Inside AGC CEO’s Message

July/August 2008

Shaping "Our Industry’s Heritage"

AGC receives 2008 National Building Museum Honor Award

By AGC CEO Steve Sandherr

AGC and its 96 chapters received the 22nd Honor Award from the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., on June 4 at a black-tie dinner held in the museum’s Great Hall. More than 700 guests, including AGC members and chapter executives, attended the event.

In total, 32 chapters sent representatives to attend the dinner, which included a video tribute to AGC and its chapters for their accomplishments and invaluable contributions to the industry.

(L to R) Chase Rynd, executive director and president of National Building Museum; Steve Sandherr, CEO, AGC of America; Douglas Barnhart, president, AGC of America and Chairman, J. Reese Construction, Inc.; and Michael Glosserman, chair, National Building Museum Board of Trustees during the 2008 Honor Award: A Salute to The Associated General Contractors of America presentation. (© Paul Morigi, Courtesy National Building Museum.)

We were honored to have Norbert Young, FAIA, president of McGraw-Hill Construction, with us to deliver a tribute to AGC. I would like to share a portion of his comments with you:

"In an industry that is so vast and yet so fragmented, AGC has helped us unite in our vision and put forth a common message," he said. "Thanks to nearly a century of effort, AGC has not only shaped our industry’s heritage but this group works every day to improve upon our best practices and pave our way to the future…AGC has become a most effective voice in the industry on issues that are close to our hearts, including safety on the worksite, effective training for our workers and advocacy for our profession."

Norbert’s comments go straight to the heart of what AGC of America and its chapters strive for each day. We are grounded in our history—and proud of it—yet we have the foresight to identify and address our needs for the future.

Gala attendees mingle before dinner at the National Building Museum. (© Paul Morigi, Courtesy National Building Museum.)

That evening, Michael Glosserman, chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Building Museum, pointed out that AGC is the first association to receive the Honor Award, as all past recipients have been individuals and companies. In fact, he said that AGC has helped make possible the achievements and contributions of all previous recipients of the Honor Award.

Not only have we shaped past winners, but by continuing our work, we will help shape the recipients of the Honor Award going forward. Thank you again to all AGC members and chapters that made this award possible. We will wear the title of Honor Award recipient proudly for many years to come.