2023 Green Issue

Page 1

2023 GREEN ISSUE

TRENDS IN ECO-FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION

SAFETY BEST PRACTICES

COVER STORY

TARIANA

1ST YEAR LABORER APPRENTICE LOCAL 1

B.

www.bacemagazine.com | 6 CONTENT THE GREEN ISSUE EDITOR IN CHIEF RACHEL IVY CONTRIBUTORS WILLIAMS RILLEY LAFRANCIS IVY VICTOR SILAS 24 12 26 Face of B/ACE Green Building Safety First Editor‘s Note 8 Editor‘s Picks 10 The Future of Construction 14 Project on the Horizon 16 Boots Baby! 18 Planning Your Retirement 20 Journal Junkie 22 Completed Projects 32 B/ACE BOSS 36 2023 Auto Show Review 40 Construction and the Global Economy 42
Garfield Consevatory Park

EDITOR’S NOTE

This month I had the opportunity to participate in a sunrise walk and yoga on the Lake. It was the second time I was instructed, “To breathe in, breathe out. Let your feet become firmly planted to the earth. Draw upon the earth’s energy. If you love on

“Elevating Our Environment”

her she will love, you back.” Beholding the wonders of the water, the trees, and being engulfed in the beauty of God’s magnificent hand, I left that morning with a renewed commitment for our earth. It is our responsibility to help maintain a healthy environment not just for us to enjoy but for future generations. Of course, I do things like recycle and use a water bottle instead of plastics, but this year is all about elevation! How can we level up our commitment to our environment? Well, this issue of B/ACE magazine is devoted to leveling up our environment.

From advances in renewable energy, to basic tips on what we can do daily to show our environment some love. Speaking of environment, we are excited to be bringing a brand-new office space to the community. I told you all this year is all about elevation!

With 6 months left in the year, I encourage you to review your goals, your dreams and focus your mind on finishing the year

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strong. Finishing the year strong may require some tough decisions. It may require us to make some small and/or life altering changes. Don’t let your fear of change hold your dreams hostage but chase those changes in the spirit of curiosity and lean into them. Remember that change is the catalyst for elevation!

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As we move through these next 6 months, I am praying for a greater commitment to ourselves and our earth. A commitment that will produce a beautiful shift in our environments. A shift that produces a season of elevation!

PICKS EDITOR’S

I love a good journal but this one makes for the perfect manifestation journal. You can literally write your dreams and watch them bloom!

https://botanicalpaperworks. com/catalog/promotionalitems/plantable-seedjournals-notebooks/

Inside Weather has some amazing carbon neutral furniture. Check out this beautiful marble table!

https://insideweather.com/products/ ud10lg1011-round-custom-viadining-table-in-white-marble

Men’s Mahnya Fleece Pants

Back to Basics…Patagonia has some of the best workwear and outdoor apparel made from recycled materials.

https://www.patagonia.com/ product/mens-mahnya-fleece- pants/56667.html?dwvar_56667_ color=NGRY&cgid=collections- fundamentals-mens

ESSENCE, 41MM, BLACK WATCH

You all know I love a nice timepiece. Check out Mondial eco-friendly products. Developed using ecofriendly sources, this watch is made from renewable materials including Rizinus (castor oil) for its case; natural rubber for the strap and recycled PET bottles for its multipurpose pouch. Love it!

Can you say “Sustainable Swag!” These corporate gift boxes are soooo nice.

https://www.cloveandtwine.com/ collections/kit-gift-boxes

https://mondaine.com/collections/ sustainable-styles/products/ mondaine-essence-4

TRENDS IN ECO-FRIENDLY CONSTRUCTION

In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on green building and eco-friendly construction. As more people become aware of the impact of buildings on the environment, there has been a growing demand for sustainable building practices. In this article, we will explore some of the current trends in green building and ecofriendly construction.

Passive Design:

Passive design is a concept that involves designing buildings to use natural sources of energy, such as sunlight and wind, for heating, cooling, and

ventilation. This involves maximizing the use of natural light, creating shading to reduce heat gain, and using natural ventilation to cool buildings. Passive design can significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in buildings.

