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.
In 1970, with SITE Improvement Association as one of the founding fathers, the Council of Construction Employers (CCE) was formed. CCE serves as a counterpart to the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council. In hopes of addressing jurisdictional problems among the various crafts and to promote productivity, members of the Building and Construction Trades Council and CCE formed an organization called PRIDE (Productivity & Responsibility Increase Development & Employment) in 1972. SITE continued to serve as one of its original board members until 1996 when PRIDE was reorganized resulting in philosophical differences between SITE and PRIDE. SITE continued its membership in CCE.
These associations continued to involve themselves in labor negotiations, but began expanding their activities to other areas of mutual concern. The need arose to support efforts to fund construction projects, provide for training new employees, sponsor educational seminars for both the employer and employees and more. Therefore, in 1973, SITE started an industry fund known as the SITE Advancement Foundation (SAF).
In 1978 the by-laws were changed to combine contractor memberships under SITE Improvement Association only. Also, two associate members were added to SITE’s Board of Directors. The first two associate members were Richard Bussen (Bussen Quarries) and Richard Thompson (Silver Eagle Construction Products). In 1991, a third associate member was added to SITE’s Board of Directors; Ken Mudd (Ken Mudd Hauling).
SITE’s first golf tournament was held in 1981 at Paddock Golf Club in north St. Louis County. The tournament has grown and in 1999 is utilizing thirty-six holes at Norwood Hills Country Club. Besides the regular golf tournament, in 1990 a SITE’s Couples Golf Tournament was initiated and is still being held.
Continuing to expand its activities in the legislative arena, SITE’s Political Action Committee (SITEPAC) was formed in 1987. This committee continues to support various construction related bond issues and construction minded candidates. Being elected as SITEPAC’s first chairman was associate member Mr. Dale Arn.
In 1988, under the presidency of Mr. Bob Morice (Nor-Vel Construction Company), SITE Improvement Association opened its own office and employed its own staff. The board of directors approved and appointed Mr. Jay Schultehenrich (former employee of David Birenbaum & Associates) as its executive director.
In 1991, SITE Improvement Association had grown in membership to approximately 165 contractor and associate members. SITE also celebrated its 25th anniversary. The grand celebration was held in conjunction with the annual Christmas Party. Mr. Robert Hampton, the first president of SITE, returned to St. Louis to participate in the festivities. Charter members of SITE were recognized at the gala. Mr. Joe Barbagallo was the initial recipient to be honored with the President's Award, which is given to an individual for their outstanding guidance and leadership contributions to SITE. As of 1999, only two other members have received such an honor. Ron Schaefer (Schaefer-Meyer Grading Division) received the President's Award in 1993, followed by Ken Karsten Sr. (Karsten Equipment Company) who received the award in 1999.
SITE continued to expand its services by addressing the safety needs of its members. In 1993, it published a safety manual, an employee safety handbook and contracted services with a mobile education van to provide job site safety training. SITE revised its Accident Prevention Manual and Employee Safety Handbook in 1996. The Business Roundtable in 1997 presented SITE its Construction Industry Cost Effective Award for its safety manual and employee safety handbook.
In 1994, SITE's board expanded its contractor base by approving a new contractor division titled Landscaping. Recognizing the role of landscaping contractors within the construction industry, the new division was given an equal position with the other contractor divisions on SITE’s Board of Directors.
Legislative success arrived in 1995 when the “Construction Payment” Bill was approved and signed into law by Governor Mel Carnahan. This law allows interest and attorney fees to be paid when payment provisions of a construction contract are being ignored.
In 1997 a new five-year labor agreement was reached between the landscaping contractors and Laborers Local 110. The agreement was expanded to cover modular block wall contractors.
Continuing its growth, SITE’s membership in 1999 reached approximately 200 contractor and associate members. During 1999, SITE negotiated the new five-year collective bargaining agreements with the following crafts: operating engineers, laborers, and cement masons. A new three-year agreement was reached between the asphalt paving contractors and the operating engineers union and the laborers union.
In 2000, as an ongoing effort to promote safety among its contractor members, SITE updated its Accident Prevention Manual and Employee Safety Handbook. In addition to the printed manual and handbook, SITE also offers the manual and handbook in electronic format so the contractor can tailor the manual or handbook to meet their company’s specific needs. Recognized the importance of effective communication between employers and its diverse employees, the Employee Safety Handbook was translated from English to Spanish.
In May 2001, the One-Call Utility Locator Bill was passed and signed into law by Governor Bob Holden. SITE was a leader and strong supporter in establishing the Missouri One Call System, Inc. This is a non-profit single-point notification center that accepts calls from any person excavating in the State of Missouri, The new law mandates all owners of underground utilities to become members of the One Call System by 2004 and requires utilities to locate their lines at the jobsite.
