:In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the National Association of Women in Construction, founded in Fort Worth in 1955, an award was presented to the association at ARTBA's annual convention in Palm Beach, Fla. in mid-September.

ARTBA Honors NAWIC

The American Road & Transportation Builders Association recently presented its Leadership Award to the National Association of Women in Construction in recognition of the association's 50th anniversary. The award was given to NAWIC at the 2005 ARTBA annual convention in Palm Beach, Fla. on September 15.

Since 2003, the two associations have been working together to further the role of women in the transportation construction industry.

"We were pleased to have NAWIC on our advocacy team as we pushed for increased federal transportation investment in the 2005 highway and transit law," said Pete Ruane, president and CEO of ARTBA, in his presentation speech.

NAWIC began as a group of 16 women in 1953 to enhance the success of women in the construction industry. Currently, the association has nearly 6,000 members and 200 chapters in almost every U.S. state and in two Canadian provinces. They have also developed the nationally recognized Crystal Vision and Crystal Achievement Awards programs to celebrate the accomplishments of women in the industry.

Additionally, the NAWIC National Education Foundation has offered creative and educational programs for students from grade school to high school and adult certification programs.

ARTBA has supported NAWIC's educational programs in Washington, D.C., and recently NAWIC endorsed ARTBA's Intertraffic North America exhibit and conference.

Texans Named PHCC Contractor, Apprentice of the Year

The Associated General Contractors - Texas Building Branch recently announced its endorsement of Governor Rick Perry for his 2006 reelection.

"The AGC Building Branch is excited to be a part of the team to reelect Governor Perry. Commercial building contractors throughout the state have benefited from his leadership in bringing new business to Texas," said Denward Freeman, president of the statewide association.

The AGC Building Branch is comprised of local chapters around Texas, with a membership of more than 3,500 firms.

"Because of Governor Perry's leadership, many new companies have moved to Texas and existing companies have been able to expand. This growth has led to an improved economy which has benefited not only our industry but all Texans," Freeman said. "Our association is pleased to support such an outstanding track record."

NAWIC Wins SMPS Award

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors- National Association recently announced the 2005 Plumbing Contractor and Plumbing Apprentice of the Year, two prestigious awards recognizing excellence in the plumbing industry. Milton Frank was named Contractor of the Year and Matthew Vaughan was named "Apprentice of the Year. The announcement was made at Network '05, the convention joining the American Supply Association and the PHCC annual conventions into one event, bringing plumbers and wholesalers together for the first time.

Milton Frank, president of Milton Frank Plumbing in Spring, was nominated by the Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas for dedication and service to his profession, company and community. Frank is a member of the Quality Service Contactors Association.

Milton Frank, president of Milton Frank Plumbing in Spring, was nominated by the Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas for dedication and service to his profession, company and community. Frank is a member of the Quality Service Contactors Association.

Candidates for Plumbing Contractor of the Year are evaluated by a committee of PHCC members using a 100-point system that weighs accomplishments in six areas: professionalism, merchandising skills, management skills, innovative plumbing skills, trade involvement and community service. Frank received a check for $5,000 and a crystal sculpture.

Matthew Vaughan, of Milton Frank Plumbing, was named Plumbing Apprentice of the Year in recognition of his outstanding performance, work ethic and enthusiasm. Vaughan started the "QSC Fast Trac" home study plumbing program class implemented by the company in June 2003 and completed the course in February. He has completed more than 4,000 hours and awaits his state of Texas testing in August.

Fort Worth Engineer Elected APWA President

William A. Verkest, P.E., municipal program man-ager for the Fort Worth office of HDR Inc., is the new president-elect of the American Public Works Association. Elected by the association's 27,000 members, Verkest will succeed Bob Freudenthal as president of the association for the 2006 to 2007 term.

A member of APWA for 37 years, Verkest has a multifaceted combination of service in the broad public works field including civil engineering and management in the U.S. Air Force, public works agencies and the private sector. Verkest joined HDR in January having served as executive director of public works with the City of McKinney and director of engineering services with the City of Arlington.

Verkest represented his local APWA Texas Chapter as chapter delegate and as president of the North Central Texas Branch. At the national level, he served six years on the APWA Board of Directors as the director of region VII, and served as chair of the Finance Committee/APWA treasurer, Finance Committee member and chair of the Membership Committee. He has also been a member of the Congress Planning Committee, Urban Forum and Public Works Historical Society.