Celebrating a legacy
In 1947, the building in the local shipyards resulted in the first economic boom in Clark County. The construction industry was at the heart of this boom. To meet needs of local contractors, four men: CJ Hearns (First President of the SWCA), Clint John (CE John Company), Al Angelo (The Al Angelo Company), and Larry O’ Collins (Larry O’ Collins Incorporated) began to lay the foundation in Vancouver, Washington by establishing the Southwest Washington Contractors Association.
The SWCA helped to set the foundation that eventually resulted in Clark County becoming one of the fastest growing counties in the state. The population in 1947 was approximately 80,000 and today is approaching half a million. Since SWCA’s inception seventy years ago, our contractors have been at the heart of Clark County. Throughout Southwest Washington, you will find the names of Angelo, John, and O'Collins still doing business and providing jobs to many individuals in our vibrant community. The foundations that these four men have laid were strong and have stood the test of time; Seventy years is quite an accomplishment and only something solid can withstand that length of time.
Today our organization is as strong as ever. Thanks to the vision and partnerships that go back seventy years, we are thriving and growing. Today, projects are larger than ever before. Our members are building everything from commercial buildings on the new Vancouver Waterfront, to the new casino in La Center. You will find our more than 360 members creating jobs, building roads, bridges, buildings, and most importantly: building relationships in our community. The SWCA and its diverse members are some of the largest employers in Clark County. For instance, Tapani employs over 400 people!
Our contractors are at the core of our economy. Construction is a unique industry because it touches nearly everyone and every industry. From the home that you reside, to the road on which you drive, to the buildings in which you work, our skilled craftsman make your life what it is today. We cover you from the storms, we quickly move you down the road, we add safety and value to your life.
As a member of the SWCA for more than a decade now, I am honored to serve as your SWCA President. I have seen the direct benefits that this organization provides for our contractors and our community. Our board serves a diverse range of construction industry businesses, and is driven to help our industry grow and thrive. I look forward to helping the SWCA obtain a laser sharp focus, and achieve even its loftiest goals. I am grateful to have followed in the footsteps of some of the most amazing leaders our community and industry has seen. The ground work has been laid to continue growing in the next seventy years. Let us work together to reach our goals, continue to build our community, and raise the next generation of contractors. As the champions of our industry, we will continue to help guide and grow our construction community to be one of the finest in the country.
