By: Deborah Johnson Wood
The Associated Builders and Contractors Western Michigan Chapter (ABCWM) received 110 nominees for its coveted 2007 Construction Awards Program.
This year's nominees include notable projects like GVSU's John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering, Zeeland West High School Pool, Boatwerks Restaurant, the East Grand Rapids Community Center, West Ottawa North High School, the JW Marriott Hotel, and the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.
"When we started the program in 1985, contractors were not advertising oriented," says John Doherty, ABCWM president and CEO. "They were doing a lot of very unique projects people didn't even know they were doing."
Forty-five prize categories cover several areas of expertise, like structural steel fabrication, restoration glazing, communications and data, interior finishing, religious facilities construction, and green building.
Some 40 independent judges visit each construction site. The judges come from a variety of construction industry segments, including facilities management, building inspection, and architectural and engineering trades.
"Because of the credibility these judges bring to the projects, the award has the benefit of the impartiality we maintain and has more meaning to the winners," Doherty says.
The awards banquet is Thursday, October 25, 2007 at the Pinnacle Center in Hudsonville. Each winning entry will show a three-minute scripted video highlighting the scope of the project, the intricacies of installation, and aspects that make the project unique.
The awards recognize high quality construction by members. And the banquet gives members a chance to see what other contractors are building, and provides opportunities to generate business.
Winners receive three crystal trophies shaped like an urban skyline—one each for the contractor, architect or engineer, and owner. Project managers receive an engraved plaque.
Source: John Doherty, Associated Builders and Contractors Western Michigan Chapter
Deborah Johnson Wood is development news editor for Rapid Growth Media. She can be contacted at [email protected].
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