024 Convention & Trade Show

SEAA is pleased to announce Garrison Wynn as the Keynote Speaker for its 2024 Convention and Trade Show in Glendale, AZ, April 2-5. Wynn is an established Fortune 500 leader, professional stand-up comedian, and an Amazon #1 best selling author.

In his teens, Wynn helped debut the world’s first video console gaming system, Odyssey, and went on to become the youngest department head in a Fortune 500 company’s history. There he researched and designed processes for 38 company locations nationwide, and developed and marketed products still being sold in 30 countries.

Wynn’s presentation, “Winning the Talent War,” will help guide business owners, leaders, and managers how to adapt their organization into a company that people want to work for and give insight on how to create a culture that will make them want to stay.

Wynn's keynote will kick off convention on April 3 and he will attend the Welcome Reception and Trade Show later that evening. Learn more about SEAA’s annual convention and trade show at SEAA.net/ seaa-convention—tradeshow.com.

Members Can Begin Submitting for 2024 Awards

SEAA has opened the submission forms for 2024 Project of the Year, Safety Excellence, and Craft Training Excellence awards. There is no cost for SEAA members to submit an application. The application deadline for Project of the Year is December 31, 2023, and the deadline for Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence awards is January 31, 2024. Winning companies in each category are featured in an in-depth profile article in Connector® magazine, the official publication of SEAA, and receive other promotional benefits.

The Project of the Year Award features categories for contracts of all sizes in both

Structural Steel and Miscellaneous Metals categories. Submissions are evaluated by an independent panel of judges. based solely on information presented with each submission. The Safety Excellence Award acknowledges SEAA members that have pro-active safety programs and have achieved improved or excellent safety records. The Craft Training Excellence Award compare companies based on number of ironworkers employed that are playing a critical role in skills development. Winners are selected in blind presentation by SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. Submission guidelines and forms can be found at seaa.net under Events & Awards. •