The Contractors Association of Will & Grundy Counties (CAWGC) celebrated its 80th Anniversary at DiNolfo’s Banquet Hall in Mokena. More than 170 local contractors who build hospitals, schools, restaurants, malls and the roads in between them came out to celebrate this mile stone anniversary along with associate members, union officials and other dignitaries.

Chairman Jason Cox, Len Cox & Sons Excavating, introduced the past chairmen of the 80 year old association that were present. Vice Chair Becky Fallin, RHL Insulation and Firestopping recognized member companies that were present who were celebrating special anniversaries.

Sens. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant and Pat McGuire along with state rep. Larry Walsh Jr. presented the Association with Senate and State recognitions.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “We Build” and the “Member of the Year” Awards to Will County Executive Larry Walsh and Dan Byrnes, sales representative at Underground Pipe and Valve, respectfully.

Will County Executive Larry Walsh Honored

In 2000 the Contractors Association of Will and Grundy Counties established the “We Build Will and Grundy Counties Award” to recognize non-members who have made significant contributions to the construction industry with having county, state, or national impact.

Previous honorees include the city of Joliet; the county of Will; former Will County Board Member Jim Gale; the Three Rivers Construction Alliance; the Joliet/Will County Center for Economic Development; Jim Roolf, community leader; Illinois State Toll Highway Authority; former Joliet Mayor Art Schultz; and last year former Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi.

This year the CAWGC honored Larry Walsh, Will County Executive for all the building and highway projects that he has brought and continues to bring to Will County.

Through Walsh’s efforts construction companies, including many of our members, and trades people have all benefitted not only construction jobs, but permanent jobs.

Dan Brynes Named 2012 Member of the Year

The CAWGC has named Dan Byrnes, sales representative, Underground Pipe and Valve, as the Member of the Year 2012. Brynes, who has been actively involved with the association for 20 years, has worked each year at CAWGC’s Annual Steak Fry. Not only does he work the event but he shops for supplies and prepares some of the food at home.

He also has co-chaired the Annual Expo which is going into its third year this year. Dan goes way out of his way to promote our events, in fact last year Dan alone sold 65 tickets to the Expo.

Vice Chair Becky Fallin the 2007 Member of the Year presented Dan with the award. Fallin said “We have many members who volunteer at our events but we have one member that stands out above the rest and that is Dan Byrnes.”

Fallen added “Dan’s dedication and enthusiasm to the Contractors Association is truly amazing.”

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