For Immediate Release: May 28, 2008
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2008 Honor Award The Associated General Contractors of America: News Release
First Association to be Honored with the Museum’s Most Prestigious Award
Washington, D.C.—The National Building Museum announced that it will present its 22nd annual Honor Award to the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and its nationwide network of Chapters, in recognition of its leadership in shaping, defining, and advancing the construction industry for 90 years. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in the fields of construction, planning, or architecture. AGC President Douglas E. Barnhart (CEO/Chairman, Barnhart Inc., San Diego, California) and AGC Chief Executive Officer Stephen E. Sandherr will accept the award on behalf of AGC, its Chapters, and members during a gala event on June 4, 2008 in the Museum’s Great Hall.
Founded in 1918 at the request of President Woodrow Wilson, AGC is the largest and oldest construction trade association in the United States. For the past nine decades, AGC and its nationwide network of 96 Chapters, comprising more than 32,000 member firms, have been effective advocates for the construction industry at the local, state, and federal levels, promoting investment, training, and general advancement of the construction profession.
“AGC is the first association the Museum has distinguished with its highest honor—a tribute to the extraordinary and positive impact AGC has had and continues to have on the nation,” said National Building Museum Executive Director and President Chase Rynd.
“This distinguished honor was made possible by the AGC chapters and members nationwide who exemplify the leadership and innovation of the construction industry,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, chief executive officer of AGC.
AGC plays a critical role in the development of the construction industry and remains at the forefront of technology advancements and ever-changing government policies and regulation. AGC’s comprehensive educational offerings promote development at all career levels, from management and leadership programs for executives to courses aimed at improving trade and craft skills. AGC also works closely with universities and schools across the country to promote construction career opportunities and to expand the industry’s work force. The youth education initiatives developed and sponsored by AGC, including the National Building Museum’s annual Festival of the Building Arts, engage young adults in construction professions through hands-on exploration, scholarships, mentoring programs, and collegiate competitions. Through its progressive initiatives, AGC is fulfilling its mission to promote a better industry for the professionals who build America's future.
AGC’s role as an advocate and policy advisor to government also remains central to its mission. The association is involved in local, state, and national issues that affect the welfare, safety, and sustainability of the built environment. AGC members and leaders participate in research and lobbying initiatives to ensure that lawmakers understand the intricacies of the industry and are able to make equitable, responsible decisions on behalf of the entire country.
An expected crowd of nearly 1,000 guests will attend the June 4 award ceremony. Norbert W. Young, FAIA, president of McGraw-Hill Construction will pay tribute to The Associated General Contractors of America.
The National Building Museum’s Honor Award was instituted in 1986 to recognize individuals and organizations that have made important contributions to our nation’s built environment. The Museum’s Board of Trustees selects recipients annually from a wide variety of backgrounds to call attention to the many factors that determine the form and quality of our built world. Past Honor Award recipients include Clark Construction Group, LLC, Related, Michael D. Eisner and The Walt Disney Company, Major League Baseball and The National Football League, and Cindy and Jay Pritzker. The proceeds from the Honor Award support the National Building Museum’s programs, exhibitions, and operations.
The Associated General Contractors of America is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. AGC represents 33,000 firms, including 7,500 of America’s leading general contractors and 12,500 specialty-contracting firms. More than 13,000 service providers and suppliers are associated with AGC through a nationwide network of chapters. Visit www.agc.org for more information.
The National Building Museum is America’s leading cultural institution dedicated to advancing the quality of the built environment by educating people about its impact on their lives. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, online content, and publications, the Museum has become a vital forum for the exchange of ideas and information about the world we build for ourselves. Public inquiries: 202.272.2448 or visit www.nbm.org. Connect with us on Twitter: @BuildingMuseum and Facebook.
For press inquiries related to the Associated General Contractors of America, please contact Monica Cardenas at cardenasm@agc.org or 703.837.5364
