from Building Central Florida - Issue 6, 2023

by Associated Builders * Contractors of Central Florida

RIDING INTO THE FUTURE: The Award-Winning Brightline Buildout

ABC Central Florida had more magic to celebrate than usual this year…as ABC’s 27th chartered chapter in 1973, it’s been a rewarding year to celebrate 50 years, even more rewarding along with EIC Eagle Winners, STEP and Top Performers, Model Members of the chapter and more! Over the years with member dedication and true passion for the commercial construction industry, timeless accomplishments have been made for the betterment of the Merit Shop.

ABC celebrates 50 years of fighting tirelessly to ADVOCATE for members, help them CONNECT to the industries finest, and EDUCATE workers and crews to be more efficient, knowledgeable, and safer on the jobsite. This year 84 projects took home the special designation of Eagle Award, with over 800 influential industry contacts in attendance at this year’s EIC Awards Banquet + 50th Gala. The banquet started with a champagne wall and special toast as well as honored all the past board chairs and presidents, and hearing a few words from surprise guest, Milton Graugnard, ABC national chair, who traveled from Baton Rouge just to help celebrate the special occasion. Out of all the project entries, a handful were nominated for Project of the Year for both general contractors and subcontractors – this year’s distinguished winners…

For a full list of Eagle Winners, check out the EIC Awards magazine…

Scan QR code to view EIC magazine

PROJECT OF THE YEAR AWARDS

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Brightline Station at OIA

Gomez Construction Company

SUBCONTRACTOR

AdventHealth Training Center

JK2 Scenic

And how do all these significant projects get built? By doing business with other ABC Central Florida members of course! Each year the chapter honors a member who has used the most ABC members on their project, and this year we honored an incredible accomplishment of utilizing 35 ABC members…

FREE ENTERPRISE AWARD

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Turner Construction Co.

- Orlando International Airport South Terminal C – Landside

Not only do members who work together benefit, but those who are engaged within membership benefit even more. Through attending events, education courses, participating in sponsorship opportunities, taking advantage of safety programs, and supporting ABC’s legislative efforts with just to name a few, you can truly leverage your industry exposure and membership. The night brought with it celebrating the two most dedicated and engaged members – Model Members of the Year – to recognize their continued efforts and dedication.

MODEL MEMBERS OF THE YEAR

• Competitive Edge Partners & Consulting, LLC

• The Amphibious Group: Amphibious Medics & Savi EHS

Membership continues to ebb and flow as the economy fluctuates, but a major contribution to membership can be made by helping recruit new members and helping ABC gain the best of the best.

ABC’s BEAM Club was established in 1966 by the National Board of Directors as an exclusive club to recognize members that champion membership and assist in chapter growth. This year’s BEAMER of the Year…

BEAMER OF THE YEAR

John Smalley Hensel Phelps

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Isaac-Joshua Barton

Senior with UCF Student Chapter Constitution Construction Company, LLC

How else is ABC helping your company each year? Through workforce development as well as growing the industry's young professionals to help elevate and grow the workforce for generations to come. For the first time, the chapter honored a Workforce Champion and Young Professional of the Year to acknowledge the passionate forces and those who are exemplary individuals of such…