National Building Museum 2008 Honor Award given to AGC and its chapters

The National Building Museum presented 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 Barnhart (CEO/chairman, Barnhart Inc., San Diego, California) and AGC chief executive officer Stephen Sandherr accepted the award on behalf of AGC, its chapters, and members during a gala event on June 4, 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 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. A crowd of nearly 1,000 guests attended the June 4 award ceremony. Norbert 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 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 exploring and celebrating architecture, design, engineering, construction, and planning. Chartered by Congress in 1980 and open to the public since 1985, the Museum has become a vital forum for exchanging ideas and information about the built environment through its exhibitions, education programs, and publications. The Museum is located at 401 F Street NW, Washington, D.C. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Museum Shop. Café. Public inquiries: visit www.nbm.org.