ZENTRO INTERNET ELEVATING CONNECTIVITY ACROSS THE NATION JULY 2025 VOL 12 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE DAVE DOBBIN, CEO ALSO IN THIS ISSUE GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES • KENWOOD TELECOM • CRAIG FIELD AIRPORT PerfectVision Powering the Future of Fiber Connectivity Pg. 153 SATCO Products / NUVO Lightings Bright Ideas Start with Better Light Pg. 79
WWW.BUSINESSVIEWMAGAZINE.COM Email for all inquiries: info@businessviewmagazine.com 2422 Palm Ridge Road, Suite 820 Sanibel FL, 33957 239.220.5554 CONTACT US TITLE SPONSORS GREAT NEWS! Business View Publishing was named to the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies! Read the press release Editor in Chief Karen Surca Research Directors Paul Payne Brendan McElroy Thomas Hiley Chad Loveless Jessica Zaneis Dylan Tenbrink Clementine Walton Caroline Verner Javier Robles Contributing Writers Andrew Macfarlane Michelle Mahoney Brett Anningson Caroline Verner-Hiley Al Krulick Ian Gyan Dan Marcharia Veronica Enair Vice President of Production Jared Ali Director of Administration Michelle Siewah Director of Marketing Nora Saliken Digital Strategist Jon Bartlow Art Director Renée Yearwood Managing Director Alexander Wynne-Jones COO Matthew Mitchell Executive Publisher / CEO Marcus VandenBrink 1 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
EDITOR’S NOTES It seems as if we blink our eyes and a year passes with ease. I am finding it hard to believe as I write the editor’s letter to our valued readers that July is here when I feel that last July seems like just a few months ago. The hazy and lazy days of summer have officially arrived. Many backyard barbecues and hot weather swims in the local pool beckon, as well as time well spent with family before we gear up for another school year. It may be a summer vacation for many families, however the organizations that we had the chance to interview, as well as civic governments, airports and associations across North America, are in full gear rolling out new investments and economic initiatives that speak to increased productivity and an equally sunny few months ahead. Every one that we covered for our July issue has come out on top by every measure with all signs pointing to a winning third fiscal quarter. For our July issue, we touched down at Florence Regional Airport, Las Cruces International Airport, Morgantown Municipal Airport and Yakama Air Terminal-McAllister Field. We caught up with Aviation Directors from these dynamic aviation hubs. With a master plan in place, confidently meeting continued aviation growth, and playing a vital economic link to the region, these airports continue to see aviation growth and are part of the overall vision propelling these airports through 2025. From the air to the city streets below, we had the opportunity to profile some thriving and dynamic municipalities for our July issue. We flew to the heart of each of these communities and undercovered what their recipe for continued growth and success entails while striving to meet resident demands. Business View’s pages are filled with engaging features with city officials from Alachua, Florida, Augusta, Ontario, Black Diamond, Washington, Clemson, South Carolina, Dover, Delaware, Fairfield, California, Franklin, Ohio, Manor, Texas and Newberry, South Carolina among other fast-growing municipalities. Each municipality we covered in July showed continued growth numbers and ambitious plans to push further towards continued success for the third financial quarter of 2025. Turning to business growth we also covered impressive and fast growing companies and organizations including Consolidate Minerals Inc, Gonyea Custom Homes, Kenwood Telecom, Lucid Bots, Locke Supply Co. and Zentro Internet among others. As the July sun strengthens, all these companies show leadership and produce noteworthy projects to strengthen their business foothold and point their economic GPS towards further growth. Our July issue also continues to bring you our popular school district series. We had the opportunity to sit down with school officials from several leading school districts to discuss the pivot to the changing demands of the economy and their innovative approaches to ensure students are college and career-ready while always being put first. We spoke with the James Bay Lowlands Secondary School, Marion Independent School District, Dilly Independent School District, Miami Trace Local School District, North Dakota State College of Science and the School District of Indian River County among others . With thriving masterplans, each school division shows strides and is adapting to the challenges ahead. As we continue to bring you sector and industryfocused features, we will keep a keen eye on current economic developments and business readiness to provide the best business view. Karen Surca Editor in Chief Dear Readers, 2 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
CONSTRUCTION 21 GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES A Client-First Approach with Every Home 31 CONSOLIDATED MINERALS INC. The Resilient Leaders of the Pool and Spa Industry EDUCATION 43 HUDSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Championing Access, Equity, and Career-Driven Education 53 NORTH DAKOTA STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE Shaping the Workforce 63 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA A Dynamic Approach to Workforce Education 63 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 COVER ZENTRO INTERNET 2 EDITOR’S NOTES 7 OPENING LINES SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGE OF FLORIDA CONSOLIDATED MINERALS INC. 31 3 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
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TELECOMMUNICATIONS 119 THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TOWER ERECTORS (NATE) Elevating Safety and Professionalism in Communications Infrastructure 129 TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION (TIA) Securing the Data Networks of Tomorrow, Today 139 KENWOOD TELECOM Forging the Backbone of Digital Connectivity 149 ZENTRO INTERNET Elevating Connectivity Across the Nation EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PROGRAMS 75 LOCKE SUPPLY COMPANY Achieving Industry Leadership through Employee Empowerment HEALTHCARE 95 THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAIʻI CANCER CENTER A Beacon of Hope in the Pacific TECHNOLOGY 107 LUCID BOTS A Visionary Journey of Automated Solutions VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 ZENTRO INTERNET LUCID BOTS 149 107 5 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
