Article Number : 5152 |
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| Date | 12/18/2009 9:04:04 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=5152 |
| Abstract | CHICAGO—The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters’ Training Center was the site where more than 500 area architects, facility managers and other construction officials from... |
| Article | CHICAGO—The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters’ Training Center was the site where more than 500 area architects, facility managers and other construction officials from Illinois gathered for two days of education and networking. Featuring more than 30 free continuing education units by industry representatives, it included several that focused on the floor covering industry. Keith Jutkins, a member of the INSTALL Labor-Management Committee and assistant to the president of the Regional Council, said the event was “an excellent opportunity” for the council “to reinforce the importance of developing relationships with industry leaders, creating a network of business contacts and making connections through which the union, its members and its signatory contractors can all prosper.” Based on comments from some of the attendees, the goal for the event was reached. Chuck Kakos, general superintendent of The Levy Co., thought the meeting was so successful he hopes “this was the beginning of an annual event.” In addition to learning about classes offered by the council, that “we plan to take advantage of” he said the two days exposed the company “to new products and tools, and we were able to meet and hopefully build healthy relationships with others connected to the building industry.” For Hermant Shah, an architect at Northeastern Illinois University, the event gave him a greater appreciation of the trade and a better understanding of how the Chicago facility operates. “I was impressed not only by the quality of seminars, speakers and industry information that was made available, but with the tremendous facilities and training center that is run by the council. I came away knowing a great deal about how complex and diversified the carpenter trade is and also learned the importance of having good professional carpenters on the job.” Finally, Mike Lermer, construction supply sales manager at Benjamin Obdyke, said the event saved him multiple days’ worth of work in the field chasing leads. “I was able to engage over 20 different architectural firms within a two-day period with regard to our products. It would take a minimum of two weeks to accomplish this through individual meetings.” Jutkins concluded, “We have the opportunity to work together to address unique challenges facing the industry today, and the council will continue to be a primary conduit for the entire industry. The importance of certification training will improve life cycle assessment of all products through proper installations. Products are only as good as the installation, and this awareness is justified as manufacturers understandably insist on certified installers.” For more on the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, call 312.787.3076. |