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TestimonialsThere are may reasons our members find value in the Construction Institute. Here are some thoughts from a few of our members on how the Construction Institute has benefitted their businesses and careers. If you have a story to tell about your experience and how the Construction Institute has beneiftted you, please send it along so we may share it with others. Bob Tichacek, PE
Saybrook Associates, Inc. Our team really enjoyed being in attendance at the Central CT Forecast held on January 30, 2003 in Cromwell, CT. I had chosen to bring along two members of our company who had not previously attended a CI function. Over lunch afterwards they were emphatic about what a worthwhile organization the CI seemed to be, and asked about what other functions that they/we might participate in. Our lunch table discussion drifted into the benefits that membership in the CI has provided us as both a company and as individuals. I had not given much thought about our organization until that discussion. In thinking back over the past six years that we have been members, I began to think of the many benefits that have been enjoyed by Saybrook Associates, our members, and myself: 1. Knowledge parity: As a small company - particularly in a 'start-up' mode as we were six years ago, it was especially challenging to gain sufficient insight into our 'community' with regard to key players, business outlooks, economic forecasts, differing methodologies, and 'best practices.' Membership allowed us to jump into the mainstream quickly. 2. Business intelligence: learning who was doing what, and when. 3. Educational opportunities: We have had many employees broaden their dimensions by taking advantage of workshops sponsored by the CI. Our increased capabilities make us more 'salable', and more able to interchange roles with our team. 4. Networking: One gets to meet the 'movers and shakers' of our profession - all in one spot, and without beating down doors! And just as importantly, giving them a chance to meet US, and becoming aware of our capabilities! I just wanted to take an opportunity to express my and our appreciation to the CI for having developed our organization into what it is. I have made our increased participation in the CI a corporate goal for 2003. I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of our organization.
Bill Trail
PinnacleOne The Construction Institute has been instrumental in accelerating my introduction to many new people and my understanding of the local market. Transferring from Arizona to Connecticut to take over Northeast Regional Office of PinnacleOne was a definite challenge. I didn't know anyone other than our office staff and had no network or clear understanding of the market in Connecticut. While I was able to immediately start meeting new people, including potential clients by attending events, the key was becoming actively involved with a committee. This was the key for me to feel a real part of the local industry. Working with individuals from all aspects of the construction industry; contractors, subcontractors, attorneys, accountants and other vendors has been critical to my integration into the community. Being actively involved with an organization of diverse interests and backgrounds has provided a source of contacts as well as invaluable insight into all aspects of the local design and construction industry. I know of no other organization that can provide this high level of diverse contacts and exposure for myself and my firm.
Wayne Cobleigh, Mgr. Of Project Development
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Membership in the Construction Institute has allowed me to meet and network with developers, owners, architects, engineers and contractors. Attending and sponsoring their events is an integral part of our marketing plan and keeps us informed on this dynamic industry. I recommend joining to anyone who needs to be more aware of the construction issues facing your clients. I know we have gained new business with the construction industry through being an active member.
George Mulvaney
Mulvaney Mechanical Inc. With the prestige of being a branch of the University of Hartford, the Construction Institute has capabilities far beyond other business organizations. The Institute also allows for networking of the entire spectrum of construction users and providers.
Kurt Montagno
Montagno Construction, Inc. I think of the Construction Institute as a very unique and powerful organization. I believe its strength lies in the breadth of the people involved. This is the only organization I know of that is comprised of members spanning all facets of the construction industry. Far different from any trade organization, the Construction Institute has given me the opportunity to network with players from industry segments that I wish to pursue. In addition, the knowledge attained from the excellent educational programs has inspired myself and my staff to "raise the bar" in the manner which we conduct our business and provide service to our clients.
Michael Girard, President
Simscroft-Echo Farms, Inc. During the past fifteen years we have developed countless new business relationships as a result of our active involvement with the Construction Institute. We see the Institute as a unique link, bringing Connecticut's construction leaders together, free of political and special interest agendas to focus collectively on the betterment of the entire industry. The communication and educational benefits provided us by the Institute have enriched our growth both professionally and personally.
Matthew Mullen, P.E., Engineering Consultant
Business Development Mgr.
New England Mechanical Services, Inc. I am a member of the Construction Institute because it is an organization of professionals involved in the design, construction and operation of the build environment. The Construction Institute provides a vehicle where these professionals can meet to improve themselves and their businesses through networking and education. My involvement with the Construction Institute has been a very rewarding experience professionally and personally. The Construction Institute is the organization for design, construction and facilities management professionals who are, and want to continue to be, the best in the industry.
Perry Lorenz, President
A/Z Corporation On behalf of A/Z Corporation, I would like to recognize the Construction Institute for their leadership, vision, and participation in the further development of our industry. Our organization has benefited in many aspects with Programs, Publications, and Continuing Education which is offered by the Institute. This has allowed our management team to stay well informed and receive multiple perspectives from industry leaders. I personally look forward to continuing my relationship with the Institute and hope to be an integral part of their future success.
Debra Steines, Director, Corporate Real Estate
CIGNA The Construction Institute has given me the opportunity to network with people who have similar interests and goals. This organization has broad participation from various industry sectors, I can always find someone to help me or talk to when I need help or guidance. It's provided training to my employees and a forum for my issues. I highly recommend it to anyone with any type of facility or construction interests.