169 CRAIG FIELD AIRPORT An Airport Diamond in the Rough 179 FLORENCE REGIONAL AIRPORT A Friendly Landing Every Time 189 LAS CRUCES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Plans to Soar Beyond Its Small-Town Status 199 MORGANTOWN MUNICIPAL AIRPORT Full Speed Ahead 209 YAKIMA AIR TERMINAL-MCALLISTER FIELD Clear Skies Ahead BUSINESS VIEW CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL View these features in our newest magazine The articles in this publication are for information purposes only. Business View Publishing assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed, or incomplete information, nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual or organization has been provided by such individual or organization without verification by us. The opinion expressed in each article is that of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Business View Publishing. AVIATION VIEW View these features in our newest magazine CITY VIEW ALACHUA, FL AUGUSTA, ON LAURENTIAN VALLEY, ON PRESCOTT, ON WEST NIPISSING, ON CAMILLA, GA CLEMSON, SC NEWBERRY, SC DOVER, DE EASTHAMPTON, MA LAKEVILLE, MA SOMERSET, MA EASTON, MD DISTRICT HEIGHTS, MD EMPORIA, VA FAIRFIELD, CA SUISUN CITY, CA FLORISSANT, MO FRANKLIN, OH GLEN COVE, NY EDUCATION DILLEY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT JAMES BAY LOWLANDS SECONDARY SCHOOL BOARD & MOOSONEE DISTRICT SCHOOL AREA BOARD MARION INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT MIAMI TRACE LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT FLORIDA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION (FSBA) FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS (FASA) SCHOOL DISTRICT OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY TORNILLO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT LAS CRUCES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT 189 6 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
CITIES DRIVE MOST U.S. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY: REPORT Source: Americantownandcountry.org, Michelle M. Havich, Editor, First Published July 10th, 2025 Cities account for 90.8% of the U.S. GDP, according to the 2025 Metro Economies Report. The U.S. Conference of Mayors released the report, which S&P Global Market Intelligence prepared, at its annual meeting in June.The report found that cities account for 89.5% of personal income, 92.1% of wages and salaries, 88.2% of employment, 90.3% of employment change and 86.4% of population. The gross metro product of the top 10 metro areas ($9.67 trillion) exceeds the output of 37 states ($9.45 trillion), the report states. In 37 states, metro areas contribute more than 80% of the state GDP. “The vast majority of the growth that we see in the U.S. economy is really driven by the 386 metros in the U.S.,” Karen Campbell, associate director, consulting, with S&P Global Market Intelligence, said when presenting the report at the USCM meeting. National trends and recent policies will “impact the metros’ ability to really be that engine of growth,” she said.Thus,“our forecast “shows soft growth in the near term reflecting the fallout from tariffs, higher inflation, diminished fiscal tailwinds and restricted Opening Lines 7 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
Campbell said has been contracting over the past two years and will continue to do so in 2026.“Investment is what creates growth, and investment takes time to play out and realize those returns on investment. So, every year that we … have lower investment is another year of those returns not coming back as quickly.” Housing is also a factor in economic growth, and Campbell noted some concerning data in that market. “The National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index dropped to 32 in June,” Campbell said.“That’s the third-lowest reading since 2012. Meanwhile, most of the top 100 metros have continued to post rising prices [for housing]. So, we’re continuing to see those prices rise as we don’t see as much supply coming in the market.” S&P Global Market Intelligence expects the housing price index to rise more slowly, she said.“With a 5.4% increase in prices in 2024, we’re looking at a pace of about 3.3% increase in 2025 and 2.7 [% increase] in 2026.” In looking at the map of 2024’s GMP growth, Campbell pointed out that “domestic terrorist, counterterrorism, [and] trade policy uncertainty pose significant nearterm challenges for state exports and metro exports and the industries that supply them. … we do see a big risk in a lot of manufacturing-heavy metro areas.” Campbell said that all states saw some year-overyear employment growth in the first quarter, but “it’s not as fast as the pace that we saw even just a year earlier.” Job growth will continue to decelerate across the country, she said, and the firm is “watching the federal job cuts for the D.C. area, for the Maryland, Virginia metro areas. We’re expecting them to be particularly hard hit in coming years.” Fed policy.” S&P Global Market Intelligence forecasts 1.3% U.S. GDP growth in 2025, followed by 1.7% growth in 2026, according to the report. Cambell said that 2% GDP growth is “our threshold for what we need to … maintain the standard of living. … When you’re below 2% [growth], you’re below the potential of the economy … to create the growth that’s needed to maintain the standard [of] living.” Several factors affect growth, including employment and labor markets and business investment, which 8 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
OPENING LINES Source: Americantownandcountry.org, Ryan Kushner, Editor, First Published July 2ndth, 2025 When it joined the Vision Zero program in 2015, the city of Bellevue, Washington, set a goal to eliminate traffic deaths and serious-injury collisions on its streets by 2030. One of the latest tools the city is implementing to help achieve that objective is artificial intelligence. Palo Alto, California-based Archetype AI is working with the city on a pilot program to monitor pedestrian safety and urban mobility in real time. The AI tool, known as “Newton,” can adjust traffic signals and enables “instant incident detection and response,” according to a press release. While many language-learning AI models such as ChatGPT are trained using text and images from the internet, Newton is trained on sensor data, according to Archetype AI Co-Founder and COO Brandon Barbello. “It’s built to understand things like continuous and real-time camera streams,” Barbello said. In Bellevue, 53% of pedestrian fatalities and serious ARCHETYPE AI IS HELPING THIS WASHINGTON CITY MONITOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN REAL TIME 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
