AGC: recognizing those who build Alaska.

• Author: McCorkle, Vern C.
• Position: Associated General Contractors of Alaska

Construction is the 800-pound gorilla in the room. It is the third-largest industry in Alaska and contributes more that $7.2 billion to the state's economic base, pays the second-highest wages and employs more than 21,000 in the Great Land's work force.

The Associated General Contractors of Alaska (AGC) includes more than 650 companies and members who are involved in this dynamic industry and occupied in the construction of buildings, highways and bridges, utilities facilities, heavy industrial and specialty projects--to list but a few of the activities that make this vital industry the go.

Once each year, the AGC pauses briefly to mark its accomplishments, thank and congratulate its association members for the work that they do. Such recognition takes place during the association's annual conference that traditionally occurs in mid-November in Anchorage.

At this event, members are recognized for outstanding achievements in construction, overall safety at the workplace and for service to the community and the association.

Perhaps the most prestigious of all the honors bestowed by the AGC each year is its coveted Hard Hat Award. Given only to a select few, the first presentation was made in 1964 and only in those following years in which truly exemplary industry standouts are identified. Honorees may be a general contractor member, an associate member or materials supplier whose meritorious support goes beyond the normal practice for service to the construction industry in Alaska and to the association. The selectee is nominated and unanimously chosen by former recipients of the Hard Hat Award. This year the honor went to Albert E...