Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today announced Chris Megois, a carpentry professional for Messer Construction, Cincinnati, as its 2011 Craft Professional of the Year. The award was presented April 13 during ABC’s 2011 EdCon & Expo in San Antonio.
Each year, ABC presents the Craft Professional of the Year award to a construction craft professional who excels in his or her field, maintains a lifelong commitment to training and upholds the merit shop philosophy.
“Chris is a great example of how much a person can achieve when he dedicates himself to his craft,” said Michael Uremovich, 2011 ABC national chairman and president of Great Lakes Energy Consultants, LLC, Manhattan, Ill. “He leads by example and his commitment to excellence is an inspiration to those who have the privilege to work with him.”
Megois began his career with Messer Construction in 1998 as a carpentry apprentice. He graduated from the program with honors and is now a certified National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) instructor. Megois teaches training courses to all Messer employees and registered carpenter apprentices.
Tradesmen International, official sponsor of the 2011 Craft Professional of the Year competition, awarded Megois a new full-size pickup truck.
All nominees were evaluated on several criteria, with the top candidates being chosen as finalists. The ABC Craft Professional of the Year winner was selected from those six finalists. They are:
Craft: Carpentry
Name: Stacey Turbyfill
Employer: KBR, Houston, Texas
Chapter: ABC Greater Houston Chapter
Craft: Electrical
Name: Leslie Palella
Employer: D.P. Electric, Inc., Tempe, Ariz.
Chapter: Arizona Builders’ Alliance
Craft: Welding
Name: Justin Desrosiers
Employer: Cianbro, Corp, Pittsfield, Maine
Chapter: ABC Maine Chapter
Craft: Welding
Name: Bill Collins
Employer: Ogletree’s, Inc., Saint Helena, Calif.
Chapter: ABC Golden Gate Chapter
Craft: Millwork
Name: Mark Wilson
Employer: Belet’s Millwork, Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.
Chapter: ABC Florida First Coast Chapter
The criteria upon which candidates were judged included: the candidate’s mastery of job-related skills, jobsite and safety performance record, leadership, professionalism, community and industry service, personal motivation, credentials, commitment to the merit construction philosophy and recognition by others for the candidate’s excellence in craft skills and teamwork to complete projects successfully