#United States #San Francisco #AGC of California #Constructor Awards #Pat Kelly

AGC of California Celebrates Excellence in Construction

On February 7, 2025, the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC of California) hosted an impressive Installation & Awards Gala at the iconic Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. This event, which attracted a full-house audience, serves as a highlight within the construction sector, recognizing exemplary accomplishments from the past year and welcoming a new leadership team.

A Night of Celebration

Pat Kelly, who serves as the vice president of Operational Excellence at Granite Construction Company, was inaugurated as the 2025 president of AGC of California. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the collaboration and creativity needed to navigate the challenges faced in construction. "Every project in construction brings challenges and complications, but it's through teamwork, ingenuity, and perseverance that we rise to overcome them," said Kelly. This sentiment set the tone for an evening dedicated to recognizing extraordinary efforts that unify communities and enhance the construction landscape.

The Esteemed Constructor Awards

The focal point of the evening was the prestigious Constructor Awards program. This initiative not only showcases outstanding projects but also celebrates the unique capabilities of AGC of California’s members. Each award category underwent a meticulous preliminary judging process before a panel finalized the winners. The awards seek to highlight the dedication and specialized knowledge of contractors who have showcased excellence across various projects.

Awards Breakdown

The awards featured multiple categories celebrating diverse achievements:

• - Community Service Award: Yerba Buena Engineering for the SOMA Street Tree Nursery Project.
• - Specialty Projects: Royal Electric Company received accolades for their projects under various financial thresholds, including the UC Davis Health Shared Services Center Project and the Taxiway DT Reconstruction Project.
• - Heavy Civil Projects: Recognitions were given in increments based on project budgets, with notable projects including the Hallwood Side Channel Floodplain Restoration and BNSF Needles Third Main Track Project.
• - Builder Projects: Turner Construction and Swinerton were honored among others for their significant contributions to California’s infrastructure.

Recognizing Individual Achievements

The awards ceremony also distinguished individuals who have significantly impacted the construction industry. Key awards included the Harry Eckstein Safety Professional of the Year Award, which honored Mario Noriega from ISEC, Inc. Furthermore, the Construction Education Friend Award went to Sharla Sullivan for her unwavering support in promoting construction education.

The Owner of the Year Award honored the San Francisco International Airport for their collaboration and partnerships with contractors, showcasing the essence of teamwork defined by AGC values.

Leadership Vision

Peter Tateishi, the CEO of AGC of California, expressed pride in the contributions made by the construction industry. He noted, "This industry is vital to the success of California, and we are honored to serve and support its professionals who push boundaries and achieve excellence." The night concluded with the confirmation of the new board of directors, poised to guide the organization in its mission of advocacy, education, and networking for the construction community.

Conclusion

Since its establishment in 1920, the AGC of California has focused on elevating the construction industry through various means, including partnerships with state and local governments and creating platforms for networking and education. The Installation & Awards Gala stands as a testament to the perseverance and innovation found within California’s construction landscape as they look onward towards prosperity and continued achievement. For more information about AGC of California, visit www.agc-ca.org.