Transportation awarded last year and will conclude in August. Bellevue is not alone in its attempt to increase pedestrian safety with AI. Sarasota, Florida, is also adding AI to traffic cameras to document nearmiss crashes and illegal pedestrian crosses, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, has incorporated AIpowered monitors that will flash a yellow light to drivers if someone is crossing the street. Many cities have invested in sensors over the past 10 to 20 years, but the ability to fully analyze the data collected has been limited, Barbello said.AI has the ability to ease that workload. “You want visibility across all the intersections, to be aware of what’s going on and summarize what has happened,” Barbello said. “Before, that would have been a lot of work to compile all that data.” “People can’t be everywhere all the time,” Barbello added. “These sensors are.” A recent Granicus survey of 1,400 public employees found that 40% were using AI in some capacity. Asked how they thought AI would affect their work and office in the future, 80% said it would “help with repetitive tasks” and 75% said the technology would “save time.” Barbello, who previously worked on AI products for Google, sees the future of AI in government as a way to preserve institutional knowledge, a feature he is often asked about by clients. “There are deep experts that have been there for decades, and a lot of those experts are approaching their retirement,” Barbello said.“How do you preserve that institutional memory, and help the next generation carry on and go farther?” “It isn’t about the AI becoming the expert or replacing the expert,” he added.“It’s about the AI as a repository of knowledge that can be passed down era after era.” And unlike previous methods or tools, AI can continue to learn, Barbello said. injuries are linked to motorists’ failure to yield. It’s through traffic signal technology with video analytic features that the city hopes to pinpoint and minimize risks for pedestrians. “For example, if the signal detects one of these people may need more time to cross or there are many people in the crosswalk, it can extend the ‘Walk’ cycle to allow them to safely cross,” the city stated in the outline of its Safer Signals Pilot Program, which the city began last month in two neighborhoods with high foot traffic. The pilot program was funded by a $1.43 million grant from the U.S. Department of 10 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
MAYORS DEMAND ORDERLY, TARGETED IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT OPENING LINES Source: Americantownandcountry.org, Michelle M. Havich, Editor, First Published July 24th, 2025 The U.S. Conference of Mayors called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to notify local authorities before conducting raids, to conduct actions “in as orderly a way as possible” and to “focus its deportation actions on convicted serious criminals and not hardworking individuals who pay taxes and contribute to the local and national economies.” The mayors adopted the resolution during the group’s annual meeting in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday. Maintaining public safety is a top priority for all mayors, the resolution states, and “working with their police chiefs, community leaders and residents they have had great success in doing this in recent years.” Columbus, Ohio Mayor Andrew Ginther, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, praised Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for her steady leadership during ICE raids and the deployment of National Guard members and Marines to quell protests in the city earlier this month. “The federal government’s decision to deploy the National Guard to Los Angeles without consent and, indeed, over the objection of the governor, is an unprecedented overstep,” he said during a press conference announcing the resolution. Ginther, who introduced the resolution, said it “is a critical step towards ensuring that federal actions respect our communities, prioritize genuine threats and uphold the fundamental rights of residents.” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said that during a recent raid in his city, several ICE agents came to a popular restaurant on a Friday night looking for “a handful of dishwashers, bus boys, waiters and waitresses.” “You had a large incursion into the restaurant” by “military-esque immigration enforcement,” he said during the press conference. “They stayed over an hour. During that hour of time, word spread through the community that this was happening. Nearly 200 San Diegans showed up to express their opposition to this kind of enforcement.” Following “a very tense exchange” with residents, ICE agents used flash bangs, explosive devices that give off blinding light and make loud noises, to disburse the crowd. The immigrants ICE detained in the raid “to my knowledge, have no criminal histories,” Gloria said. “Because of the coordination, or lack thereof, my officers were called to respond to that situation. The radio calls were for hundreds of people in the streets that were protesting and blocking the traffic,” he said. The presence of armed ICE agents at a local restaurant “puts everyone at risk, including the federal agents that were doing their jobs that day,” he said. Gloria said the event has galvanized the community, but it was a dangerous situation that could have 11 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
