For Nexstar members, this spring is all about building the “dream team” that contractors want.

Explore the Trades website is geared toward inspiring young people to pursue a career in the plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical service industry.

Nexstar’s Build Your Dream Team Workshop will be presented in three U.S. cities.

Nexstar's 2013 Super Meeting, Oct. 3-5 in Indianapolis, opened with a keynote address by football great Emmitt Smith. He explained that much of the advice his coaches and mentors gave him over the years transferred into the business realm after he retired from football.

I grew up in Cadillac, Mich. And no, it’s not near Detroit. My parents still live there, and I like to go back and visit — especially when the high-speed pace of Chicago gets to me.

Business owners in the plumbing and mechanical trades are having difficulties finding the skilled, professional workers they need. Yet this is nothing new for the construction industry. It was a problem before the Great Recession and is escalating as Baby Boomers in the industry retire and no one is waiting in the wings to pick up the pipewrench.

Contractors learn about acquisitions, recruiting at Nexstar’s Super Meeting.

Nexstar Network has set the date and location for its annual Super Meeting — Oct. 3-5 at the J.W. Marriott, Indianapolis.

The annual Nexstar Super Meeting will be held from October 3-5, 2013.