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BX WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

Check back weekly for the latest happenings at YOUR Builders Exchange!

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Be a Part of the Open House Tradition

Join us for the annual BX Open House & Silent Auction – an end-of-summer celebration you won’t want to miss! Spend time with fellow members in the BX backyard while enjoying free food and drinks.

Guests can also browse and bid on top-tier auction items, from sporting events to unique experiences, all in support of the BX Foundation’s scholarships and workforce development initiatives.

Want to get in on the action early? Tickets now available for the OSU vs. Texas season opener on Aug. 30.

Submit your bid today!

For more information about this event or to donate, contact Pam Austin.

 

 

Open House/Silent Auction
Sept. 4 | 4 - 7 PM
Builders Exchange Backyard

REGISTER NOW

FREE for BX members  |  Not available for Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to access this member-only event

 

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

 

Staples logo
Premiere Sponsor

 

REPU Custom Apparel & Promo logo
Entertainment Sponsor

180 Demo logo
Food & Beverage Sponsor

Looking for other opportunities to participate?

You can still support the event by donating an item or sending a monetary gift to the Foundation.

DONATE AUCTION ITEM

BXF Donation
(Please note "Open House" in the Special Instructions box.)


The BXF is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization, and your donation BX Foundation logois fully tax-deductible.

Safety Achievement Award Profiles

 

Thirty-one companies are being honored with a BX Safety Achievement Award for outstanding safety statistics and jobsite performance this year.

For information about the BX Safety Awards, contact Ashton Chapman.

 

Congratulations to this week's featured recipients!

 

John W. Danforth Company
HVAC Contractor

  • Safety Staff: Matthew Sorg, regional health and safety manager
  • Average number of employees: 100
  • Year company was founded: 1884
  • BX Safety Accolades: This is the first BX safety achievement award that Danforth has received.

2025 BX Safety Achievement Award Recipient (John W. Danforth Company)From left: Alex Grant and Matt Sorg.

John W. Danforth Company logo

 


Midstate Contractors, Inc.
Restoration & Preservation Contractor

  • Safety Staff: Tom Kemper, safety director
  • Average number of employees: 35
  • Year company was founded: 1974
  • BX Safety Accolades: This is the first BX safety achievement award that Midstate Contractors has received.

2025 BX Safety Achievement Award Recipient (Midstate Contractors, Inc.)Tom KemperMidstate Contractors, Inc. logo

 


PSC Crane & Rigging
Crane & Rigging Contractor

  • Safety Staff: Jeff Martin, safety director; Janice Parker and Josh Rider, field safety; Kenneth Reynoso and Katlyn Rex, project safety
  • Average number of employees: 308
  • Year company was founded: 1933
  • BX Safety Accolades: This is the fifth BX safety achievement award that PSC Crane & Rigging has received.

2025 BX Safety Achievement Award Recipient (PSC Crane & Rigging)From left: Kenneth Reynoso, Dave Stewart, Slade Smith, Justin Smith, Erik Gambill, Travis Clark, Jason Christmas, Will Mafinehy, James Borreson, Terry Blankenship, Clint Zimmerman, Danny Diamond, Nick BoBo, Jeff Castle and Mark Cales.PSC Crane & Rigging Logo

THIS WEEK'S FEATURED CRAFTSMANSHIP AWARD RECIPIENT

2025 BX Craftsmanship Award Recipient David McFarland (Converse Electric)

The Craftsman:

David McFarland (Converse Electric)

The Winning Work:

Expansion and remodeling of electrical systems at Tucci’s

 


Electrician David McFarland is responsible for the installation of the electrical and lighting upgrades at Tucci’s restaurant in Dublin.

Meticulous planning and execution were critical to ensuring minimal disruptions to daily operations throughout the construction process. The restaurant remained fully functioning during renovation and expansion of the private dining area and wine room, adding an additional 110 seats. David worked closely with restaurant management on lighting controls and positioning of lighting fixtures to create the desired ambiance of the restaurant and artwork on display. Design and fabrication of a steel lip located above the new electrical panel was needed to prevent any leakage from the existing water lines above. The new panel was installed to provide 24 additional circuits for the fire alarm system, emergency lighting, chandeliers and more than 150 lighting fixtures.

David has been in the trade for 27 years and has been employed with Converse Electric for 13 years. This is his first BX Craftsmanship Award. David will receive his award at the 133rd BX Annual Meeting in November.

For information about the BX Craftsmanship Awards, contact Pam Austin.

Inspire the Next Generation: Outreach Volunteers Wanted

 

As summer is drawing to a close, the BX Outreach Program is gearing up for the 2025/26 school year. We are looking for passionate volunteers to help introduce students to the many opportunities in the construction industry.

Our mission is simple: spark interest in today’s students to inspire tomorrow’s industry leaders. Whether you’re in the field, the office or somewhere in between, your story can open students’ eyes to rewarding careers in construction.

Construction Internship/Apprenticeship programsAfter a short training session with BX staff, you’ll be ready to deliver our structured presentation at a classroom visit or career fair between September 2025 and May 2026. The program is designed to fit your schedule – volunteers must simply commit to at least one presentation during the school year.

Share your passion. Shape a career. Make a lasting impact. Become a 2025/26 Outreach speaker today!

To sign up or for more information, contact Pam Austin.

Online Safety Training at Your Fingertips

 

BX Online Safety ImageThe BX offers online safety training designed to fit your schedule. Access the certifications you need, when and where it works best for you. A wide range of topics are available, including the OSHA 10-Hour and OSHA 30-Hour Training courses. You can train at your own pace without stepping away from the jobsite. Many courses are also available in Spanish, making it easier than ever to stay compliant and safe.

Check out the courses available at bx.puresafety.com

For more information about online or in-person safety classes, contact Ashton Chapman.