trust to be effective. “What I am seeing today in America, unfortunately, is an erosion of that trust of law enforcement, and it’s largely because of what’s happening. Not the fact that we’re having immigration enforcement, but how immigration enforcement is occurring in cities.” Dyer objected to how ICE agents are operating in cities: everyday use of tactical gear, their tactics and their lack of coordination with local law enforcement. He also objected to the federal government not seeking permission from local jurisdictions to deploy the National Guard or military troops. “Because at the end of the day,” he said,“it’s local law enforcement and it’s the mayors that have to deal with what has occurred in that city.” been avoided. He said he met with Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) to voice his concerns and suggest there was a better way for ICE to achieve its goals than raiding a restaurant on a busy weekend night. Fresno, California, Mayor Jerry Dyer, who served for 40 years in the Fresno Police Department — the last 18 as the police chief — said that “for police officers to be effective within the cities in which they police and the neighborhoods in which they police, they must be seen as a welcome presence. They cannot be seen as an occupying force.” “Unfortunately, what we are seeing today in many cities across America, including LA, is an occupying force,” he said. Dyer said police officers must have the community’s 12 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
OPENING LINES WHY BUS SERVICE CUTS SHOULD BE THE LAST RESORT FOR TRANSIT AGENCIES Source: Americantownandcountry.org, Laramie Bowron, Editor, First Published July 18th, 2025 As transit agencies and municipal mobility planners deal with budget shortfalls and mounting fiscal pressures, the temptation to cut transit bus service can seem like an expedient solution. However, this approach is not only shortsighted but risks undermining the economic, social and environmental goals that public transit is meant to advance. A closer look at ridership trends, demographic shifts and the broader impacts of service reductions reveals why maintaining and even improving bus service levels should be a top priority in 2025. THE REAL COST OF SERVICE CUTS Recent warnings from major transit agencies underscore the dire consequences of slashing service. In Chicago, proposed cuts could eliminate up to 74 of 127 bus routes, end all weekend bus service on some lines and reduce paratransit by as much as 66%. Pittsburgh faces a 35% reduction in service and fare hikes exceeding 9% if new funding is not secured, with officials warning that “there is nothing left to cut from the budget but service.” In Metro Vancouver, halving bus service would leave more than half a million people without convenient access to transit, exacerbating congestion and stalling economic activity. These scenarios are not unique.Across North America, agencies are sounding the alarm: once service is cut, it can take a decade or more to rebuild ridership and restore lost routes. The impact is not limited to lower-income riders; it ripples through the entire economy, affecting employers, businesses and the region’s competitiveness. CHANGING RIDERSHIP DEMOGRAPHICS The profile of the typical transit rider is evolving. While bus service has long been a lifeline for lower-income communities, recent surveys and ridership data show that a broader cross-section of the population is relying on transit. For instance, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in San Jose, California, found through its onboard surveys that ridership is diversifying, with more young professionals, students and service-sector workers using buses.This shift reflects changing urban living patterns and a growing preference for sustainable mobility options. Moreover, agencies like Portland, Oregon’s TriMet and San Jose’s VTA have reported increases in bus ridership following targeted improvements in service reliability and frequency. These gains are especially notable given the challenges posed by the pandemic and changing commuting patterns. The lesson is clear: people respond positively to better service, and the benefits extend well beyond traditional demographics. IMPROVED SERVICE DRIVES RIDERSHIP Investing in service quality — not just new vehicles or flashy ribbon-cutting ceremonies — has proven to be the most effective way to grow ridership. While new buses and stations are important, they do not, on their own, attract new riders. What matters most is reliability: buses that arrive on time and at predictable intervals.Agencies that have focused on 13 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
on transit. The loss of mobility options can also drive up household transportation costs, increase car dependency and erode the tax base as people and businesses relocate to more accessible areas. MICROTRANSIT AND TECHNOLOGY: NOT A PANACEA While microtransit and other on-demand solutions are gaining attention, they are not a substitute for robust, frequent fixed-route bus service. Agencies consistently report that what riders want most is reliable, frequent service on existing routes — not experimental pilot programs or niche services. Technology can and should be leveraged to improve scheduling, real-time information, and fare collection, but the core of any successful transit system remains a strong network of well-operated bus lines. Funding uncertainty and the need for advocacy Tariffs, inflation and unpredictable federal and state funding streams add further complexity to transit agency budgets, making long-term planning difficult. This uncertainty should not be used as justification for service cuts. Instead, it highlights the urgent need for advocacy and coalition-building among agencies, municipalities and the public to secure sustainable funding models. Agencies must communicate the real-world impacts of service reductions and work with stakeholders to prioritize transit as an essential public good. ELEVATING SERVICE, NOT CUTTING IT Transit agencies know that service cuts are a last resort — one that risks irreversible damage to mobility, equity and economic vitality. The evidence is clear: Improved service levels drive ridership; support changing demographics and deliver farreaching benefits that extend well beyond traditional public transit-dependent populations. As agencies confront fiscal challenges, the focus should be on optimizing operations, advocating for stable funding and delivering the reliable, frequent service that communities need to thrive. Cutting bus service may offer short-term budget relief, but it comes at a steep and lasting cost.The path to a vibrant, resilient transit future lies