Net Zero Energy Buildings:

Net zero energy buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they consume. This is achieved through a combination of energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and energy storage systems. Net zero energy buildings can significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy costs, and

“This can provide numerous benefits, including improved mental health and well-being, increased productivity, and reduced stress„.

they are becoming increasingly popular in the construction industry.

Green Roofs:

Green roofs, also known as living roofs, are becoming a popular trend in green buildings. Green roofs involve covering the roof of a building with vegetation, which provides numerous benefits, including insulation, reduced storm water runoff, improved air quality, and increased biodiversity.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design is a concept that involves incorporating natural elements, such as plants, water, and natural materials, into the design of buildings. This can provide numerous benefits, including improved mental health and well-being, increased productivity, and reduced stress.

Energy-Efficient Materials:

Energy-efficient materials, such as insulation, windows, and roofing materials, are becoming increasingly popular in green buildings. These materials can significantly reduce energy consumption in buildings, and they are often made from sustainable materials, such as recycled content or natural materials.

Water Conservation:

Water conservation is an important aspect of ecofriendly construction. Waterefficient fixtures, such as lowflow toilets and showerheads, can significantly reduce water

“we can create buildings that are more sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly„.

consumption in buildings. In addition, rainwater harvesting systems can be used to collect rainwater for nonpotable uses, such as irrigation and toilet flushing.

Sustainable Materials: Sustainable materials, such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, and recycled materials, are becoming increasingly popular in green buildings. These materials are often more durable and require less energy to produce than traditional building materials, and they can significantly reduce the environmental impact of building construction.

In conclusion, green building and eco-friendly construction are becoming increasingly popular as people become more aware of the impact of buildings on the environment. Passive design, net zero energy buildings, green roofs, biophilic design, energy-efficient materials, water conservation, and sustainable materials are just some of the current trends in green building. By incorporating these trends into building design and construction, we can create buildings that are more sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly.

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THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION

The construction industry has come a long way since its early beginnings, with advancements in technology and changing societal needs driving innovation and development. With the rapid growth of urbanization and increasing population, the demand for new and sustainable construction techniques has become more pressing. We will explore the future of construction and how it may evolve to meet these challenges.

Green Building Materials

The use of sustainable and eco-friendly building materials is one of the significant trends that is expected to dominate the future of construction. The industry is moving away from traditional materials such as concrete, steel, and bricks, towards green alternatives like bamboo, hemp, and even recycled plastic. The use of these materials reduces the carbon footprint of construction and helps in creating more sustainable buildings. In the future, we

can expect to see a surge in the use of these eco-friendly materials in the construction of homes, offices, and other structures.

Prefabrication

Prefabrication is another area where the construction industry is expected to grow. Prefabrication involves constructing the building components off-site in a factorycontrolled environment, then transporting and assembling them on-site. This approach has numerous benefits, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, and reduced waste. In the future, the use of prefabricated components will become increasingly common, particularly for larger construction projects.

Robotics and Automation

Robotics and automation have already started to play a crucial role in the construction industry. These technologies help to streamline construction processes, improve safety, and reduce costs. In the future, we can

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expect to see more widespread use of robotics and automation in the construction of buildings, particularly for tasks such as bricklaying, painting, and welding.

“ The construction industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and materials emerging all the time„.

AI-powered construction equipment can analyze and optimize construction processes, leading to increased productivity and improved quality control. In the future, we can expect to see more widespread use of AI and machine learning in construction, particularly for tasks such as project planning and design.

In conclusion, the future of construction is full of exciting possibilities. The construction industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and materials emerging all the time. From green building materials to robotics and automation, 3D printing, and AI, the future of construction is sure to be sustainable, efficient, and innovative. As the world continues to urbanize and grow, the construction industry must embrace these changes to meet the demands of the future.

3D Printing

3D printing technology has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry by allowing buildings to be printed layer by layer, using materials such as concrete, metal, and plastic. The use of 3D printing technology in construction has already begun, with the construction of the world‘s first 3D-printed office building in Dubai. In the future, 3D printing is likely to become more widespread, enabling faster, cheaper, and more efficient construction.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to transform the construction industry by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety.

