ACI Constructor Magazine Fall 2024

contents

06 Welcome

08 Brittney Cousins | ACI’s New Director of Workforce Solutions

12 Internship 2024 | Cincinnati Zoo

18 ACI Social 2024

22 The Will to Build a Better Tomorrow

24 ACI Construction Career Awards

Allied Construction Industries
3 Kovach Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45215
Phone: (513) 221-8020
aci-web.com

This publication was created and produced by Town Square Publications for Allied Construction Industries.

Copyright © 2024 Town Square Publications
P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006
(847) 427-4905 | [email protected]
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Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and Town Square assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and Town Square is prohibited.

Chairman, CEO and Publisher | Douglas K. Ray

President and Chief Operating Officer | Scott Stone

Vice President / Director | Scott Ray

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Director of Operations | Joseph Nugara

Senior Account Executive | Barry Kenis

Editor | Bob Oswald

Project Manager | Sandy King

Ad Services Supervisor | Tiffany Hogan

Advertising Coordinator | Cindy Groenhof

Contributing Photographer
Steve Ziegelmeyer
Welcome

As the summer begins to fade in our collective rearview mirror and the fall comes into greater focus, construction workforce is on my mind. Workforce is always on my mind, but there are some exciting highlights from the last couple months I’d like to share with you. Additionally, I’d like to encourage you to come celebrate with us in November as we recognize and honor our industries workforce movers and shakers! More on that in a moment.

Okay, so July and August were blockbuster months for ACI on the workforce solutions front!

1. We onboarded our newest Director of Workforce Solutions, Brittney Cousins. (Page 8)

ACI added to its team this July with the addition of Brittney Cousins, Director of Workforce Solutions. Brittney has extensive experience in workforce development, which positions her well to lead ACI’s efforts in addressing the workforce challenges faced by the construction industry.

Brittney’s experience with Cincinnati Public Schools and Kipp Public Schools, coupled with business acumen gleaned from founding and running a successful consulting business, will allow her to positively impact workforce solutions for the commercial construction industry that ACI serves.

If you’d like to connect with Brittney and let her know your workforce needs, she’d love to hear from you! [email protected] / 513.482.4724.

2. ACI developed and launched the first-of-its-kind construction maintenance internship program for the Cincinnati Zoo. (Page 12)

In an initiative to provide youth in the Avondale community line of sight and access to well-paying jobs in a rewarding career pathway, ACI developed and executed a first-of-its-kind paid internship program this summer for the Cincinnati Zoo.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the larger construction firms in the region, and the program blended practical on-the-job training with educational instruction. The curriculum was designed to help develop the next generation of construction maintenance professionals. This initiative came to life through the generous funding of the Spirit of Construction Foundation and the Fifth Third Foundation.

We cover it in depth in this installment of your Cincinnati Constructor Magazine and I hope you take a moment to read it.

3. ACI created and executed a summer camp that taught Girl Scouts construction craft skills.

For the second year running, ACI partnered with the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio to facilitate a week-long construction exploration camp called ACI She Builds Summer Camp. Over the course of the camp, girls got a chance to learn alongside skilled workers (ACI members!), build knowledge about the construction industry, and practice skills on legacy projects that will exist for years to come. The goal of this camp is to close the workforce gap and increase the number of females in the construction workforce. The program made possible by generous funding from the MDU Resources Foundation and the Spirit of Construction Foundation.

4. ACI recognizes your best and brightest (Page 24)

The ACI Construction Career Awards celebrate the pinnacle of excellence in Cincinnati’s commercial construction industry. This year the event will be held on November 13, 2024 at the Kenwood Country Club from 3:30-5:30. I hope to see you there!

These awards honor the accomplishments of ten individuals in the skilled trades, organizations, and individuals for their dedication to workforce development and inclusion, and those who have made an early and positive impact in and on the industry. Additionally, one individual will be honored as the 2024 Industry Icon for their career-long contribution to the industry.

As ever, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me personally with your feedback, ideas, and questions. I want to hear from you because when I know what’s on your mind and what’s important to you, we can serve you better.

With warm regards and gratitude,

Jordan Vogel

Executive Director, Allied Construction Industries (ACI)

Executive Director, Associated General Contractors (AGC) Cincinnati
BRITTNEY COUSINS

ACI’S NEW DIRECTOR OF WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

Allied Construction Industries is pleased to announce the appointment of Brittney Cousins as the new Director of Workforce Solutions, effective July 8, 2024. With her extensive experience in workforce development, Cousins is well-positioned to lead the organization’s efforts in addressing the workforce challenges faced by the construction industry.

