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INSTALL Chicago Plays Key Role in Regional Industry Networking & Education Event
11/18/2009
More than 500 area architects, facility managers, and other construction officials from Illinois recently spent two days at the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters’ Training Center for a regional industry education and networking event. The Chicago Regional Council used this event as an excellent opportunity 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.
The event featured more than 30 free continuing education units by industry representatives, including several that focused on the floor covering industry. By the looks of the numerous comments sent to Keith Jutkins, a member of the INSTALL Labor-Management Committee, Assistant to the President of the Regional Council, and a former Business Agent for INSTALL Chicago’s Local 1185, the crowd was more than pleased:
• “I was very impressed not only by the quality of seminars and speakers and industry information that was made available but also with the tremendous facilities and training center that is run by the Council. I came away knowing a lot about how complex and diversified the carpenter trade is and also learned the importance of having good professional carpenters on the job.” – Hemant S., Architect
• “I have heard nothing but great remarks about the event last week. We look forward to participating again next year!” – U.S.G.B.C. Chicago Chapter Official
• “Working with the Building Department and Facilities Maintenance, I found the event to fit our needs and exceed our expectations. I have attended many training events at many union halls through the years, but you have done a great job of building that bond through this incredible event.” – Keith S., Plan Reviewer/Building Inspector
• “The event gave me the opportunity to engage over 20 different architectural firms within a 2-day period in regards to our products. It would take a minimum 2 weeks to accomplish this through individual meetings with firms.” – Mike L., Construction Supply Sales Manager
• “Besides being exposed to new products and tools we were able to meet and hopefully build healthy relationships with others connected to the building industry. We also had the good fortune of being introduced to new classes being offered by the Council which we plan to take advantage of. We hope this was the beginning of an annual event. Thanks again.” – Chuck K., General Superintendent
• “I thought your industry networking event was great and found all of the speakers and training sessions to be quite worthwhile.” – Bill Bolek, Corporate Facilities Manager
Mr. Jutkins, who oversaw the design and launch of this inaugural event, understood the significance of this initiative.
“We have the opportunity to work together to address unique challenges facing the industry today. Participating in presentations or lunch-and-learns developed by the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters 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. Each year our Carpenters’ Training Center incorporates new and innovative products from the manufacturers. We adhere to manufacturer installation and certification requirements through our industry-leading training and implementation of best practices. The products are only as good as the installation, and this awareness is justified as manufacturers understandably insist on certified installers.”
A video overview of this successful event can be found on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JlK8TzGs20.