News & Insight

• Messer’s growth featured in Wall Street Journal

  The Wall Street Journal recently spoke with Messer Senior Vice President Tim Steigerwald regarding the his perspective on what the newspaper deemed the “biggest year-over-year increase in construction employment since September 2006.” The article explores 2014 job growth in the US – the strongest in 15 years – and a falling unemployment rate, citing the construction industry as an example. Steigerwald noted to the newspaper that Messer plans to add 60 to 70 workers in 2015 as demand in non-residential building heats up, particularly in the health care and higher education market segments. “The signs are more positive this year than any year since the recession,” Steigerwald said. He noted that Messer this year is adding a mix of project engineers, business managers, accountants and tradesmen to its current staff of about 950. He expects wages to rise 2.5% to 3% this year for skilled workers, on top of a 17% gain in the firm’s healthcare costs. Steigerwald’s forecast did, however, come with a caveat. “The biggest thing that keeps me up at night is the skills shortage,” he said, citing specifically the absence of a readily available pool of workers who want to work physically demanding construction jobs where entry-level pay is around $15 an hour and an experienced carpenter can make more than $20 an hour. “Fewer people are willing to come onto a job site so we have to pay more.” Read the full article here: Hiring booms, but soft wages linger (The Wall Street Journal)

• Nashville event gives glimpse into city’s future

  To kick off Nashville’s mayoral election year, Messer today is co-sponsoring “A Conversation with Nashville’s Next Mayor,” a lunch event at City Winery that will feature a panel discussion between the city’s prospective mayoral candidates. The event, which is being hosted by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) Nashville, will serve as an opportunity for mayoral candidates to present their platforms and opinions regarding the direction and future of the Music City. “Messer is pleased to be involved with ‘A Conversation with Nashville’s Next Mayor,’” said Tom Lampe, vice president and Nashville region leader at Messer. “The event promises to provide our city with a glimpse into the future, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what’s in store.” Messer Senior Business Development Manager Jonathan Holmes, who also serves as president of SMPS Nashville, says the event is a start to what will be a an important year for Nashville. “This event is an outstanding opportunity to learn more about the direction of our city,” he said. “We have five accomplished candidates joining us to share their insight about Nashville’s future, so we feel it will be a very productive way to kick off this important election year.” Messer’s involvement with the event is another example in a growing list of connections with the City of Nashville. The company has completed numerous projects in recent years for the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, including its most notable, the Madison Police Precinct and Crime Lab, which last year won a Build Tennessee Award (renovation category) from the Associated General Contractors of Tennessee. That connection extends to the local community, too. Over the last five years, Messer and its employees have invested more than $260,000, along with countless volunteer hours, across dozens of community organizations around metro Nashville. “Our employees live and work here in Nashville, so the health and vibrancy of the community is very important to us,” Lampe said. “This community has shaped who we are, so we’re committed to making sure it grows and has a similar impact on others for years to come.”  

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  Analyzing the benefits of IPD at Riley Hospital for Children

  Focused on measurable factors like improving staff efficiency, patient outcomes, and patient and staff satisfaction, Indiana University Health signed an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contract in 2009 with a building team comprised of nine firms – including Messer-Harmon (joint venture) as the construction manager – to complete its 360,000-square-foot Simon Family Tower at the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. The team then set out with a goal of reducing both first-time construction costs and facility lifecycle costs. Healthcare Design Magazine recently analyzed the benefits IPD had on the now-completed project. Check out photos of the facility and find out more about how IPD reduced waste, improved energy efficiency, saved money, and helped IU Health improve staff and patient satisfaction. Read More...      

• Messer honored with prestigious supplier diversity award

  Messer recently received the Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (OMSDC) Corporation of the Year Award (under $3B), which recognizes corporations who display strong support for MBEs in Ohio communities and serve as a "role model for other corporations to follow" in the area of supplier diversity. Messer received the award at the OMSDC Annual Dinner Celebration at the Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati. OMSDC is an affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the global leader in advancing business opportunities for certified minority-owned business enterprises. The award reflects Messer’s commitment to supplier diversity and economic inclusion. In its 2014 fiscal year, Messer achieved a company record for supplier diversity by spending more than $171 million (19% of total purchases) with certified minority and women businesses. It is the second consecutive year Messer has achieved a company record in supplier diversity spending. Messer Economic Inclusion Vice President Stanford T. Williams Jr. and Journey Steel President Barbara Rayford-Smith, who served as MBE Host for the OMSDC Annual Dinner Celebration.