Cousins brings over 14 years of experience, including extensive K-12 experience in Cincinnati Public Schools, which will propel the Allied Construction Industries Construction Career Advocacy Programs (CCAP) work in area schools. This experience within public schools, coupled with the business acumen gleaned from founding a successful consulting business, will allow Brittney to make an impact in workforce solutions within the commercial construction industry.

During her time at Cincinnati Public Schools, Cousins served as the Career-Based Learning Manager, where she led district-wide efforts to develop an employment pipeline model that trained and launched students into careers. She also oversaw the Business Advisory Council, which informed the School Board on workforce trends and influenced district curriculum. Cousins’ work resulted in increased business partnerships, recognition of the Council at the state level, and improved programmatic outcomes for students and the community.

Most recently, Cousins served as the Community Engagement Sr. Manager at KIPP Foundation, where she set the vision and strategy for the Foundation’s community engagement efforts, executed training, and collaborated with regional partnership teams through the KIPP Public Schools network.

Cousins holds a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from Northern Kentucky University. She has received several honors and awards, including the Excellence in Coordinating Career Readiness Experiences from the Ohio Department of Education and the Spirit Award from the Cincinnati USA Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“I’ve been fortunate to know Brittney for several years now, and I’m incredibly excited that she is joining our team” said Jordan Vogel, Executive Director of Allied Construction Industries (ACI). “I’m excited for ACI, for our members, and for our industry. Brittney is a thinker and a doer. A formidable combination,” Vogel added. “I have every confidence that she’ll lead our Construction Career Center to new heights, delivering excellence in our K-12 and adult education & training work. She is the perfect next hire for ACI, at a critical time in our industry when workforce development and training have never been more important.”
INTERNSHIP 2024

CINCINNATI ZOO

Cincinnati Zoo a partner in developing construction industry

In an initiative to provide youth in the Avondale community with line of sight and access to well-paying jobs in a rewarding career pathway, Allied Construction Industries (ACI) developed and executed a first-of-its-kind paid internship program in the summer of 2024 for the Cincinnati Zoo. This initiative came to life through the generous funding of the Spirit of Construction Foundation and the Fifth Third Foundation.

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the larger construction firms in the region, and the program blended practical on-the-job training with educational instruction. The curriculum was designed to help develop the next generation of construction maintenance professionals.

The program consisted of three main components: Classroom Instruction, On-the-Job Training and Community Service Projects, and was designed to accomplish 3 main goals: Workforce Development: Create programming that exposes K-12 students to construction careers; Community Development: Serve the community of Avondale; and Workforce Solutions for Commercial Construction: Create direct pathways to solve the talent challenges in the commercial construction industry

The program included five interns aged 17 to 18, who became employees of the Zoo and were paid weekly, using grant dollars. Students were given12 hours per week of classroom instruction in construction safety, carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing/pipefitting. There was on-the-job training that included 30 hours per week of practical experience. Technical skills were also taught including how to use tools and materials, improve practical skills in various trades, and enhance soft skills such as punctuality, professionalism, and teamwork. Career Coaches provided insight into various career pathways within construction as well as knowledge regarding industry culture.

The students were recruited from ACI partner schools including Cincinnati Public Schools, Great Oaks, Princeton and Dohn Academy. Special focus was placed on individuals that live and/or go to school in the Avondale community and who had a genuine interest in construction trades.

Positive program highlights include:

• One intern was hired by the Cincinnati Zoo.

• Another began working with a plumbing contractor.

• Two interns increased their likelihood of pursuing construction careers.

• Four high school seniors are set to receive follow-up support through their schools via ACI.

• All participants valued the lifelong skills acquired and expressed a greater interest in the construction field. The students gained a deeper appreciation for the built environment and its processes.
$An Afternoon of \“Social izing\"$
ACI SOCIAL 2024

An Afternoon of "Social-izing"

The ACI Social at the Cincinnati Fowling (football + bowling) Warehouse was held on September 12, 2024. Beverages, bites, and some friendly competition between 30 teams of two made for a fun afternoon with a bit of shop talk mixed in. The winners? Kyle Lemmink and Mike Heaton of Thomas J. Dyer Company who took home championship Yetis and Amazon gift cards. Second place went to the Goettle team, whose players were Goettle’s own Luke Busam and Michael Raidt with Mercer Advisors. Everyone who “fowled” went home with a tournament tee shirt this year.
The will to build
a better tomorrow

The construction industry’s modern renovation

By Shane Zysk, Marketing Coordinator | Building Point Ohio Valley

Technician is a word often associated with an individual with specialized knowledge, training and skills, specifically educated, experienced and adept at performing a key job function in our society. But it seems hardly ever used in the world of construction.

