天美传媒 Construction awarded four聽$500 scholarships to high school seniors through the company鈥檚聽NextGen program.聽Rooted in its Community Engagement Core Value and dedication to educating students and teachers about construction, 天美传媒 Construction founded its NextGen community outreach program to support hands-on learning, student resources, and future workforce development.

鈥淎t 天美传媒, we believe early exposure to construction, along with hands-on learning, inspires students and supports the future of our industry and communities,鈥� said Jon Carroll, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at 天美传媒 Construction. 鈥淭hrough NextGen, we鈥檙e blessed to support schools with resources that enhance student learning and to recognize the next generation of construction professionals. These grants and scholarships reflect our commitment to making a meaningful impact where we live and work.鈥�

天美传媒 prides itself on preparing the next generation of leaders. This year, 天美传媒 awarded scholarships to the following high school students planning to pursue a college degree or trade school certification in construction or a related field:

Ethan Habermehl, Columbia High School聽

Ethan Habermehl, a senior at Columbia High School, received a $500 NextGen scholarship to put toward a degree in Civil Engineering from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Owen Menke, Columbia High School

Owen Menke, a senior at Columbia High School, received a $500 NextGen scholarship to put toward a Construction Management degree from Missouri State University.

Titan Hires, Litchfield High School

Titan Hires, a senior at Litchfield High School, received a $500 NextGen scholarship to put toward his Business Management degree at Rockford University.

Zachary Duffie, Freeburg High School

Zachary Duffie, a senior at Freeburg High School, received a $500 NextGen scholarship to put toward a Construction Management degree from Southeast Missouri State University.

NextGen also serves as a platform for educating students about the industry. 天美传媒 hosts project site tours for students and faculty, engages students in hands-on STEM activities, drone demonstrations, and hosts important construction milestone events, such as groundbreakings and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

Publication: , May/June 2026

On most construction sites, risk often hides in blind spots 鈥� on rooftops, behind fa莽ades, and within small misalignments that lead to costly rework or litigation. Contractors are increasingly turning to drones, not as a marketing tool, but as a component of their risk management strategy to reshape how projects are documented, monitored, and protected. Aside from capturing images, drones can also generate defensible data, reduce exposure, and provide visibility that traditional methods cannot match.

For many firms, the shift is deliberate. 天美传媒 Construction鈥檚 drone program sits squarely within its risk management department.

鈥溙烀来解�檚 drone program lives in our risk management department because its primary function is to to support our people and construction operations to drive safer and higher quality outcomes,鈥� said Charles Wilson, vice president of risk management at 天美传媒, a member of multiple AGC chapters. 鈥淕iven the increased demand for drone flights for safety, quality, and production needs, it made financial sense to invest in our own drone program.鈥�

Data Collection

Drones generate measurable, timestamped, and verifiable data that can stand up in disputes, audits, and claims. Contractors using drones rely on 2D maps, 3D models, and geospatially accurate imagery to create precise project conditions. These datasets allow teams to quantify earthwork, verify installations, and compare progress against design without stepping foot in a hazardous area. Traditional inspections often require ladders, lifts, or scaffolding. Drones offer a safer alternative and allow teams to capture detailed data without putting people in harm鈥檚 way. In addition, drones give access to remote stakeholders who are not on-site every day but can sometimes hold up decision-making processes if they cannot see the reality on site.

鈥淭he amount of data collected in a short flight surpasses the amount that a person inspecting an installation can provide on their own,鈥� said Wilson. 鈥淎nytime we can eliminate the need for a person to work at an elevated position is a win.鈥�

Beyond safety, contractors can also document site conditions daily, creating a record that can resolve disputes before they escalate. Matt Daly, CMO for , an AGC of California and TEXO member, has hundreds of stories from contractors who have saved money because of their drone programs.