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PROJECT ON THE HORIZON

PROJECT HEAT

Project Heat is a new multi-story warehouse facility. Two main warehouse levels and two mezzanine levels will be served by elevated decks and ramps. A pedestrian bridge will connect the warehouse building to a stand-alone 5-story parking garage. Project Heat broke ground in November 2022 and has a tentative completion date of the Summer of 2024.

BOOTS BABY!

“Step into the world of construction with confidence and style, thanks to the construction worker’s boot. Combining rugged durability, optimal safety features, and a touch of fashionable flair, these boots are designed to withstand demanding work environments while keeping you on-trend. With a range of options to suit different budgets, you don’t have to compromise style for functionality. Stay comfortable, protected, and stylish from the worksite to beyond.”

Men’s Keen, Milwaukee Waterproof Steel Toe Boot

Red Wing King Toe Work Boots

Thorogood 1957 Flyway 8”

Waterproof Moc Toe Hunting

Boots for Men - Full-Grain

Leather with Slip-Resistant

Heel Outsole and ShockAbsorbing Footbed

WOLVERINE Men’s I-90

DuraShocks Moc-Toe

CarbonMax 6” Work Boot

Industrial

Carhartt Women’s Wedge 6” Waterproof

Soft Toe Ankle Boot

PLANNING YOUR RETIREMENT

Retirement is an important milestone in anyone‘s life, and as a construction worker, it‘s essential to plan ahead to ensure financial security and peace of mind in your golden years. The nature of construction work can make retirement planning challenging, but with the right approach, you can create a comfortable retirement plan that meets your needs.

Start Saving Early

The earlier you start saving for retirement, the more time you have to grow your savings. As a construction worker, you may have irregular income, so it‘s important to save as much as possible during busy periods to cover periods of lower income. Set a savings goal and regularly contribute to your retirement account, such as a 401(k) or IRA, to help you reach your target.

Take Advantage of Employer-Sponsored Plans

Many construction companies offer retirement plans such as 401(k)s or pensions. Take advantage of these plans to maximize your savings potential. If your company offers a 401(k), contribute the maximum amount allowed to take full advantage of the employer match, which is essentially free money.

Consider Diversifying Your Income

As a construction worker, you may have periods of unemployment or lower income, so it‘s important to diversify your income streams. Consider taking on side jobs or starting a side business to supplement your income during lean periods. This can also provide an additional source of income in retirement.

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Reduce Debt

One of the best ways to prepare for retirement is to reduce or eliminate debt. High-interest debt, such as credit cards or personal loans, can eat away at your retirement savings. Focus on paying off these debts as soon as possible, so you can redirect those funds toward retirement savings.

Have a Retirement Budget

Creating a retirement budget can help you estimate how much you‘ll need to save to maintain your standard of living in retirement. Consider your expected living expenses, healthcare costs, and any other expenses you anticipate in retirement. This can help you set a savings goal and plan to achieve it.

Consider Long-Term Care Insurance

As you age, the likelihood of needing long-term care increases. Long-term care insurance can help cover the costs of in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. As a construction worker, you may be more susceptible to injuries or health issues, so planning for these potential costs is important.

Work with a Financial Advisor

Retirement planning can be complex, especially for those with irregular income or a unique employment situation. Consider working with a financial advisor who has experience working with construction workers. They can help you create a personalized retirement plan, make investment recommendations, and adjust your plan as your circumstances change.

Retirement planning is critical for construction workers, and with the right approach, you can create a secure and comfortable retirement. Start saving early, take advantage of employer-sponsored plans, diversify your income, reduce debt, create a retirement budget, consider long-term care insurance, and work with a financial advisor. With careful planning and consistent effort, you can enjoy a worry-free retirement.

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“You can create a secure and comfortable retirement.„

Journal Junkie

I can remember the first time I tried it…. I was nervous. Filled with apprehension. Everybody warned me about the dangers of sharing too much. Worried about all the what if’s. What if someone finds it? For I am sure to be judged and my most intimate, deepest desires and dreams will be on display. As my mind wandered down this rabbit hole, I wrote anyway. As I wrote I could feel myself being lifted to a place of inner peace. Shear Euphoria.