Laborer is the term most think of when applying a label to those in built environment, and this is unfortunate, too.

For while the services they perform are critical to the development, maintenance and progress of our civilization, such a name relegates those traditionally blue-collar workers to the realm of ignorant toilers tied to menial tasks and pitiful wages. Such thinking has helped to fuel the current crisis in the industry. But those with an open-minded approach can see the way forward. Through the embracement of modern construction technology, stakeholders can address the labor shortage, meet rising regulations and gain a competitive edge in today’s market.

The first problem that the construction industry needs to solve is its current lack of employees – skilled employees.

We’re past the tipping point, in that the number of those within a matter of years of leaving this discipline outnumbers their respective replacements coming in. Factor in ever-increasing demand for new and improved infrastructure, and the fact that the median age of the average construction worker is increasing becomes all the more worrisome. Workers in the industry now are on the cusp of heading out the door and taking their tried-and-true veteran abilities with them.

Jobs are there and pay promising, but convincing young graduates in the digital age to embrace the hammer can seem daunting if not impossible for some. This is one place where a light on technology and contemporary developments needs brightly to be shone.

Major solutions manufacturers and suppliers have been rising to the task at hand, through the development of various technology labs at universities and equipment donations to trade programs. These efforts achieve important goals. They highlight and expose upcoming generations to the state of 21st century construction and then give them the opportunity to become educated in its use in a comfortable setting. Such isn’t limited to academia, however, as design-build firms, too, have begun investing directly in technology exploration, assessment and training as they work to adapt to the modern world and evolve their company culture and capabilities.

When construction is viewed as a promising path to growth, achievement and importance, where critical thinkers deploy the latest cutting-edge tools of the trade to push the envelope of the human story, the labor shortage will shrink. Buildings will be built even better as well.

As we continue to live in a world racked by climate change, eco-friendly solutions will ever rise in importance as well. Green building and concepts similarly aimed at reducing our carbon footprint are going to be a factor at every stage and every level.

Increasing population, health, safety, natural disaster preparation and other concerns are forcing construction companies to grapple with concepts prior generations never even dreamed of. To meet the new restrictions, regulations and guidelines imposed for the benefit of all, firms need to control their operations more precisely than ever. This means the use of exacting technologies and processes in the form of virtual pre- construction, building information modeling (BIM) design, guided software and robotic hardware that helps with the complex calculations and measurements, as well as material and spec demands, of today, reducing human error and freeing those minds up to focus on the bigger picture.

Surviving the labor shortage and meeting modern requirements are only two of the challenges currently facing construction companies, as the third will involve carving out a niche in an ever-competitive world.

Upholding the status quo, with traditional methods of construction in-place for millennia, is perhaps the most surefire way to fail in the years to come. The digital age is here to stay, and just as with the industrial revolution before it, the advent of modern technology is impacting every facet of life and each professional discipline. As discussed previously, the value of virtual pre-construction through BIM, physical-to-digital design translation via 3D scanning and mixed reality, and precision of robotic-assisted layout cannot be overstated. Those who invest in their use are reaping the benefits in the terms already mentioned, as well as more accurate bidding, scheduling, supply ordering, QA/QC, clash detection and compelling deliverables. As this continues, the gap between small players scraping by with antiquated abilities and the ones with thriving growth potential will inevitably widen until they appear to be in two completely separate trades.

Perhaps that’s what we’re witnessing these days, the break between traditional construction, soon to be relegated to the realm of weekend hobbyists, and technical construction, in which the professionals will continue to gravitate.

As robotic instruments, mobile tablets, digital planning and guided software become ever-more-commonplace in the industry, the view of a career in the built environment will surely evolve to match. This will eventually help with the labor shortage, but individual firms and the industry as a whole can do much to make the transition from old-school to new-school as smooth as possible.

