About 80 women who work in the construction and trades industry attended a networking event at the Warwick Intermodal Monday evening.

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation and Gilbane Building Co., construction manager at the facility, sponsored the event. After congregating inside the Gilbane trailer, the group was introduced to Mary K. Brimer Alba, the new President of Rhode Island National Association of Women in Construction, Chapter 52.

Alba briefly addressed the group, saying she had ambitious goals for the association.

“We’re looking to increase our membership,” said Alba.

“We have about 25 members right now, but we’re looking to have over 100 by Jan 1.”

Pamela House, a Gilbane employee, said that women involved in the construction and trades industries need to do more to get other women involved. Women, she said, haven’t made the gains they should have in the industry over the last 30 years.

“I think we don’t do a good enough job to encourage our daughters, nieces, friends and sisters to consider a serious look at construction jobs,” said House.

“Construction and trades are about a lot more than digging a ditch.”

House said that women in the industry work as engineers, architects and electricians, as well as in flooring, dry wall and cabinet making. John Kennedy, Gilbane Project Executive in charge of the Intermodal project, also addressed the gathering.

“We’re happy to be here to recognize the many ongoing contributions of women in construction,” said Kennedy.

“We here at Gilbane thank you for your contributions, and for making this Intermodal project what it is.”

Kennedy received a round of applause when he announced that the Intermodal is “53-55 percent finished, and on time and under budget.” The project is scheduled for completion in September of next year.