Now I am addicted to the quiet time, a cup of coffee in my mug and a devotional to kick off my day. They can be words of affirmations or biblical scriptures that remind me that happiness is my responsibility. My journals nurture, encourage and help me organize my day to maximize my productivity.

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Here are a few of my journals of choice...

Believe God for Bigger! By Marshawn Daniels Evans. Want a shift in your perspective on life? Well this is it! Marshawn articulates and creatively weaves words to encourage you to become more in alignment with your gifts and talents. It is a life changing day by day devotional guide to get your dreams on tracks, and to keep your heart encouraged along the way. By far one of the best

Calm the Chaos- Is a nice journal to use in the evening as you wind down the day. The prompts are geared to keeps you in a spirit of gratitude but also allows you to set your intentions for the next day.

The Prosperous Planner- Manifest

Your Life is one of my favorite daily productivity journals. It’s a great combination of affirmation, gratitude, prayer and meditation. and then a daily recap to see your results. My favorite part about the journal is that it allows me to plan the activities in my day hour by hour and then there is a daily recap at the end.

If you are into journals and daily devotions, I would love to know what you are reading. Please share your journals of choice at contact@bacemagazine.com

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BEST PRACTICES FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY

Construction sites can be dangerous places to work, with the potential for serious injuries or even fatalities if safety protocols are not followed. Construction companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their workers and the public by implementing best practices for construction site safety. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important safety measures that should be implemented on construction sites.

Conduct regular safety meetings: Regular safety meetings should be held to keep everyone on the construction site informed about potential hazards and to review safety protocols. These meetings should be held at least once a week and should be mandatory for all workers.

Provide proper training: Workers should be properly trained in the use of equipment and tools, as well as in the safety protocols that are in place on the construction site. All workers should be required to complete a safety training program before beginning work on the site.

Use personal protective equipment: Personal protective equipment

(PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, and steel-

toed boots should be provided to all workers and should be worn at all times while on the construction site.

Implement fall protection systems: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death on construction sites. Fall protection systems such as guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems should be used to prevent falls.

Maintain a clean and organized worksite: A clean and organized worksite is essential for preventing accidents. Debris, tools, and equipment should be properly stored and disposed of to avoid tripping hazards or other potential accidents.

Conduct regular safety inspections: Regular safety inspections should be conducted to identify potential hazards and to ensure that safety

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FIRST
SAFETY

protocols are being followed. Any issues that are identified should be addressed immediately.

Monitor weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions such as high winds, lightning, or heavy rain can pose a danger to workers on construction sites. Construction companies should monitor weather conditions and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of workers in these situations.

Implement a safety culture: Safety should be a top priority for everyone on the construction site. A strong safety culture should be established that encourages workers to report potential hazards and to follow safety protocols at all times.

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Remember, safety should always come first.

Tariana Boyle

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COVER STORY
FACE OF B/ACE

So tell us, Tariana Boyle, Why Construction?

When I was younger my grandmother owned the building that we lived in. Seeing her doing work around her own property inspired me to want to get involved in the trades. I would always jump in and help her. Not only did I help her in her garden, but I would also help her fix cabinets and lay tile down on the floor

What aspect of the construction field are you involved in?

I am really interested in carpentry, but as of right now, I am a laborer. The good thing is that as a laborer, there are aspects of carpentry that I can tap into as well. Laborers can do many tasks and assist

many of the other trades. By being a laborer, I feel like I am getting the best of both worlds.

What are your roles and responsibilities as a laborer?

I am a General Construction Laborer. There are different types of laborers for each area of construction such as concrete laborers, drywall laborers, etc. Specifically, my job is to maintain the site by making sure that there are no hazards or hazardous debris. Sometimes, I load and unload trucks, fix things and assemble things. My goal is to make sure that the construction site is safe and

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co-workers”.

clean for myself and my co-workers.

The Construction field can be very demanding physically. What do you do to maintain your fitness and mental well-being to do the job?

I work out and make sure that I eat nutritious meals. Also, I make sure I get enough sleep. Sleep is very important. Construction can be mentally exhausting because it’s important to stay alert to be on top of things.