Furthermore, those who invest and position themselves as tech-savvy, will only find themselves better positioned to tackle the challenges of recruitment, regulations and recurring revenue in the future.

In the end, the difference between success or failure for players in the construction industry might be a timeless attitude after all, the will to build.

Modern construction workers have more in common with technical engineers than unskilled laborers as the industry continues to evolve utilizing the latest technology.
2024 ACI

CONSTRUCTION CAREER AWARDS

The ACI Construction Career Awards celebrate the pinnacle of excellence in Cincinnati’s commercial construction industry. These prestigious awards honor the dedication and acumen of ten individuals in the skilled trades, organizations and individuals for their dedication to workforce development and inclusion, and honor those who have made an early impact. One individual will be honored as the 2024 Industry Icon for their career-long contribution to the industry.

Winners will be announced: November 1, 2024.

ACI Construction Career Awards: November 13, 2024, Kenwood Country Club 3:30-5:30 pm.

NOTE: Awards in the safety category will be
honored at the 2025 ACI Safety Day and
Conference on February 19, 2025.

Organizational Excellence
Workforce Development

Awarded to an organization dedicated to developing new talent and upskilling the workforce. This company is committed to strategic onboarding, training, and career development that results in growth and improved workforce quality.

Organizational Excellence
Workforce Education

Awarded to an educational institution that is dedicated to attracting and developing the commercial construction workforce in the Cincinnati Region. This organization is committed to promoting and advocating for careers in construction and/or is actively developing talent and skills.

Workforce Development Champion

Awarded to an individual who makes a significant contribution to construction-based outreach, culture, education, and/or training. This individual demonstrates a commitment to increasing the number of individuals entering or being upskilled in the construction industry.

ACI Skilled Trade Awards

Awarded to 10 outstanding craft persons (individuals) in the first five years of their careers who have demonstrated a talent, passion, and skill set to achieve excellence in craftsmanship and have positively contributed to their organization. Nominees have technical skills, soft skills, and personal attributes that show early signs of success in their career.

Industry Icon

Awarded to an outstanding, experienced individual in the commercial construction trades who possesses not only technical expertise but personal qualities that make them highly effective. By embodying these qualities, they have earned the respect and admiration of colleagues, clients, and supervisors. The nominees have technical expertise, problem-solving and communication skills, attention to detail and commitment to safety, adaptability, mentorship, time management, and work ethic. The ACI Industry Icon, above all, is an exemplary stellar industry citizen who produces stellar work and inspires others to do the same.

Workforce Inclusion Champion

Recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to expanding the commercial construction industry workforce to include women, veterans, minorities, and other underrepresented groups. This award celebrates those who have demonstrated a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry and have successfully implemented initiatives or programs that have resulted in increased representation and opportunities for these groups.

Early Impact Champion

Recognizes an outstanding individual in the first ten years of their career who has demonstrated leadership in attracting, retaining, and championing talent in the Cincinnati region’s commercial construction industry. The recipient of this award is an emerging talent who embodies the qualities of a future leader and serves as an inspiration to others in the industry as well as being a positive representative of commercial construction within the community.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available here.

ACI-web.
com/award-nomination-2024
Member Highlight

Temporary Wall Systems:
Revolutionizing Temporary Containment Solutions

In the ever-evolving landscape of construction and renovation, the need for efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly temporary containment solutions has never been greater. Enter Temporary Wall Systems (TWS) offering an innovative approach to temporary containment that sets a new standard in the industry. TWS is not just about walls; it’s about a comprehensive, sustainable, and adaptable solution that meets the diverse needs of various sectors, from healthcare to commercial environments.

A New Standard in Temporary Containment

Temporary Wall Systems specializes in the rental, delivery, installation, and removal of modular walls designed to provide superior dust and noise control compared to traditional temporary drywall or plastic sheeting solutions. These prefabricated walls are a testament to advanced engineering and thoughtful design, offering a blend of durability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Kent Falknor, the owner of TWS, explains, “Our system is designed for quick installation and removal, which means less downtime and disruption for your projects. Plus, since our product is reusable, it significantly reduces waste, making it a more sustainable choice for temporary containment.”

Superior Construction and Design

The modular walls from TWS are prefabricated in various sizes to cater to any requirement. One side of the wall is made from galvanized steel, providing robustness and longevity, while the other side is coated aluminum, painted white for a clean, professional appearance. The core of the wall features closed-cell foam, which is instrumental in blocking out construction noise, creating a quieter and more pleasant environment for both workers and occupants of the surrounding areas.

