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By Al Atwood
Executive Vice President
Emeritus
Editor’s Note: Al Atwood,
in his 92nd year, continues
this saga.
The leadership of the
Southern California Contractors Association has deep roots in our area’s
construction history.
For example, Arnold S.
Nelson, Nelson & Belding, eleventh SCCA President (1984) also served as
President of the Los Angeles Chapter, (EGCA) in 1969. Arnie is a veteran of more
than fifty years supporting EGCA, SCCA and the heavy construction industry. He
helped organize SCCA, a charter member. He has served APWA Specifications (GREEN
BOOK) Committee and many of the SCCA committees, including chairman of the Force
Account Research Board.
Mid decade
Dan Grandpre, SCCA
President 1985, a veteran of the heavy construction industry and devoted
supporter of EGCA and SCCA, served a successful term as president. Major
accomplishments include the publishing of the first SCCA Magazine which was set
up under the direction of the Magazine Committee—Lonnie Clausen, Charlie Poss,
Jon Salata, Mike Yurechko, Al Atwood, with
David Platter
selected as editor.
Grandpre formed a college
scholarship program, funded by Southern California Construction Industry Funds.
Increased members and attendance at general membership meetings averaged in the
high 170's.
As the manager in those
days, I pulled double duty—all the administrative and public work, along with
trying to handle labor relations. In early 1985, the board authorized me find
someone to assist with labor issues. Kenneth E. Pack was added to the staff. Ken
performed an excellent job as Labor Consultant- Executive Secretary and elected
to move on in 1986.
Jere Meacham joined
the staff and continues to
perform as labor relations director and assistant manager, making him the
association labor relations expert with the most experience in the state of
California.
Committee work grows
Don McCoy served SCCA as
president in 1986. Don was raised in the heavy construction business. His father
Lester C. McCoy, a pioneer in the business and a strong supporter of EGCA and
SCCA, served as president of the Los Angeles
Chapter EGCA. Don McCoy appointed members to Meetings, Safety, Insurance, Labor,
Program, Magazine and other committees and attending many of their meetings.
He strengthened the
Safety Committee, which revised the Safety Book assisting members to maintain a
strong safety program. Today’s Safety Committee offers members an opportunity
for huge savings on their workers’ compensation premiums through participation
in association-sponsored Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs.
President McCoy assisted and worked with the
Program, Education and Public Relations Committee. They provided SCCA with
excellent programs, including the Fathers/Sons/Daughters Sports Night. The 1986
event featured famous football coaches John Robinson, Los Angeles Rams, and Tom
Flores, L.A. Raiders.
Boom times in late 80s
James Sprinkel was SCCA’s president for 1987.
Like his predecessor in office, Jim was raised in the industry. His father and
grandfather owned and operated Vernon Paving Company. Jim Sprinkel started new
programs and vigorously extended others. He worked with the Safety Committee to
revise and make available the SCCA Safety Book. He continued strong support of
Legislative, Force Account and Scholarship programs. He held the first Past
Presidents Night February 11, 1987. Eight of the twelve past presidents
appeared and told of their interest in SCCA. They were presented with a gold
diamond studded lapel pin.
Retiring in style
In 1987, the Board of Directors elected to
reward me for a job well done by relieving the pressure of top management. Jere
Meacham would assume the helm and I would remain fully available to advise and
assist for an indefinite period of time. President Sprinkel and Jere Meacham
arranged a tremendous retirement party for me. More than 500 representatives of
labor and the industry attended.
And then…
The first thing I learned from my second
retirement is that SCCA is a strong organization with a life force of its own.
George B. Cooke became the 15th President
following my leaving the top management job and guess what—he did a great job!
This should come as no surprise; George is a veteran of engineering-heavy
construction who gained his experience with Peter Kiewit & Sons, J. W. Nicks
Construction and Aman Bros. In 1965 he founded G. B. Cooke, Inc. Active in
community affairs; he served as SCCA’s City & County representative for many
years. George serves on several labor/ management trusts and is active in labor
negotiations.
As Executive Vice President these many years I
would like to start to thank the following for outstanding valuable
contributions made to SCCA and the industry: Don Johnson, Lonnie Clausen, Bud
Gross, Doyle Woods, Lyle Sandlin, Rick Kalish, Felix Dupuy, Roy Menzel, Jay
Pilon, and many more.
As this history continues I am sure there will
be many more to thank…stay tuned! |
