This pride in workmanship is evident in an interview with Michael E. Kuritz, Vice President of Operations. Mike started his career as an apprentice carpenter in 1972 as a member of Local #63. He worked for Felmley-Dickerson Co. during the last 6 months of his apprenticeship. After returning to Felmley-Dickerson Co. in November of 1980 Mike has moved through the company in many different capacities. He was promoted to Forman in 1981 and Supervisor of the new Diamond Star Plant in 1982. He then was promoted to director of field operations in 1992 and has been Vice President of Operations since 2005. In his 36 year career as a union carpenter he has served in many different capacities as well. He was an apprentice instructor and served on the apprenticeship board. He has also been recording secretary of Local #63 and an appointed Delagate for the new Mid-Central Illinois District Council when it was formed. He now serves as a trustee of the Carpenters Pension Fund in Geneva and is also associated with the AGC.

The John Felmley Co. was founded in 1936 by John Felmley in 1947. John was the son of Dr. David Felmley, the sixth President of ISU from 1900 to 1930.

James B. Meek, a 1943 Civil Engineering graduate of the U of I and nephew of John Felmley, joined the John Felmley Co. in 1946. He became Vice President and Manager of the Bloomington office in 1958. In 1952, John Felmley added a partner in the business, Ray Dickerson of Champaign, a Purdue graduate. The name was changed to Felmley-Dickerson Co. and the Urbana office was opened. After the retirement of Ray Dickerson in 1969, Jim Meek became President, then Chairman of the Board & President in 1977.

In 1973, upon his graduation from the U of I Civil Engineering, John B. Meek, son of James B. Meek, began his career with the company. After serving in both field and office capacities, John became President in 1990. Robert C. Aldridge is Executive Vice President.

Throughout the years, Felmley-Dickerson Co. has maintained a respected position in business and construction within Central Illinois. Their hallmark building is the University of Illinois Assembly Hall Arena in Champaign, which was completed in 1963. It stands as the only unsupported concrete dome structure of its size in the world.

Michael E. Kuritz, Vice President Operations for Felmley-Dickerson Co. and Member of Local #63