in elevating service-not reducing it. improving on-time performance and streamlining schedules have seen measurable increases in ridership, often without having to add more vehicles to the road. Better on-time performance means agencies can do more with less. By optimizing schedules and reducing delays, it is possible to maintain or even expand service coverage without incurring the costs of additional buses or operators. This approach is both fiscally responsible and responsive to the needs of riders, who value dependability above all else. THE BROADER IMPACT OF SERVICE CUTS Cutting bus service is not just a blow to mobility for lower-income residents, it is a setback for the entire community. Service reductions disproportionately affect shift workers, seniors, students and people with disabilities, but they also undermine economic growth, increase congestion and worsen air quality. In regions facing service cuts, employers in health care, hospitality, and other essential sectors report difficulty retaining workers who can no longer rely 14 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
OPENING LINES BIZAV CYBERSECURITY CHECKLIST: THREATS ARE RISING – ARE YOU PROTECTED? Source: nbaa.org, Editor, First Published July 27th, 2025 Although recent headlines about aviation cyberattacks have focused largely on airline incidents, the lessons for threat awareness and prevention apply to business aircraft operations. “Cyberattacks on major commercial airlines and aviation vendors have exposed systemic vulnerabilities that extend beyond the airline sector and directly into the realm of business aviation,” said Hany Bakr, senior vice president of aviation and maritime security at MedAire. “Business aircraft operators, while less visible in the public eye, are increasingly becoming attractive targets due to their association with oftennoteworthy passengers, sensitive operational data, perceived environmental impact of the flight and the perception of having less mature cybersecurity frameworks.” Bakr said operators registered in countries that are party to conflicts, or those seen as politically aligned, are particularly vulnerable to state-sponsored cyber intrusions and “hacktivist” attacks. While business aircraft operators may be less frequently targeted by hackers, exposure of sensitive passenger data and interruption of navigation, communications or surveillance are significant risks. Bakr urges operators to remain vigilant about 15 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
• Remain aware of geopolitical situations in areas that may impact cyber security • Train crews on GPS spoofing/jamming responses • Stay up to date on international cyber regulations and reporting requirements “Foster a culture of cyber awareness,” Bakr said.“Train crew, maintenance teams, dispatchers and IT support on cybersecurity best practices, phishing recognition and data handling protocols. Raising awareness amongst crew and ground staff is essential for robust cyber-defense.” potential global navigation satellite system interference, including jamming and spoofing, especially when operating near active conflict zones. “There has been a noticeable uptick in incidents involving GPS spoofing that misdirects aircraft, jamming that disables navigation systems and misidentification risks in contested airspace due to deviated flight paths,” Bakr explained. Bakr’s cyber-attack mitigation checklist includes several common-sense recommendations: • Establish and routinely test a cybersecurity incident response plan • Encrypt and tightly control access to passenger and operational data 16 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
OPENING LINES In today’s fast-paced business environment, executive conferences are no longer just about a keynote and a banquet hall; they are immersive experiences designed to connect, inspire, and strategize at the highest level. Choosing the right venue can make or break the tone of your event. With so many options across the U.S., it’s important to identify spaces that combine state-of-the-art facilities, convenient access, and a setting that fosters both productivity and relaxation. Whether you’re planning a Fortune 500 summit, an executive retreat, or a high-level industry expo, this list of the top 10 convention centers in the United States offers a dynamic range of venues tailored for executive excellence. 1. MCCORMICK PLACE – CHICAGO, IL Why it’s top-tier: As the largest convention center in North America, McCormick Place boasts 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space, more than 170 meeting rooms, and premium facilities like the Arie Crown Theater. Executive appeal: Its proximity to downtown Chicago, airport access, and high-end hotel connectivity make it a premier destination for global business leaders. 2. ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER – ORLANDO, FL Event scale: With 2 million square feet of exhibit space and 74 meeting rooms, it accommodates large corporate gatherings with ease. Perks for execs: Ample space, luxury accommodations, and proximity to top-tier entertainment and golf courses—perfect for mixing business and leisure. 3. LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER – LAS VEGAS, NV Capacity: With over 4 million square feet and a $1 billion West Hall expansion, it’s one of the most versatile and high-tech venues in the country. Why executives love it: Endless networking opportunities, luxury accommodations, and premier dining make it more than just a trade show destination. 4. WALTER E. WASHINGTON CONVENTION CENTER – WASHINGTON, DC Strategic location: Nearly 3 million square feet of space in the heart of the nation’s capital, making it ideal for policy-driven and government-related conferences. Executive edge: Surrounded by embassies, think tanks, and historic landmarks—perfect for global gatherings. 5. PHOENIX CONVENTION CENTER – PHOENIX, AZ Modern design: 900,000 square feet of flexible event space, including one of the largest ballrooms in the Southwest. Ideal for execs: Downtown location with mountain views, affordable luxury hotels, and reliable weather for year-round events. *Check out Business View’s article on Phoenix Convention Center AMERICAN CONVENTION CENTERS FOR EXECUTIVE CONFERENCES & EVENTS 17 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
