The National Demolition Association (NDA), based in Washington, D.C., recognized the winners of its Lifetime Achievement Award, Environmental Excellence Awards and 2015 scholarship recipients at its 42nd Annual Demolition 2015 Convention & Expo, held March 21–24 in Nashville, Tennessee. The awards commend members and industry leaders for their efforts in the demolition profession.
Awardees were acknowledged during the NDA’s 42nd annual banquet that closed out the convention.
The 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Berger Jostad of Viking Demolition, Glendale, California, for his leadership and commitment to the NDA, as well as his commitment to the betterment of his community, company and the demolition industry as a whole.
Berger began his career in 1953 with Madison Moving and Wrecking before joining Viking Demolition in 1985. At Viking Demolition he became an active member of NDA, participating at board of director meetings and serving on several committees including stints as chairman of the public relations and awards committees. The NDA notes that Berger has been instrumental in developing incentives through NDA and recruiting more members to the organization.
“Berger’s dedication to the association throughout his career is a true testament to his stature as a thought leader in the industry,” says Peter Banks, NDA’s new board president. “With more than 50 years of experience in the demolition industry, Berger understands the ins and outs of our field and has been a valuable member of NDA, embodying our vision and mission on a daily basis.”
Five Environmental Excellence Awards also were presented. These awards recognize companies in the demolition industry that made a significant quality-of-life impact on their community. The intent of the award is to develop and stimulate public awareness of the environmental progress provided by NDA members, recognize leadership and innovation in “green” development and commend citizens and businesses for their efforts in bettering their local and regional environments.
NDA recognized the following:
- Adamo Group Inc. and the city of Detroit and its agencies for the “Detroit Blight Elimination Objective”
- Carl Bolander & Sons Co.; Envirobate, J & J Contracting; Mavo Systems; Ramsey County, Minnesota; and Wenck Associates Inc. for the demolition of the Twin Cities, Minnesota army ammunition plant
- Costello Dismantling Co.; Engelberth Construction; and Dartmouth College for the Dartmouth College West Stands
- O’Rourke Wrecking Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, for the MidPointe Crossing neighborhood redevelopment/demolition of the former Swifton Commons complex in Cincinnati
- Winter Environmental, Atlanta Demolition/SSD, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Dykon Explosive Demolition and Gilbane Building Co. for the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta - former BellSouth Conference Center demolition
To encourage further growth of the demolition industry, NDA awards annual scholarships to an owner, employee or an immediate family member of a regular member company to provide support in the advancement of their career as a demolition professional. Scholarships were presented to:
- Drew Lammers II, The Bill and Wanda Baker Scholarship
- Mariana Diaz, The Mike and Nancy Taylor Scholarship
- William Deatherage, The NDA Scholarship
- Charles Masterson, The Patrick H. O'Rourke Scholarship
- James 'Jimmy' White, The SA Recycling Scholarship
- John Michael Berenz, The Southern California Chapter Scholarship
- LaVerne Sessler III, The David. P Sinclair International Scholarship
“Our recipients for this year’s awards and scholarships stood out among the rest, not only for their current dedication to the demolition industry, but their commitment to the field in the future,” says Cheryl Caulfield, NDA executive director, “It is with organizations and individuals like these that NDA and the industry will continue to expand and improve upon itself year after year.”
More information on the awards programs and recipients are available by contacting the NDA at info@demolitionassociation.com or at 202-367-2387.