• Columbus

  Messer recently completed work on the Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource Gas Distribution complex, a six-story, 290,000-square-foot complex in Columbus, Ohio's Arena District that will serve as the headquarters for Columbia Gas and offices for NiSource Inc. In addition to office space, the complex features an employee-only café and fitness center on the ground level, and Nada, a popular Mexican restaurant in Cincinnati, plans to open its first Columbus location in a 6,229-square-foot space on the ground floor. The Arena District is a thriving area of downtown Columbus that includes Nationwide Arena, home to the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, and Huntington Park, home of the Columbus Clippers minor league baseball team. Its new addition is yet another coup for the District, bringing more than 1,000 employees, along with supporting businesses, to the heart of Columbus. Although employees won’t be fully moved in until around Thanksgiving, Columbus Business First managed to get a sneak peek of the complex. Take a look.

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  Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis receives $25,000 grant from Messer Construction Co. Foundation

  Representatives from Messer Construction Co. and Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis (BGCI) gathered on Wed., Oct. 15, to officially recognize and celebrate the $25,000 grant Messer donated through its Foundation. Messer’s grant dollars make up part of BGCI’s $909,000 renovation project that kicked off in August to expand the kitchens and cafeterias at their four freestanding Clubs. Renovations are currently underway and are expected to be complete in early 2015. “At Messer, we’re committed to building better lives for our customers, communities and employees,” said Messer Vice President and Indianapolis region leader Steve Bestard. “We’re so pleased to present this grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis to help expand their resources and impact. The local clubs do a tremendous job of reaching many at-risk youth and their families here in Indy, and closing the funding gap for this essential project will help broaden that assistance.” Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis aims to provide disadvantaged youth greater access to quality programs and services that will enhance their lives and shape their futures. Last year, the organization served more than 7,000 youth through their four facility-based and seven school-based club locations. Eighty-two percent of their club kids qualify for free or reduced school lunches. “Many of our club families live in areas that are food deserts, meaning there aren’t any near grocery stores serving those neighborhoods,” said Rick Whitten, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis. “An inability to find healthy food in their own neighborhoods is a real issue that our parents face every day. That’s why we feel so strongly about club kids and their families.”  Through collaboration with Second Helpings, a local nonprofit that provides donated perishable and overstocked food, and through working with other organizations, BGCI provided more than 162,000 meals and snacks in 2013 to club kids and their families. Once completed, the renovation project will allow BGCI to serve 20,000 more meals a year. Messer employees were on hand at the LeGore club on Wednesday to present the check, tour the facility and speak to a group of about 160 club kids. Among the volunteers was Messer Project Executive Carl Dennin, who sponsored BGCI for the grant and serves on the organization’s board of directors. Dennin stressed the importance of providing meals to disadvantaged youth and families. “These renovations are important because of the scope of their impact,” Dennin said. “Having the ability to serve an additional 20,000 meals per year is significant, especially considering that many times it’s the difference between someone having dinner and going to bed hungry.” But, BGCI’s impact extends far beyond meals served. The organization met Messer’s requirements for the grant due to its education and career development efforts, via its Money Matters and Career Launch programs. Money Matters focuses on financial responsibility and independence by teaching members how to manage a checking account, budget, save, invest, start a small business and pay for college. Career Launch encourages club members to assess their skills and interests, explore careers, make sound educational decisions and prepare to join our nation’s workforce. “They do such a tremendous job at the Clubs,” Dennin added. “And their impact is felt by those who need it most. I’m often brought to tears at their annual meeting upon hearing the life changes that occur within the walls of these Clubs.” Bestard said he shares Dennin’s sentiment. “I speak for quite a few people at Messer when I say we were very impressed with the work Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis does, in terms of both quality and scope,” he said. “They provide everything from the essentials, like meals, to the basic skills every young person needs to advance their goals and dreams. The work they do is very important to the growth and future of Central Indiana.” About Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis Since 1893, Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis have served the Indianapolis community. With 11 Club locations, the Clubs provide programs for over 7,000 youth in the areas of career exploration and educational enhancement, citizenship and leadership, the arts, and health and fitness. For additional information, please call (317) 920-4700 or visit www.BGCINDY.org.

