Contact: Gerry Fritz, (703) 812-2062 For Immediate Release
March 4, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced the winners in its 2009 National Craft Championships competition, held at the association’s National Convention Feb. 25 – March 1 in Honolulu.
A field of 96 craft professionals competed in nine different areas during this year’s contest. Competitors first took an intense, two-hour written exam and then competed in daylong hands-on practical performance tests.
“The National Craft Championships is the highlight of ABC’s annual National Convention, and this year was no exception,” said 2009 ABC National Chairman Jerry Gorski, president of Gorski Engineering, Collegeville, Pa. “Once again, we are honored to provide these craft professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their high-quality workmanship, technical knowledge and safe work practices. These craft professionals are the best-of-the-best and show us that there is a bright future ahead for ABC and the U.S. construction industry.”
Participants proved their expertise in carpentry, electrical, fire sprinkler, HVAC, millwright, pipefitting, plumbing, sheet metal and pipe welding. A portion of each participant's score was based on his or her good safety practices and procedures. The Iowa winners are listed below:
HVAC
Gold: Vincent D. King
Employer: Brookwood, Inc.
Training Sponsor: ABC Iowa Chapter
Sheet Metal
Gold: Christopher Ryan Grosz
Employer: Neighbors Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Training Sponsor: ABC Iowa Chapter