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Successful SEO Strategies for the A/E/C Industry!

In the A/E/C industry, visibility is crucial. Companies that can establish a strong online presence often gain significant competitive advantages. Implementing effective SEO strategies for websites and social media accounts that are tailored to our industry can help firms attract new clients, secure high-value projects, and establish authority in their respective fields. Here are a few key SEO strategies that A/E/C companies can utilize to enhance their online presence and drive growth.

1. Keyword Research and Optimization

Understanding the specific terms and phrases potential clients use when searching for A/E/C services is foundational to any SEO strategy. Keyword research tools like Google Keyword Planner can help identify industry-relevant keywords with high search volumes and relatively low competition. Focus on incorporating these keywords naturally into website content, meta tags, headers, and URLs to improve search rankings.


2. High-Quality Content Creation

Content is king in SEO. For A/E/C companies, this means creating high-quality, informative content that addresses the specific needs and questions of the target audience. This could include blog posts, white papers, case studies, and project descriptions. This type of content not only improves SEO but also demonstrates the company’s expertise. 

Crafting exceptional content involves more than just sharing stunning visuals – it also entails utilizing high-converting copyright. When leveraging social media to showcase your offerings, integrate relevant keywords into your captions and hashtags. Optimal hashtag practices involve keeping them concise and tailored to your niche, limiting them to no more than 10. Overloading with hashtags can confuse the algorithm about the nature of your content promotion.


3. Local SEO

For many A/E/C firms, local visibility is crucial as they often serve specific geographic areas. Local SEO strategies involve optimizing your website for local search terms, creating a Google My Business profile, and ensuring consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information across all online platforms. Encourage satisfied clients to leave positive reviews and regularly update local listings to enhance visibility.


4. Mobile Optimization

With the increasing use of smartphones, ensuring that your website is mobile-friendly is essential. A mobile-optimized site should load quickly, display content properly on smaller screens, and offer intuitive navigation. Google’s mobile-first indexing means that the mobile version of your website is primarily used for indexing and ranking, highlighting the importance of a responsive design.


5. Technical SEO

Technical SEO refers to website and server optimizations that help search engine spiders crawl and index your site more effectively. For A/E/C firms, this means ensuring a fast-loading website, a logical site structure, secure connections (HTTPS), and clean URL structures. Utilizing tools like Google Search Console can help identify and rectify technical issues that might be impeding your SEO efforts.


6. Use of Visual Content


Incorporating high-quality images and videos of projects can not only enhance user engagement but also improve SEO. Each visual element should be optimized with appropriate file names, alt text, and descriptions that include relevant keywords. This not only aids in search engine indexing but also improves accessibility. When utilizing visual content, ensure that the image or video is in focus, clear, and in the appropriate size for the platform. For example, content that doesn’t fit the square format will not perform well on Instagram.


7. Analytics and Adjustment

Finally, no SEO strategy is complete without ongoing analysis and adjustment. Utilize tools like Google Analytics to track the performance of your efforts. Look at metrics like page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates to understand what’s working and what’s not. Continuously refine your strategy based on this data to improve your SEO performance over time.

By integrating these SEO strategies, A/E/C firms can enhance their online visibility, attract more traffic to their websites, and ultimately secure more business opportunities. SEO is a long-term investment, and with consistent effort, the payoff can be substantial in terms of business growth and industry recognition.


by Jeanette Scarsdale, DBR Engineering and Erin Hoy, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

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SMPS San Antonio Marketing Communication Award (MCA) Nominations Now Open Through April 15!

The SMPS Marketing Communications Awards Program recognizes marketers and our contributions to the success of professional services firms in the A/E/C industry. As the longest-standing program to reward excellence in these specialty communications, these awards provide an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to showcase their best marketing practices and to shine a spotlight on the critical role of marketing in every firm’s success.

This competition is open to SMPS members and non-members employed by professional services firms in the A/E/C industry that have a San Antonio presence. Marketing communication projects completed between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023 can be submitted for consideration for the 2024 MCAs in the following categories:

  •        Brochure
  •         Promotional Campaign
  •         Corporate Identity
  •         Video
  •         Internal Communications
  •         Holiday
  •         Special Events
  •         Social Media
  •         Fiesta Medal Design

In the competitive landscape of the A/E/C industry, recognition through marketing awards can increase your firm’s visibility and boost your brand. Submitting for awards requires a strategic approach to stand out against competitors and we’ve outlined some best practices to consider when preparing your entry:

Strategic Selection of Categories

Carefully select the award categories that align with your firm's strengths and achievements. Entering the most relevant categories increases your chances of recognition.

