Submitted by the Connecticut Building Congress
“Adaptagility” may be a newly coined term, but the Connecticut Building Congress (CBC), established in 1952, thrives on it, according to a spokesperson for the organization. Weathering economic challenges, encouraging collaboration in solving the industry’s toughest technical and operational problems, tackling workforce shortages, and diversifying its membership are just a few issues CBC has addressed over the years.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, CBC acted proactively, acknowledging that the industry needed support now more than ever. A task force created by CBC president, Rich Bergan from Bergan Architectural Woodworking, and comprised of the CBC officers and the executive director, acted quickly and strategically.
CBC doubled down on efforts and was able to move forward safely and effectively by adding virtual weekly lunch breaks providing much needed networking, industry intelligence, social support and even a technology series. Online live educational webinars took the place of monthly in-person programs.
Ron Goodin of Phase Zero Design, who assumed the CBC president role in July 2020, wasted no time in carrying forward with CBC’s mission to create a collaborative forum for building professionals to connect, learn, and grow, and realizing the pandemic restrictions would be in place longer than originally anticipated, he reorganized the group’s structure and activities for the long haul.
The group’s executive director, Theresa (Terry) Casey of On Target Marketing & Communications, was promoted to CEO. A super committee structure was created for efficiencies and better communications. The 25th annual golf outing and scholarship fundraiser was held as planned with various safety measures in place, and the 2020 project team awards program was reinvented to a virtual platform, adding a video project tour of a newly dubbed CBC All-Star team. The night was capped off with a Project Team of the Year trophy.
When the protests started in May, the board deliberated on the merits of simply making a statement of support as many organizations did, but instead thought action and a concerted effort moving forward would be more impactful in addressing the treatment of minority rights. In 2020, CBC revived its Diversity Committee, and the group is in the process of creating an action plan for 2021.
This combination of strategic long-term thinking coupled with quick and creative adaptations has paid off. CBC enjoys an expanded membership base, increased sponsorship support, and a growing attendance at its virtual events.
Always looking ahead, CBC recently announced its events for the upcoming year. Events for the remainder of the 2020-21 year include the following. Visit https://cbc-ct.org/ for more information. All events are scheduled as virtual webinars to be held from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Jan. 12: Higher Ed and Lessons Learned from the Fall Semester
Feb. 9: A New Look at Healthcare Facilities Management – Women’s Leadership Panel
March 9: COVID-19 and the Great Indoors – Making Interior Space Safer
April 13: Repositioning Commercial Real Estate
May 11: 3-D Vision from CT AEC Industry State Agency Heads
June 8: 25th Annual Project Team Awards
