NAWIC’s Greater Birmingham Chapter hosts annual banquet

The National Association of Women in Construction’s Greater Birmingham Chapter recently held its annual Industry Appreciation Banquet at The Club in Birmingham.

A silent auction was held, dinner was served and President Stephanie Crane spoke about the local chapter community service projects and previewed upcoming events.

Guest speakers included Sergeant Major Paula James and her husband Sergeant First Class Michael James, detailing their experiences in Afghanistan. They gave the audience a first-hand account of life in the military and the importance of communication and donations from family and community.

In support of this effort, NAWIC’s community service project for July will consist of sending boxes of needed or wanted items overseas to the troops.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of three local chapter awards.

Rookie of the Year was awarded to Heather Green of TurnerBatson, Member of the Year was presented to Ginger Thompson of Gary C. Wyatt General Contractor LLC and Employer of the Year was presented to Saverio Minucci of Sandell Manufacturing.

The awards are presented to those members based upon their contributions to the community, as well as to the construction industry during the previous 15 months.

Contractor breaks ground on Tarrant Middle/High School

Golden & Associates of Birmingham, Ala., recently broke ground on the new $17 million Tarrant Middle/High School in Tarrant, Ala..

The 112,000-sq-ft school will feature 36 classrooms, a competition gym and a physical education gym. The project is scheduled to be complete in November 2009. McElrath & Oliver Architects out of Gadsden, Ala., designed the project.

The project is located on a 98-acre site that once was home to a mental health facility.

“The building of a new middle/high school for Tarrant marks a new beginning for the students of Tarrant,” says Tarrant Schools Superintendent Martha P. Rizzuto. “Our current high school is 90-plus years old.”