Paul Gray, Vice President
New England Mechanical Services, Inc. I have been indirectly associated with the Construction Institute since it's inception and have actively participated for the past 10 - 12 years in various capacities. Many years ago, I learned that if you do not actively participate in an association, you are missing out on one of the biggest benefits of membership. I have always valued the opportunity to meet new people from all aspects of our industry in an uninhibited setting to discuss issues related to our businesses. The Construction Institute is the only association that provides that forum.
Joseph Greenier
Pratt & Whitney I have been an active member of the Construction Institute for approximately 12 years. As I write this testimonial from my hotel room in Beijing I realize the value of the relationships I have forged over these many years as part of the Construction Institute have helped me get here. I am presently working on a project to create a "World Class" Customer Training Center here in the capital city of the Peoples Republic of China. It is my understanding of the construction industry learned partly by my formal education but mostly by my interaction with people in the business. I know that our Construction Institute has given me opportunities to learn from the "Best and the Brightest" construction professionals in Connecticut, the USA, and even the world. I have taken this knowledge and put it to work at United Technologies by sharing this knowledge with my colleagues and coaxing them to get involved in the leading construction issues of our time. During my association with the Construction Institute I found that the "Owners" needed to be more active since we many times set the tone for future development. Therefore, I have been very instrumental in helping form the "Facilities Management Council". Now I can see an even more important role for the Construction Institute in my obtaining real solutions to everyday problems. I also see the best is yet to come. With the advent of some of the new electronic internet meeting software we will be able to share our meetings with our busy professional owner members anywhere in the world allowing interaction even with our busy schedules.
Joyce Topshe, Director of Construction Services
Wesleyan University Many thanks to the great faculty and staff at the Construction Institute. Our project management team at Wesleyan University completed more than 300 hours of continuing education in CI programs last year. There was something for everyone, from indoor air quality to digital controls to delay and disruption claims. I especially enjoyed the State of the State Programs.
R. Dudley Mitchell
Mitchell Architectural Group, P.C. Membership in the Construction Institute has allowed our firm to meet an expanded potential client base through the educational and social networking programs. During the first Membership Committee meeting I attended we were able to meet with a potential client who we were not able to contact previously. This one meeting lead to a major project for our office. The Construction Institute's Training Workshops have allowed me to tailor our continuing education programs to the areas of expertise of my individual employees. Participation in the Construction Institute's programs has given our firm state wide name recognition and allowed us to make firm contracts with potential clients.
David Jepson
Jeter, Cook & Jepson Architects, Inc. As a member and active participant in the Construction Institute, I have personally benefited tremendously from the professional contacts, networking and educational experiences. As a Partner and CEO of Jeter, Cook & Jepson Architects, Inc. the Institute is a great resource for our firm's employees through participation in educational seminars, programs and the Annual Exposition. It has also served as a catalyst in bringing together in a common forum people, firms and organizations who represent the design and construction professionals as well as building end users and owners. In an atmosphere of academics and research, the Institute has served our individual and firm needs through constructive debate focused on improvements in the building industry and enhanced relations among its various participants. Through education and networking, my career objectives have been greatly enhanced through expanded knowledge of the building process and a more comprehensive understanding of the needs of the marketplace. Both social and professional contacts have led to greater success in our firm's business development activities as well as a higher level of achievement in providing quality design services. The Construction Institute is a unique organization and one that adds great value to the careers and successes of those individuals and firms who are participants.
Chuck Pinckney, President
Diversified Project Management Connecticut The University of Hartford's Construction Institute has provided me and members of our firm ongoing opportunities in state of the art technology and educational programs, networking opportunities to interface with leaders from every aspect of the Construction Industry. These include architects, contractors, sub contractors, building owners and managers, lawyers, accountants and those in academia as well as the myriad of other personnel that help support construction. I know of no better bang for the buck in our industry.
Greg Oneglia
O& G Industries, Inc. In our trade associations, we only rub elbows with other contractors. At the Construction Institute, we have an opportunity to associate with the other significant players in our industry - owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors. We learn from them and they learn from us - the best of all relationships!
Paul Berg, President
Applied Technologies I find that the Construction Institute is THE "go-to" place for interacting with the finest minds in the construction industry. The networking opportunities and information shared has helped enormously with the growth and development of my business. I think of it as my personal "crystal ball" to see what will be effecting business in the future. It is a great place to explore new ideas and solve business problems through peer interaction. In good times and bad … it is THE place to be.
Gary Timura
F. E. Downes Construction Company, Inc. The Downes Construction Company belongs to the Construction Institute because it is a first-rate organization which offers a wide-range of programs specifically geared to the construction industry. The educational courses, seminars, the annual exposition, to mention a few of the activities, all provides a chance for us to keep abreast of industry trends, learn a few new techniques and a chance to network with others that share the same interests in construction as we do. The Construction Institute is an invaluable tool for us to have under our belt (working for us) compared to the small amount we incur annually for dues. We are honored and proud to say we are a member of the Construction Institute and have the ability to partake in all that it has to offer. Don't wait any longer, join the Construction Institute today.
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