IN RECOGNITION OF THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF McCOWNGORDON CONSTRUCTION; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 181
(Extensions of Remarks - November 13, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1432]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF THE TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF McCOWNGORDON
CONSTRUCTION
______
HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, today I proudly rise to celebrate the
twentieth anniversary of McCownGordon Construction and its numerous
contributions to the Kansas City community. As a significant
cornerstone of the community, I am truly honored to have this
establishment in the Fifth Congressional District of Missouri.
McCownGordon Construction began as an idea between two friends and
eventual co-founders, Pat McCown and Brett Gordon, who dreamed of
starting their own construction company. Their main priority was to
create a workplace that would prioritize their employees, better serve
their clients, and give back to the community. They made this dream a
reality through dedication, perseverance, and hard work in July of
1999. During the labor shortage of recent years when many construction
companies struggled to find employees, McCownGordon Construction
managed to endure by investing in the development of its team. The
business tripled its training budget in order to be prepared for
business growth when the economy bounced back. Due to this training
initiative, McCownGordon is consistently hiring qualified and strong
candidates in order to continue providing the best for its clients.
In 2013, McCownGordon Construction was named Business Philanthropist
of the Year by Nonprofit Connect because of its consistent commitment
to giving back to Kansas City. The company devotes at least 10 percent
of net profits to worthy causes in the communities it serves. The
company's craftsmanship and involvement in the Ronald McDonald
Longfellow House aided in providing temporary housing for families with
sick children receiving medical treatment. Along with the R.A. Bloch
Foundation, McCownGordon collaborated in renovating a portion of the
Cancer Survivor's Park as well. Multiple projects for one of Kansas
City's treasures, the NelsonAtkins Museum of Art, have also been
completed by McCownGordon Construction. Thousands of visitors and
Kansas City natives can view priceless and rare works of art in the
newly renovated exhibits. Beautiful places like these are preserved and
enjoyed by many because of the unwavering support of companies like
McCownGordon Construction. These contributions and collaborations
demonstrate how McCownGordon Construction has proven to be an
invaluable part of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District.
Today, McCownGordon Construction employs around 400 staff, all of
whom contribute to the company in various ways. Construction workers,
architects, management, and administrative staff all work together in
order to create meaningful projects and buildings. McCownGordon is
entirely employee-owned, so all employees have a stake through the
Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The company's innovative and ambitious
vision for the future and for the community drives McCownGordon
Construction's success. McCownGordon sets itself apart by focusing on
growing positive relationships between employees and clients, while
adhering to its core values. The company's positive and communicative
workplace environment prompted it to be named one of the best places to
work by Fortune, the Kansas City Business Journal, and others.
Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring McCownGordon Construction
and its employees for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to
their community. Together, they have made it possible to achieve this
monumental twentieth anniversary.
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