As a first-year apprentice, can you share your most memorable moment that symbolizes why you went into construction?

I had the experience of taking apart and putting back together a construction trailer. It was at that moment that I realized that just because I would be labeled as a general construction laborer, I could still do meaningful work. We basically took the entire trailer apart, moved it, and then put it back together, stairs first so that it would be balanced.

Five years from now, do you see yourself going in another direction in the construction field?

Honestly, I’m not sure. I feel like even though you set dreams and goals for yourself God always has another plan. I am not sure if I just want to be a carpenter now or just stay a laborer, but I do want to build my own house one day. That’s the main goal.

Do you have any mentors or experienced professionals who have played a role in your development?

The first person is Trista Bonds, who was my instructor at Chicago Women in Trade. She basically just was always positive and patient with me and my classmates, especially during Covid.

The second person was O’Neal Guy who told me about Ms. Lafrancis Ivy, From Communities Empowered Through Construction (CEC). LaFrancis Ivy helped me through this whole process to get me where I am currently. Also, Cornell Burnett was my instructor for my last pre-apprenticeship program. He gave me a lot of information which I am so grateful for. Last, but not least, Taiwana Lewis was the first person I met on the site. She is a journeywoman who helped me a lot when I got started.

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“I would tell another woman to have tough skin, stay focused, and always try to be a helping hand to her

1ST-YEAR LABORER APPRENTICE LOCAL 1

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If you were to write a book, what would the title be?

My book would be entitled “ Strong. The Power to Keep Going!” You must be mentally strong to be a woman in construction.

Where do you draw your inspiration to stay strong?

My grandmother for sure and my son. I often think about how strong she was, and I try to channel that energy. I often think about how I want to give my son a better life than I had and to be able to show him things that I have never seen.

Thank you, Tariana Boyle, and congratulations for being this issue’s Face of B/ACE.

www.bacemagazine.com | 32 Located in Chicago‘s West Loop neighborhood, the 160 N Elizabeth project is a 27-story mixed-use high-rise featuring 375 apartment units, retail space, a parking garage, and additional residential amenities. Designed by Thomas Roszak Architecture, the developer is Moceri + Roszak. Clark Construction was the general contractor.
ELIZABETH Here are some local resident who worked on this project.
Completed Projects 160 N.

Cleveland

Along Chicago Ave between Cleveland and Cambridge, the Focus construction team erected a new 200 unit apartment building with 101 parking spaces. The Pappageorge Haymes designed mixed-use apartment tower has over 235,000 GSF with an unparalleled set of

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amenities including a 6th-floor amenity patio with firepits, pool/spa, fitness facility, lounge, dog run, and a business center. The building has 160,000 GSF of Apartments, 20,000 GSF of Office, and 7,500 GSF of Retail.

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B/ACE

BOSS

Interview with Bill Williams, Founder / Principal at KMW COMMUNITIES

What is the inspiration behind KMW and what motivated you to start your company?

KMW was born out of the financial housing crisis. During that time, I was attending a conference in which a colleague of mine told me that I would be perfect for this new housing initiative. At the time, I was working in commercial real estate, mortgage, and securities for a wellknown institution. I had a lot of tangible skills as it related to finance and economics. He explained that the housing initiative had been created by the city to help in stabilizing neighborhoods and communities that had been badly hurt economically.

Mercy Housing along with the Department of Housing facilitated this initiative called the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. With all my experience I was somewhat considered a developer, so I started working on the program

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for the city. From there, KMW started building up community properties by purchasing, repairing and then selling them as multi-family housing.

When you say building up the community, with your background, is that what you feel makes you different from competitors?

To reference Jay-Z, we have the best of both worlds. Even though I have the personal experience of poverty, I also have the experience of corporate America. KMW has become a company whose brand creates market rate affordable housing, that looks great while working with public and other private entities to create meaningful partnerships. We wanted to get big financial institutions to invest in the community and get them

to see the value in creating sustainable neighborhoods.

Because you come from the community, do you feel this is why you understand the importance of what you do more than others?

