The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and its nationwide network of Chapters are the proud recipients of the National Building Museum's 22nd annual Honor Award, in recognition of AGC's leadership in shaping, defining, and advancing the construction industry for 90 years. The prestigious award recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions in the fields of construction, planning, or architecture. AGC is the first association ever to receive the Museum's annual award. AGC President Douglas E. Barnhart (CEO/Chairman, Barnhart Inc., San Diego, California) and AGC Chief Executive Officer Stephen E. Sandherr accepted the award on behalf of AGC, its Chapters, and members during a gala event on June 4, 2008 in the Museum's Great Hall.

Watch the video presentation from the June 4th ceremony.

About AGC of America

AGC is the largest and oldest national construction trade association in the United States. It was established in 1918 following President Woodrow Wilson's recommendation that an organization be formed to advance the nation's building industry. President Wilson's vision of a collaborative relationship between the government and the nation's builders, contractors, and trades professionals demonstrates the profound significance of the construction industry at the turn of the 20th century. From constructing the interstate highway system and the Hoover Dam to some of the nation's most venerated buildings, AGC has championed the construction of safe and sound structures across America.

Today, AGC represents more than 32,000 member firms that include general contractors, specialty contractors, and service providers and suppliers. The organization is dedicated to advancing the agenda of commercial construction contractors, improving job site safety, expanding the use of cutting edge technologies and techniques, and strengthening the dialogue between contractors and owners. AGC's vision is to promote a better industry for the professionals who build America's future.

AGC is committed to the development of the construction profession, providing a vast offering of management and leadership programs for members and courses aimed at improving trade and craft skills. AGC also works closely with universities and schools across the country to promote construction career opportunities and expand the industry's work force. The youth education initiatives developed by AGC and its members aim to engage young adults in construction professions through scholarships, mentoring programs, and collegiate competitions.

AGC's role as an advocate and trusted policy advisor to the government also remains central to its mission. The association is involved in local, state, and national issues that define the welfare, safety, and sustainability of the built environment. AGC members and leaders participate in research and lobbying initiatives to ensure that lawmakers understand the intricacies of the industry and are able to make equitable, responsible decisions on behalf of the entire country. The Associated General Contractors of America, its Chapters, and its members continue to construct America's future and positively advance and improve the built environment.

About the National Building Museum

Created by an act of Congress in 1980, the National Building Museum has become one of the world?s most prominent and vital venues for informed, reasoned debate about the built environment and its impact on people's lives. Our exhibitions, educational programs, and publications are well regarded not only for their capacity to enlighten and entertain, but also as vehicles for fostering lively discussion about a wide range of topics related to development, architecture, construction and engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban planning.

The National Building Museum's impact is evidenced by the broad smiles of children taking part in our innovative, hands-on youth programs, to the rave reviews our exhibitions routinely receive from our peers, to the comment from Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who was moved to write an unsolicited letter congratulating us on our ability "to capture the essence of our nation?s rich history as well as the promise of its bright future."

The members, trustees, and staff of the National Building Museum share a belief that the world we build is a reflection of the aspirations, achievements, and conflicts that shape our society. Furthermore, because we believe that every American can play a part in the continual improvement of our built environment, we strive not just to illuminate the past and present, but to give professionals and laypeople alike the intellectual raw materials with which to construct the best possible future.