 

Compelling Storytelling

Construct a compelling narrative that showcases the journey behind your marketing project. Highlight challenges overcome, innovative solutions, and positive impacts made.

 

Clear and Concise Presentation

Judges often have limited time to review each submission, so it is crucial to present your information in a clear and concise manner. Use bullet points, visuals, and infographics to convey key points and make your submission easily digestible.

 

Quantifiable Results

Back your achievements with quantifiable results. Whether it's ROI or engagement metrics, provide concrete evidence of achieving your marketing goals.

 

Early Preparation and Review

Avoid a last-minute rush by starting the submission process early. Allocate sufficient time for drafting, reviewing, and refining your entry. Multiple rounds of review help ensure that your submission is polished and error-free.

 

Our marketing awards are part of what make SMPS unique, highlighting the incredible talents of dedicated professionals and the creativity and attention to detail they bring to every project. The MCAs also allow A/E/C firms the opportunity to position themselves as standout contenders at the forefront of communications in today’s market and to gain recognition within our industry. All award submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024. Submit your entry of marketing gold today! 


by Jeanette Scarsdale, DBR Engineering and Mary Hazlett, Tetra Tech

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Lessons Learned from the 2024 SMPS Southern Regional Conference (SRC)

A/E/C Marketers from six SMPS Chapters across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana made their way to Austin, Texas earlier this month for the annual SMPS Southern Regional Conference. Now in its 22nd year, the SRC provided more than 300 attendees an opportunity to choose from over 20 marketing and business development education sessions specific to the A/E/C industry and spend three days immersed in learning about marketing strategies, proposal writing, AI tools, networking, leadership, and more. The SMPS San Antonio chapter had more than 25 members in attendance and of those members, five of them led education sessions, sharing their experience and knowledge of marketing and business development in the A/E/C industry. SMPS San Antonio is proud that our members made such significant contributions to the conference and are happy to share a glimpse of the insights they shared during their sessions. 

The Art of Networking with Maggie Seay, CPSM
Contributed by Erin Hoy, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

1. Your network can include a diverse set of individuals, including business developers, clients, coworkers, peers, mentors, and more! Your network is considered your currency.

2. Career advancement and strengthening your confidence are two ways networking can support your career.

3. Define your own version of success for networking events. This may entail goals such as distributing a certain number of business cards or meeting an X amount of new industry peers.

 

Mark My Words - How to Craft Your Leadership Journey from Doer to Manager with Maggie Seay, CPSM, Joyce Watson, CPSM, Erin Salinas, and Corryn Williams
Contributed by: Maddy Stokes, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

1. Be an advocate for yourself, and make sure that you are letting leadership know what your goals are.

2. When the path for growth is not clear, define it yourself. Show leadership what your potential position could look like.

 

Hash(tag) You’re It: Uncap Your Creativity to Level Up Your Firm’s Social Media with Joyce Watson, CPSM, and Erin Hoy
Contributed by: Maddy Stokes, Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

1. Have one champion to run your social media presence, when it's everyone's problem, it's no one's problem.

2. Choose the platforms that you have the most bandwidth for, you do not want to post for the sake of posting if you do not have the time to dedicate to quality content.

3. User generated content is a great way to get engagement from outside your reach, your employees are your greatest asset when it comes to reach.

 

The 2025 Southern Regional Conference will continue in the Lone Star State next year in Houston, TX!

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See You at SRC!


SMPS Members are heading to the Southern Regional Conference in Austin from Jan. 31 - Feb. 2. The conference will be packed with educational sessions and networking opportunities. We can't wait to see yall there!

Join Us at Antone's on Wednesday Night!

The conference will start off with the social at Antone's Nightclub on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 6:30 p.m. The event is included with conference registration, but tickets may also be purchased for those who aren't attending the full conference! 

Find us at the Open Asset Happy Hour on Thursday! 

After a full day of educational sessions, Open Asset will host a happy hour on Thursday, Feb. 1 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. before attendees head off to the Restaurant Roundup! The San Antonio chapter is planning to meet up at the happy hour for drinks and a quick group photo. Make sure you register ahead of time! 

