DBIA-MAR

Category: News

  • Design-Build Industry News

    For the latest Design-Build industry news and views, visit https://dbia.org/blogs/

  • DBIA-MAR Joins Iowans for Project Innovations Coalition

    DBIA-MAR is excited to announce our membership in an exciting new coalition fighting to bring collaborative project delivery methods like design-build and CMAR to Iowa.

    Iowans for Innovative Projects is a diverse group of Owners and industry organizations who support APD legislation in Iowa. As you probably already know, Iowa is now one of only two states that prohibit design-build. It’s time to change that and we here at DBIA-MAR are fully invested in bringing design-build to Iowa.

    We need your help! Take a moment to check out the coalition website, share it with your industry colleagues and we urge all of our Iowans to reach out to your organizations and become a coalition member here. It will take all of us to bring design-build to Iowa!

  • DBIA National Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, visits St. Louis Chapter

    DBIA National Executive Director/CEO, Lisa Washington, visited with our St. Louis Chapter on April 24, 2019 to share new Design-Build Tools, Resources and Updates. Click here to download her presentation.

  • Introducing…Sara Craig

    Please join the Design-Build Institute of America’s Mid-America Region (DBIA-MAR) in welcoming its new Executive Director, Sara Craig.

    After a thorough search to attract the brightest talent to lead our organization, the DBIA-MAR leadership team is pleased to have selected Sara Craig as Executive Director. Sara will succeed Oretta Smith, who is retiring at the end of May 2019.

    Sara comes to DBIA-MAR with extensive experience leading successful organizations and events, having served as the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce in Harrisonville, Mo., for nearly 20 years. Sara is organized, professional, open minded and dependable. She is detail-oriented and a skilled communicator who is knowledgeable about organizing events, working with volunteers and providing value to industry partners and members.

    “We are thrilled to have someone of Sara’s caliber join our organization to lead us into the future,” said DBIA-MAR President, Mark Deaton. “While we will definitely miss Oretta, we hope you will join us in our excitement about welcoming Sara to DBIA-MAR.”

    Sara is working in tandem with Oretta over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth transition. She can be reached at sara.craig@dbiamar.org or 816.868.1686. We think you will find her to be a positive resource and great addition to DBIA-MAR, so please drop her a line or say hello at the next event. Thank you!

  • candid marketing + communications Produces Award-Winning Work for DBIA-MAR in 2018

    Samples of the award-winning work for the 2018 DBIA-MAR Website.

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 11, 2019) — candid marketing + communications was recently honored with two Fountain Awards and three Certificates of Merit from the Association of National Advertisers/American Marketing Association of Kansas City (ANAKC/AMAKC). One of the Certificates of Merit was awarded for work done on behalf of the Design-Build Institute of America’s Mid-America Region (DBIA-MAR) for the design, build and launch of the new website in 2018.

    In late 2017, The Mid-America Region of the Design-Build Institute of America requested that candid perform an audit and make a recommendation for the organization’s existing website. After an extensive audit, candid recommended that the DBIA-MAR website should be completely rebuilt and upgraded. The primary goal of the new website was to improve aesthetics, simplify content and increase the visibility of programs and events. In creating the new site, candid’s strategy was to integrate DBIA-MAR’s brand elements, utilize relevant messages for all site content and design a WordPress website that aimed to capture the attention of key influencers and target audiences.

    “We are proud to deliver exceptional websites for clients and it’s an honor to be recognized by our peers in the business-to-business marketing industry,” said Sara Freetly of candid marketing + communications. “It’s exciting to win an award for such an outstanding organization. We look forward to continuing our rewarding, six-year relationship with DBIA-MAR in the future.”

    The Fountain Awards took place on March 7, 2019, at Twenty-16 Main Event Space in Kansas City, Mo. The entries are judged by an independent group and rated on creative, production, objective/strategy and results, with the top point leader in each category winning the Fountain Award and the runner up winning the Certificate of Merit. candid received the following awards:

    Fountain Awards

    • Leavenworth County Development Corporation: Single Ad
    • Leavenworth County Development Corporation: Brand Campaign

    Certificate of Merit

    • DBIA-MAR Website: Web Under $25,000
    • Umlaut Industrial: Logo Design
    • ACBSP Annual Conference: Signage

    About candid marketing + communications

    candid marketing + communications is a client-centric branding, marketing, advertising, public relations and interactive agency. The firm produces simple, yet innovative marketing campaigns that result in positive momentum for our clients. candid has extensive experience providing turnkey, integrated marketing communications services to transportation and logistics companies, economic development organizations, as well as commercial real estate and A/E/C firms. candid is a 100% women-owned business and holds local, state and national WBE certifications. For more information, visit www.justbecandid.com.

  • Special Announcement! DBIA-MAR Executive Director Retiring; Recruiting for Replacement Underway

    Oretta Smith to Retire in 2019 — and Will Be Greatly Missed!