space, it’s ideal for midsize executive conferences and trade shows. Distinctive appeal: Located in a historically rich, walkable downtown with excellent local cuisine and growing business community appeal. *Check out Business View’s article on Greater Richmond Convention Center 10. GATLINBURG CONVENTION CENTER – GATLINBURG, TN Scenic setting: Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, this venue offers 148,000 square feet of flexible space. Perfect for retreats: Executive groups seeking a quiet, nature-infused backdrop for strategic planning and team-building find it ideal. *Check out Business View’s article on Gatlinburg Convention Center 6. MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER – MIAMI BEACH, FL Freshly updated: A $640 million renovation transformed this venue into a sleek, modern complex with 1.4 million square feet of space. Executive atmosphere: Steps from white-sand beaches and upscale dining—perfect for conferences with a resort feel. *Check out Business View’s article on Miami Beach Convention Center 7. MOSCONE CENTER – SAN FRANCISCO, CA Tech-forward: Over 2 million square feet of space, often hosting some of the world’s most influential technology conferences. Exec advantage: Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco with direct access to hotels, Michelinstar restaurants, and investor-rich networking environments. 8. GEORGIA WORLD CONGRESS CENTER – ATLANTA, GA Sustainability & size: LEED-certified and the fourthlargest convention center in the U.S. with over 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space. C-suite perks: Easy airport access and world-class venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium just next door. 9. GREATER RICHMOND CONVENTION CENTER – RICHMOND, VA Regional gem: With around 500,000 square feet of 18 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
construction 19 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES A CLIENT-FIRST APPROACH WITH EVERY HOME CONSOLIDATED MINERALS INC. THE RESILIENT LEADERS OF THE POOL AND SPA INDUSTRY 20 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES A CLIENT-FIRST WITH EVERY HO AT A GLANCE GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES WHAT: A design build company founded in 1987, serving the twin cities and beyond WHERE: Golden Valley Minnesota WEBSITE: www.gonyeahomes.com BUILDING TRUST AND CRAFTING DREAMS SINCE 1987 21 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
T APPROACH OME In the world of custom building, where dreams and budgets don’t always go hand in hand, Gonyea Custom Homes makes the process of building your perfect home not only accessible, but enjoyable. Based in Minnesota and serving the Twin Cities area, Gonyea Custom Homes offers a streamlined, client-focused approach that emphasizes trust, transparency, and collaboration. “What defines Gonyea is that we’re a design build firm,” 22 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
shares President Jon Connolly.“We really try to focus on making the custom home journey as efficient as possible for clients, so that they don’t have to go hire an architect or interior designer, and drive around town to make selections. We make it easy because it’s all under one roof.” That in house integration is a point of pride, and part of what makes Gonyea stand out.“It is very different from what a lot of other custom home builders do,” adds Mary Vranyes, Customer Engagement and Marketing Specialist. “Building a home is a really big process. It can be very stressful for clients. So, positioning our company this way makes it a lot easier for people, and it really makes it a more enjoyable process for them.” BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS FIRST For Gonyea, building a home begins with building a relationship.“In a sense, we’re becoming partners in a venture,” Connolly imparts. “So, it’s a relationship that’s going to last a long time, and we want to make sure that we’re doing it the right way.” Trust is not assumed, it’s earned, beginning with a series of upfront meetings that establish expectations, vet feasibility, and ensure that dreams and budgets are in harmony.“That is one of the biggest challenges with custom home building,” he acknowledges. “What happens is people sell the dream, but in the end, the cost ends up being hundreds of thousands over the expectation. We really work hard on the front end to make sure that that cannot happen as we guide you through the process and put you in control, so that in the end, we’ve hit your goals, and we’ve made it to the finish line.” COST TRANSPARENCY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING To ensure that the budget does in fact meet the reality, Gonyea uses a consistent, data-driven approach to pricing every home, whether it’s a $1 million build or a $4 million estate. “We work from what we believe is the right custom specification starting point so that every house goes out for bid the same, and this gives us the power of pricing. We can utilize that for any future buyers to understand price per square foot, which is a good metric for how to guide people on budget,” says Connolly. Clients are brought into the design center early, where they can interact with materials first hand. This not only empowers homeowners but also informs the financial blueprint from the beginning. “We start by doing a full design review of what they want, so that we’re listening to them and not just pushing what we think it should be. We help guide them.” he continues. 23 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES
builder of quality and character, where every home they build has a unique aesthetic. “Who we are today is a custom design-build firm that can help provide value in the custom home journey,’ Connelly remarks. Whether clients gravitate toward modern minimalism, cozy farmhouse charm, or traditional elegance, Gonyea will bring their vision to life. That flexibility is on full display during the Parade of Homes and the Artisan Home Tour, two major events that highlight the region’s finest residential “We listen to understand where they might spend money too, so we can account for not only the standard costs, but the other costs of what they might want it to be in the end, so that that all aligns.” CHARACTER THROUGH DESIGN, GUIDED BY LISTENING With more than 30 years of experience, Gonyea Custom Homes has evolved with the market, refining its identity over time and gaining a reputation as a 24 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
