Our mission is to enhance the growth and prosperity of member companies by providing information, education, and communication for the construction industry. As the largest construction association in Western New York, Construction Exchange is an influential advocate and steward for the promotion and advancement of our industry.
If you are looking for information on bidding and planning stage residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal construction projects, or low-cost safety training and consulting, construction education, industry events, a competitive workers’ compensation plan, or to save money on the things you use every day, you have come to the right place – the Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY.
Joe joined the Construction Exchange in November 2009. He is responsible for day-to-day operations and working with the staff to ensure the association lives up to its mission of providing information, advocacy, education, and communication for the construction industry.
Darcy joined the Construction Exchange in May 2013. Her position as finance manager includes responsibilities for maintaining the financial records for the Construction Exchange and all of its affiliations. She is also a notary public.
Cyndie joined the staff of the Construction Exchange in December of 2006. Her duties include customer service, safety training registration as well as assisting in all office-related activities.
AmyRae is the newest team member to the Construction Exchange, she joined the team in July 2022. She is responsible for recruiting new members and improving member engagement and retainment. Her daily activities include meeting with existing and potential members, overseeing marketing and events, crafting member/industry communications and promoting member benefits and service.
Melissa joined the Construction Exchange in 2019 and is responsible for maintaining plans and bid documents; including pertinent information on projects such as bid date, valuation, and addendum. Melissa’s daily activities include interfacing with architects, engineers, general contractors, municipalities, sub-contractors, and construction managers.
Kristie joined the Construction Exchange in May 2017. She oversees the plan room and is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with the owners, architects, and contractors that use the Construction Exchange to distribute project documents and information.
Jennifer joined the Construction Exchange in 2018. She is the administrative assistant for the Buffalo Niagara Builders’ Association and the Home Improvement Council. Her responsibilities include meeting preparation with timely task follow-through after. She also assists in organizing events and oversees membership reports and the status of members. She is also a notary public.
Jen joined the Construction Exchange in 2005. Her duties include maintaining the Online Plan Room and assisting in all office-related functions as required.
Jenn started with the Construction Exchange in 2021. Jenn is responsible for planning and managing the Construction University classes, developing and growing the CONEX Careers App, and educating the youth and public on careers within the construction industry.
Julie Joined The Construction Exchange in October of 2021. Her position as Executive Assistant includes responsibilities of being Secretary to the Executive Director and assisting several other associations by organizing meetings and planning their major events. Julie also helps with any miscellaneous office needs.
NW Contracting
Rupp Pfalzgraf
Montante Construction
Construction Exchange
Omar Abdallah
DV Brown and Associates
Michelle Ashby
Tipping Point Communications
Kevin Biddle
Mader Construction
Joseph Brennan
Northwest Bank
Brad Buyers
County Line Stone
Mercedes Calway
RP Oak Hill Building Company
Lauren Chmielowiec
Upstate Rebar/Upstate Steel
George Churakos
Mark Cerrone, Inc.
John K. S. Cleary
Gilbane Building Company
Arnie Collier
Iroquois Bar
Rob Coppola
Lawley Insurance
Kirk Fitscher
KDF Construction Advisors
Carley Hill
CaHill Resources
Susanne Kelley
Sienna Environmental Technologies
Joe Mannarino
Buffalo Construction Consultants
Joe Marchitte
MKS Plumbing
Jim Panepinto
Pinto Construction
Luis Rodriguez
Rodriguez Construction Group
Sal Sciandra
Frey Electric
Matt Sikora
Turner Construction Company
Michael Winderl
LaBella Associates
The Investment Committee reports to the Finance Committee and oversees the Construction Exchange and Construction Industry Education Foundation investment accounts.
As needed
Plan Annual Outing and assist staff the day of.
2 to 3 times a year as needed
Plan the Construction Industry Education Foundation 12 Days of Christmas and fundraise for event.
3 to 4 times per year as needed.
Schedule educational and training programs to be offered to the membership.
As needed (September thru May)
The Executive Committee shall have the authority and power to act on behalf of the Board during the intervals between meetings of the Board.
Quarterly
Discuss legislative topics that may affect the Western NY construction industry and when necessary, determine appropriate corresponding courses of action. Typical courses of action may include membership training and/or notifications.
2 to 3 times per year (March and September) or as needed
1. Review the annual budget prepared by Management, 2. Review investment accounts and meet with investment advisors, 3. Interact with and provide oversight of the association’s CPA firm, and 4. Study major capital expenditure requests
4 times per year or as needed
Develop and oversee a marketing plan that increases awareness of the Construction Exchange and its membership benefits among the Western NY construction community. Discuss new programs that may be beneficial to the membership and oversee existing programs. Plan social events.
Quarterly (February, May, August, November) or as needed.
Evaluate new plan room technology or functionalities. Determine the direction the Exchange takes with new plan room technology and systems.
3 to 4 times a year (February, May, October) or as needed.
Discuss topics related to safety in the Western NY construction industry and when necessary, determine appropriate corresponding courses of action. Typical courses of action may include membership training and/or notifications.
Quarterly (January, April, July, November) or as needed.