2011 Chapter Award WinnersOn November 16th, the MN ABC presented the 2011 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:
ABC Associate of the Year – Steve Thelen, Apollo Insurance Agency
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, their commitment to quality and keeping their customers in business. Particularly, Steve Thelen. He does a tremendous job and is a straight “tell it like it is” type of guy. He has been very involved with ABC and insures several ABC Contractors who have had winning projects through the Excellence In Construction Program. The Apollo culture has always been to put the needs of their customers first. In the Insurance Industry, agents have been labeled at times of doing what is best for the Insurance Carrier, or Agency. At Apollo they pride themselves on doing what is in the best long-term interest of their customers. Additionally, they are proud of the knowledge and expertise they have developed by working with contractors from around the state. Their talented staff fully understand construction contracts and the safety needs of Construction customers. Steve and his company’s involvement as an ABC associate should be recognized as outstanding. Congratulations..
Construction Woman of the Year – Carla Struble, Electrical Production Services, Inc.
Our nominee this year, was submitted by her Management Team and here is what they said. “ It is with great honor and excitement to submit our CEO and Owner for the Construction Woman of the Year for 2011. During this past year, Cara Struble has served as the focal point for many of the successes attained by EPS. Her strong devotion in building relationships with customers and employees sets her well above her peers. There is no end to Carla’s involvement in promoting quality craftsmanship throughout the EPS Team and providing customers with the highest level of standards and value in the commercial electrical industry.
Carla’s involvement with in the local community also is continually demonstrated by her passion to help others succeed and accomplish their own hopes and dreams. She is involved in the Chamber of Commerce for the cities of Chanhassen and Chaska, along with serving as a member of the ABC Board of Directors. Her leadership and willingness to share her technical corporate knowledge along with helping others with career planning sets a remarkable standard for others to emulate.
One of the current tasks Carla has recently taken on is developing a strategic plan for EPS and developing new and innovative ways to build on those relationships she has created over many years of leading a company through the trials and tribulations of the construction industry. Whenever employees may have been feeling down about the existing construction market, Carla was the beacon of light that motivated others to weather the storm and continue providing quality work for customers in and ever-changing competitive market.
The committee and EPS’s Management Team agree, there is no better candidate to be recognized for going above and beyond for proving strong leadership to and organization and promoting a positive image in the construction industry.
ABC Member of the Year - Phil Kraemer, Lunseth Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc.
is an award for service to ABC & the industry as an individual. Phil Kraemer of Lunseth Plumbing & Heating was nominated for his strong commitment and support of ABC. He the Chairman of the North Dakota Advisory Council and a Presidential Member of the Beam Club, having referred 34 members. As a professional in the construction industry, Phil is the Master Plumber for longtime member, Lunseth Plumbing and Heating Company. He balances this business activity against an active volunteer life in his community, Church and particularly ABC. You see Phil everywhere. The amount of time that Phil has given ABC is truly staggering and he deserves our recognition. He believes in the cause and is a passionate guy for the Merit Shop. 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.
If you would like to nominate a member for the 2012 Chapter Awards, please contact Jeni Ankeny at the MN ABC office at 952-941-8693. Nominations will be accepted up to October 2nd with the presentation at the Annual Meeting in November 2012.