Meet the Speakers From SMPS San Antonio!

The conference will have 20+ educational sessions and the San Antonio Chapter will definitely be making a mark at SRC with presentations from five of our members! 

  • PANEL: Mark My Words - How to Craft Your Leadership Journey From Doer to Manager | Thursday, 2/1 at 11 a.m. or Friday, 2/2 at 9:45 a.m.

    Presented by Maggie Seay, CPSM with Emerald Fox Marketing & Consulting, Joyce Watson, CPSM with Cleary Zimmermann Engineers, Erin Salinas with Colliers Engineering & Design, and Corryn Williams with Method Architecture

  • Art of Networking | Thursday, 2/1 at 9:45 a.m.

    Presented by Maggie Seay, CPSM with Emerald Fox Marketing & Consulting

  • (Hash)tag You're It | Thursday, 2/1 at 1:45 p.m.

    Presented by Joyce Watson, CPSM and Erin Hoy with Cleary Zimmermann Engineers

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Balancing the Holidays and Your Workload

As the holiday season kicks into full swing and we prepare to celebrate, the demands of our workloads do not take a hiatus. Busy as ever, we add more responsibilities – and the deadlines that come with them – to our plates. To-dos pile up on both sides of the work/life scale, throwing off the balance we are always challenged to maintain.

Like any other challenge we face, we can handle this! From leveraging time management and organizational skills to capitalizing on opportunities and resources for self-care, there are many ways we can take the reins on the holiday rush to keep our productivity high and our spirits up. The links contained in each section below include a range of expert advice and tools to help you get things done without damaging your holiday cheer.

Prioritize
When we prioritize everything, nothing is actually a priority. There are many ways to screen tasks to determine what requires your immediate attention and what can wait.

One of them is the Eisenhower Matrix, also known as the Urgent Important Matrix due to Dr. Stephen Covey’s popularization of this principle in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Dividing tasks into four quadrants, each with a different mix of urgency and importance, can help us understand which tasks truly need our time and effort and which ones are wasting time or creating the illusion of progress. This also helps us mind a particular danger zone, Quadrant 1, where everything is urgent and important – living in this quadrant leads to burnout.

Early this year, Forbes featured an article breaking down the system and extolling its benefits:

How to Get Stuff Done: The Eisenhower Matrix (a.k.a The Urgent Vs The Important)

Triage levels are another filter that can be used to screen tasks for priority. If quadrants don’t drive you, this traffic light color-coded system makes the signals for prioritization quick to process and easy to follow. Red tasks are your true emergencies – the things that cannot wait and require careful attention. Yellows are serious and need attention, but they are not full-stop urgent. This system also identifies things you cannot do and have to let go (black tasks). This can be disappointing, but acknowledging what we need to drop or when we need to say no (even when we would like to say yes) will help you avoid inadvertently overloading yourself. Also meant to help you stay cool and calm under pressure, the triage principle of prioritization is meant to keep your “busy” from becoming “crazy busy.”

ER Doctor Darria Long shared this system and how it can take you from “crazy” to “ready” mode:

Ted Talk: An ER Doctor on Triaging Your "Crazy Busy" Life

Optimize
Complementing our priorities, optimization sets us up for success. In approaching tasks for every quadrant and color code, we gain productivity and achieve better quality when we choose the best time and method to get them done. When we optimize our conditions for working toward our goals, we optimize our results. This requires several elements for us to do our best work: understanding our limitations (e.g., take your lunch), harnessing our most productive or creative hours in the day (try timeboxing, i.e., scheduling focused time on your calendar), breaking tasks down into smaller steps (start somewhere, anywhere, but start), and creating an environment conducive to focusing on the task at hand (maybe turn off notifications and put your phone face down).

When juggling our workloads, optimizing has a lot to do with our time and how we use it. Daniel Pink’s book, When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, dives into why leaning in to our chronotypes – our body’s natural disposition toward alertness and sleepiness, or our circadian rhythm – is essential to timing our day for peak performance. You can also watch his Talk at Google on the subject.

Energize
While juggling your workload can be mentally (and emotionally) exhausting, your body wears down too. Taking care of yourself physically – getting enough sleep, eating healthy (yes, it’s the holidays, but we can indulge in moderation), and exercising – is key to staying sharp and having the energy to take on the AEC world and the holiday frenzy at the same time. In addition to helping you feel better and more ready for whatever you are going to do next, exercise helps ease stress and clear your mind.