• Ground breaking held for Major Hospital

  Major Health Partners (MHP) broke ground this week on a new 350,000-square-foot hospital in Shelbyville, Ind., which is being built by Messer. Representatives from MHP, the City of Shelbyville and Messer were among those who gathered to formally kick off construction of Major Hospital, which will sit on I-74 about 30 miles southeast of downtown Indianapolis. The project will be the largest in MHP’s history. The new facility will replace the current Major Hospital, located in downtown Shelbyville. It will include 56 private inpatient rooms and 38 outpatient rooms and will be home to 934 employees, including 57 physicians (30 primary care and 27 specialists). It will give patients the convenience of having their doctor’s appointment, lab work and imaging all completed in one location. The project is slated for completion in 2016.

• Lexington non-profit Newton

  The Messer Construction Co. Foundation presented a $25,000 grant on Sept. 17 to Newton’s Attic, a Lexington organization that provides area students, parents and teachers with unique educational experiences by offering STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) resources. Newton’s Attic plans to use the funding to renovate the interior space of its instructional building. Renovations are set to begin in the coming weeks and are scheduled for completion in early 2015. “At Messer, we’re committed to building better lives for our customers, communities and employees,” said Messer Vice President and Lexington region leader Bob Williams, “so we’re pleased to present this grant to Newton’s Attic to help enhance its resources and expand young students’ exposure to STEM fields in Central Kentucky. The team at Newton’s Attic does tremendous work with young people here in Lexington, so we hope this grant can help to extend their impact.” Bill Cloyd, president and founder of Newton’s Attic, said the grant will help expand the facility’s capacity. “Newton’s Attic is thrilled with the generous donation from the Messer Construction Co. Foundation,” Cloyd said. “The timing is perfect in that we are fast approaching the limits of our current facility in terms of the number of students we can serve. We are very much in need of additional and higher quality learning spaces to provide the types of science and engineering education that our students need.” Cloyd, an engineer by trade, founded Newton’s Attic in 1998 with the purpose of stimulating local interest in STEM fields. The non-profit promotes STEM courses and career fields in physics and engineering via an engaging, hands-on learning atmosphere in its classes and summer camps. A library of programs at the school allows students to engage in hands-on design, fabrication and field-testing of their own mechanical devices in highly energized and competitive environments. The facility’s renovations will increase the quantity and quality of Newton’s Attic’s classroom and work space. Total classroom and work space will increase from 1,500 square feet currently to 3,700 square feet of higher-quality space. The open warehouse will be climatized and made into a multi-purpose area that can be partitioned into smaller learning areas or converted into open space to house large projects or events as needed. The grant was sponsored on Messer’s end by Project Engineer Diana Hagan, a building renovation board member for Newton’s Attic who will also help lead the facility’s renovation project. Hagan first became involved with Newton’s Attic in 2013 through the Block Kids Building Program, a LEGO building competition put on by the National Association of Women in Construction. “The skills and knowledge young people take away from their time at Newton’s Attic are invaluable,” Hagan said. “Newton’s Attic’s hands-on engineering education combines engineering theory with problem solving, real-world application and tool-use in unique ways that are well matched with the needs of the construction and manufacturing industries.” In 2013, Newton’s Attic served approximately 800 children at its facility and worked with many hundreds more off site at area schools, libraries and community centers. The summer program alone grew from 181 participants in 2012 – the organization’s first year in its current facility – to more than 500 in 2014. “The improvements made possible with this grant will not only give us the ability to improve the student experience for our existing programs but will allow us to add exciting new programs to our repertoire,” Cloyd added. “We are excited about the possibilities of what this allows us to do and how it will benefit the families in the community. We are extremely grateful." About Newton’s Attic Newton's Attic, a nonprofit founded in 1998 by Bill Cloyd, is dedicated to providing students with highly unusual educational experiences and providing STEM (Science Technology, Engineering Mathematics) educational resources to parents, students and teachers. Our mission is to stimulate interest in science and engineering through exciting hands-on projects, classes and summer camps. This fall at Newton’s Attic Spots are still available for Newton’s Attic’s Fall and Fall Break sessions. The Fall session is an after-school program which runs from Sept. 24 to Oct. 30. During schools’ fall breaks, Newton’s Attic will offer both half-day and full-day programs. Visit www.newtonsattic.com for more information or to register. Newton’s Attic will again be out in force at the Louisville Mini Maker Faire on Market Street in downtown Louisville on Sat., Sept. 27th. Attendees can ride The Device, shoot The Pod and maybe even the Ballista. Visit http://makerfairelou.org/ for more details. Additionally, the school was again selected to participate in the GoodGiving Challenge, an fund drive put on by the Bluegrass Community Foundation that encourages donating to local non-profits. Last year, Newton’s Attic raised $18,000, far exceeding its goal of $5,000. More coverage: Photo Gallery (via Kentucky.com) Messer Construction Co. gives $25,000 grant to Newton's Attic (via The Lane Report)

