Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention’s First Strategic Planning Session Propels Initiative Forward

In August, the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention recently became classified as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and, on Sept. 25, held its first strategic planning session in Washington, D.C. Formed two years ago by the Construction Financial Management Association, the mission of the alliance is to provide and disseminate information and resources for suicide prevention and mental health promotion in construction.

During strategic planning, nearly 30 representatives from 17 alliance member organizations and the board of trustees created a framework for the future by forming governance, fundraising, education and marketing task forces. The board of trustees will be led by Chairman Michelle Walker (Specialized Services Co.), Vice Chairman Keith Vitkovich (United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers), Treasurer Brad Robinson (Lendlease) and Secretary Steve Tenney (Story Construction Co.), and includes Greg Sizemore (Associated Builders and Contractors), Edmund McCombs (Lendlease) and Tracey Fenolio (FCL Builders).

According to Walker, “The action-oriented outcome and collaboration among all who were present at the strategic planning meeting clearly demonstrated the construction industry’s ability to come together to create great things. With the engagement and commitment of alliance members on focused task forces, we are well on our way to effectively equipping companies to reduce the risk of suicide and impact of mental illness in construction.”

Of significant importance has been the recent addition of North America’s Building Trades Unions as an alliance member. NABTU is an alliance of 14 national and international unions that collectively represent 3 million workers across all aspects of the building trades, including Laborers’ International Union of North America, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, United Association – Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs and United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers & Allied Workers. The support of NABTU will greatly assist the alliance in achieving its mission.

CFMA President & CEO Stuart Binstock added, “We are humbled by the industry’s strong support of this initiative to save the lives of our most valued resources – our human capital. CFMA will remain as committed as ever to this cause and continue to champion the efforts of the alliance and the astounding work, present and future, of its members who represent all aspects of the construction industry.”