LMC Board of Directors Summary of Minutes
July 20, 2023 • 9:30 a.m.
Builders’ Association 720 Oak KCMO 64118
Attendees: Sam Alpert, Bret Bonge, Teri Casey, Tom Gebken, Dan Heizman, Gabe Jones, Bo Moreno, Ralph Oropeza, Chris Stanton, Jimmy Walker, Bob Jacobi
•Thanks to Greg Davey and the Builders’ Association for hosting.
•M/S/C to approve the financial report subject to audit.
•M/S/C to approve the recommendation to increase tuition for the Mid-Level Leadership Program by $50 to $950 for member organizations and $1,050 for nonmember organizations beginning with the 2023-24 class.
•M/S/C to approve the proposed 2023-24 budget as amended.
•The Public Issues agenda was reviewed, with many successes in the 2023 sessions and a few disappointments. Upcoming issues include the KCMO public safety sales tax renewal and the earnings tax renewal. Kansas has local elections this year and activity is increasing. The KCMO Climate Protection effort is resuming meetings on Sept. 7. Balancing the need to address climate change with the ability to implement solutions is a challenge. Market-driven industry improvements have and will continue to take place, with incentives a key tool for adoption. Missouri and local regulations are slowing solar implementation. A Missouri initiative petition being circulated would raise the minimum wage to $15.
For both labor and management in all industries, workforce is a critical issue. Attracting and retaining good workers is difficult, particularly those who have good skills. One longtime effort the LMC supports is the National Institute for Construction Excellence (NICE), which works with schools to expose young people to careers in construction and related trades. NICE’s efforts could include the fire service as well. NICE has its annual fundraising luncheon Oct. 17 featuring the KC Current stadium project and celebrating women in construction.
•The Mid-Level Leadership Program will begin its next class Sept. 20 at Rockhurst University. Dates were just approved so application forms will be distributed soon.
•The 44th Anniversary Celebration and 23rd Awards Dinner held April 13 was successful. Discussion of the 45th celebration will begin with the October board meeting.
•The Craig Whitaker Pipefitters Local 533 IBEW Local 124 Golf Tournament is Tuesday, July 25 at Eagles Landing. Participation is up versus last year and has increased both years since moving from Oakwood. There is still room for a foursome or two. The LMC has requested the course to move up the shotgun start by 30 minutes due to the weather forecast of high heat.
•The Sporting Clay Shoot is set for Sept. 21. Promotion of that will begin at and after the golf tournament.
•The Public Officials Reception co-hosted with BOMA-KC is set for Oct. 12 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. The space is expanded this year with additional sponsorship opportunities that can offset the increased cost and allow for more participants.
•The LMC will continue to explore a new event that involves more younger members and families. One or more of the following are being explored: Corn hole, BBQ, chili cook-off, bowling and pickle ball with a first event in 2024 possible. Input is invited.
•The Board wishes LMC co-founder William H. Dunn Sr. a happy 100th birthday. Mr. Dunn has been vital to the continuation of the LMC and continued to provide support and input well into his 90s.
•M/S/C to elect Bo Moreno as Vice Co-Chair, Labor. The Board congratulates and thanks Bo.
•The next board meeting will be Friday, Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m., location at the Builders’ unless it is unavailable; Evergy was offered as an alternate location of the Builders’ is not available.
•M/S/C to adjourn at 11 a.m.
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