SITE Improvement Association
History
In the early 1960’s, three St. Louis area specialty contractor associations, independent of one another, each came simultaneously to the same conclusion that they had no voice in labor negotiations. All three of the associations were employers of the basic crafts i.e. laborers, operating engineers, teamsters, etc. These three associations and their respective presidents in 1966 were: the Greater St. Louis Paving Contractors Association (Herbert Bangert, Busy Bee materials), the Associated Sewer Contractors (Edwin C. Ryder, Jr., J& S Sewer Construction Company), and the St. Louis Earth Movers Association (Eugene Glosier, Glosier Construction Company).
These three associations decided to form a master organization to negotiate labor contracts as a single, multiple-employer group. As a result, in 1966 the three associations formed SITE Improvement Association (SITE) and retained the firm of A.J. Ahner and Associates, Labor Relations Consultants, to administer the affairs of the newly formed association, and to handle labor negotiations and problems.
The name SITE Improvement Association was selected because the primary activity of the specialty contractors consisted of improving the job site for residential, commercial, industrial and highway construction.
The first president of SITE and continuing to serve as president until 1971 was Mr. Robert Hampton (Busy Bee Materials). Elected as SITE’s first vice-president was Norvell Morice (Nor-Vel Construction Company). Serving as the first secretary was Mr. Jack Grutsch (Maplewood Construction Company).
The first SITE Christmas Party was held on December 5, 1966. Chairman of the Christmas Party was Mr. Joe Barbagallo (Barbagallo Grading & Excavating).
In 1967, membership in SITE was expanded in include associate members; those companies who provide supplies or services to the contractor.
March, 1968 commenced SITE’s first monthly publication entitled SITE News. This publication continues to provide a means of keeping the members informed of governmental, legislative and industry changes that may affect member contractors and associates.
SITE’s administrator, Mr. Al Ahner, died of a heart attack on December 18, 1968. In January, 1969, Mr. David Birenbaum, an employee of A.J. Ahner and Associates, was chosen by SITE’s Board of Directors as their new administrator. Mr. Birenbaum changed the firm’s name to David Birenbaum and Associates and specialized in association management work.
At the conclusion of 1968 labor negotiations, a fourth specialty association – the Concrete Contractors Association of St. Louis & Vicinity, joined the original three groups.