Construction Industry Steering Team Summary of Minutes
8 a.m., Thursday, October. 8, 2026, Mark One Electric Co., Inc.
Attending: Rudy Chavez, Greg Davey, Connor Eubanks, Steve Gercone, Todd Howerton, Matt Johnson, Gabe Jones, Kevin Kurtz, Clara Lyles, Chuck Martin, Chris Stanton, Kirk Vandergrift, Kendall Williams, Stacy Zerr, Bob Jacobi.
•Thanks to Rosana Privitera-Biondo and Mark One Electric Co., Inc. for hosting.
•Presentation from Clara Liles and Kendall Williams on the Missouri Works Manufacturing Apprentice-Ready program. The program is just starting in Kansas City and has been operating in St. Louis. The International Association of Machinists and Sheet Metal Workers are likely participants, and the program seeks manufacturers with or wanting to start apprenticeship programs. An event discussing the program will be held Nov. 12 at Union Station. Those interested can contact Kendall or Clara.
•The construction Missouri Works STAR apprentice ready program just graduated its fourth cohort of 2026. Fall graduates have more challenges in getting work and into programs but some are finding success. Rudy Chavez notes that graduates need to be persistent and follow up to have the best chances of success. Google is running TV ads featuring several graduates including a member of Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663. Rudy will provide an update with numbers on that program next month.
•KCMO Council passed another step yesterday towards the Royals new stadium project. Independence has passed a new set of standards for data centers, while the Nebius data center being built there is facing another suit. The new Kansas sports authority overseeing the development of the Chiefs stadium has its first meeting Oct. 14.
•Grass roots political activity is stepping up as the election nears. The results of Missouri state senate races in eastern Jackson County and in Springfield will determine whether leadership will continue to be able to overcome filibusters or whether compromises will be needed to pass key or controversial legislation.
•There was extensive media coverage of Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663’s new program at East High School in the Kansas City Public Schools. The program will involve freshmen though their senior years preparing them to enter apprenticeship programs with a curriculum from the Laborers international, and hours in the program will count towards their Laborers’ apprenticeship. About 80 students are signed up.
•Fishing for Freedom is this weekend, and help is still needed for the 125 veterans who will be taken fishing. Information at http://www.fishingforfreedom for details; Chuck Martin and Steve Gercone are also contacts.
•The NICE Annual Luncheon is Oct. 15; sponsorships and tables are still available. The program will feature the Lockton headquarters project in Leawood. NICE has begun Senior Days at apprenticeship programs and contractors and is starting to firm up iBuild March 3 at the (old) American Royal.
•The LMC/BOMA-KC Public Officials Reception is Oct. 15 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. RSVPs from elected officials at all levels, LMC members and friends are coming in. Sponsorships are still available and RSVPs will be taken up to the morning of the event.
•The Laborers’ Charity golf tournament is Oct. 23, and foursomes are being sought. Proceeds benefit Working Families Friend.
•The AGC National Construction Leadership Conference will take place in Kansas City next September. The Construction Leadership group provides networking and education opportunities for up-and-coming leaders, with about 150 participants in Kansas City as one of the largest groups in the country.
•Many committee members are attending the Tradeswomen Build Nations conference in Houston this week. Next year’s conference will be in Kansas City. The LMC is open to help both the AGC and Tradeswomen conferences here.
•Upcoming Events:(For details on these events, please contact the sponsoring group or LMC).
*Fishing for Freedom Oct. 9-11, http://www.fishingforfreedom.com
*NICE Annual Luncheon Oct. 15, KC Convention Center
*LMC /BOMA-KC Public Officials Reception Oct. 15, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
*Missouri and Kansas Laborers Charitable Foundation Golf Outing Oct. 23, Drumm Farm
•Capital Electric Breast Cancer Corn Hole Tournament, Oct. 22, 3 p.m., 530 Sunshine Rd KCK
*General Elections Nov. 3
*GKC Building Trades Holiday Party, Dec. 4
*Missouri General Assembly session begins Jan. 6, 2027
*iBuild March 3, 2027, American Royal (West Bottoms)
*Tradeswomen Build Nations in KC Oct. 22-24, 2027
•The next meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 12, 8 a.m., at Mark One.
•M/S/C to adjourn at 9:15 a.m.
The mission of the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City is to enhance collaboration by solidifying trust and communication between labor and management in the community