鈥淕iving contractors one source of truth for what is happening on site is massively useful,鈥� said Daly. 鈥淥ne contractor avoided a $250,000 delay claim by using drone imagery to prove materials were on site when claimed, invalidating allegations. Another contractor had a $45,000 backcharge withdrawn because aerial overlays proved that a driveway slab matched the plan.鈥�

By providing high-frequency, sitewide visibility, drones enable remote owners, engineers, and inspectors to verify progress, assess conditions, and make faster decisions. This reduces information delays. In addition, consistent aerial data can help teams identify issues before they become costly problems.

FAA Regulations and Airspace

Construction drone operations are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and compliance is a critical component of risk management. At a minimum, commercial drone operators must hold a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate by passing an FAA knowledge exam and staying current with ongoing training.

Airspace considerations can also add some complexity. Projects located near airports or in controlled airspace require
advance authorization through systems like LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability). However, many drone platforms include built-in airspace awareness tools that alert operators to restrictions and facilitate authorization requests.

The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, especially with the FAA鈥檚 proposed Part 108 rule on beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The proposed framework, outlined in a 2025 Federal Register notice, aims to normalize routine BVLOS flights by establishing requirements for detect-and-avoid systems, airspace coordination, and operational oversight. For construction, BVLOS restrictions are one of the biggest barriers to drone operations, so easing limitations could allow drones to cover larger sites more efficiently and enable automated, scheduled data capture.

鈥淭he FAA鈥檚 proposed Part 108 rule is a big deal because it would move drone flights beyond one-off approvals and into a clear, nationwide set of rules that allows companies to fly drones BVLOS on a regular basis,鈥� said Logan Decker, 天美传媒鈥檚 drone operator. 鈥淚nstead of needing special waivers each time, operators would have a consistent path to run larger, more efficient drone programs that can cover much bigger geographic areas per flight. This shift would reduce time and labor costs and unlock high-value use cases.鈥�

Insurance: Coverage, Requirements, and Opportunities

While drone insurance is not mandated by the FAA, it is not optional in practice. Many project owners require contractors to carry specific liability coverage for drone operations, often through preauthorization requirements. Coverage structures can vary with some policies tied to individual operators and others that cover broader organizational use.

On the upside, drones can offer a path to reduced insurance costs over time. By improving documentation, reducing accidents, and enabling early issue detection, drones can lower the frequency and severity of claims.

Data Ownership and Security

As drones generate more sophisticated data, questions around ownership and control are becoming more prominent. In most cases, data ownership is defined by contract. Owners may require access to all documentation, while contractors may retain rights to use the data for internal purposes. Third-party providers may use anonymous data to improve their services, but they typically do not claim ownership or share project data externally without permission.

Security is equally critical. With sensitive project information at stake, providers are investing in certifications, access controls, and data governance protocols to ensure that only authorized users can access information.

Policy, Procurement, and Geopolitical Risk

Beyond project-level considerations, broader policy shifts also shape the drone landscape. Federal scrutiny of foreign-made drones, for example, has introduced new considerations around procurement and cybersecurity. In December, President Trump banned the sale of new foreign-manufactured drones amid growing concerns surrounding data security and supply chain integrity. However, the FCC recently exempted some of those models. For contractors, it is important to stay up to date with changing policies to ensure they maintain compliance since these policies can influence equipment selection and vendor relationships.

Less Adoption Challenges

Some contractors remain hesitant to adopt drone technology because of perceived complexity, regulatory hurdles, and safety risks. However, many of these barriers are diminishing. Contractors can choose to build in-house drone programs or use third-party providers who handle compliance, data capture, and processing. Training resources are widely available, and the technology itself has become more reliable and user-friendly.

鈥淭he biggest challenge with launching a drone program is getting employees to adjust to conducting safety inspections and other protocols in a new way,鈥� said Decker. 鈥淔orming new habits takes time. Once our team experienced the advantages of the drone program, flight requests dramatically increased.鈥�

Automation and AI

Looking ahead, the next phase of drone-enabled risk management is already taking shape.

