AGC: The BEST OF THE BEST.

• Author: GUDDE, LEVI

The Associated General Contractors of Alaska is the state's premiere construction industry association with more than 600 members statewide. Each year, it recognizes those people and companies from within its ranks who have excelled in their profession or business.

The most prestigious of the AGC awards is the annual "Hardhat Award," given to one or more individual members each year who have well served the organization, the industry, and their community. A list of previous recipients stretching back 50 years reads like a who's who of the construction industry, and includes many who are community and state leaders as well.

The two 1999 award recipients are no exception. The first recipient is Richard "Dick" Engebretson, owner of Aurora Construction Supply Inc. in Fairbanks. Engebretson was born in Minnesota and raised in Washington. His first exposure to the construction industry was in residential construction. However, he soon realized he liked sales and management better.

He moved to Fairbanks in 1970, and started his career in the construction supply business working for someone else. In 1978, he created his own company with the sole intent to serve the Alaska market. His honesty, integrity and commitment to his customers soon paid off.

Engebretson has long been involved in youth sports activities in Fairbanks, coaching youth football and helping to bring high school football to the Interior. He has served on the Fairbanks Parks and Recreation Commission, is active in the Kiwanis, and is a member of the Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce.

Engebretson has been active in the AGC, serving on many committees. He has been an associate member of the board of directors since 1994, and was selected as "Associate of the Year" in 1997 for his many contributions to AGC.

The second Hardhat Award for 1999 was given to R. Greg Romack, president of Davis Constructors & Engineers since 1988. According to AGC, under Romack's leadership, the firm is recognized as one of the premier building contractors in the state. Placing an emphasis on quality, innovation, local hire and fair dealing with sub-contractors, Romack has set the standard for building contractors interested in design-build construction.

Romack has been a member of the AGC board of directors since 1988. He served as president of the organization in 1996, and has frequently been called on to provide insight and guidance to the industry.

Among his many personal and private pursuits, Romack is an...