Just a couple of short weeks ago, March 1-7, we celebrated National Women in Construction week. This holiday is dedicated to changing the stereotypes that women face when it comes to a career in construction.

Our very own Cassandra Dare is a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) – local chapter #77. She extended an invitation to the group to tour the Eugene Civic Alliance Civic Park project this spring. Several women took her up on her offer and gathered together at the new Civic Park on March 11. The ladies were excited to see the fullness of the project and what it means for our community.

“The ladies were happy and nostalgic while visiting the site of the old Civic Stadium,” said Cassandra. “They can’t wait for the new park to be filled with community members, especially the kids.”

The NAWIC was founded in 1953 by 16 women in the construction industry. At the time, there were very few women working in the field. The founders wanted to create a support network for themselves, hoping to encourage other women to join their forces. In 1955 NAWIC gained national charter and now there are 120 chapters with more than 4,000 member all around the country.

According to the NAWIC, there is a shortage of people (men and women) in the construction industry making it ripe with opportunity for women who wish to advance in labor and skill. If you or woman you know is interested a career in construction visit the NAWIC website.
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Cassandra Dare, project engineer, has worked with Chambers Construction for nearly six years. You won’t meet a more civic minded person. When Cassandra is not at work, she is volunteering, fundraising for charitable causes, or working in her yard. She heads up much of Chambers Construction’s community fundraising involvement, such as Bras for a Cause and the holiday giving program at Women’s Space. She also sits on the board of directors for Bags of Love. Cassandra inspires all of us, especially woman in construction.

Our new Small Projects Division brings the big expertise and resources of Chambers Construction to work for owners and clients with small commercial and industrial projects.

Nancy Thornton, a project manager with big experience leads the Small Projects Division team.

“I love the construction process,” Nancy says. “Every project is different and brings new challenges. I enjoy navigating those challenges alongside clients.”

Nancy starts the project by meeting onsite to understand the client’s needs. She wants to see and hear first hand how a client envisions their unique project. By serving as a thoughtful and considerate partner early, Nancy can create an intentional construction process for the job with clear guidelines and expectations.

Once the project’s scope is clear, Nancy sees it to completion – from working with sub-contractors to managing the daily schedule, being proactive and advocating for clients and owners all along the way.

“I always want to give owners the best info to make decisions,” she adds. “Whether the owner comes to us with a clear vision or needs help figuring out what’s possible, I’m here to help.”

Do you have a project that might be a fit for our Small Projects Division? Give Nancy a call! 541-743-8650.

Nancy has been in the construction industry for 20 years. She’s married and has two kids. She and her husband are avid Duck fans, they enjoy camping, hiking and all things outdoors.

From lower left and running counterclockwise: Kim H, Debi, Kim C, Pam, Stacy, Janelle, Tana, Tammy and Lila.