February 27, 2006

Associations

London sets goals to grow

JEFFREY READ

correspondent

London

A self-professed “go getter,” new London and District Construction Association (LDCA) president John Rasenberg says that description also fits the southwestern Ontario construction scene.

“I’m hearing positive things, and I see good times for all sectors,” says Rasenberg, president of Exeter, Ont.-based electrical-mech-anical contractor, J.M.R. Electric Ltd. “There are so many projects in the London area, like the Toyota plant in Woodstock, and word of spinoffs. The Bruce Power plant expansion will be starting up soon. These are both major projects.”

John Rasenberg

London’s $622 million in building permits issued in 2005 almost matched 2004’s record $647 million. Only institutional took a big hit – $98 million, down from $177 million in 2004. But Rasenberg sees some hospital projects on tap, including completion of the North Tower at London Health Sciences Centre’s Victoria Hospital, and additional work for St. Joseph’s Health Care.

“We’re waiting for the provincial government to fully announce hospital packages for Woodstock and Sarnia.”

Counting six counties among its jurisdiction, the 500-plus member LDCA is a strong group thanks to the diversity of its members, according to the incoming president. “We have a great board of directors,” Rasenberg explains. “They’re great businesspeople, and an excellent team who draw from each other’s knowledge and experience.”

Rasenberg says the LDCA counts among its tasks finalizing its bid depository, strengthening ties with the Ontario General Contractors Association and Council of Ontario Construction Associations, and also boosting the number of association members using the growing electronic plans room.

“Roughly 250 of our members use the electronic plans room,” says Rasenberg. “From the user end, and the association perspective, that’s fantastic. It’s a great addition to our association.”

Operating J.M.R. in its 28th year, Rasenberg has also been involved with the LDCA’s membership committee, and takes the presidential reins after holding the VP finance position. He is proud of his combined 32 years of service to local minor hockey and soccer.

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