The New York Times suggests that any kind of movement helps:

Stressed During the Holidays? There’s an Exercise for That.

Harmonize
Just like time management and workload management, stress management takes practice. Everyone deals with stress differently – from mindfulness and leaning into discomfort to seeking support and embracing your imperfect moments.

These are a few podcasts exploring ways to reduce stress and restore harmony, during the holidays and beyond:

Brené Brown, Unlocking Us:
Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski on Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle

Rachel Hollis, 3% Chance:
3 Ways to Lower Your Stress + Improve Your Well-Being

Simon Sinek, A Bit of Optimism:
The Wisdom of Anxiety with Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary

If you are experiencing professional or personal issues and feel overwhelmed, talk to someone. Reach out to a trusted confidant or mentor. Or you can contact one of the many free support services available online for a wide variety of needs, such as 211 | United Way Worldwide. Also, check if your employer has an employee assistance program (EAP). These programs offer resources that often include free counseling sessions, stress management tools, and crisis support services for employees and their families.

With these resources at the ready, we can conquer our workloads and still have the energy and time to enjoy the holidays!

by Mary Hazlett, Tetra Tech

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A Letter From 2023-2024 SMPS President Crystal Del Bosque

While I am not one to talk about sports, the late Kobe Bryant’s famous Mamba Mentality is a mindset that transcends basketball and speaks to our vision for this 2023-2024 Board Year.

Over the years, our journey mirrors that of Kobe’s relentless pursuit of greatness. SMPS San Antonio has become more than a professional association; we're a closely-knit community of hardworking individuals. Our goals may vary, but our commitment to excellence unites us.

With that, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your collective passion, skills, and relentless pursuit of excellence that has brought us to where we are today. Let's give a round of applause to our dedicated committee volunteers, membership Ambassadors, and recent Board of Directors. You are our MVPs!

Just as Kobe embodied an insatiable work ethic, we, as SMSP members, bring our own brand of dedication, adaptability, and culture of continuously seeking improvement.

In the months ahead, you can expect a renewed focus on professional development, enriched networking, and a wealth of resources to elevate your knowledge and skills.

Our incoming Board of Directors are committed to fostering an environment that not only values but actively celebrates collaboration, teamwork, and the free exchange of ideas. We have a lineup of engaging events, in-person and virtual seminars, and thought-provoking discussions led by industry leaders and experts, all aimed at equipping you for excellence in your roles.

I invite you to lean into your Mamba Mentality mindset and engage with our vibrant community. Let's strive for greatness and learn from one another. Take time to connect with fellow members, join a committee, ask those burning questions, and continue to invest in your growth. Remember, our collective strength thrives on the diverse experiences and expertise that each of you bring to our SMPS Chapter.

It is truly an honor to serve as this year’s President. My door is always open. Please feel free to reach out with your ideas, suggestions, or questions.

Here’s to an exciting year ahead - cheers!

Crystal Rose Del Bosque
2023-2024 President
Society of Marketing Professional Services, San Antonio Chapter

“To sum up what mamba mentality is, it means to be able to constantly try to be the best version of yourself.” - Kobe Bryant

by Crystal Del Bosque, Alamo Architects

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A Letter From Outgoing SMPS President Kirk Kistner

In 2023, the SMPS San Antonio Chapter had an eventful year filled with insightful lunch programs and educational sessions. The 2022-2023 year included discussions about the future of downtown San Antonio, delving into exciting prospects and developments that will shape the city's landscape. We also delved into the San Antonio International Airport's capital improvement program, highlighting the efforts to enhance travel experiences.

The chapter actively engaged with the community by addressing important transit initiatives, such as the Via Metropolitan Transit, focusing on its impact on the city's accessibility and growth. Exploring the Southside of San Antonio, we explored the dynamic Vida Development and the ongoing progress at Texas A&M San Antonio, showcasing the region's evolving educational and residential landscapes.

A key highlight was our collaboration with the City of New Braunfels Economic Development, fostering a deeper understanding of economic growth and opportunities beyond San Antonio's borders. The partnership with the San Antonio Sports Foundation shed light on San Antonio’s vibrant sports scene, while discussions about Hemisphere Park development offered insights into the city's urban planning endeavors.