Options for these walls are extensive. They include swinging and sliding doors of various sizes, which can be equipped with either keyed or keypad locks for enhanced security. Transparent panels are also available, allowing for visibility into the construction area, which is particularly useful in environments where monitoring is crucial.

Meeting the Highest Standards

One of the key selling points of Temporary Wall Systems is their compliance with the highest industry standards. The walls exceed the Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) Class V requirements, making them ideal for sensitive environments such as healthcare facilities, laboratories, and cleanrooms. This level of compliance ensures that the containment solutions provided by TWS not only meet but exceed the stringent regulations required in these specialized settings.

In addition to their robust wall systems, TWS offers HEPA air scrubbers and manometers. These devices are essential for creating and monitoring negative pressure environments, further enhancing the containment capabilities and ensuring that dust and contaminants are effectively managed.

Introducing CONNECT: Versatility and Aesthetics Combined

Temporary Wall Systems has recently unveiled their latest innovation, the CONNECT panel system. This new product is designed to cater to the needs of airports, event facilities, retail spaces, and commercial environments. The CONNECT system stands out for its smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface, which can be easily wrapped in graphics. This feature allows the panels to integrate seamlessly into almost any application, doubling as a marketing tool and enhancing the visual appeal of the space.

“The CONNECT panel system is incredibly versatile,” says Falknor. “It can adapt to a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making it the perfect solution for a broad range of applications. Whether you need to create a temporary partition in an airport or an event facility, CONNECT provides a flexible and visually appealing option.”

Cost-Effectiveness and Turn-Key Service

In today’s cost-conscious market, finding budget-friendly solutions without compromising on quality is paramount. Temporary Wall Systems excels in this area by offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional containment methods. Falknor emphasizes, “We offer a more budget-friendly option for your individual projects. Plus, our turn-key service handles everything from mobilization to removal, allowing you to focus on other critical project details.”

The turn-key service provided by TWS is a significant advantage for clients, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. This comprehensive service includes everything from the initial delivery and setup of the modular walls to their eventual removal once the project is complete. This all-inclusive approach means that clients can rely on TWS to manage the entire process, freeing them up to concentrate on other important aspects of their projects.

A Commitment to Sustainability

In an era where sustainability is increasingly important, Temporary Wall Systems is leading the way with their environmentally responsible solutions. The reusable nature of their modular walls means that there is no waste generated at the end of the project, a stark contrast to the disposal issues associated with traditional temporary walls and plastic sheeting.

Falknor elaborates, “Our commitment to sustainability is at the core of our business. By choosing our reusable wall systems, our clients are making a choice that is better for the environment. It’s about reducing waste and minimizing our impact on the planet while still providing top-quality containment solutions.”

Applications Across Various Industries

The versatility of TWS’s containment solutions makes them suitable for a wide range of industries. In healthcare, the walls’ compliance with ICRA Class V requirements ensures a safe and sterile environment, crucial for patient safety. In laboratories and cleanrooms, the walls provide the necessary containment to maintain controlled conditions.

For commercial and retail environments, the CONNECT system offers a practical and visually appealing solution for creating temporary partitions. Its ability to be customized with graphics makes it an excellent choice for branding and marketing purposes, allowing businesses to maintain their professional image even during renovations or temporary setups.

Future Prospects and Expansion

As Temporary Wall Systems continues to grow, the company is looking to expand its reach and offer its innovative solutions to a broader audience. With a focus on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, TWS is poised to become a leader in the temporary containment industry.

Falknor concludes, “We are excited about the future and the potential to help more clients with our innovative solutions. Our goal is to continue providing high-quality, cost-effective, and sustainable containment options that meet the evolving needs of various industries.”

Contact Information

For more information about Temporary Wall Systems and their range of products, including the new CONNECT panel system, interested parties can contact Kent Falknor directly at [email protected] or (513) 991-1114. Additional details can also be found on their website at www.TempWallSystems.com/locations/Cincinnati.

Conclusion

Temporary Wall Systems is redefining the standards for temporary containment solutions with their innovative, sustainable, and versatile products. Under the leadership of Kent Falknor, TWS is not just meeting the current demands of the market but setting a new benchmark for the industry. With their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction, TWS is well-positioned to become a preferred choice for temporary containment needs across various sectors.