I grew up in Chicago and our housing situation was unstable. As a result, we became very transient because of affordability. We could never truly afford quality housing which caused us to go through a stint of homelessness. Even though my mother was a single parent who worked at the Helene Curtis factory, we looked across the city every year for some kind of affordable housing. This is what made me passionate about becoming an ambassador for and creating affordable housing.

With someone of your background and over 20 years of knowledge, what are some of your success stories and notable projects?

I have learned more in failure than in success. I learned how to structure deals, how to leverage my relationships, limit my exposure and

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“I’m just a kid off the block.”

liability. Sometimes challenges force you to be successful. My failures help me understand what my institutional friends want and need from me in order to contribute to a project. From there I began to restructure my business to be able to touch them on those needs. Their contributions help to make our projects more sustainable and accessible to opportunities. This answer was not necessarily a success story, but this is how we have succeeded. Also, as it relates to investors, it is imperative that you have good strategic partners to work with and plug those gaps where you may not be as knowledgeable. If you don’t have experience in rehab,

new construction, or a certain asset class you may not be as successful. Real estate is very capital intensive and there are a lot of risks.

How has this project impacted the community?

Even though I have done projects in communities for hundreds of thousands of dollars, one project that I am proud of is the Woodlawn project. We really did our homework and did a pull strategy to 1. Bring people to the community and 2. increase the value of the community. The Woodlawn Project consisted of thirty houses in

three phases. We were the first builders in this marketplace so we wanted to prove this concept and add value to attract more private dollars.

What is considered affordable housing?

There is no solid definition for affordable housing because it always depends on how much you make and where you want to live. A person who makes 65K a year may not make enough depending on where they want to live. So even though most of the time, affordable housing does what it is intended to do, there are certain times when people can’t be accommodated.

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In addition, to build affordable housing is not really affordable. It’s very expensive but what we try to do is work with LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credits) and other funding. As soon as we can create a different mechanism to cut through the red tape, we will be able to build twice as many houses for what it costs now.

Since we are on the subject of the cost of building, as it relates to the materials and the environment, how do you prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility?

Every project that we work on has ESG standards (Environment Sustainability Goals). Environment Sustainability Goals are regulatory standards put in place to assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in sustainable energy, increasing workplace diversity, and providing transparent financial practices.

What are some of the major challenges or obstacles you have faced while growing and expanding KMW Communities? How have you overcome these challenges?

Aside from funding, there is talent. We are constantly competing with big companies

for talent. We must make them believe in a vision and incentivize the talent. Sometimes that’s hard to do with younger individuals.

What are the valuable lessons you have learned as a founder throughout your partnership?

Building relationships are always important and having a mentor is tremendously helpful. It’s always important to leverage your relationships. Just having this official but unofficial advisory board will help you navigate things you don’t know and should learn. Inspiring people, extending yourself and giving back to your community are

very important soft skills to have. It makes a difference when it comes to your vision.

Looking ahead, what are the future goals and aspirations for KMW?

Density is the most important thing for the city. We need to build home ownership opportunities all over the city to create neighborhoods of choice where people want to live. As a personal and professional goal, I want to go vertical. I want to build mid-rise and high-rise, multi-family buildings. These institutional assets are where real wealth is created.

Speaking of your personal goals, could you tell us a little more about your personal self?

I’m just a kid off the block. Like many of us, I come from a very dysfunctional family but I made up in my mind that I would be different. I had a family at a young age that helped in shaping my life for the better because having children I wanted to make sure that they grew up better.

How can people reach or be a part of KMW Communities?

We can be reached on both Linked In or our website at KMWCommunities.com.

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investing in sustainable energy, increasing workplace diversity, and providing transparent financial practices.

2023 AUTO

This year’s 2023 Chicago Auto Show offers a green influence with a luxurious futuristic feel . From small to large, Foreign to Domestic vehicles these new mean green machines come with big grills that are designed to make them stand out.

My first visit was to BMW where I toured and discussed their new XM Electric Luxury Vehicle. This vehicle has the ability to use the same charging system as most other electric vehicles while being able to travel up to 320 miles on one charge.

