C.I.S.T – OVERVIEW

Commercial, Industrial Service Trade Group (C.I.S.T.), was founded by Jill McKibbin in 2005 and has continued to grow over the past 10 years.  The organization has three Pittsburgh Chapters providing professional services for commercial buildings from the ground up, including but not limited to:  construction, architects, engineering, interior design, landscaping, elevator services, office furniture, interior plant service, marketing and commercial cleaning.

Each chapter has one unique participant per trade to prevent competitors from learning of construction contacts shared by others in the group.  In addition to monthly meetings, there are open quarterly networking events for all trades and business professionals wanting to interface with the construction industry.

Professional representation is available by McKibbin Consulting for members of C.I.S.T. at professional functions and trade shows.

C.I.S.T – ORGANIZATION RULES

Membership is required to belong to C.I.S.T.   Participation with lead referrals is a critical factor in holding the category-specific trade slot in the group.  Being prepared is key to your successful outcomes in the C.I.S.T meetings.  The group is focused on construction and the maintenance of facilities.  Participants in the group are asked to come prepared.  Lack of participation or being unprepared may result in removal from the group, opening your category up for a competitor.

These are things to keep in mind:

  • Monthly meetings are held at the same time and location – please be prompt
  • Meetings last an hour

Remember this is a commercial and industrial trade group; our focus is on construction and maintenance of facilities.  All meetings have a written format, information shared is confidential, and only shared within the group.

In-person and virtual meetings are held each month. Contact Jill for the latest meeting schedule.

Types of C.I.S.T. Meetings

  • FOCUS GROUP
  • INDUSTRY UPDATE GROUP
  • BREAKOUT SESSIONS

THANKS TO OUR C.I.S.T. SPONSORS

C.I.S.T. – ENDORSEMENTS

The networking opportunities provided by the C.I.S.T. group have been very beneficial in promoting our business in the Pittsburgh market.

Patti Dittman
VP of Leasing
Millcraft Industries

The CIST group has been a great way for me to not only learn about new leads of upcoming work, but to make new relationships with professionals from several industries. I attend every CIST group meeting that I can. I highly recommend contacting Jill McKibbin in order to participate in a CIST group near you.

Sandra Palone
President – 
Palone & Associates WBE Certified in PA, OH, WV