These have been challenging times in the construction industry. But the top construction professionals in the Chicago market remain optimistic. They see better times in the future as developers plan once again for new distribution centers, multifamily buildings and mixed-use developments.
The attendees at the Chicagoland Construction Summit and Update held by Illinois Real Estate Journal Sept. 18 predicted that construction activity in the Chicago market will only increase as the months pass. And that was good news for those attending the event held at the Carlisle in Lombard.
Attendees listened to the predictions given by a host of the top names in Chicago’s construction industry. They also had the chance to network with their peers, a key benefit in an industry in which it can be difficult for construction professionals to set aside time to brainstorm ideas with their industry partners.
Another highlight of the event was the second panel, State of the Union: Skilled Labor, Trades, Associations Make the Difference. Sharing their expertise on this panel were Anthony Janowski, Director of Business Development – Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council; Irma R. Holloway, Executive Director – Black Contractors Owners and Executives (BCOE); Rodney Petrick, Past President Chicago Roofing Contractors Association – Midwest Roofing Contractors Association; moderator Karyn Charvat, Executive Director – PowerForward DuPage; and Clark Johnson, Director of Marketing – Finishing Chicago.
The event concluded with an important look at efforts to increase the diversity of the construction industry. Speaking on the Women & Diversity in Construction panel were Lynda Dossey, AIA/ Director – JAHN; Beth Bleser, Senior Project Manager – Hiffman National; Kasie Mathena, Vice President & Chicago Region General Manager – AECOM Hunt Construction; moderator Sara Urizar, President & Founding Board Member – PWC Chicago Chapter; Marcus Evans, Director of Diversity & Community Engagement – Ujamaa Construction; and Ta Juana Tang, Founder + President – Tandem Ventures | Founding Board Member – Professional Women in Construction.
