BEC Conference Focuses on Workforce Development and Succession Planning

The BEC Conference hosted by the National Glass Association in Louisville, Kentucky, attracted a large crowd of industry professionals keen on tackling the challenges the field faces today. Lakisha A. Woods, NGA President and CEO, kicked off the event by emphasizing the association’s support for the glass and glazing community, highlighting the resources, training programs, advocacy efforts, and industry connections available to help businesses thrive in the face of mounting challenges like increased performance standards, supply chain disruptions, and project delays.

One of the key issues explored during the conference was the looming succession crisis in the construction industry as experienced professionals retire, taking their expertise with them. Industry leaders acknowledged the urgency of effective succession planning and the need to integrate emerging technologies seamlessly into business operations.

Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network, shed light on the dwindling workforce due to retirements, revealing that despite roughly 2 million workers exiting the industry annually, their positions remain unfilled, leading to a major talent shortage. Priscilla Koeckeritz, president and CEO of Brin Glass, shared her struggles in establishing a succession plan for the company, stressing the importance of grooming the next generation of leaders to carry the torch forward. She emphasized the need to blend continuity with innovation, urging businesses to think outside the box when recruiting new talent, combining individuals from both inside and outside the industry.

A panel discussion featuring next-generation leaders of family-owned companies underscored the complexity of succession planning, with over 60% of contracting firms lacking a comprehensive plan. Panelists urged attendees to initiate the succession planning process early due to its lengthy and intricate nature, highlighting the importance of stability within the company during leadership transitions. The benefits of succession planning were made evident, with various leaders sharing their experiences and emphasizing the role of continuity in enhancing employee morale and retention.

Recruiting and retention took center stage in a session focused on second-chance hiring, led by Joshua Johnson of The Redemption Collective. Johnson shared his personal journey as a formerly-incarcerated individual given an opportunity for employment, advocating for the hiring of justice-impacted individuals who often face barriers to securing jobs. In light of the ongoing recruitment challenges in the glass industry, Johnson encouraged businesses to tap into this often-overlooked labor pool, stressing the importance of building strategic partnerships with workforce development boards, community organizations, and faith-based groups to identify and recruit talented individuals.

The BEC Conference provided a platform for industry professionals to address critical issues and explore innovative solutions to safeguard the future of the glass and glazing sector. It highlighted the pressing need for effective succession planning, recruiting strategies, and embracing emerging technologies in navigating the evolving landscape of the construction industry.