O’FALLON, IL–The Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) is proudly celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025—marking eight decades of service to the construction industry and economic development across Southern Illinois.
Founded in 1945 by a small group of contractors determined to improve working conditions and stimulate growth in their communities, SIBA has grown from just 10 member firms in two counties to more than 480 active, affiliate, and associate members — spanning 39 counties and the St. Louis metropolitan area — while doing business across multiple states.
“SIBA was built with the builders mindset of contractors who believed that collaboration and advocacy could shape a better future for our industry,” said Donna Richter, Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Illinois Builders Association. “Eighty years later, our members continue that legacy—improving safety, expanding opportunity, and helping build the communities where we live and work.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Impact
Over the past 80 years, SIBA has evolved into one of the most respected trade associations in Illinois, with a strong focus on labor relations, workforce development, safety, and community investment. Key highlights include:
- Supporting Contractors with Industry Resources: SIBA maintains a state-of-the-art digital plans room, giving members access to plans, specifications, and addenda for nearly 3,000 commercial projects each year.
- Promoting Safety and Labor Partnerships: With a nationally recognized safety program and a history of strong labor-management collaboration, SIBA and its industry fund the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP) help ensure safe, efficient, and productive job sites across the region.
- Hosting Two Major Regional Career Expos: SIBA and SICAP created and continue to organize the Metro Construction Career Expo and Southern Illinois Construction Career Expo, which collectively connect thousands of students each year with hands-on demonstrations and apprenticeship opportunities in the skilled trades.
- Awarding Annual Scholarships: SIBA supports the next generation of construction professionals by offering scholarships to students pursuing degrees in Construction Management, Construction-Related Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Safety.
- Providing Grants to High Schools: Through its growing grants program, SIBA provides funding to high schools offering vocational education and building trades classes, helping them purchase tools, materials, and equipment to prepare students for careers in construction.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
While celebrating 80 years of service, SIBA remains committed to building the future—both for the construction industry and the communities it supports.
“Our region’s economic development depends on the strength of the construction workforce,” Richter said. “That’s why SIBA is focused on outreach, education, and advocacy that not only support our members today but help inspire and equip tomorrow’s builders.”
Founded in the spirit of cooperation and a shared mission to improve industry standards, SIBA has grown from a single meeting in 1945 into a trusted regional voice for contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and construction professionals.
For more information, contact SIBA at (618) 624-9055 or visit www.siba-agc.org.
About Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA)
The purpose of the Southern Illinois Builders Association is to advance the construction industry through strengthening our members by enabling them to do collectively what they cannot accomplish on their own. We offer a full range of services and programs to provide value to our members as “the voice of the construction industry in Southern Illinois.”