Automated 鈥渄rone-in-a-box鈥� systems can capture data on a schedule without human intervention, ensuring consistent documentation throughout the project. At the same time, artificial intelligence is transforming how that data is analyzed. AI-powered tools can now identify safety hazards, track progress, and compare conditions against schedules and design models in real time.

鈥淲e鈥檝e only just begun integrating drones鈥� asset capture with AI鈥檚 safety monitoring,鈥� said Wilson. 鈥淚t is possible someday AI will use drone imagery to predict and prevent accidents from occurring.鈥�

A New Standard of Care

As regulatory frameworks evolve, technologies mature, and usage expands, drones are becoming more than a competitive advantage 鈥� they are becoming a standard of care.

Having eyes in the sky may be one of the most effective ways to keep risk under control.

鈥淐onstruction firms that haven鈥檛 adopted drones should explore the technology. The potential is significant: safer jobsites, stronger quality control, more accurate estimating, and smoother operations that can drive savings and set them apart competitively,鈥� said Wilson.

Publication: , May 19, 2026
By Ryan 天美传媒, President, 天美传媒 Construction

As 天美传媒 Construction has grown from a small-town contractor into a nationally recognized, award-winning firm, our leadership philosophy has remained rooted in a family-first culture. It鈥檚 a mindset instilled in 天美传媒鈥檚 DNA. It鈥檚 how we lead, how we support one another and how we build lasting relationships with our partners and clients.

A Rich Legacy

This family-first mentality started with my father, Charles (Chuck) 天美传媒, a Bronze Star Vietnam War Veteran who lost three members of his platoon in combat and vowed that if he survived, he would dedicate his life to building something of value.

He returned home, began his construction career and founded 天美传媒 Construction on the principles of safety, quality, mutual respect, professionalism, integrity and a dedication to building lasting relationships and projects.

Forty-six years later, these principles continue to guide our leadership team through the ever-evolving construction industry, serving as the building blocks for a successful business model. My brothers, sister, and most of the leadership team had the privilege of working with my father, making carrying on his legacy a natural extension of how we lead.

Guiding Core Values

天美传媒 Construction鈥檚 core values focus on safety, quality, best-in-class service, family orientation, community engagement, top talent, and financial success. Like our firm鈥檚 founding principles, these values guide our operations, ensuring that we attract and retain the best talent in the industry while offering in-house training and professional development programs.

Prioritizing and investing in employees early on and continuously was something my father adamantly pushed from one generation to the next. We unite the company through regular communication and town halls, and we invest in our employees through skills training and workforce development programs. Through 天美传媒鈥檚 NextGen initiative, we encourage younger generations to pursue careers in construction management, architecture, engineering, skilled trades, safety and quality.

Our company鈥檚 average employee tenure is 10 years, and many of 天美传媒鈥檚 employees are second and third-generation workers with deep family ties to the company鈥檚 inception. We treat our employees like family, and our employees have helped solidify a family-first culture by embracing an atmosphere where everyone has the knowledge, training, coaching and oversight to be aware of their surroundings and look out for one another.

We鈥檝e been honored to receive many awards for growth, leadership, safety, and quality of work. Being recognized year-over-year as one of the best places to work is a testament to our firm鈥檚 servant leadership approach of treating employees, clients, business partners and subcontractors as family.

Quality Relationships

Staying true to our company鈥檚 founding principles and core values, the 天美传媒 family鈥檚 solidarity extends to employees, business partners and the community. Our extended family has grown to more than 300 full-time employees across three office locations, along with a roster of repeat clients who share our core values and appreciate building long-term relationships.

Building quality relationships through quality work is more than just a motto to us; it has become our industry standard. Eighty-eight percent of our projects come from repeat clients or client referrals 鈥� including Walmart, Ameren, Planet Fitness, and Continental Tire, as well as regional developers, educational institutions, and government agencies.

