We’re just days away from the 2024 convention and trade show and the association is excited to announce the recipients of its 2024 awards programs! In all, 14 member companies received Safety Excellence Awards, three companies were awarded World Class recognition for their Craft Training programs, and five projects across multiple categories were awarded Project of the Year. SEAA's 2024 award winners will participate in panel discussions during convention next week and will be presented with awards during the Presidents Dinner. Project of the Year For Project of the Year, entries could be submitted in four classes for Structural Steel and two classes for Miscellaneous Metals. Classes are based on contract value for that portion of the job. In all, six companies were recognized for effectively solving unique jobsite challenges while safely completing projects. Project submissions are chosen by an independent panel of judges.
Winners will get the chance to participate in a peer panel discussion at AISC’s Steel Conference and SEAA’s Convention, and will also be featured in Connector throughout the year. The Trade Show is an integral part of SEAA’s Convention. For many years, the Welcome Reception has taken place on the Trade Show Floor. It’s a favorite part of the event because attendees get a sneak peek of the latest products. Decision makers include business owners, senior leaders and managers.
Gardner-Watson Decking’s President Geoff Kress and Vice President Jason Kulvinskas (center) surrounded by the rest of their team receive the World Class recognition for the Safety Excellence Award. By Macie Murie Worker safety is consistently one of the top priorities on any construction project, and with good reason. Since 2008, construction has experienced more total deaths than any other industry, and that figure doesn’t include fatalities from suicide. Our industry also has higher injury rates than most other professions, and unfortunately, safety costs. The industry loses $5 billion annually due to construction-related deaths. The number is measured by lost productivity, loss of family income, and pain and suffering, according to the Midwest Economic Policy Institute. However, today’s safety and training leaders recognize the impact of investing in creating a culture of safety. During a panel discussion at the 2023 Convention & Trade Show in St. Augustine, Florida, attendees were able to hear from the 2023 World Class Safety Excellence and Craft Training Excellence Winners. The Safety Excellence Award went to seven SEAA member companies in three categories. Recipients were selected based on evaluations of their EMR ratings, OSHA 300 statistics, and safety program processes over the last three years. Scoring was based on points assigned to a multi-criteria analysis, conducted in blind review by members of SEAA’s Safety & Education Committee. Applicants were evaluated on the portability of credentials, availability of apprenticeship programs, training, and recruitment efforts, in comparison to other companies of similar size. “Good safety records, comprehensive training aligned with long-term career paths, and awards recognitions, are among the criteria that prospective employees consider when deciding where to apply. Beyond the inherent value of being a safe company, it’s also a great marketing tool in a highly competitive market,” said outgoing Safety & Education Committee Chairman Bryan McClure, during the panel. The following are excerpts from the panel discussion. Be sure to click the red subscribe button above to receive your digital copy.
2022 is an exciting year for SEAA. The organization is celebrating its 50th Anniversary, and the Convention and Trade Show will resume to its normal schedule. Join us April 5-8, in Charleston, S.C. to celebrate 50 years of being STEEL STRONG! The keynote speaker is entrepreneur and former star quarterback for the Washington Redskins, Joe Theismann. Theismann has spent the last 20 years working for ESPN and the NFL Network as an NFL analyst, and is an Emmy award winning analyst. June 9, 2021 (Winston-Salem, N.C.) The Steel Erectors Association of America’s 48th Convention and Trade Show, to be held Oct. 12-14, 2021 in Orlando, Fla., features fresh education topics and live demos at its trade show. Early Bird Registration Discounts for both members and non-members ends August 31, and hotel room block cut off date is September 22. Visit seaa.net/seaa-convention—trade-show to book your booth, register to attend, and reserve your hotel room. Award-winning projects include sports arena, performance centers, and a museum Seven steel erection companies have been named as recipients in the annual Project of the Year awards by the Steel Erectors Association of America (SEAA). One winner was selected in each of four categories based on the dollar amount of the erection contract. In addition, three companies received Honorable Mention. Categories are Class I up to $500,000; Class II $500,000 to $1 million; Class III $1-2.5 million; and Class IV over $2.5 million. Three of the projects were part of broader redevelopment plans in the local communities where they were built, and five of them house centers for cultural expression—including performing arts, sports, and a museum. Chosen by an independent panel of judges, the companies received notice of their awards in April 2021 for projects that were topped out in either 2019 or 2020. “Erectors often work in close collaboration with other teams and trades, and sometimes the customer. Challenges frequently deal with logistics, crane selection and rigging methods, and execution of complicated connection plans,” said Alan Sears, SEAA Awards Committee Chairman. “We congratulate these companies for excellent delivery of these unique structural steel construction projects.” Steel erectors are getting real in Orlando this year for SEAA’s 48th Convention and Trade Show on October 13-14, 2021. The convention and trade show will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton at the entrance to Universal Studios. This year’s event will include dedicated trade show time, three education sessions for managers and owners, and a panel discussion with the 2021 Project of the Year winners. The Convention & Trade Show is preceded by the Dave Schulz Memorial Golf Tournament at the MetroWest Golf Club in Orlando on October 12, 2021. SEAA renamed the annual Education Fundraiser Golf Tournament in memory of Dave Schulz, SEAA past president, who was instrumental in organizing the event for many years. The Captain’s Choice style tournament is open to members and non- members. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place teams, longest drive, closest to the pin, and more. Separate registration is required. Fees include green fee, cart, range balls, lunch, and beverages. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. SEAA’s Trade Show provides erectors and fabricators a chance to see the latest products, services and innovations they need for safer, more productive work site. This year, SEAA is offering exhibitors a choice of indoor or outdoor booth locations, and all exhibitors have the option to participate in live demonstrations at no extra cost. “We will have three hours of dedicated trade show time, with hands-on presentations from exhibitors for a highly-engaged trade show experience,” said Carrie Gulajan, Chairman of the Convention Committee. To accommodate social distancing and small group engagement, attendees will be split into two groups. Half will visit indoor booths, while half will visit outdoor booths. Groups will rotate at the mid-point in the schedule, and the live demonstrations will be staggered between two time slots. “We are offering two promotions to encourage exhibitors to confirm their booths early,” said Gulajan. The Early Bird Special is for exhibitors that reserve and pay for their booth by May 31. They receive (1) complimentary e-mail blast in our Convention Products & Services Showcase. In 2022, SEAA’s 49th Convention & Trade Show returns to its regular schedule in North Charleston, S.C. “The All that Jazz Discount is for members only. Make a $500 deposit on your 2022 booth by October 31, 2021 to secure 2021 Trade Show Rates,” said Gulajan. Learn more at https://www.seaa.net/seaa-convention--trade-show.html |