Contributed
The 2024 Spirit of Construction Gala, held on Oct. 19, marked a historic evening for the tristate area’s construction industry. Jostin Construction, led by Liza and Albert Smitherman, proudly served as the first minority-owned business to chair the prestigious event. This year’s gala set records, raising $1.1 million and drawing 1,200 attendees — making it the most successful event in the gala’s history. The evening also featured the support of 20 Big Impact sponsors, including Valley Interior Systems, and Lithko Contracting.
The funds raised will benefit the Spirit of Construction Foundation, which provides scholarships to students pursuing degrees in construction-related fields such as construction management and civil engineering. To date, the Foundation has contributed over $550,000 in scholarships to 175 students attending the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State, and Northern Kentucky University. In addition to scholarships, the Foundation also supports education-based grants, with over $1.1 million raised in the past five years alone to fund these impactful programs.
The success of the event was a testament to the collaborative efforts of many, including Tony Brunsman, Executive Director of the Spirit of Construction Gala, Joe Rigotti, Creative Director, and The Big Idea Group, which served as the marketing concierge, working alongside the Jostin Construction team every step of the way to bring the event’s vision to life.
This year’s gala stood out not only for its record-breaking fundraising but also for its unique approach to celebrating the industry’s accomplishments. With 20 Big Impact sponsors contributing $25,000 each, the event highlighted the powerful role the construction industry plays in the community. A new sponsorship level — Emerging Companies — was introduced, with 8 companies participating as Emerging Leader Chef Apron Sponsors at $2,500. Their logos were displayed on all 60 aprons worn by the wait and bar staff, giving these smaller construction companies, many of which are MBE and WBE enterprises, significant visibility and a voice at the gala. The evening added a fun twist to the traditional black-tie affair, as attendees paired sneakers with formal attire — symbolizing the industry’s balance of hard work and innovation.
Liza Smitherman, Chief People Officer of Jostin Construction, reflected on the evening:
“It’s been an incredible journey to chair the Spirit of Construction Gala this year, and we’re already excited for what’s to come. This event celebrates everything our industry stands for — innovation, resilience, and a commitment to creating opportunities for everyone. We’re proud to be part of a legacy that continues to elevate the construction community in Greater Cincinnati.”
Albert Smitherman, CEO of Jostin Construction, shared his reflection:
“Standing here tonight reminds me of when I received the Spirit of Construction Lifetime Achievement Award just a few years ago. I spoke about change, innovation, and inclusion as the driving forces in our industry, and tonight, we continue that journey together. The question we all need to ask ourselves is — how will each of us champion equity and belonging in our workforces and partnerships? The future of construction depends on the actions we take today.”
As the gala ended, Liza and Albert introduced the 2025 Gala Chair, Justin Taulbee of Valley Interior Systems, Inc., before offering a heartfelt message of unity and a vision for the future to the crowd:
“Let’s remember to take care of one another. You are all loved, you are all important, and as a great leader once said, we did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it!”