Kalamazoo / Battle Creek Chapter #302 | NAWIC – Page 17 – National Assocation of Women in Construction

Tour of Hark Orchids Facility

Tour of Hark Orchid, Dinner, White Elephant Exchange/ NEF Fundraiser

Hark Orchids, also known as Hark Orchideen, is a family owned German firm that is funding the construction of this new facility that will house its orchid propagation operation in the United States.
The facility is expected to mean 50 new jobs by the summer of 2013 to the Kalamazoo community and about 25 more in the following months. The facility currently under construction will be a 35,000-square-foot structure with specialized features designed to accommodate orchid propagation including a 30,000-square-foot laboratory and climatic chambers facility. CSM Group and Hark Orchids will be our tour guides. View printable version (PDF)

April board of directors

2012-2013 Chapter #302 Officers and Directors President: Suzannah Denau, Wightman Associates Vice President: Juliana Garner, AIA, JG DesignsTreasurer: Carol Patridge, Yeo and Yeo (Kalamazoo office)Secretary: Amanda Mason, CSM Group Current board of directors Myndi Bacon, SME Judy Naylor, Naylor Landscape…

Construction Appreciation Awards | Celebrating our 30th Year

2013 VISION AWARDS: ♦ Innovation Vision - Hark Orchids ♦ Crystal Vision Award - Ladies Library Association ♦ Community Vision Award - ROI, Great Lake Center for Autism Treatment and Research

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NAWIC Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Chapter #302

4 days ago

Did you know you don’t have to be a NAWIC member to attend our jobsite tours?!You technically don’t even have to work in the construction industry.Our jobsite tours are an opportunity for industry professionals to showcase their work and a way for non‑members and community partners to better understand what goes into bringing a project to life. From the ideas and planning to the methods and materials, these tours offer a behind‑the‑scenes look at how buildings come together.For those outside the industry, jobsite tours can be inspiring, educational, and eye‑opening—whether you’re simply curious, supporting construction teams in your role, or may one day build a facility as an owner. Sharing experiences and lessons learned helps us all grow. And honestly? You might ask a question the rest of us wouldn’t even think to ask!📍 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo – Jobsite Tour🗓 Friday, March 6 | 3:00 PM📍 847 Portage St., Kalamazoo👷 Meet at the jobsite trailer🦺 PPE required Stick around after the tour for networking as we wrap up WIC Week together.👉 Sign up here:nawickalamazoobc.org/event_view/construction-project-tour-boys-and-girls-clubs-of-greater-kalamaz...Come learn, connect, and see firsthand how our industry builds community.#WICWeek2026 #LevelUpBuildStrong #NAWIC ... See MoreSee Less

Construction project tour | Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo | Mar 6

nawickalamazoobc.org

Meet at jobsite trailer – Closed toe shoes required for tour Register by noon on March 5 for tour – read more to register

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NAWIC Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Chapter #302

5 days ago

WIC Week 2026 | “Level Up • Build Strong”Today we’re celebrating Abi Beem, a CAD Engineer Intern with Studio 431 at Landscape Forms and a Mechanical Engineering student at Western Michigan University!Studio 431 is the custom design and fabrication division of Landscape Forms, partnering with designers and architects to bring complex outdoor furniture and site elements to life. As part of this innovative team, Abi supports CAD modeling, technical drawings, and design for manufacturing—working closely with engineers and fabricators to turn ideas into beautifully crafted, buildable products.Abi’s journey in the construction and engineering world began with a desire for hands on experience and real-world problem solving. Early in her career, she interned with Miller Davis, where she worked alongside project managers and superintendents and gained firsthand exposure to how projects move from design to execution. That field experience shaped her passion for collaboration, communication, and designing with constructability in mind.What inspires Abi most is the impact projects have on communities and the opportunity to bring thoughtful, functional design into the built environment. She loves being challenged, solving problems, and learning something new every day.Abi shared that being a woman in a male dominated field taught her the importance of confidence, persistence, and building strong professional relationships. By asking thoughtful questions, taking initiative, and consistently delivering quality work, she earned trust and credibility early on — something she considers one of her proudest accomplishments.For Abi, this year’s WIC Week theme “Level Up • Build Strong” is about continuously growing while building a foundation of skills, relationships, and confidence. She “levels up” by seeking new experiences, expanding her knowledge, and learning from those around her. She “builds strong” by contributing to teams, fostering collaboration, and being open to mentorship and support.Abi’s advice to young women entering the construction industry:"Be confident in your abilities and seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Don't be afraid to ask questions, take on challenges, or step outside your comfort zone. Every experience helps you build skills and credibility".Outside of work, she finds joy staying active, participating in student organizations, and unwinding with music.We’re proud to highlight Abi today and grateful for the talent, energy, and future leadership she brings to our industry. 🌟Happy WIC Week 2026!#NAWIC302 #WICWeek2026 #WomenInConstruction #LevelUpBuildStrong #KalamazooConstruction ... See MoreSee Less

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