2022 AGC CONVENTION: WHERE EVERYONE'S A WINNER

More than 2,500 industry professionals gathered in Grapevine, Texas, during the last week of March for a week of education, networking, food, fun and awards. Everyone in attendance left with more than they arrived, whether it was a new business connection, CEU credits earned, or solutions to challenges. A select group went home with hardware — awards in honor of their exemplary efforts in safety practices, building excellence, diversity initiatives, community involvement, and more. Congratulations to all!

AGC IN THE COMMUNITY AWARD
Detroit-based Sachse Construction received the AGC in the Community award for its donation of services to help build the Academy of Warren Playground project. 

The Academy of Warren’s Discovery Park play space was built over the course of three weeks with the help 275 community volunteers, including 150 Sachse Construction team members. The Sachse team raised over $18,000 and solicited over $75,000 of in-kind labor and materials from local trade partners and donated a full-time Superintendent to manage the job. The playground’s design, brainstormed by Academy of Warren students was brought to life by a labor of love from Sachse team and is now an important piece of the school’s five-acre outdoor transformation.

“Building the volunteer-led, student-designed Academy of Warren playground alongside our partners Equity Schools and Leathers & Associates was Sachse Construction’s way of making an investment in the neighborhood,” said Todd Sachse, Founder & CEO of Sachse Construction. “Transforming a stretch of asphalt roadway into a spectacular state-of-the-art playground was a signal to the students that they matter and deserve a safe, high-quality, place to play.” 

WTW CONSTRUCTION SAEFTY EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Choate Construction Company was recognized for having the nation’s best construction safety and wellness plan in 2021. The firm was judged and selected as the grand award winner from among 15 first-place winners across six occupational divisions. 

"Safety and health is the number one priority for the construction industry and it’s important that we recognize our member companies for their efforts to lead by example," says Bob Lanham, AGC’s 2021 president and president of Williams Brothers Construction Co., Inc. in Houston.  “These awards also provide an opportunity for them to share the innovative ideas they are implementing to keep safety at the forefront in the construction industry.  This experience makes us all better, which is the goal.”  

“Willis Towers Watson (WTW) is proud to be an AGC partner in safety and honored to be the long-term sponsor for AGC’s Construction Safety Excellence Awards, a partnership that began over 30 years ago,” says Mike Fredebeil, CSP, construction risk control leader – North America, WTW. “The grand award winner, Choate Construction, demonstrates the intent of the program. Four years ago, Choate entered for the first time and placed third in their divisional category. They took a pandemic break and returned two years later, placing first. This year they placed first in their division and were also selected as the grand award winner. The CSEA program is all about looking at yourself and continuous improvement.”

The entire list of winners can be accessed here.

CONSTRUCTION RISK PARTNERS BUILD AMERICA AWARDS
Granger Construction Company received AGC’s Construction Risk Partners Build America Grand Award, as well as the award for the best construction management renovation project under $99 million for the Michigan State University’s STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, the most significant construction project of 2021. 

“Completing a project like this requires a special combination of skill, tenacity, innovation and finesse,” says Bob Lanham, AGC’s 2021 president.  “While every construction project has its own unique challenges, getting this project completed required far more from the contractor than a typical project.” 

The Michigan State University’s STEM Teaching and Learning facility replaced the University’s first coal-fired power plant. Encompassing 120,000 square feet of new construction with 40,000 square feet of renovated space, the Granger team used the existing decommissioned power plant as the central portion of the building, with new additions on the north and south sides. The Granger Construction team embraced the mass timber hybrid structural system, instead of the steel and concrete system originally planned. As a result, the new structure offers best-in-class fire resistance, sustainability efficiency and strength features. 

“On behalf of CRP, we are honored to partner with the AGC in recognizing the tremendous efforts involved in managing the nation’s most challenging and complex construction projects,” says Joe Charczenko of Construction Risk Partners. “Through talent, technology and teamwork, these amazing teams continue to raise the standard for our industry.”

View the award winners here. 

AGC DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARDS
On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, the AGC Diversity & Inclusion Awards, sponsored by WTW, honored five businesses for their efforts in advancing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion within their workforce, supply chain and in the communities they serve. Hensel Phelps earned the Diversity & Inclusion Award in the large contractor category, Millstone Weber received the award for mid-sized contractor and Central Builders, Inc. took home the award for small contractor. For the third year in a row, Austin Commercial snagged the Grand Award at this year’s ceremony. In addition, Veliz Construction was honored with the AGC Diverse Business of the Year. 

The AGC Diversity & Inclusion Excellence awards honor AGC members that are champions in advancing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion within their workforce, supply chain and in the communities they serve.  By showcasing and recognizing best practices from companies that are developing and delivering diversity and inclusion initiatives with demonstrable success, award winners have the opportunity to share their track record of achievement and commitment. Award winners will be able to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion and a track record of achievement.

For more information about the AGC Diversity & Inclusion Awards, visit https://www.agc.org/DiversityAwards.

OPERATION OPENING DOORS
Probably more valuable than any plaque or trophy secured was the satisfaction dozens of volunteers achieved when they gathered on Sunday, March 27 — one day prior to the start of AGC’s 2022 convention — to make repairs to three South Dallas homes in partnership with Rebuilding Together North Texas. AGC Charities Inc. (the charitable arm of AGC of America) and Plano-based Hilti North America and Hill & Wilkinson teamed up to help install and stain new fences, install and paint new exterior wall siding, install grab rails, build new exterior stairs, improve landscaping and renovate bathrooms. They focused on three Cedar Crest homes, all owned by aging, disabled residents. The volunteer workday is a part of the AGC Charities’ annual Operation Opening Doors project. 

“Contractors understand they are only as successful as their communities are strong,” says Thomas Brown, the chairman of AGC Charities Inc. “The improvements we are making today will provide safer, healthier and more comfortable homes for a few deserving local residents in the community hosting our convention.”

Hilti North America served as the signature sponsor of the volunteer project. The firm provided significant support for the project, including donations to help cover the cost of project materials. The firm also donated its tools for the project as well as significant logistical and promotional support. 

Hill & Wilkinson oversaw all the construction planning and preparation, conducted extensive preparation work at all three houses prior to the volunteer effort and donated the services of several key staff to train and coordinate the volunteer workers. The firm also worked to line up a broad range of donated and discounted services to support the project from members of the association’s TEXO Association chapter.

“We are grateful to be a part of this project. Big thanks to all of our trade partners and internal team members who donated their time to make this project a success,” says Hayden Harrison, senior project manager at Hill & Wilkinson, who oversaw the project.

For more information about AGC Charities, visit www.agccharities.org.