Step Toward a Safer Workplace

 

The OSHA 30-Hour Training course will help your employees look for, avoid and prevent common workplace hazards. It’s a perfect opportunity for foremen, safety managers, field laborers and site supervisors to expand their knowledge.

Instructor Meg Dewerth (DeWerth Safety Services) will guide participants through the many OSHA rules and safety regulations that all construction employees need to understand. Course topics include:

  • OSHA’s focus four hazards (falls, caught-in or between, struck-by & electrocution)
  • Confined spaces
  • Tools
  • Ladders
  • PPE
  • and much more! 

Participants will receive a current OSHA code book and an OSHA-authorized course completion card. Lunch will be provided each day.

For more information about this course or to schedule a company-specific session, contact Ashton Chapman.

 

OSHA 30-Hour Training Course
Sept. 5, 12, 19 & 26 | 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

$535 BX members | $835 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:

Meg DeWerth (DeWerth Safety Services) headshot

Meg DeWerth
(DeWerth Safety Services)

Practical Solutions for Jobsite Managers

 

On-the-job management and leadership skills are imperative in the industry. Field Supervision 101 provides construction managers, field superintendents, foremen, leadmen and employees of all levels of experience with the methods and techniques needed to handle the management of a jobsite.

Led by seasoned professionals, participants will build their own supervisor’s manual as they work through real-world scenarios, interactive discussions and peer-led lessons designed to elevate day-to-day leadership.  

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.



Field Supervision 101
Sept. 16, 18, 23 & 24 | 4 - 6 PM
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

$399 BX members |  $499 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.

This course is part of the BX Certified Superintendent Program.

   MEET THE INSTRUCTORS:

  • Andre Adams (Mid-City Electric / Technologies)
  • Ryan Dennis (Independence Construction)
  • Steven Gilbert (Elford, Inc.)
  • Keith Jarvis (Elford, Inc.)
  • Dave Ryan (Continental Building Co.)
  • Mike Schmitt (Continental Building Co.)
  • Justin Williams (Elford, Inc.)

Responding to Active Violence on the Jobsite

 

In construction, safety means more than just hard hats and harnesses. As threats evolve, so must your training. Active Violence Emergency Response Training (AVERT) prepares team members to react quickly during violent incidents or active shooter situations.

The program builds awareness and helps participants spot early warning signs of danger. It teaches practical, effective actions—such as evacuating, securing the area and providing first aid—while also training teams to stay calm, communicate clearly and coordinate with law enforcement. Adding AVERT to your existing safety plan is a vital step toward protecting your most valuable asset—your people—and ensuring your team is ready for any emergency.

For more information about this course, contact Ashton Chapman.

 

Active Shooter Response Training 
Sept. 25 | 8 AM - NOON
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

$199 BX members | $299 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR:

Richard Cutrell (Franklin International) headshot

Richard Cutrell
(Franklin International)

Take Your Blueprint Reading Skills to the Next Level

 

Construction Drawings 201 builds upon existing plan-reading and problem-solving skills to further develop knowledge of how projects come together. Train your employees to go beyond just reading blueprints – prepare them to interpret plans and anticipate potential problems.  

Local industry professionals will guide attendees through interactive skills with site, structural, HVAC, plumbing and electrical drawings.

It is highly recommended that students complete the BX Construction Drawings 101 course prior to enrolling in this advanced option.  

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.



Construction Drawings 201
Oct. 7, 9, 14 & 16 | 4 - 6 PM
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

$399 BX members |  $499 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.

This course is part of the BX Certified Superintendent Program.

   MEET THE INSTRUCTORS:

  • Ryan Brickner (Sauer Group, LLC) 
  • Pat Halaiko (Custom Air / Air Force One)
  • Anna Milligan (SMBH, Inc.)
  • Paul Poklinkowski (Mid-City Electric / Technologies)
  • Chase Susor (Trucco Construction Co., Inc.)
  • Jackie Trucco (Trucco Construction Co., Inc.)

Learn the Skills to Save a Life

 

First aid providers are the first line of defense in emergency situations. It's essential to prepare your team with the necessary skills and training.

Be ready when it matters most. Register your team for Standard First Aid/CPR/AED training and build a safer workplace together.

Topics include:

  • Basic first aid skills
  • Bandaging and wound care
  • CPR skills
  • How to use an AED

Upon successful completion, participants will receive an Emergency Care & Safety Institute (ECSI) certification card, valid for two years.

For more information about this class or to schedule a company-specific session, contact Ashton Chapman.


Standard First Aid/CPR/AED Training
Oct. 10 | 8 AM - 12:30 PM
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

$90 BX members | $120 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.

 This course is part of the BX Certified Superintendent Program.

 

Stay Safe in Tight Spaces

 

Are you or your team working in tanks, silos, manholes, crawl spaces or other confined environments? Without proper training, working in confined spaces can be dangerous or even life-threatening.

This course led by instructors from Firefighter Safe offers an in-depth look at confined space safety. Participants will learn how to handle the unique challenges of confined space entry and then apply their skills through hands-on simulator training. The simulator recreates real-world scenarios such as smoke and other environmental hazards allowing attendees to practice navigating these high-risk situations in a controlled setting. 

Topics covered in this class include:
  • Access/Egress
  • Multiple entry points
  • How to properly equip a harness
  • Required standby services

Upon completion of this course, participants will receive a Confined Space Entry Certification. Lunch will be provided.

For more information about this course, contact Ashton Chapman.



Confined Space Training
Oct. 17 | 8 AM - 2 PM
Builders Exchange

REGISTER NOW

$495 BX members |  $605 Non-members
When registering online, be sure to log into the member portal to receive the member rate.

 

Firefighter Safe logo

Firefighter Safe simulator image