construction. These tours give prospective buyers and design enthusiasts a chance to explore real projects and experience a builder’s style, quality, and attention to detail. The Parade of Homes happens twice annually, one in the spring and the fall, featuring 300 or more residences, and showcasing a range of styles. “I would say what speaks better to what we do is our two artisan shows here,” relays Connolly.“There’s about 20 homes in both the summer and fall.” To participate, those homes have to meet a certain criteria in terms of price point and finish level. “I would say most of those homes are anywhere from $2 million to $10 million, and it really shows the high end features that people are asking for.” A MODERN, TECH-FORWARD PROCESS While Connolly describes himself as “a little bit old school,” Gonyea’s operations are anything but. The company utilizes Buildertrend, a cloud-based construction management system, which offers a Get In Touch fireside.com 25 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES
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Gonyea prefers to grow with intention in its home state. “Right now, our focus has been just the Minnesota area. There’s a shortage of supply here, and there’s enough custom home business that it works here,” Vranyes explains. When it comes to housing shortages in the region, Connolly stresses,“That is not going to be tackled by one product or one builder. It’s going to take pretty much everybody, because the housing shortage isn’t just at beginner prices, it’s every price point and It’s a lot of different products as well.” He admits that one of Minnesota’s biggest challenges is land availability, noting, “We’re always working with agents or land sellers to try and find a path to the right locations, the right school districts, to drive that value to the locations that people really, really want to be in.” comprehensive view of the project for both the builder and the client. “We really have embraced that tool,” he expands. “It’s fantastic because it not only helps us, but now it’s a hub for everything for that job. It gives clients a portal so that they can see on a live everyday moment where everything is at, including their schedule, pricing, changes, payments and selections.” Drone photography also plays a role in keeping clients, particularly those building from out of state, involved in the process. “We’ll take different drone photos of their home at different key points,” conveys Vranyes. “We actually put that within Buildertrend so they can go and check them out that way as well.” GROWING SMART, NOT FAST While other builders may eye out-of-state expansion, 27 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 GONYEA CUSTOM HOMES
mentality, that’s how it’s the best for our clients.” This level of excellence extends beyond the internal team, to the strategic partners who are crucial to getting the job done. Connolly underscores, “When you’re putting together a house, there are a million different pieces.You really need that team behind you, and our strategic partners, whether it be a supplier or a subcontractor who’s supplying labor, are key to that.” Among the most valued suppliers are Andersen Windows, Great Plains Millwork and Fireside Hearth & Home.“They not only really believe in what we do, but we partner with them to make sure that we’re utilizing their product in the most efficient way,” he details.“They all have really good products that kind of sell themselves.” Looking ahead, Gonyea Custom Homes remains grounded in its mission to make the homebuilding journey as personal, rewarding, and enjoyable as the finished product itself.“It’s less about the sticks and bricks of the house,” says Connolly.“We’re really A CULTURE BUILT ON COLLABORATION One of Gonyea’s strengths is its tightly knit, highly collaborative team. “You have the right talking to the left,” describes Connelly. “Our architect sits 10 feet from our designer.They also sit 15 feet from our estimator. So, they’re not making decisions based on just their ideas.They’re really figuring it out together. I can’t speak enough about how creative they are for our clients and for any problem solving that is needed.” This proximity and coordination allows for personalized, budget conscious, design solutions, which customers appreciate.“They give you options. They work through your expectations, they listen to what the client needs are, and that gives them flexibility to go to different price points,” he asserts. “Again, that’s the foundation of that design build greatplainsmillwork.com info@greatplainsmillwork.com | 651.773.9919 EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES EXTRAORDINARY PRODUCTS Since 1991, Great Plains Millwork has supplied premium windows, doors, and interior millwork to builders and designers across the Twin Cities. with 28 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
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PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Fireside Hearth & Home www.fireside.com You dream the ideas. We bring them to life. You’re the expert in living your best life. We’re the experts in fireplace design, installation, and service. Let’s combine the two perspectives to build your perfect fireplace together. Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, we can help you plan, install, and care for your fireplace with confidence. n Great Plains Millwork www.greatplainsmillwork.com Great Plains Millwork has been supplying premium building products and top-notch service to residential and commercial builders, remodelers, contractors, and interior designers in the greater Twin Cities metro area and Western Wisconsin since 1991. Specializing in doors, windows, and millwork ranging from traditional to high-end trim, baseboards and crown molding to banister spindles and rails, we are sure to meet the needs of upper-end custom home builders and home remodelers. about listening, building relationships, building trust, making it memorable.” That client-first mindset is echoed in every stage of the process, from transparent budgeting to client centered design and ongoing communication. “It’s one of the biggest purchases you’re ever going to make,”Vranyes adds.“People have a lot of fear about building a home, because there’s so many builders out there, they have no idea who to trust. We want to show them it can be fun and they can live in the home of their dreams that really works for them and their family.” 30 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
