The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) announces Amy Lynch as keynote speaker for the 2015 TCA Convention in New Brunswick, N.J. Author, entrepreneur and generational speaker, Lynch, will present “Recruiting Millennials, Retaining Them and (gulp!) Maybe Even Liking Them!” The session is sponsored by Meadow Burke.

“If you’re looking for young talent to fill your pipeline,” said Lynch, “you’re not alone.” According to Lynch, 75 percent of builders and contractors say they need more millennials (people under 21) on the payroll. In fact, a shortage of two million construction employees is predicted by the year 2017. “The good news,” she says, “is that you can navigate this workforce crisis if you know how to attract and engage young people willing to build a career in construction.”

Through a strategy-rich session attendees will come to understand the next generation of construction industry professionals and learn how to appeal to them by crafting messages that millennials can hear, building a sense of mission into job descriptions, evaluations and management style, making innovation part of the job and giving millennials input into workplace decisions.

Lynch uses humor, video and interactive activities to help attendees determine the do-it-today steps to generate immediate results.

“Many of our customers are already dealing with a shrinking pool of skilled labor,” said Mike Wolstenholme, tilt-up/heavy forming product manager for Meadow Burke, who is sponsoring the seminar. “We are happy to help bring this valuable education opportunity to the event.”

In addition to Lynch’s keynote address, she will meet with the Tilt-Up Concrete Association Board of Directors to discuss the application of generational awareness and strategies to the nonprofit sector. “Different generations support associations and nonprofits for very different reasons,” said Lynch. “Whether we’re talking about committee membership, an annual gala or serving on a board, reactions range from, can’t wait, to what a chore.”

The special board session, sponsored by The Graham Company, an insurance and employee benefits broker that partners with business owners in high-risk industries, will explore strategies that engage each generation as members, volunteers and supporters.

TCA’s 2015 Convention is scheduled for September 29 through October 1 and will be held at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Learn more about the 2015 TCA Convention at www.tilt-up.org/convention.