Chicago MCA Lauded for Education Institute

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago recently received national recognition.
The Rockville, Md.-based Mechanical Contractors Association of America gave the organization its Best Practices Award for Excellence during its 117th annual convention.
The MCA Chicago was honored for programs that include its Construction Education Institute. It was started in 1995 with just 12 courses but now offers more than 100 courses each year.
"The Construction Education Institute has long set MCA Chicago apart from other associations, making us the leader in education for the entire construction industry," said Steve Lamb, executive vice president of the group.

Wisconsin's Gersich Gets AIA's Golden Award

James Gersich, founder and principal of Madison, Wis.-based architecture firm Dimension IV, was named to receive the 2006 Golden Award from the Wisconsin chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

The honor is the highest that the architectural society in Wisconsin can confer on a member.

Gersich was recognized for his contributions to the practice of architecture through leadership roles in local, state and national venues, the AIA said. In addition, he has given back to the community by developing ongoing educational programs that mentor emerging professionals and enrich children and other means.

He is the 19th architect to receive the honor in Wisconsin.

In other news, the Cedarburg-based Kubala Washatko Architects Inc. was named to receive the 2006 Architecture Firm Award from the AIA Wisconsin, the highest honor the chapter can give to a design firm.

The jury selecting the firm said, "The broad diversity of the firm's body of work, in only 25 years, is impressive and shows a dedication to sustainable design."

Nominations Sought for Roadway Safety Programs

The Transportation Development Foundation of the Washington, D.C.-based American Road & Transportation Builders Association is accepting nominations for the 2006 Roadway Work Zone Safety Awareness Awards.

The competition recognizes programs that demonstrate excellence in promoting safety in roadway construction zones. The categories comprise government outreach, private outreach, worker training and innovations in technology.

The competition is open to all interested individuals and organizations. An independent panel will evaluate the entries.

Applications must be received at Artba's headquarters by Aug. 1, 2006, and they are online at www.artbatdf.org.

For information, call Rhonda Britton at 202-289-4434.

Handbook Published on High Performance Concrete

The Skokie-based Portland Cement Association has announced the availability of "Guide Specification for High-Performance Concrete for Bridges."

The handbook is intended as a guide for projects throughout the United States. It applies to all HPC supplied for highway bridges, whether produced by a read-mixed supplier, general contractor or in a precast concrete plant.

It allows specifiers to copy directly language into project specifications and includes guidance on what characteristics should be specified in a given case.

Copies are $10.20 each. For information, visit the PCA Bookstore on www.cement.org/bookstore on the Internet or call 800-868-6733.

18 Contractors Named for Safety