CONSOLIDATED MINERALS INC. THE RESILIENT LEADERS OF THE POOL AND SPA INDUSTRY AT A GLANCE CONSOLIDATED MINERALS INC. WHAT: A 100% employee-owned company and a leading player in the pool and spa industry, known for its vertically integrated operations and commitment to product innovation and quality. WHERE: Headquartered in Leesburg, Florida with operational facilities in Orlando, Fort Worth, and Texas. WEBSITE: www.cmineralsinc.com 31 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
ESTABLISHING MARKET DOMINANCE THROUGH EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP With a rich history spanning decades, Consolidated Minerals Inc. (CMI) embodies what it means to be an innovative, dedicated top player in the aggregate processing industry. This 100% employee-owned ESOP operates with a model that has already yielded astronomical growth in share price and share distribution since 2018. 32 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
This is thanks to the company’s unique spirit, carried by team members who are all deeply invested in the company’s collective future through their individual equity growth. CMI’s refined, strategic approach to materials production and business is undoubtedly the driving force behind its impressive and profitable trajectory, which continues upward year after year. This is because CMI consistently pushes the boundaries of raw materials processing and product innovation within its already well-selected pool and spa niche. By leveraging its subsidiary, Universal Aggregate Solutions (UAS), CMI has been able to strategically diversify its market reach into broader aggregate fields and optimize every facet of its invaluable, vertically integrated supply chain. In fact, CMI’s leadership exercises comprehensive supply chain oversight to leverage incredible foresight over the ever-changing dynamics of its market. Practically, this means identifying emerging trends in adjacent construction sectors and making informed capital expenditure decisions for facility upgrades and potential geographical expansion. Within the operation, CMI is committed to a multistep, multi-stage quality control process that ensures every raw material and every final product, including private label products, is meticulously processed and consistently exceeds expectations from raw materials sourcing through final production at all facilities. The company actively combines attention to detail with proactive measures in sourcing raw materials to mitigate potential supply chain challenges. That degree of processing and thoroughness forms the bedrock of CMI’s production and profitability. That foundation is topped off with a confident and well-prepared team of employee-owners who understand their vital role, creating an environment ripe for sustained success. As an ESOP, those employee owners are the most important factor, as CMI’s success has been realized not just in expanded market share or increased revenue, but in the enduring prosperity and equity growth of its employee-owners. Its position as one of the few companies taking products from natural raw material out of the ground and processed to superior pre-blended finishes is a large contributor to the company’s continued dominance and this is a glimpse into how the entire operation comes together to pull it off. 33 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 CONSOLIDATED MINERALS INC.
CMI was initially a significant subsidiary of the company, and upon the sale of Florida Crushed Stone in 2000, CMI continued in its stead. Everything changed in 2018 when CMI transitioned into a 100% employee-owned ESOP. This transition concept occurred from 2014 to 2018 and was guided by the company’s employees who acquired the company from the charitable trust to which Mr. Brown had bequeathed it. MASTERS OF THE POOL AND SPA NICHE Consolidated Minerals Inc. is a venerable company with roots tracing back to the post-World War II era. The rise of this company tells a compelling narrative of growth, savvy market adaptation, and non-negotiable commitment to quality. The company’s journey began with Greg F. Brown, a decorated World War II veteran and local icon in Leesburg, Florida, who founded Florida Crushed Stone. 34 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07
While CMI encompasses a transportation arm, a raw materials processing arm, and an internal samplemaking department, CLI stands, according to Johnson, as CMI’s largest “bell cow.” Still, even with such a strong main offering, CMI has become quite savvy in expanding and diversifying its services. The early 2000s marked a significant turning point with the widespread adoption of upgraded preblended finishes in the plaster industry. CMI, with its early forays into basic finishes and stucco in the 1990s, was perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend.As the swimming pool market evolved, so too did the demand for sophisticated finishes incorporating quartz, pebble, crushed marble aggregates, and glass. This is where CMI’s internal raw materials processing company, Universal Aggregate Solutions, became instrumental in meeting this burgeoning demand, “And here we are, already seven years later, which is hard to believe. Since then, we’ve had astronomical growth in our share price and in the shares we distribute to our employees and teammates every year,” says CEO Blaine Johnson, emphasizing how this move fundamentally shifted all equity, ownership, and responsibility back to CMI’s dedicated employees. And while the efforts of CMI’s employees were a significant reason behind that growth, another factor lies in the astute selection of the pool and spa niche; it was an incredible lane for the company to grow into. Central to CMI’s success in that lane was its subsidiary, CL Industries (CLI), which specializes in plaster pool finishes, bonding agents, and building materials for both commercial and residential pools. To give a clearer picture of the subsidiary’s contribution,CLI’s revenue accounts for approximately 85% of total sales. 35 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 07 CONSOLIDATED MINERALS INC.
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