This big body v8 combustion hybrid vehicle comes with self-opening and closing doors. The cockpit has a smooth futuristic feel with a leather and chrome design on the dash. The seats are leather with a quilted motif which is optional. One of the top features that make this vehicle stand out among the rest is the addition of Swarovski Crystals that have been added into the headlights for an extravagantly bright and clean feel while driving at night. Combine these features with the world-renowned performance and suspension that BMW is known for and you have a winner. The BMW also comes in the following models 7 Series, the I7, the IX and the I4 Sports model.

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THE BMW XM HYBRID

THE LEXUS

THE LEXUS LS,ES AND NX

My next stop was Lexus. While it has been nearly twenty years since their inception into the automotive business they are transforming the industry once again by building upon their legacy of progress with the next chapter of electrified excitement.

Lexus now has 9 models that are electric from the UXH cars to the RZ SUVs. These vehicles offer an 0-60 accelerating advantage that you can feel with a combination of gas and electric power that gives you not only an exhilarating ride, but a quiet and smooth one as well. Their cockpits have a very clean and conservative feel that fits very well with the overall design of the vehicle. These vehicles continue to maintain their classiness and dependability.

Last, but not least Nissan puts their best foot forward with the continuation of their electric vehicles The Leaf and the Ariya. The Leaf is a 100% electric vehicle and has the most advanced driver assistance and safety features. It also has instant acceleration and nimble handling. The Ariya is the sportier looking of the two with a very futuristic look which delivers a unique driving experience of intuitive intelligence, and exhilaration. It has cutting edge driver assistance features with an light active interior that would make anyone love it

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NISSAN

CHEVROLET

Chevy makes its usual appearance at the auto shows this year with its always reliable vehicles. Their one vehicle that stands out the most is the 2023 Chevy Trailblazer with the Ecotech Turbo Engine. This engine design comes with a 1.2 to 1.3 Liter style motor. There are four variations of the 2023 Trailblazer: The LS, the LT, the Activ and the RS. They all come in AWD to FWD and with a very curved design aside from the Activ which has a sportier look to fit its name. As always, the cockpit is neat and structured with a look of durability as well as stability and functionality.

The new electric Alfa Romeo Tonale offers a 30-mile range on a single electric charge that delivers a thrilling performance at every turn. It is considered a best in class forerunner which revs from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds with the quietness of a mouse and all-wheel drive. They come with a curve styled exterior body and a luxurious interior with a futuristic seat design that is impressive. It comes in three models the Sprint, the Ti and the Veloce.

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ALFA ROMEO
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CONSTRUCTION IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

Construction plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and development on a global scale. As an industry encompassing a wide range of activities, from infrastructure projects to residential and commercial buildings, it has significant implications for job creation, investment, and overall economic stability.

First and foremost, construction is a significant generator of employment opportunities. It requires a diverse workforce, ranging from architects and engineers to skilled tradespeople and laborers. The demand for construction workers stimulates job creation and provides livelihoods for individuals and their families. Moreover, the ripple effect of construction extends beyond the immediate workforce, as it enables industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and services, creating indirect employment opportunities.

The construction sector also serves as a catalyst for investment. Governments and private entities allocate substantial funds to infrastructure projects, which in turn attract foreign direct investment and stimulate economic activity. The construction of roads, bridges, airports, and other infrastructure enhances connectivity, trade, and investment opportunities both domestically and internationally. This, in turn, facilitates economic growth and fosters global integration.

Furthermore, construction projects drive economic activity by generating demand for raw materials, equipment, and services. Cement, steel, lumber, machinery, and various construction-related products create demand throughout supply chains, benefitting numerous industries. Additionally, the construction sector relies on professional services such as architectural design, engineering, project management, and legal and financial consulting, providing further economic opportunities.

The role of construction in the global economy extends beyond immediate economic benefits. It contributes to societal development, improving quality of life and enabling sustainable urbanization. Construction projects create essential infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and housing, that enhance social well-being and provide necessary services for communities.

In conclusion, the construction industry holds significant importance in the global economy. Its role in generating employment, driving investment,

stimulating economic activity, and promoting sustainable development cannot be overstated. By recognizing and harnessing the potential of the construction sector, policymakers and stakeholders can leverage its impact to foster economic growth, create sustainable jobs, and improve the overall well-being of societies worldwide.

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