Our educational programs were equally impactful, featuring prominent figures like Diana Brown who explored the art of storytelling, enhancing members' communication skills. InDesign training sessions empowered members with design tools, while social media training equipped them to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.

SMPS San Antonio focused on membership value, making sure we provided ample opportunities to network with both members and non-members at multiple outreach mixers including our joint Engineers week mixer, our Fiesta mixer, and membership mixer. Providing value added sponsorship opportunities was also a main focus of our year, providing strategic sponsors opportunity for luncheon programs, annual sponsorships, and educational events.

Strategically, our annual goals encompassed expanding membership reach to the Rio Grande Valley, enhancing our social media presence, and embracing video content for wider engagement. Establishing a leadership ladder for our board of directors aimed to ensure the continuity and long-term success of the organization.

Later this month our chapter will publish the 2022 – 2023 Annual Recap that will showcase a year of enriching discussions, educational advancement, and strategic goals that collectively contribute to the growth and prosperity of the organization and its members. 

by Kirk Kistner, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

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Sally Smith, MBA, CPSM Recognized as a 2023 SMPS Fellow: A Trailblazer in Marketing and Business Development

We are delighted to announce that Sally Smith, MBA, CPSM, Director of Marketing/Business Development at Marmon Mok Architecture, has been recognized as a 2023 SMPS Fellow. This honor will be presented to Sally and fifteen other remarkable individuals during the upcoming national SMPS conference, Amplify A/E/C, in Austin on August 10th. As a member of the 2023 Class of Fellows, Sally joins a distinguished group of 132 Fellows who exemplify the highest level of experience and leadership in marketing and business development within the A/E/C industries.

A Catalyst for Success 

For the past 19 years, Sally has made an indelible impact on Marmon Mok's culture, growth, and brand image. Her strategic prowess and ability to foster collaboration have been instrumental in forming winning project teams for high-profile public projects. Sally’s dedication to Marmon Mok’s success has contributed to the firm’s growth, recognition for professional and community leadership, and a portfolio of legacy projects across market sectors.

Sally brings a wealth of experience to the table, with a career spanning 30 years in professional services marketing in Austin, Los Angeles, and San Antonio. Throughout her journey, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, listening to client needs and leaving a lasting impression on her clients, teaming partners, and peers.

Contributions to SMPS and Industry Organizations 

Sally's dedication to SMPS and the industry at large is evident in her active involvement and contributions. She is not only a torch-bearing member of SMPS but has also served as the Past President of the SMPS San Antonio Chapter, where she has made significant contributions to the growth and success of the chapter. Sally's passion for marketing innovation and achievement was recognized when she received the coveted Leonardo Award, an accolade that celebrates outstanding marketing professionals. Sally has contributed to SMPS in the mentor-protégé program, as a contributor to The Marketer, as a CPSM exam question writer, as a juror multiple years for the national SMPS Marketing Communication Awards, and as a downtown tour organizer for the 2014 national SMPS convention when it was here in San Antonio. Sally currently serves on the Board of Directors of the North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce.

Mentorship and Thought Leadership

As a newly recognized SMPS Fellow, Sally will continue as a mentor and valuable resource at the chapter, regional, and Society levels. Fellows like Sally offer their expertise, ideas, programs, and mentorship to the SMPS community, fostering professional growth and advancement. With her extensive experience and leadership skills, Sally is well-equipped to guide aspiring marketing and business development professionals as well as technical professionals.

Sally’s recognition as a 2023 SMPS Fellow is a testament to her exceptional achievements and contributions to marketing and business development in the A/E/C industry. Her dedication to team success, commitment to industry relationships, and invaluable contributions to SMPS have earned her this esteemed honor. 

As Sally joins the distinguished group of SMPS Fellows, we look forward to witnessing her continued impact and leadership in the years to come. Congratulations, Sally, on this well-deserved recognition!

Visit the SMPS Headquarters website to learn more about the Fellows Program.

by Allen Hoye, Marmon Mok Architecture 

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Erin Salinas of Colliers Engineering & Design Named 2023 SMPS Leonardo Award Winner

Last month SMPS members gathered for the Annual Evening of Excellence Gala and awarded Erin Salinas, Senior Marketing Manager at Colliers Engineering & Design with the 2023 SMPS Leonardo Award. Inspired by the Renaissance inventor, writer, painter, and sculptor, Leonardo Davinci, the award recognizes individuals who embody his creativity, innovation, and insight in their approach to marketing and business development. As a recipient of this award, Salinas joins an elite group of professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in their respective fields.