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  Cincinnati non-profit Lawn Life receives $25,000 grant to improve classroom space

  The Messer Construction Co. Foundation presented a $25,000 grant on Wednesday to Lawn Life, an organization which provides unique transitional employment to at-risk youth from disadvantaged communities in the Tri-State area. The check was presented to Lawn Life during the Social Enterprise Showcase, put on by Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub, on Fountain Square. The grant funding will go toward transforming the unfinished second and third floors at Lawn Life’s headquarters in Evanston into training classroom space. “At Messer, we’re committed to building better lives for our customers, communities and employees,” said Messer Vice President and Cincinnati region leader Steve Eder. “We’re pleased to present this grant to help further Lawn Life’s cause of providing real-life employment opportunities to at-risk, local youth. “Lawn Life does a tremendous job of leading local youth out of the cycle of poverty and onto the path toward being productive members of the workforce and their communities. Their approach is very unique in that they give actual, good-paying jobs, to young, disconnected men and women with no experience required. The renovations to their headquarters will help to broaden that impact, so we’re excited to support their efforts.” Lawn Life Executive Director Tim Arnold said the grant will greatly impact Lawn Life’s young crew members. “Lawn Life is extremely honored to be selected as a 2014 grant recipient from Messer Construction Co.,” Arnold said. “This grant is different than many others because Messer is an established, community-oriented company that our young crew members can recognize, relate to, and aspire to become part of. “Being awarded with this grant, Lawn Life will begin a relationship with the exact type of company that we hope for them to begin a very real career with.” Lawn Life focuses specifically on providing a paid, first-time employment experience to at-risk young adults, many returning from the juvenile justice system. These young adults often return to the community with a variety of social service, legal, mental health and family issues, let alone very few job prospects. Lawn Life presents these opportunities as jobs – not a development program – that allow the young adults to work alongside community members and experienced professionals in trades like landscaping, home renovation and light construction. Messer project manager Donnie Harris, a Lawn Life board member since 2012, sponsored the organization for Messer’s grant because of the positive second chances it provides for individuals who may have made the wrong decisions in the past. “Providing employment experience to young adults in these situations empowers them and leads them down a better, more impactful path,” Harris said. “Lawn Life acts as a bridge for them to help gain job and career opportunities with reputable companies.” Renovations to the second and third floors of the organization’s headquarters will help establish a resource area at the facility. Renovations will include interior wall repair, painting, door repairs, lighting fixtures, refinishing hardwood floors, ceramic tile in bathrooms, cabinetry, shelving, computer stations, computers, second-floor porch repair, seating, hand railing, emergency exit lighting and security cameras. Much of the renovation work will be done by program participants working side-by-side with professional, licensed contractors. Arnold said the broadening of Lawn Life’s resources will lead to benefits for the organization. “This space will be for our future apprentices to continue their growth into the workforce through classroom teaching of trades, a computer lab to fulfill job search requirements, and acquiring further transferable skills and work ethics to help them successfully transition into their careers,” he said. Since August 2008, Lawn Life has provided paid employment to more than 475 at-risk young men and women. Nearly half of those are currently employed locally in a full-time position, and an additional 25 percent are training as an apprentice or in vocational education. Earlier this year, the Southwest Ohio Region Workforce Investment Board recognized Lawn Life with the its 2014 Youth Advocate of the Year Award.  

