Colorado Springs Chapter 356
Publicity

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The NAWIC Chapter of Colorado Springs marked its 10th anniversary this year as a prominent organiztion in the local construction industry.
The National Association of Women in Construction was originally founded in 1953 by 16 women working in the construction industry of Fort Worth, Texas. NAWIC was organized to specifically advance the causes of all women in construction and hence,
create a support network.
Originally known as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, the organization achieved national charter status in 1955 and was soon deemed NAWIC.
Specifically, the Colorado Springs chapter was formed in January 1997 by

a group of seven women from NAWIC Denver Chapter 112. The original members included Susie Calvin, Cathy O'Canna, Paula Hadaway, Linda Hampton, Connilee Schwepker, Carol Seilheimer and Brenda Vaughn.
Today, more than 5,000 women in construction are members of NAWIC with 179 chapters across the United States.
And, since 1996, NAWIC has grown internationally, signing International Affiliation Agreements with Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Aftrican Women in Construction, and just last year, Canadian Women in Construction.
"NAWIC has literally changed my life. An organization which facilitates a support network for women in construction is, today, absolutely necessary." said Dodi Walch, a former NAWIC president. "The benefits are endless, from friends to leadership and education."

is a Board of Trustees member. As the organization's treasurer, Walch is committed to providing quality education programs for Colorado's construction industry.
"The National Education Foundation funds various programs for children and young adults. These include the Block-Kids Building Program and CAD/Design/Drafting Competition," said Walch.
The Block-Kids Building Program is a national competition and award winning series which introduces children to the construction industry. The program is open to all elementary school children in grades first through sixth. Specifically, children construct various structures with interlocking blocks and three of four possible additional items, a small rock, string, foil or poster board.
The CAD/Design/Drafting Competition is designed specifically for high-school senior students. Those who enter the contest are presented with a design problem specifically drawn up by a licensed architect or engineer. "Each program we offer to the community lends a helping hand in sparking a child's interest in the construction industry. They all facilitate growth and understanding," said Walch.
This year, Weston Burch of Doherty High School and Bradley Meyer of Rampart High School placed first at the regional level in the CAD Drafting and Hand Drafting categories respectively.
In addition to the many educational programs of NAWIC, this organization offers member seminars regarding blueprint reading, estimating, public speaking and other topics.
"Being a part of the Colorado Springs chapter has allowed me to grow personally," said Walch. "I never imagined myself becoming a leader and doing the things I've done so far. It's truly the best experience of my life."
Linda Champlin-Frank, president of the NAWIC Colorado Springs chapter, has been a member for five years now."
"NAWIC has been a phenomenal experience for me. The educational opportunities and accompanying network are amazing," said Champlin-Frank.
Champlin-Frank says her favorite community service project with NAWIC has been the organization's work with teh Colorado Springs Casas for CASA fundraiser.
"With this program, members of NAWIC gather each year to build a playhouse for the city's children. The playhouse is then raffled off to the general public. Most times, the winner will donate the playhouse to say daycare centers or other facilities," said Champlin-Frank.
This year, the house is under constructionat Gerald H. Phipps Inc., an employee owned full service Construction Manager/General Contractor. Champlin-Frank is a staff accountant with Gerald H. Phipps Inc. This year's raffle will take place at the Shops at Briargate shopping center.
"Besides the Casas for CASA program, NAWIC as well sponsors Colorado Construction Career Days. The event allows high school students to further learn about this industry. Activities typically incluse operating heavy equipment, testing materials, surveying and troubleshooting. This year we had over 1,200 students from area high schools attend," said Champlin-Frank.
This year, the Colorado Construction Career Days will be at Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton from October 3-4.
Diane Watson, a Colorado Springs chapter member, was awarded the 2006 NAWIC Spirit Award at last year's September General Membership Meeting.
Champlin-Frank presented her the honor, noting Watson is a loyal member and continues to serve NAWIC with integrity.
Watson is currently the chapter's CAD National Chair, administering NAWIC's annual CAD/Design/Drafting Competition. And, as Communications Chair, Watson maintains the Region 8 website and The Centerline, the chapter's monthly newsletter. Watson is as well the founder and owner of Willow Tree Custom Home Design.
"I actually joined NAWIC because of an article written about the Colorado Springs chapter," said Watson. "Plus, as a one person business, I wanted to learn more about the construction industry."
Like Walch, Watson notes NAWIC has helped her grow as an individual.
"Because of this experience, I have greatly improved my communication and public speaking skills. As well, I am more confident in making executive business decisions regarding design elements, projects, etc.," said Watson. In addition, Watson has attained her CIT and CCA certifications as a NAWIC member.
For information on how to become a member of the NAWIC Colorado Springs chapter, visit http://nawic356.org/howtojoin.htm.