Contractor forum dicusses MSU construction, renovation

Potential job opportunities are what drew hundreds of builders, contractors and consultants to MSU on Thursday as they overflowed rooms in the Union hoping to learn more about upcoming projects on campus.

“(This is) primarily for us to get contractors and consultants all in one room and share information,” said Karen Zelt, spokeswoman for the Physical Plant Division. “More so, we hope that there will be some dialogue about some of the topics.”

The 2009 Contractors and Consultants Forum hosted more than 300 visitors, who mostly were from around the state and provided information on projects, policies and procedures at the university.

Bob Pomish works with PCI One Source Contractors and said the huge turnout might represent the number of jobs available at universities compared to other areas in the state.

“The universities … they’re cities and really towns on their own and they’re not affected as much by this economy because they have … (large enrollments),” he said.

Pomish said he decided to attend the forum to learn about MSU construction details.

“(I) want to do more work with MSU … to learn more about how they give out bids and so on for constructing their buildings and doing work around here,” he said. “We’re just interested in … all of (the projects) and starting to work with MSU.”

Projects such as the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, or FRIB, and Residential and Hospitality Services Dining Master Plan were discussed to give forum attendees a taste of future projects.

FRIB information such as the scope of construction services and building details were discussed and FRIB Project Director Thomas Glasmacher explained some of the history of the project.

“It’s an MSU job,” he said. “All of the things you know about MSU apply to this FRIB job. FRIB is a great opportunity.”

Guy Procopio, director for Culinary Services, spoke about the Dining Master Plan to renovate all dining programs on campus.

“We want to become an integrated dining department,” he said.

Additional projects were discussed, such as Plant Sciences expansion, Old College Field renovations, Morrill Hall replacement and the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum.

Jeff Mason works with Hamilton Anderson Associates and said he is looking for new ways to connect with MSU.

“We’re looking for new business development and new opportunities to partner with MSU,” he said. “(We’re interested in) future projects here and how we can relate to Michigan State and continue doing business here.”