Mandy Bujold's Column July
Building More Than Projects This Summer
Summer is one of the busiest times in construction. Schedules are full, projects are moving, and everyone is focused on making the most of the season.
Amid the deadlines and busy job sites, it’s also one of the best times to invest in something just as important as the work itself: relationships.
The construction industry has always been built on people. Behind every successful project is a network of owners, contractors, trades, suppliers, consultants, and partners who trust one another and work together to solve challenges. Those relationships don’t just happen in the boardroom or on the job site. More often than not, they’re built over a conversation on a golf course, at a networking event, or while catching up with colleagues you haven’t seen in a while.
That’s one of the things I appreciate most about the Grand Valley Construction Association. We create opportunities for our members to connect in meaningful ways. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, meet future clients, find your next business partner, or simply connect with industry colleagues, our summer events are designed to bring people together.
Our Leaders in Construction Golf Tournament and our Women in Construction Golf Tournament are coming up and are always highlights of the summer. There are still a few player spots available, we’d love to have you join us.
Later in the month, we’ll be hosting our Member Appreciation Event at Badlands. This casual drop-in event is exactly what summer networking should be—relaxed, welcoming, and enjoyable. Stop by, connect with fellow members, meet some of our vendor partners, and spend time with people who are helping shape our local construction community.
We’re also excited to partner with BDO for an upcoming AI in Construction session. Artificial intelligence is no longer something that’s “coming someday”, it’s already changing the way businesses operate. This won’t be a lecture filled with technical jargon. Instead, it’s designed to be an interactive discussion where you can ask questions, hear from experts, learn how others are approaching AI, and explore practical ways it can improve efficiency within your business. Whether you’ve already started using AI or don’t know where to begin, this is a great opportunity to learn in a collaborative environment.
One of the greatest benefits of being part of an association isn’t just access to events—it’s access to people. Every conversation has the potential to spark a new partnership, solve a challenge, or introduce you to someone who can help move your business forward.
As we move through another busy construction season, I encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities. Step away from the job site for a few hours. Introduce yourself to someone new. Ask questions. Share ideas. You never know where one conversation might lead.
While you spend your days building projects, it’s the relationships built along the way that create a stronger industry for everyone.