2018 April Issue
Area readies for the return of U.S. Steel workers
Some businesses left, others never lost hope during mill’s idling By DENNIS GRUBAUGH GRANITE CITY — A business community that has lived on the edge the last two years waiting for the return of its largest employer is experiencing a sense of calm these days. And yet, the anticipated callback or hiring of 500 workers…
Read More25 years later, ‘East County’ didn’t last, but area’s development focus continues
By DENNIS GRUBAUGH Twenty-five years ago, a group of Southwestern Illinois supporters pursued a novel idea. Wanting to draw attention to the area as a destination to live, work and do business, they came up with a marketing campaign that essentially adopted a new name for the Metro East. Their slogan was: “East County ……
Read MoreHealth officials say opioids pose increasing threat to workplaces
By DENNIS GRUBAUGH Opioids are threatening the lives and livelihoods of the local workforce like never before, and leaders agree they must work together to address the crisis. That was the message of a recent presentation at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center, where more than 50 health care, law enforcement, civic and business professionals and…
Read MorePOINT: Should non-union members have to pay for union representation?
No. Fostering a healthy economy, not compulsory union membership, will bid up wages By MARK GLENNON My first job experience illustrates many of the issues. Tens of thousands whose first work was bagging groceries can probably relate to this. For me, it was at the Jewel in South Chicago Heights. After a couple days…
Read MoreCOUNTERPOINT: Should non-union members pay for union representation?
Yes. In fairness, all workers who benefit from union’s gains should share the cost By ROBERTA LYNCH When working people have the freedom to speak up together through unions, we make progress together that benefits everyone. But today — with a shrinking middle class and a growing gap between the rich and the rest of…
Read MoreHolland Construction Services, Fairview Heights Recreational Complex
By RITA DUCKWORTH Swansea-based Holland Construction Services is managing construction of the Fairview Heights Recreational Complex. The firm broke ground in October 2017 for the $17 million facility that will benefit city residents of all ages. “The 58,000-square-foot, two-story building is a ‘walkout’ style,” says D.J. Weymouth, Holland’s project manager. “You’ll enter on the…
Read MoreContegra Construction Co., The Reserve, Edwardsville
By ROBERTA CODEMO Construction is progressing on a new $27 million student housing project to meet the growing demand for premium off-campus living space close to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Contegra Construction Company of Edwardsville broke ground in November 2017 and the project is scheduled for completion in July 2019. Contegra is the general…
Read MorePlocher Construction Co., Sugarfire Smoke House, O’Fallon
By RITA DUCKWORTH Plocher Construction Co. Inc., of Highland, is helping bring Sugarfire Smoke House to the Metro East. The barbecue franchise specializes in smoked brisket, pulled pork and ribs, and is known for desserts made in-house. The Sugarfire franchise has locations in and around St. Louis and the O’Fallon location is its first in…
Read MoreIMPACT Strategies, Ameren Illinois Operating Facility, East St. Louis
By RITA DUCKWORTH IMPACT Strategies Inc., of Fairview Heights, recently completed renovations of the Ameren Illinois operating facility in East St. Louis. The 29,000-square-foot, two-story building is approximately 60 years old. It was completely gutted and remodeled with a new design provided by St. Louis architects Burns & McDonnell. The project for the utility company…
Read MorePoettker Construction, Joint Venture With Zodiac, Robins Air Force Base, Ga.
By RITA DUCKWORTH It’s rare that a construction company is well ahead of schedule on a project. But that is the case with the Zodiac-Poettker joint venture project at Robins Air Force Base, Ga. This is the latest undertaking of the partnership formed by Poettker Construction of Breese, Ill., and Zodiac Inc. of St. Louis.…
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