Montana Contractors Association to hold winter convention in Missoula

The Montana Contractor's Association will gather in Missoula next week for its annual winter convention, culminating with a banquet featuring former Denver Broncos star Karl Mecklenberg.

David Smith, executive director of the MCA, said the event will draw contractors from across the state, along with a host of businesses that support the construction industry.

“This year’s convention will be a little different from others in the past, as we have placed a lot of emphasis on education,” said Smith. “From asbestos handling to building with steel, and from workforce development to social media, we have something that all our members can learn from and use in their business.”

Data for Montana places construction among the state's top five industries, representing around 7% of the state's gross domestic product. A recent ranking suggested the industry provides more than 100,000 annual jobs and was valued at more than $6 billion.

Smith said this year's banquet will also recognize contractors from several construction categories for noteworthy projects completed over the past year. Fourteen awards will be presented for projects in concrete, building, highway, environmental, and community.

Mecklenburg, the former Broncos linebacker, will deliver the event's keynote address. The event runs from Jan. 15-17.