The Builders’ Association celebrates the grand opening of its hi-tech advancement center
On Aug. 30, the grand opening of the Builders’ Advancement Center was celebrated, ushering in a new era for The Builders’ Association’s Education & Training Services.
The Builders’ Advancement Center —completely funded by private industry— occupies 4,000 of the 100,000 square foot Education & Training Center, located at 105 W 12th Ave, North Kansas City, Mo. It’s also home to the Association’s Professional Development and Workforce Development Services, as well as Apprenticeship Programs for the Bricklayers, Tile Setters, Painters, Glaziers, Ironworkers, Cement Finishers, and Plasterers.
Greg Dunn, 2016 Chairman of The Builders’ Association and Vice President, Dun-Par Engineered Form Company, was the Master of Ceremonies. He called the new Advancement Center “an exciting place where people can learn about and utilize new technology solutions that are fueling productivity and growth in our industry.”
The guest speakers included Kansas City Mayor Sly James; MO State Rep. Lauren Arthur (18th District); MO State Sen. Ryan Silvey (17th District); and Councilwoman Alissia Canady (KC’s 5th District).
Mayor James stated, “Good things are happening in Kansas City. Buildings are going up, construction is taking place, and we are in a renaissance period. Today’s ribbon cutting is another piece of the puzzle. For Kansas City to remain healthy and to continue its growth, we need to constantly develop qualified trained workers. The Center is going to do just that. It represents our future workforce.”
Don Greenwell, President of The Builders’ Association, added, “The Builders’ Advancement Center is designed to help recruit a diverse workforce and provide the hands-on education and technology necessary to supply high-caliber knowledge workers for our industry.”
Dr. Richard Bruce, the Association’s Education & Training Director, thanked the Advisory Board for providing the vision necessary to develop the Center’s new lab and classroom space. In addition to Dr. Bruce, Advisory Board members include Dustin Burns, Information Technology Director, McCownGordon Construction; Chris Clayton, Project Superintendent, PCI (Performance Contracting Inc.); Michael Gekas, AIA, Virtual Construction Manager, McCownGordon Construction; Alex Gonzalez, President, Gonzalez Construction LLC; Rick Lashley, Senior Project Superintendent, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; and Pattie Whitmer, Director of Employee Development, JE Dunn Construction Company.
The Builders’ Association, established in 1887, has its administrative office at 720 Oak Street in Kansas City, Mo.
