The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) held its 45th Annual Convention in Reno, NV, Sept. 13-16, at the Reno Hilton Resort & Casino.

The event featured a bevy of entertainment and professional activities, such as scenic local tours and a luncheon cruise of Lake Tahoe, as well as seminars, workshops, leadership training and a tour of Hoss Equipment Company’s new Nevada facility.

The convention’s keynote speaker, Janet Sue Rush, delivered the address, “Make A Difference for Tomorrow, Today,” and the organization passed its reins of leadership with the installation of a new president and new board members for 2000-2001.

Hoss Equipment Company, Irving, TX, invited convention goers to its new facility in Sparks, NV, when another convention activity had to be cancelled. Approximately 50 women from NAWIC toured the facility and had a chance to operate some of the heavy equipment.

Tom McDonald, marketing manager of Hoss Equipment Company, considered the event a win-win-win situation. “It allowed Hoss to introduce itself and get some good publicity. We were able to fill in for a cancelled event and have a good time,” said McDonald. “Most importantly, we had the opportunity to introduce the necessity for the industry to change its image and try to attract more woman and young people to the industry,” he added. McDonald is part of an AGC committee responsible for Career Days, a program of seminars to recruit high school students, women and other minority groups to fill a shortage in skilled labor in the industry. Career Days, Texas chapter, was honored with an award at this year’s NAWIC convention.

The NAWIC 46th Annual Convention is scheduled for Sept 26-29, 2001, in Anchorage, AK. For more information on NAWIC, call 817-877-5551. For more information on Career Days, call 972-594-0622.