Message From the Director: Tilt-Up Awards Program Reaches New Heights
This issue of Tilt-Up Today is our annual awards issue. The TCA annual Achievement Awards program began 12 years ago as a method of finding out what members were doing around the world with Tilt-Up Construction and recognizing projects that advanced the industry. The size and quality of the program have grown tremendously since its inception and no let-up is in sight. Early years saw as few as 10 submittals, while last year saw nearly 70 projects covering 21 categories (there were some categories that lacked submittals and winners).
The program is a win-win situation for the TCA and member participants. The TCA gets great photographs and information about projects for use in its promotional efforts and for our buildings database. Winners get publicity in a number of national contractor and designer publications. The awards program is one of the greatest membership benefits, because it helps not only the industry but is great exposure for the building team members. Non-winning projects become winners too as they are often featured or included in other stories promoting different building types, finishes, or other topical material.
The administration of the program has also been significantly improved through the guidance of Glen Stephens, a past president of the Association. Judging is now conducted with a rotating pool of judges adding consistency and uniformity to the evaluation process. The number of categories has been expanded so that warehouses are not competing with office buildings for best looking building. Evaluation criteria are also being refined with each competition.
Another significant change was in the qualifications for submittal. Originally, the projects had to be completed in the calendar year of the judging The new rules allow submittal of any member project that has not won. New and existing members can submit projects from their archives. Projects can be submitted more than one year – as long as they didn’t win.
A series of special awards were also added to honor individuals or companies in various trades for contributions to the industry. Awards for architects, engineers, contractors, and innovators were created to supplement the Peter Courtois award for lifetime achievement or significant contributions.
Plan early for your 2006 award submittal. The deadline has been moved up to September 30 – no exceptions. We will begin receiving award submittals immediately. Check the Tilt-Up web site for submittal requirements or contact TCA headquarters at 319-894-6911 or info@tilt-up.org
Ed Sauter, Executive Director TCA Board of Directors