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There is nothing like traveling outside of our local city, county, state, or country that provides opportunities for us to appreciate the itty-bitty aspects of life that we often take for granted. Aspects like friendliness with customer service, to cleanliness in stores, to food quality and portion sizes, and more. There are so many conveniences, big and small, that we get accustomed to. 
One big aspect of life that I often take for granted…until I travel…is the roadways that I actually travel on. It is often not until I travel outside of this area that I REALLY can appreciate the convenience, cleanliness, and safety that go into our Missouri roads. 
With so much construction underway on so many local Missouri roads, I wanted to shine the light on one impressive road construction company who is actively creating convenient, clean, and safe roadways in our local area, particularly as they are currently improving Route 21 in Jefferson County. West Contracting is enhancing safety in this area with pavement resurfacing, as well as rehabilitating 17 bridges with updated guardrails.
I was fortunate to travel to West Contracting on the historic Route 66 in Pacific, Missouri this last summer to take a tour of their company headquarters as well as their asphalt plant in House Springs, Missouri. This family owned and operated company started right there on the actual, historic Route 66 in 1956. 
Fun fact…the same year my mother was born! While I was touring as a participant for a “Made in Missouri” tour, the West family is creating the coolest, most nostalgic Route 66 Museum that will be open to the public in the future.
I had no idea there would be sooo much education to absorb about asphalt! I now have a newfound appreciation for this incredibly impactful industry.
Here were my Top 5 Takeaways that I learned from the West Contracting team:
- Missouri is one of a few states in the country leading the way with revolutionary recycling and sustainability efforts on our roadways.
4. West Contracting has doctor-led quality and innovative testing and safety solutions.
3. This is a booming, high-demand industry with so many career opportunities! More people are needed, especially truck drivers and women in the actual field.
2. There is a positive energy and a connected culture within the family foundation of the West Contracting team. This is evident by the longevity and happiness of the many employees I chatted with, many who have dedicated decades of their lives working there. 
1. We all have the power to spread the word about proactively slowing down and being patient to promote safety with construction work zones. This can be a dangerous job…but we can help!
This is my helpful, non-paid endorsement, spreading the word while I express my immense gratitude for the hard work and dedication that the West Contracting team, and other local companies, put in to create convenient, clean, and safe roadways for us to travel on.
Regardless, if you are traveling locally or outside of our area, there is so much to be grateful for within OurFESTUS area community. 
Thank you for SHARING this to continue to spread the word to CONNECT more people to SUPPORT the positive energy that creates the convenient, clean, and safe community that we all love to live in.
LISTEN to THIS story on my NEW YouTUBE Channel!
P.S. Thank you to Ben Brown and Donna Litton with the Economic Development Corporation of Jefferson County for inviting me on this Made in Missouri tour. I had a blast.
Learn more about this dynamic duo on:
Donna Litton and Benjamin Brown: A Professional and Playful Pair to Partner Up With
P.P.S. Ben and Donna will be on an upcoming episode of the MyFESTUS.com Conversation podcast for you to tune into. CLICK HERE to sign up for the Midweek Motivator email to learn when these episodes will be dropped. We are editing these entertaining and educational interviews that you are going to love listening to and watching!
