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St. Louis engineer honored by American Institute of Architects

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) named Randy Martin of Byrne & Jones Construction its “2014 Craftsman of the Year” for work he did on athletic and recreational improvements at Missouri State University.

Martin, who is a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 513 in St. Louis, was presented with the award at the Springfield Contractors Association annual “Salute to Construction.” He served as the site superintendent for the sports division of Byrne & Jones while building MSU’s new athletic track and three synthetic turf fields as part of the $24 million in new construction and improvements to the campus. The construction required Martin to oversee the import of 15,000 tons of rock delivered in 750 truckloads.

“We’re very proud of Randy,” said Pat Kammer, President and Business Manager of the 513 local. “Any time somebody shows excellence in their field and their one of our members, we are extremely proud of the skill set. He showed, in an area where unions aren’t predominantly the choice, that we could go down there with a union contractor, make money, and do a heck of a job.

Byrne & Jones is the St. Louis region’s largest commercial paving contractor, serving in three divisions — concrete, sports and asphalt. The firm typically builds and maintains parking lots, athletic fields, tennis courts, underground drainage systems and paved surfaces.

“For somebody to receive that type of an award just goes to show you the training that is entailed to be a union operating engineer,” said Jeff Aboussie, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council. “Operating engineers have one of the best training sites in the state, and this is just a testament to the work they do.”