The Specialized Carriers & Rigging Foundation (SC&RF) recognized the recipients of the 2025 Workforce Ambassador Awards during the SC&RA Annual Conference Awards & Recognition Dinner, Amelia Island, Fla., April 24, 2026, honoring companies and organizations that are making a lasting impact on workforce development across the specialized transportation, crane and rigging industry.
The Workforce Ambassador program highlights organizations that demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting skilled trades careers, engaging students and educators, supporting workforce initiatives and strengthening the future talent pipeline for the industry.
Award recipients were recognized across four categories:
In the Industry — Small Company Category — Boulter Industrial Contractors Inc., Webster, N.Y.
Boulter Industrial Contractors has demonstrated that a small company can make a significant impact on workforce development. Since hosting its first Lift & Move event in 2019, Boulter has focused on addressing the skilled labor shortage by connecting with students, educators and community organizations to showcase opportunities within the skilled trades. Through participation in the SC&RF Workforce Ambassador program, Boulter has expanded its outreach efforts using industry resources, webinars, and partnerships designed to build a stronger future workforce.
In the Industry — Medium Company Category — Ideal Crane Rental Inc.
Since 1973, Ideal Crane Rental has served as a leader in crane and equipment rental and sales while maintaining a strong commitment to workforce development throughout Wisconsin. Ideal employees hold advisory board positions for diesel technology programs statewide and collaborate with the Wisconsin DOT Construction Skills Training Program and local technical colleges to provide onsite crane industry introductions each semester.
In addition to hosting numerous Touch-a-Truck events annually, Ideal was an early founder and continues to serve on the board of Kids Building Wisconsin — a major workforce awareness event that welcomes approximately 10,000 attendees and features 60 interactive construction exhibits designed to educate youth and families about career opportunities in the trades.
In the Industry — Large Company Category — Buchanan Hauling & Rigging.
Buchanan Hauling & Rigging was recognized for its continued investment in the future of the transportation and rigging industry through community engagement, education, and workforce mentorship.
The company regularly welcomes children and community members to explore its equipment firsthand, helping inspire early interest in transportation careers. Buchanan also participates in college job fairs, provides onsite training experiences and supports workforce presentations focused on safety, innovation and career development. The company's commitment to recognizing and valuing employees who make each project successful further reinforces its dedication to building and sustaining the industry workforce.
Allied/OEM Category — Train for the Crane
Train for the Crane was honored for its dedication to creating career pathways into the crane and construction industries through hands-on training, mentorship and workforce partnerships.
The organization works closely with high schools, Indiana workforce programs and community organizations to introduce individuals to rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Through training and certification programs, Train for the Crane equips students with the skills, confidence and credentials needed to enter high-demand careers while helping close the skilled labor gap. Their efforts continue to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and support the long-term growth of the industry workforce.
"The Workforce Ambassador Award recipients exemplify the commitment, innovation and leadership needed to build the next generation of skilled professionals," said the SC&RF President Kate Landry, Deep South Crane & Rigging. "Their dedication to workforce development is helping create awareness of meaningful career opportunities while strengthening the future of the crane, rigging and specialized transportation industries."
The SC&RF Workforce Ambassador program continues to recognize organizations that actively engage in workforce outreach, education and industry promotion efforts throughout the year. This is a free program for SC&RA members. The benefits include quarterly webinars, free resources and tools and access to a workforce library.
