Conservation Initiative with Beehive Installations
Force is proud to announce a new environmental initiative aimed at promoting conservation and demonstrating our commitment to finding and implementing sustainable practices both at our office and in the field. In line with one of our five core values, "Safety - We are committed to providing the safest possible work environment and to limiting our impact on our planet," we are installing four beehives at our corporate offices. This initiative marks the first step in a broader plan to enhance employee engagement and contribute positively to the environment. Alongside the beehives, we will be developing walking paths and pollinator parks at our office location this year. These additions are designed to create a more vibrant and interactive workspace for our employees, offering them opportunities to connect with nature and each other. Our beehives will be managed by local beekeeper Jonathan Vogt to ensure the safety of both the bees and our employees.
The beehive installations are part of a growing movement to support pollinator populations, which are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Bees, in particular, play a vital role in pollinating plants that produce fruits, vegetables, and other crops essential for human and animal consumption. By establishing these beehives, Force is taking a proactive approach to help combat the decline in bee populations due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental factors. The beehives also offer a unique educational opportunity for employees to learn more about bees' essential role in our environment and how even small actions can contribute to global conservation efforts.
Additionally, the pollinator parks and walking paths will provide employees with a peaceful space to unwind and enjoy nature during breaks or after work. These areas will be designed with a variety of native plants that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, creating a thriving habitat that benefits both the local ecosystem and the well-being of our staff. Force Construction is excited to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our broader mission to implement sustainable practices in everything we do. By fostering a deeper connection with nature, we hope to inspire our employees to continue making a positive impact on the environment both at work and in their personal lives.
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We are thrilled to announce that Mike Shanks, Director of Health, Safety & Environmental at Force Construction, has been honored with the Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI) Paragon of Safety Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates a safety professional who exemplifies excellence and serves as a model for others—a true "paragon" in the industry. With an incredible 38-year career at Force Construction, Mike has been a leader, innovator, and tireless advocate for safety. For over 20 years, he has been an integral part of the Indiana Constructors, Inc. (ICI) safety program, contributing his expertise and vision to advance safety standards across the industry. Since the inception of the safety partnership between the Indiana Department of Labor, Indiana OSHA, Indiana Constructors, and the AGC of Indiana, Mike and Force Construction have been inaugural participants, driving collaboration and innovation to create safer worksites statewide. Mike’s peers, who nominated him for this award, recognize the profound influence he has had not only on our company but on the construction safety community at large. His leadership and dedication have set a high standard, inspiring others and shaping the collective efforts of safety professionals across Indiana. We are deeply grateful for Mike’s exceptional contributions, which have made a lasting impact on our industry and our team. This well-deserved award highlights his passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to protecting workers and elevating safety in construction. Thank you, Mike, for being the embodiment of excellence in safety and for inspiring us all to aim higher every day. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!
At Force Construction, fostering a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity is central to who we are. Our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and non-discrimination is woven into every aspect of our business, ensuring that we create an environment where all individuals, regardless of background, have the chance to succeed. Through initiatives like our Opportunity+ Committee and Opportunity+ Week, we are continually working to strengthen this commitment and expand opportunities for our employees and partners. The Opportunity+ Committee, established over 25 years ago, serves as a driving force behind our efforts to uphold EEO standards and promote a diverse, inclusive workforce. It is tasked with ensuring that our policies and practices align with our values, and that we are actively creating pathways for minorities, women, and disadvantaged groups to grow within the construction industry. From quarterly meetings to ongoing program evaluations, the Committee ensures that our dedication to equal opportunity is more than just a statement—it's an ongoing practice. One of the key outcomes of the Committee's work is the annual Opportunity+ Week, which we’ve been celebrating since 2015. This week-long event is designed to raise awareness of EEO principles and highlight the ways in which diversity strengthens our workforce and contributes to better outcomes for our clients. During this week, we host discussions and activities across all job sites and offices, reinforcing our commitment to fair treatment, respect, and opportunity for all employees. It’s an event we look forward to each year, as it reminds us of the responsibility we have to uphold these values in everything we do. How We Measure Success To ensure we are meeting our EEO goals, we use several methods to track and measure progress. These include monitoring our percentage of minority and female hires, participating in the INDOT OJT program to support the training and development of disadvantaged individuals, and utilizing programs like E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. Additionally, we promote the use of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and other diverse suppliers, ensuring that inclusion extends beyond our workforce and into our business partnerships. We believe that by building a diverse and inclusive workforce, we are not only doing the right thing, but we are also strengthening our ability to deliver exceptional results for our clients. A diverse team brings new perspectives, fresh ideas, and innovative solutions—qualities that are critical to the success of any project. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to these principles, and we invite our clients, partners, and the broader community to join us in this journey. At Force Construction, equality and inclusion are not just policies—they are pillars of how we build a better future.
At Force Construction, we are committed to fostering relationships built on trust, collaboration, and respect—values that are central to everything we do. This commitment was evident during the 2024 Cummins Golf Scramble for United Way, an event that brought together over 200 participants from 57 teams across Southern Indiana. The event provided a day of fun, networking, and, most importantly, support for United Way’s essential programs. As proud sponsors of Hole #3, Force Construction added a unique twist to the competition with our "Chip the Hard Hat" challenge. The "Chip the Hard Hat" challenge encouraged participants to chip a golf ball into a strategically placed hard hat, creating a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved. Our team members, including Brett Siepka, Jackson Lahrman, Jace Rhorer, and Steve Alesia, participated alongside industry peers and partners, showcasing their skills while supporting a great cause. Ashleigh Fisher also played a key role, managing the sponsorship hole and engaging with participants throughout the event. Beyond the fun and competition, the golf scramble was an opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with Cummins, a valued client, and to support United Way’s mission of improving lives across the region. The funds raised during the event will help provide critical resources to families in need, making a meaningful impact in our community. We are proud to play a role in these efforts. Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue our participation in the Cummins Golf Scramble and to explore more ways we can support both our clients and the community. At Force Construction, building strong relationships is at the foundation of everything we do, and we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the communities where we live and work.