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County receives $25K grant

  The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford Co. (BGCRC) recently received a $25,000 grant from the Messer Construction Co. Foundation to fund a much-needed bathroom renovation project at its Murfreesboro Club. The improvements at the Murfreesboro Club are aimed to put infrastructure in place that reflects the pride and care the staff puts into the Club’s programming every day. “Several of our Nashville employees have already invested their time and energy to give back to this important community resource, and we are thrilled join them as a company to support the Club’s efforts with this grant,” said Tom Lampe, Messer Construction Co. vice president and Nashville region leader. “We are proud to be able to provide the funds needed for the bathroom and locker room renovations, as it is important infrastructure to the Club’s overall efforts and contributes to the safe and positive environment the Club creates.” Among the improvements to the Murfreesboro Club are new tile, sinks, automatic faucets, hand dryers, toilets and paint. These renovations are in addition to the new stall partitions donated by Messer earlier this year as a jumpstart on the project. BGCRC’s Executive Director Derek Blake added his appreciation for the grant. “The Messer Construction Co. Foundation’s generous support will make a substantial impact on the daily functions of the Murfreesboro Club. We work with hundreds of local youth each and every day, and by providing them with quality Club facilities, we are able to further emphasize to them their worth and continue to help them build confidence and reach their full potential as caring and responsible citizens.” Messer employees were on hand at the Murfreesboro Club in August for a check presentation to the board, and then toured the Club to learn more about its impact in the community. BGCRC was selected based upon the Club’s focus on education and workforce development for youth. The Club’s educational offerings include homework help, tutoring, reading activities, college preparation, and access to computer and art labs, career guidance and mentoring. Workforce development offerings include teen leadership programs, age-appropriate leadership clubs, community service opportunities and education and career development resources. “BGCRC really makes the most of its resources,” Lampe added. “Messer recognizes that. It’s exciting knowing that $25,000 is being used to improve the quality of those resources.” BGCRC’s members, ages five to 18, work with professional staff and volunteers whose focus is on each child’s future. Operating since 1986 and a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCRC serves more than 3,000 young people each year. Clubs are open every day after school, during school breaks and during the summer. Club members are asked to pay a $40 membership fee, but no child is turned away due to inability to pay. About Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County, founded in 1986, is a non-profit, privately-funded 501(c)(3) organization and depends on private donations and volunteers to accomplish its mission. The Clubs annually serve more than 3,000 youth. For additional information about Boys & Girls Clubs of Rutherford County, please contact the Boys & Girls Club office at 893-KIDS or visit the web site at www.bgcrc.net. 

• University Station opens to positive reviews, early impact

  Phase 1 of University Station, a mixed-use development near the campus of Xavier University in Cincinnati, opened its doors to residents last week, just in time for the start of Xavier’s fall semester. Messer acted as the builder for the 315,000-square-foot first phase and teamed with Cincinnati-based Ackermann Group to serve also as co-developer. One-hundred percent of University Station’s residential and office space is leased; all 480 residents moved in on Aug. 22, and office tenants are continuing to take occupancy. Several retail tenants, including the Xavier University Bookstore, Graeter’s, Starbucks, Fat Daddy’s Donuts, FroZenYo, and Digital Doc, will be opening their doors in the coming weeks and months. The Cincinnati Enquirer was on hand for move-in day and captured feedback from a few impressed students and parents. It also looked at the impact already being felt by the surrounding Evanston and Norwood communities. New development near Xavier adding life to campus (Cincinnati.com) EXCLUSIVE: Meet a “new’ real estate developer (Cincinnati.com)