The Builders' Association is leading the way when it comes to important conversations in the construction industry. In case you missed it, we hosted the first event in a new town hall series by The Builders' Association, "Builders' Talk." The first session focused on suicide prevention, and featured industry-leading experts who offered resources, guidance and action steps for organizations.

We invite you to watch and share the recording!

Meet the panelists:

Cal Beyer, CWP, Vice President, Workforce Risk and Worker Wellbeing for CSDZ | Cal has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas concentrating in local government management. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in political science and urban studies. Beyer has over 30 years of professional experience in risk, insurance and safety management and business consultation. He has extensive experience in strategic risk improvement and risk management best practices. He is a multi-industry thought leader, and a catalyst for sustainable cultural change.

John S. Gaal, CWP, CPS, CEA, Retired Director of Training and Workforce Development for the St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters Regional Council | As a labor representative, Dr. Gaal serves on the St. Louis Airport Commission, St. Louis County Workforce Development Board, Missouri Workforce Development Board, and International Vocational Education and Training Association’s Board of Directors (president-elect). He recently completed terms of service on the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Board of Directors and Chair of the Committee on Apprenticeship, Training and Education, and National Skills Coalition’s Leadership Council. Since 2018, Dr. Gaal completed the Mental Health First AidTrain-the-Trainer course, NAMI Family-to-FamilyTeacher Training course, Missouri Certified Peer Specialist certification, and NWI’s Certified Wellness Practitioner certification. He is in his 24th year as a professor of Labor-Management Relations at Webster University.

Venessa D. Abram, MBA, Executive Director of Self-Discovery PPP | Venessa has cultivated a colorful network and experience base as a Multi-Award Winning Author, Public Speaker, Radio and Television Personality, Junior Board Member for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, United Survivors Advisory Board Member, Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Region 3 Advisory Board Member, National Alliance on Mental Illness Certified Instructor, NAACP Member, Baltimore Mental Health Alliance Member, and a member of Duluth Business Association and National Council of Negro Women. All aiding Venessa in her advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention.

Moderated by:

Kiona Sinks, Founder, Elevate Consulting | Kiona is a community-minded connector with eight plus years of consistent volunteerism and community engagement. She is a community advocate, social and civic innovator, cause-driven equity leader, and immensley passionate about diversity and inclusion. During her undergraduate career, Kiona helped spearhead the founding of the inaugural African American Student Union (AASU) at Central Methodist University. The AASU’s mission is to promote positive images of African Americans and to stimulate the cultural, intellectual, and social growth of all CMU students, faculty, and staff. Kiona drew inspiration from this experience to ignite her passion for community advocacy.