BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

2009 Chapter Award Winners

On November 11th, the MN ABC presented the 2009 Chapter Awards. ABC has expanded its awards program to recognize members who are dedicated to improving their business, customer service and community through determination and hard work. Members have been nominated by their peers and winners were selected by the Business Development Committee using specific criteria for the following categories:

2009 Construction Company Of The Year - Northway Construction, Inc.
is an award for quality construction and customer service. This company was nominated because they believe strongly that the owner and his company best represent many of the qualities that should be recognized as a recipient of this Award and here are just a few:

• Northway Construction is a good steward of the planet earth.  They should be recognized for their contributions to the evolution of the "Green, Sustainable" best building practices, especially how components must fit into the whole and all come together in the   science of building and built the first LEED home in Minnesota.
• It is Northway's corporate goal to receive a positive reference letter from every client and it requires us to act with integrity in all aspects of our partnership with them. They believe that our higher standard extends no only to their clients, but to their subcontractors and suppliers as well Northway’s owners are intelligent, responsible and resourceful and practice what they believe in. What I see as a model ABC member and why I am placing this company’s name in for nomination!

Our 2009 winner is Northway Construction, CEO, Steve Northway accepted this award on behalf of their company.

2009 Associate Of The Year - Construction Solutions/John A. Knutson LLC
Is an award for service to ABC and the industry as a company.  This Company was nominated because of their dedication to the association through participation, sponsorship and their commitment to quality beyond expectations. Particularly, Cathy Hackenkamp has been involved with the progression of ABC whenever asked. She has been involved in many events and gatherings, has served on the membership committee and been active in promoting ABC to members and prospects, and has recently accepted the role of vice chair of the membership committee. Cathy and her company’s involvement as an ABC associate should be recognized as outstanding.  Our 2009 winner is Construction Solutions/John A. Knutson LLC, Cathy Haekenkamp accepted the award for her company.

2009 Magnolia – Construction Woman of the Year – Heather Planting, D & G Excavating, Inc.
Nominees in this category possess distinct qualities. They are strong, advancing their careers in a determined manner. They continually grow and strive to improve. Their good work branches out into their companies and communities and have a positive impact on their surroundings. This year’s winner was nominated by her employer and possesses all of these qualities and more.

Our nominee this year, has always excelled at everything she does and has taken on all aspects of being a Safety Compliance Director without hesitation. Heather has been trained in not only OSHA rules and regulations, but also MSHA (gravel pits), and FMCSA (truck compliance).  She has been tried and tested by many inspectors, but always impresses them by being well-versed in the latest rule changes. It is only as a result of her efforts in building their safety program that D & G Excavating was the first company to achieve the MN OSHA partnership. She also serves on the Leadership Committee of the MMSA (Minnesota Mine Safety Association).

On a daily basis, you will find her conducting job site inspections as well as regular inspections of each of their 8 operating gravel pits. Last winter, she worked in concert with MN Commercial Vehicle Enforcement to aid in designing a straight-body 6 axle dump truck that would allow us to maximize our hauling capacity while complying with weight and bridge laws. 

2009 ABC Member Of The Year - Paul Burke, Mike's Clean Sweep Services
Is an award for service to ABC & the industry as an individual.  Paul Burke was nominated for his strong commitment and support of ABC. He is a member of Legislative committee and is the current PAC Committee Chair.  He believes in the cause and is a passionate guy for the Merit Shop.  Paul has been an excellent speaker on our behalf, being well read and informed and not afraid to speak his mind. The members and the Business Development Committee agree that this year’s nominee has gone above and beyond his commitment to the chapter and our voice has become stronger because of him.

2009 ABC Hall of Fame – Jim Warner, Boulay Heutmaker, Zibell & Co.
This award is based on longevity of service and embracing the merit shop philosophy.  Jim Warner has served on the ABC Board for 13 years as Treasurer and Secretary.  His years of service and commitment to the financial health of the organization cannot be overstated.  Thanks to his oversight and prudent recommendations, ABC has been able to build its reserve funds to weather the worst of economic conditions.  Even with his hectic schedule, he always made time for ABC, making sure our reports were accurate and meaningful on a regular basis.  He explains: During my tenure I have had the wonderful privilege of working with many dedicated ABC Board members and the opportunity to serve with the best.  Jim will be sorely missed as a regular face at the ABC Board Meetings. 


 If you would like to nominate a member for the 2010 Chapter Awards, please contact Jeni Ankeny at the MN ABC office at 952-941-8693. Nominations will be accepted up to October 1st with the presentation at the Annual Meeting on November 16, 2010.