Mrs. Salinas, who has been with KFW Engineers & Surveying for eight years, has played a vital role in the firm's growth and success. Her passion for relationship-centric marketing and business development has helped establish the firm as an industry leader in the Texas region and a symbol of excellence in the architecture, engineering, and construction (A/E/C) community. In March of 2021, KFW Engineers & Surveying joined Colliers Engineering & Design, leading to Mrs. Salinas’s transition from the role of Marketing & Business Development Director to Senior Marketing Manager, Texas.

George Weron, Texas Regional Manager of Colliers Engineering & Design, commends Mrs. Salinas for her exceptional leadership and innovative marketing strategies that have solidified their position as an industry leader. “…she has been instrumental in spearheading the rebranding of KFW Engineers & Surveying to Colliers Engineering & Design. Her dedication and strategic approach to the Brand Awareness campaign for Texas in 2023 are unparallel. With a proven track record of capturing market space, I have no doubt that Erin will continue to exceed expectations and drive remarkable success just as she has done for the past eight years.”

Mrs. Salinas expressed her gratitude for the recognition, saying, “It is a true honor to receive this award, especially looking back at all the past winners who I have looked up to for over a decade. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues at Colliers Engineering & Design. I am proud to work for a company that values creativity, innovation, and excellence in everything we do. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team."

SMPS San Antonio seeks Leonardo Award nominations every year and asks nominees to prepare packages consisting of a nomination letter, resume, and experience to be reviewed and voted on by a committee made up of representatives of past SMPS San Antonio Leonardo Award recipients.

Nominees should meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum ten years of marketing and/or business development experience, including five years specific to the A/E/C industry.
  • Applicant must be a past or current member of SMPS or work in a firm that supports SMPS with a current member.
  • Will have made a great impact on their respective organizations and the profession.

 

Visit SMPS San Antonio’s website to learn more about the submission process.

 

Past Recipients

2022       Chris Carruth, Metropolitan Contracting

2019       Maryanne Guido, Guido Construction

                Angela Cardwell, Joeris General Contractors

2018       Katherine McGuyre, Facility Programming and Consulting

2017       Louis Rowe, Jacobs

2016       Sally Smith, Marmon Mok

2014       Eva Ramirez, RVK

2013       Nancy Parker, Pape-Dawson Engineers

                Melodye Tomsu, Joeris General Contractors

2012       Maggie Seay, Emerald Fox Marketing

2011       Rebecca Mansfield, Cadence McShane Construction Co.

2009       Joe Irizarry, Raba Kistner

2008       Kirk Kistner, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

 

by Aby Romero, Colliers Engineering & Design and Jeanette Scarsdale, DBR Engineering

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May 2023 Bond Election Results and Impacts on the Greater San Antonio Area

Bond elections were held throughout the state of Texas, on Saturday May 6, 2023, which should prove to be an incredible boost for the A/E/C industry. What was a record for amount of potential dollars being voted on, there was a total of $26.6 billion dollars of municipal and educational bonds up for vote, of which over 87% was successful totaling more than $23.23 billion passing. This is an amount never seen before during a single bond cycle.

The opportunities for our SMPS San Antonio members will be abundant over the next 12-24 months, with more than $2.05 billion passing in our region. Successful bonds include:

City of New Braunfels - $140 million

Alamo Heights ISD - $371 million

Comal ISD - $588 million

Edgewood ISD - $39 million

La Vernia ISD – $109 million

Medina Valley ISD – $376 million

San Marcos ISD - $166 million

Seguin ISD - $7.5 million

Southwest ISD $250 million

While the amount of bonds that were successful in our area accounts for only 10% of the total bond programs throughout the state, this still includes a significant amount of work to come into an already busy market. With this new work coming into the market, and including the previous bond work that has not entered into the market as of yet, our area has more than $5 billion in potential bond work that will impact our market over the next 24 months.

The only bonds that failed to pass in our area include the Bandera ISD bond program, the Devine ISD bond program and the Comal ISD $10 million proposition B for stadium upgrades. But it was still a great election cycle for the greater San Antonio area with a 95% successful passing rate.  

by Kirk Kistner, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

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