Elected officials and other dignitaries from the southwest Missouri area will be on hand Tues., Oct. 28, to salute the local construction and design industries and to officially kick-off more than a week of programs and festivities highlighting the contributions of this industry to the community and local economy.
The proclamation ceremony and press conference is set for 5:15 pm, Tues., Oct. 28 at the JQH Arena site at Missouri State University(685 John Q. Hammons Parkway. Light refreshments will be available beginning at 4:30 pm and guided tours of the JQH construction progress will begin immediately following the proceedings. Some hard hats will be available. No sandals, open-toed shoes or shorts, please.
This year’s event marks the 24th consecutive year design and construction associations in the Springfield area have come together to recognize construction and design and their related organizations as the fourth largest contributor to the local economy. The annual celebration recognizes the quality, craftsmanship and career opportunity offered by this major economic sector.
The sponsors of “Salute 2008” will make presentations about available career opportunities in the construction and design industries to area schools for two weeks, Oct. 27-Nov. 7. Groups of volunteers representing industry professionals will speak to students at technical colleges, high schools and middle schools in Springfield, Aurora, Branson, Billings, Clever, Fair Grove, Fordland, Hurley, Marionville, Miller, Mount Vernon, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Rogersville, Spokane and Willard.
Highlight of Salute to Construction activities is the Salute to Construction Awards Banquet, Thurs., Nov. 6, at the Clarion Hotel (3333 S. Glenstone in Springfield).
Social Hour begins at 5 pm, with dinner at 6:30 pm. Awards and honors will be presented, including Developer of the Year, Project of the Year, Superintendent and Craftsman of the Year, scholarships, photo contest winners and other special awards.
Tickets to the Salute to Construction Banquet are $25 and are available through the Springfield Contractors Association, The Builders’ Association, Home Builders Association, Great River Engineering and Springfield Business Journal.