In 2001, SITE celebrated its 35th Anniversary. This milestone achievement was held in conjunction with the annual Christmas Party at Windows Off Washington, downtown St. Louis. Past presidents of SITE were recognized at the gala. Since 1992, SITE members have generously contributed over 2500 toys by bringing these toys to SITE’s annual Christmas Party. These toys are given to and distributed by the Variety Club to the disadvantaged children in the St. Louis area.
In May 2001, SITE Advancement Foundation (SITE Improvement Association’s industry fund) awarded its first scholarships (four at $1,000). Mr. Charles Bollmeier (C. E. Bollmeier Co.) served as the Scholarship Committee Chairman. In 2002, SITE’s Board of Directors approved increasing the number of scholarships to nine (four at $2,500 and five at $1,000).
In December 2001, SITE’s Board of Directors approved the addition of a new position that of Director of Governmental Affairs. The individual hired to fill the position was Mr. Terry Briggs, former Director of Communications at the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD). This is an important effort, which enables SITE to provide a strong voice in governmental affairs on behalf of our members.
SITE continues to be a major force in monitoring and representing the members in important legislative issues that have direct effect on the construction industry. In July 2002, Missouri Governor Bob Holden signed House Bill 1403, Retainage Guidelines, into law, effective August 28, 2002. This important new law will enable subcontractors who finish their portion early in a job, before the whole project is completed, to receive payments on satisfactorily completed work. Mr. Michael Jerome (Bi-State Utilities), Chairman of SITE’s Legislative Committee was recognized for his effort towards passage of the bill by testifying before committees in both the House and Senate.
In 2002, a new five-year labor agreement was reached between the Asphalt Paving contractors in SITE Improvement Association and Laborers’ Local Unions No. 42, 53, 110, 718 and 840. Agreements also were reached with Operating Engineers Local No. 513.
Also, in 2002, a new five-year labor agreement was reached between the Seed & Sod Nursery and the Modular Block Wall contractors of SITE Improvement Association and Laborers’ Local Union No. 110.
Early 2003, SITE’s Board of Directors approved a newly formed networking program for young executives within SITE’s member companies. Mr. Terry Daub (Kirkwood Excavating) and Mr. Erik Thompson (Silver Eagle Construction Products) were appointed to serve as co-chairs of the program. The first evening golf tournament took place in July at Tour-3 Golf Course. The event also served as YES’ fundraising. Other activities were added the following years including educational seminars on how to run a small business, legislative trip to Jefferson City, industry visits to Bussen Underground and Fabick CAT and social events such as St. Louis Cardinals baseball game and Missouri River Otters hockey game.
In 2003, a new five-year labor agreement was reached between the Bituminous Paving contractors of Greater St. Louis Paving Contractors Association within SITE Improvement Association and Laborers’ Local Unions No. 660.
In 2004, a new five-year labor agreement was reached between the Concrete contractors of SITE Improvement Association and the Cement Masons’ Local Union No. 527. Also, a new five-year labor agreements were reached between SITE Improvement Association contractors and Laborers’ Local Union No. 42, 53, and 110, Local Union No. 660 and Local Operating Engineers Union No. 513.
SITE’s regular golf tournament began in 1981 at Paddock Golf Course in north St. Louis County. Over the years the tournament has become one of the most popular events in the St. Louis construction industry reaching approximately 285 attendees. In 2005, Mr. Ron Schaefer, Sr. retired as Chairman of the Golf Tournament, a position he held since the golf tournament started. Ron also relinquished his duty as the “filet mignon” chef. During the 2005 golf tournament he was recognized for the time and effort he gave towards the golf tournament. The tradition of cooking the steaks was officially turned over to Mr. John Meyer (Fred Weber) and Mr. Terry McDannold (Park-Mark), the new co-chairs of the tournament.
In September 2005, Mr. Bob Morice (Nor-Vel Construction Company) was presented the President’s Award by President Michael Jerome. Mr. Morice became the fourth recipient of the President’s Award.
In August 28, 2006, the Work Zone Safety Bill was passed and signed into law by Governor Matt Blunt. SITE was a leader and strong advocate for the passage of the Work Zone Safety. The new law imposes a $10,000 fine and losing license if the motorists hit or killed a construction worker in the work zone. SITE distributed flyers with an important message, “Slow Down & Stay Alert – Set the Example in Highway Work Zone – Lives Depend On It.” to the members and other organizations encouraging motorists to slow down when traveling through construction work zones.
