Director Rebman Provides Overview of Labor Department Programs, Services

On January 29, Labor Department Director Larry Rebman provided the luncheon speech during Construction Summit #3: Quality Counts, sponsored by the Labor-Management Council of Greater Kansas City. More than 150 people attended the event, which was held at the Argosy Casino in Kansas City.

Rebman credited his diverse experience as a member of Heavy Construction Laborers Local 663, his work for the Boilermakers International Union, and his background as a graduate of the Labor-Management Council’s Mid-Level Leadership Program, as well as being an attorney, with giving him an appreciation for the critical role of construction in economic development. He cited numerous programs implemented by Gov. Jay Nixon and the Labor Department that spur economic development and speed key projects.

Rebman encouraged contractors, unions and developers to bring questions and suggestions to the Labor Department and to soon visit a newly redesigned Department Web site that will be unveiled later this month.

Summit attendees included various construction-industry groups, contractors, and union leaders who came together with the common goal of learning and discussing how the industry can work. The groups also learned that while the economy poses real challenges for the industry, tools for developers and organized contractors exist to spur high-quality, cost-effective construction as economic recovery ramps up.

The Summit addressed three key elements to economic development and construction opportunities:  access to finance, tools to improve construction efficiency, and quality and access to qualified construction workers.

During and after the Summit, attendees visited the Labor Department’s booth, which contained a presentation of the On-Site Safety and Health Program, as well as information about a variety Department services and programs. Displays from several other organizations’ training programs also were presented.