Construction Industry Education Foundation

The Construction Industry Education Foundation is a charitable organization with a mission to promote awareness of the opportunities available in construction and to provide those pursuing a career in the industry with the education needed to be successful.

Achieving this mission results in fulfilling and profitable careers for individuals and ensures a robust workforce for the future of the industry. Support for the Foundation is provided solely through donations from Construction Exchange of Buffalo & Western New York member companies.

How does the Foundation
accomplish its mission?

McKinley Home Building Project

Each school year, the Foundation donates all of the materials necessary for the McKinley High School Vocational Trade students to build a 1,300 square foot house in the school’s carpentry loft. After completion, the house is moved to a lot and lived in by a local family. This program provides these students in the carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and sheet metal classes with invaluable hands-on experience.

Scholarships and Tools

The Foundation awards scholarships to students pursuing a construction related post-secondary degree and tools to those entering directly into a trade. Since 2005, close to $150,000 in scholarships and tools has been awarded.

Other Programs Supported by the Foundation

  • Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo & WNY
  • WNY Regional Future City Competition
  • Buffalo Architecture Foundation Architecture + Education Program

Foundation Board of Directors

Michelle Barber
Human Resources Manager, Votorantim Cimentos

Joseph Benedict
Executive Director, Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY Inc.

Grace Dettelis
President, Ideal Concrete, Inc.

Paul Lamparelli
President, Lamparelli Construction Co., Inc.

James C. Logan
President, Construction Exchange of Buffalo & WNY Inc.

Lisa Palladino
Partner, The Bonadio Group

Cathy Pera
President, Bison Contracting & Builders Supply Corp

Francis P. Sullivan
Corporate Sales Manager, United Materials, LLC,

Christopher Tryjankowski
Co-owner, PCS Plumbing and Heating Inc.