    It is with mixed emotions that the 2019 DBIA-MAR Board of Directors announces the retirement of our illustrious Executive Director, Oretta Smith. While we are thrilled for Oretta to signify the end of her remarkable career with a well-deserved break — we are also sad to see her go — and will miss her hugs, commitment to the organization and overall positive outlook on all things DBIA!

    Oretta will officially retire as Executive Director of DBIA-MAR on May 31, 2019.

    “Oretta has been the Executive Director for the Mid-America Region for 13 years and in my humble opinion, she is the best ED in the country,” said 2018 DBIA-MAR President, Dennis Burns. “She does so much for all of our members that many people aren’t even aware of, she makes it look easy. She’s a true pro and carries the DBIA flag with class and professionalism all the time. We are going to miss her dearly. She has put the Mid-America Region on the right track and we are poised for continued success because of her stewardship, passion and vision!

    From the bottom of our hearts, we’d like to thank Oretta for her commitment and dedication to DBIA-MAR.

    Recruiting for Replacement Underway

    In late 2018, a committee of invested DBIA-MAR leaders and volunteers was formed to spearhead the recruitment efforts for the next Executive Director. To ensure a transparent and professional process that attracts the highest level of talent, the committee has engaged Aerotek — who has graciously offered to help identify and screen candidates for the position.

    Aerotek is a global recruiting and staffing agency that has been a DBIA-MAR Bronze Sponsor for several years. We are grateful for their assistance in this important endeavor.

    If you or someone you know is interested in applying for the DBIA-MAR Executive Director position, please contact Aerotek Account Manager, Tim Zande at tzande@aerotek.com or 913.905.3004.

    Please share this information with your networks to help us attract the most qualified candidates as possible — and give Oretta a big hug next time you see her. We are excited to find the next Executive Director to lead our outstanding organization and continue the tremendous momentum building within DBIA-MAR. We will provide periodic updates as this process progresses.

  • EPA Recognizes Liberty, Missouri for Excellence & Innovation in Clean Water Infrastructure

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized 30 clean water infrastructure projects for excellence and innovation within the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program. Honored projects include large wastewater infrastructure projects to small decentralized and agriculture projects.

     

    Recognized Project:

    City of Liberty, Missouri – Design-Build Wastewater Treatment Facility

    The city of Liberty previously sent their wastewater to Kansas City to get treatment from another plant. However, when this facility had to respond to a consent decree to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs), an increase in rates for Liberty would have been a result. Liberty decided to forgo transferring their wastewater and instead took out a $79 million CWSRF loan to build a new state of the art wastewater treatment facility of their own and perform conveyance system improvements.

    The new facility was the first Missouri CWSRF project to use a design-build approach. Under a design-build contract, the owner contracts with a single design and construction team. In a traditional design-bid-build project, the owner manages separate contracts for design and construction. Some of the potential advantages of design-build include quicker project delivery; fewer changes, claims, and litigation; enhanced project coordination; and firm costs. The new facility built using this design-build approach has a 5-MGD capacity and includes treatment processes for activated sludge, bio-phosphorus, and nitrogen reduction. This facility has received a Design-Build Institute of America 2017 National Award for Merit in water/wastewater and was named Project of the Year for 2017 by the Design-Build Institute of America-Mid-America Region.

     

    For more information click here.

  • candid marketing + communications Produces Award-Winning Work for DBIA-MAR 2017

    Taylor Hays, candid; Sara Freetly, candid; Oretta Smith, DBIA-MAR Executive Director and Josh Wendell, candid celebrate at the BMAKC Fountain Awards.

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. (May 17, 2018) — candid marketing + communications was recently honored with four Fountain Awards and one Certificate of Merit from the Business Marketing Association/American Marketing Association of Kansas City (BMAKC/AMAKC). One of the first-place Fountain Awards was in the Educational Events Category for work done on behalf of the Design-Build Institute of America’s Mid-America Region (DBIA-MAR) 2017 Regional Conference.

    The premier design-build event of the year, the 2017 DBIA-MAR Conference provided educational sessions and speakers, as well as opportunities for networking. candid developed a theme for the Conference — Design-Build United — that was carried throughout all event materials, online, promotional emails and giveaways. DBIA-MAR’s Conference had more than 40 speakers/panelists, 120 attendees and 10 exhibitors — making more than $30,000 for the organization.

    “We take pride in achieving extraordinary results for our clients and it’s an honor to be recognized by our peers in the business-to-business marketing industry,” said Sara Freetly of candid marketing + communications. “We have enjoyed a great relationship with DBIA-MAR over the last five years, so it’s exciting to win an award for such an outstanding organization.”

