Kerry Smith

London

Co-Founder and Editor at Forthwrite Blog

Co-founder of Forthwrite (blog @SubstackInc). Content director on British Airways' High Life & Mandarin Oriental. Freelance writer and editor.

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Articles

AGC of Missouri Awards Record $92,800 in Scholarships

1 month ago | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Associated General Contractors of Missouri announces a record $92,800 in scholarships to a total of 39 students across the Midwest. This represents the largest scholarship amount awarded in AGC of Missouri history. Included in the 2025 scholarship class are 11 trade apprentices, 11 graduating high school seniors and 17 current college/university students.
AGC of Missouri Invites Member Companies to Submit Keystone-Worthy Projects by June 13

1 month ago | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

By KERRY SMITH BUCKST. LOUIS, Mo. – The Associated General Contractors of Missouri invites companies to enter its longstanding Keystone Awards competition that will culminate in honors and recognition for winners in early November. “The Keystones is our organization’s annual opportunity to shine a spotlight on exceptional project teams who have produced outstanding projects and achievements across Missouri,” said Len Toenjes, president of the AGC of Missouri.
SIUE School of Engineering Honors Holland with Distinguished Service Award

1 month ago | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

Holland’s leadership in construction, local innovation, student mentorship and advancement of the University will be formally recognized during the School’s Commencement Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10. Since founding HCS in 1986, Holland has grown the company into one of the Midwest’s most respected construction firms, dedicated to creating not only structures but relationships and trust. Holland has been a key friend to SIUE’s School of Engineering and students.
Freedom Flotilla Attacked Off The Coast Of Malta

1 month ago | progressivehub.net | Kerry Smith

The ship, located in international waters just off the coast of Malta, issued an SOS distress signal immediately following the attack. A vessel from Southern Cypress was dispatched but is not providing the critical electrical support needed. The drone strike appears to have deliberately targeted the ship’s generator, leaving the crew without power and placing the vessel at risk of sinking.
Build My Future: Invest in the Next Generation of Construction Professionals

2 months ago | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

Are you ready to inspire the future of construction in Missouri? Build My Future 2025 is off to a powerful start, with more than 2,000 students and 261 educators who participated in the Springfield, Mo. event in April. AGC of Missouri is gearing up for five dynamic fall events across the state — each one an unmatched opportunity to showcase your trade and connect directly with tomorrow’s workforce. What is Build My Future?
Legislation Breaking up Electric Utility Monopoly Makes Progress in MO State Legislature

2 months ago | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

Manufacturers, businesses, nonprofits and residential energy customers advocate for a competitive energy market to enhance energy reliability and reduce costsJEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri legislation to break up the electric utility monopoly continues to advance, presenting a free-market alternative to Senate Bill 4, legislation that allows utility companies to charge customers to build future power generation projects in the state. Senate Bill 487, sponsored by Sen.
Using Safety Data to Improve Worker Engagement

2 months ago | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

Image courtesy of UnsplashThis story is one of several coming from the Associated General Contractors of America’s annual convention April 8-9 in Columbus, Ohio. By KERRY SMITH BUCKIn construction, there’s an equation that safety professionals recite:quality engagement + quality data = reduced incidents and severity.
Toenjes Honored for 30 Years of Industry Leadership, Service

2 months ago | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – At the Associated General Contractors of Missouri’s 100th Anniversary Celebration April 3, the AGCMO board of directors – led by current Chairman and PARIC Chief Executive Officer Mike Rallo, Jr. – honored long-time association exec Len Toenjes, CAE, with a lifetime achievement award. The surprise presentation occurred at the start of the organization’s annual convention on April 2 at The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis.
Guarantee Electrical’s Oertli Passes

Mar 25, 2025 | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Charles “Chuck” Oertli, a second-generation leader of Guarantee Electrical Company, died March 23. Oertli was an industry pioneer, playing an instrumental role in advancing the design-build delivery method during his 50-year career which included his roles as the long-time president and later chairman of Guarantee Electrical. Among many significant awards, Oertli was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the March of Dimers in 2002.
Commercial Real Estate Industry Bids Farewell to Murphy

Mar 6, 2025 | mycnr.com | Kerry Smith

MILLSTADT, Ill. – The commercial real estate world is already feeling the loss of Paul D. Murphy, 72, co-founder, co-principal and designated managing broker of BARBERMURPHY, who died March 4. Murphy was one of the founding members of BARBERMURPHY, established in 2004. Recognized as a sharp financial analyst with a keen sense of the Southern Illinois marketplace in which BARBERMURPHY operates, he was at the forefront of commercial real estate investing in the region.