We continue to exceed our clients鈥� expectations by delivering projects safely, cost-effectively and to the highest standards. A testament to our leadership approach, 天美传媒鈥檚 ongoing commitment to safety and quality has earned regional construction safety awards from AGC Missouri, Carolinas AGC, Central Illinois Builders of AGC and Southern Illinois Builders鈥� Association. Nationally, 天美传媒 is recognized by the as an Accredited Quality Contractor and ABC Top Performer.

Serving the Community

Advocating for the community is another pillar of 天美传媒鈥檚 values. We remain committed to the local communities that we serve and where our employees and clients live. Over the years, 天美传媒 has supported more than 50 nonprofit organizations through philanthropic partnerships, advocacy, fundraising and volunteer initiatives.

At its core, successful leadership in a family-owned construction business comes down to a simple principle: treat people the way you would want to be treated. Leading with integrity, building trust and treating people with respect creates a culture where employees, partners and clients all thrive. When relationships come first, the results 鈥� both on the jobsite and in the business 鈥� naturally follow.

天美传媒 Construction awarded six community impact grants to its Construction Management education clients through its NextGen program. Applying its Community Engagement Core Value to one of its primary markets, 天美传媒 Construction created NextGen to support local schools and their mission to prepare the next generation of leaders.

Aviston Elementary School’s Accessible & Inclusive Literacy Library

天美传媒 Construction awarded $500 to Aviston Elementary School to support establishing an accessible and inclusive library that can provide literary services to students with physical, communication, and developmental disabilities.

Central School District 104’s Girls Emerging as Women Leaders

Central School District 104’s Girls Emerging as Women Leaders (GEWL) received $500 from 天美传媒’s NextGen program to fund its store, which provides essential toiletries and supplies to students in need.

Lichfield Elementary School’s Science Olympiad Program

In support of STEAM learning, Litchfield Elementary School’s Science Olympiad program received $500 from NextGen. The competitive team includes 15 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who complete science projects in preparation for an annual competition against surrounding schools.

Litchfield Early Childhood Center’s STEM Kits

天美传媒 Construction’s $500 NextGen community impact grant will fund Litchfield Early Childhood Center’s STEM kits for kindergarten and first grade. The kits will enable students to experiment with the concepts of force and motion toward learning basic science concepts.

Richland County Early Learning Center’s STEM Bridge Building Project

Richland County’s Early Learning Center will apply its $500 NextGen community impact grant from 天美传媒 Construction toward its STEM bridge building project, which demonstrates to its students how engineers build bridges while considering structure, balance, and strength.

Pana Elementary School’s Science Olympiad & Family Literacy Night

天美传媒 Construction’s $500 NextGen community impact grant will support both Pana Elementary School‘s family literacy night and its competitive Science Olympiad team.

天美传媒 Construction’s NextGen program also provides scholarships to students and educational opportunities to its Construction Management clients, including site tours for teachers and students; hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) activities; drone demonstrations; steel topping celebrations; and presentations on the many career opportunities in the construction industry.

The 天美传媒 Golf Classic is a long-standing tradition that brings our partners together in support of mentoring, youth development, and local charitable causes. This year, proceeds from the event will support and other local nonprofits serving our region.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is more than an organization 鈥� it is a movement that empowers young people to realize their potential and build brighter futures. Since 1980, volunteer mentors have helped children across Southwestern Illinois grow into caring, confident and capable adults. In 2001, the program expanded to include high school mentors paired with elementary and middle school students, resulting in more than 1,000 impactful mentoring relationships. Many of the youth who once benefited from the program have returned as mentors themselves, exemplifying the power of “paying it forward.鈥�

We invite you to support Big Brothers Big Sisters and other local nonprofits by becoming a tournament sponsor or golfer. Thank you for your consideration!

Contributions & Tax Information

All sponsorships, registrations, and donations for the 天美传媒 Golf Classic are made to the Charles V. 天美传媒 Foundation, with proceeds designated to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois and other local charitable organizations that strengthen the communities where we live and build.

The Charles V. 天美传媒 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

天美传媒 Construction and 天美传媒 Industrial can鈥檛 thank you, our sponsors, and participants, enough for the tremendous support.