    The Fountain Awards took place on May 14, 2018, in the Muehlebach suite at Boulevard Brewery in Kansas City, Mo. The entries are judged by an independent group and rated on creative, production, objective/strategy and results, with the top point leader in each category winning the Fountain Award and the runner up winning the Certificate of Merit. candid received the following awards:

    Samples of the award-winning work for the 2017 DBIA-MAR Regional Conference.

    Fountain Awards

    • 2017 Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Mid-America Regional Conference: Educational Events
    • ACBSP is Igniting A Standard of Excellence: Sales Package
    • ElevateEdgerton! Partnership for Economic Advancement: Identity Program
    • KCP&L Local Partners Holiday Training Event at the Hotel Phillips’ P.S. Speakeasy: Special Event for Customers and Prospects

    Certificate of Merit

    • LOIS Gets a Makeover: Rebranding LocationOne Information System (LOIS): Brand Campaign

     

    About candid marketing + communications

    candid marketing + communications is a client-centric branding, marketing, advertising, public relations and interactive agency. The firm produces simple, yet innovative marketing campaigns that result in positive momentum for our clients. candid has extensive experience providing turnkey, integrated marketing communications services to transportation and logistics companies, economic development organizations, as well as commercial real estate and A/E/C firms. candid is a 100% women-owned business and holds local, state and national WBE certifications. For more information, visit www.justbecandid.com.

  • McCarthy VP Mark Heit Serving as 2017 DBIA-MAR President

    Overland Park, Kan. (April 7, 2017) – McCarthy Building Companies, Inc., is pleased to announce that Mark Heit, Vice President Operations, has been tapped to serve as the 2017 Regional President and Board Chairman for the Mid-America Region of the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA-MAR).

    DBIA is a national membership organization founded in 1993. The Mid-America Region seeks to inform, educate and promote design-build and integrated project delivery throughout its four-state region of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. As Regional President, Mark is the liaison between DBIA-MAR leadership and DBIA National. He is responsible for financial and membership oversight while ensuring the Region’s programs meet expected objectives.

    “DBIA-MAR focuses its efforts on increasing the successful use of innovative design-build teams on non-residential building, civil infrastructure and process industry projects,” said DBIA-MAR Executive Director, Oretta Smith. “We are proud to have Mark’s wisdom, leadership and experience guiding the Mid-America Region of DBIA this year.”

    An expert in the use of alternative delivery methods, Mark Heit is a Designated Design-Build Professional. He leads business operations for McCarthy’s Kansas City office. With 25 years of industry experience, Mark is responsible for the overall coordination and integration of the firm’s services throughout the region. With experience working both in and out of the field, Mark has dedicated his career to delivering exceptional results for clients and partners from early in the design phase through final project completion and beyond.

    In addition to his DBIA-MAR post, Mark is a member of the General Labor Committee for The Builders’ Association, a board member for the Kansas City Chapter of the Associated General Contractors and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the College of Architecture, Planning and Design at Kansas State University.

    About McCarthy

    McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with more than 150 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. With an unrelenting focus on safety and a comprehensive quality program that span all phases of every project, McCarthy utilizes industry-leading design phase and construction techniques combined with value-add technology to maximize outcomes. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and Healthiest Employer, McCarthy is ranked the 16th largest domestic general contractor (Engineering News-Record, May 2016). With approximately 1,700 salaried employees and offices in St. Louis; Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Overland Park, Kan.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Denver; Dallas; Houston; Albuquerque; and San Diego, Newport Beach, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif., McCarthy is 100 percent employee owned. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Google+.

  • MO State Rep., Lincoln Hough, Receives National Leadership Award

    Missouri State Representative Lincoln Hough has recently been chosen as a winner of the Design-Build Institute of America’s (DBIA) Distinguished Design-Build Leadership Award. These awards are presented to individuals across the United States who have demonstrated leadership in the passage of supporting design-build legislation, the advancement of effective design-build practices and in the promotion of design-build as a project delivery method of choice.

    Last legislative session, Rep. Hough sponsored and passed House Bill 2376 into Missouri law, which authorizes political subdivisions such as cities, counties, and school districts, throughout the state of Missouri to utilize design-build. “This was a complex bill with many moving parts and interested parties. Rep. Hough skillfully negotiated while standing strong on core parts of the bill because he understood the importance of this issue to the industry and public owners,” said Lisa Washington, CAE, Executive Director/CEO of DBIA.

    These leadership awards are given to individuals in multiple categories of achievement that include Legislators, Academic Faculty, Students, Practitioners, and Young Professional and Owners. “Every single one of these award-winners is key to the growing use of design-build,” says Washington. “Design-build spreads only through legislators authorizing it, professors teaching it, students learning it, practitioners mastering it, and owners choosing it. All of these award winners have spent a great part of their career advocating for not just design-build, but for Design-Build Done RightTM, and we are grateful for their tireless work.”

    Hough was presented with a leadership plaque today during DBIA’s annual Design-Build Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.