On September 9, 2006, SITE celebrated its 40th Anniversary Bash on the Eads Bridge. Approximately 400 members and guests including legislators and dignitaries attended the event. Guests received postcards featuring a signed print of Eads Bridge by Gary Lucy. Mayor Francis Slay, City of St. Louis, presented a proclamation proclaiming Saturday, September 9, 2006 as SITE Improvement Association Day in the City of St. Louis. At the Anniversary Bash, Mr. Ray Daub (Kirkwood Excavating) became only the fifth recipient of SITE’s President’s Award.
On December 2, 2006, SITE celebrated its 40th Anniversary. This milestone achievement was held in conjunction with the annual Christmas Party at St. Charles Convention Center. Past presidents of SITE, charter members, 25+ year, and 30+ year members were recognized at the gala. SITE’s members continued the tradition started in 1992 with bringing toys to the Christmas Party. Over 4,000 toys have been distributed to less fortunate children in the St. Louis area.
During 2006, SITE’s Board of Director voted to rejoin PRIDE. Also during 2006, SITE’s Labor Policy Committee was expanded and alternate committee members were added.
In 2007, a new five-year labor agreement was reached between the Bituminous Paving contractors within SITE Improvement Association and the Operating Engineers Union and Laborers Union. Also, in 2007, a new five-year labor agreement was reached between the Seed/Sod & Nursery and a new three-year labor agreement between the Modular Block Wall contractors of SITE Improvement Association and Laborers Local Union No. 110.
In March 2007, SITE presented a $10,000 check to Construction Careers Center, a tuition-free high school designed to prepare St. Louis students for construction careers. The first $2,500 Scholarship was awarded to a graduate of Construction Careers Center, James Jordan, who was planning to attend University of Missouri-St. Louis and majoring in Electrical Engineering.
The Young Executives of SITE (YES) began sending Care Packages to servicemen and women who are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Beginning in June 2007, for the first time, a new SITE labor agreement, covering Franklin County, with Laborers Local #840 had been reached. Also, new Laborers agreement was negotiated with Laborers Local #110 for the counties of Jefferson and Washington. These two counties were under the territorial control of Local #718. However, the Laborers International office in May dissolved Local #718 and gave these two counties to Laborers Local #110. Having agreements in the Laborers in these counties would allow SITE to better represent and assist the needs of its contractor members.
On September 8, 2007, more than 250 members and guests attended the Barge Party. This popular networking event started from Bussen Quarries, proceeded up the Mississippi River, passed the Arch, the Eads Bridge, through the Granite City Lock & Dam and plenty of photos were taken of spectacular St. Louis night skyline. Special thanks to Mark Bussen of Bussen Quarries and Dave Bangert of Limited Leasing for the time and effort in bringing back this great one-of-a-kind membership activity. Previous barge parties took place in 1982, 1988, 1989, 1990-2 and 1994.
In November 2007, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt spoke at SITE membership meeting. It was the first time a sitting governor had addressed SITE membership.
Effective January 1, 2008, two new contractor divisions were added: the Highway/Bridge Contractors Division and the Specialty Contractors Division. To coincide with these two new divisions, SITE by-laws were changed to add representatives from the two new divisions to the Board of Directors. Jim Fitzgerald of N. B. West Contracting and Andy Ernst of Pace Construction were appointed by SITE’s executive committee to represent the Highway/Bridge Division. Peggy McGrath of TraMar Contracting and Terry McDannold of Park-Mark, Inc. were appointed to represent the Specialty Division. Ms. McGrath became the first woman to serve on the Association’s Board of Directors in the 41 years of SITE’s history.
In 2008, SITE’s Board of Trustees approved an increase in scholarship awards to four $2,500 and five $1,500. Since its inception in 2001, SITE Advancement Foundation (SAF) has awarded a total of $129,000 to 76 recipients who are sons/stepsons or daughters/stepdaughters of employees of 42 SITE member companies.
In October 2008, Ms. Brenda Mainer became the first lady to be elected by the associate members to be on SITE’s Board of Directors.
Kicking off the new year of 2009, Mark Bussen was presented with SITE’s prestigious President’s award. Mark became the sixth recipient and the first associate to receive such award.
In March 2009, Bob Morice passed away. Bob was a past president of SITE and a past recipient of the President’s award. He also served as chairman of SITE’s Labor Policy committee and SITE’s Operating Engineers Negotiating committee.
In May 2009, SITE reached new five year agreements with the Laborers Union and the Operating Engineers Union and a new one year agreement with the Cement Masons Union.
Today, SITE continues to represent its members in labor issues and has staff available to assist its members on labor questions that may arise. SITE is a member of Missouri Transportation Coalition which encourages adequate funding for highway and bridge construction in the State. SITE also encourages public entities to use private contractors to perform public works. Looking to the future, SITE Improvement Association will continue to be known as a trade association dedicated to helping its members improve their business through legislative action, educational and safety programs, labor and trade relations, networking opportunities and most importantly, providing a strong voice within government and the construction industry.