Celebrating the achievements of individuals with vision who helped to promote, expand and encourage to role of women in the construction industry.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is accepting nominations for its 11th annual Crystal Vision and Crystal Achievement Awards. The Crystal Vision Awards Program recognizes individuals for their outstanding achievement in advancing the role of women in the construction industry. Winners will be recognized at the Association’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and Convention, September 7-10, 2005, in Grapevine, Texas. The awards are given annually. The Crystal Vision Award goes to a nonmember of NAWIC, and the Crystal Achievement Award goes to a member of the Association.

“This award identifies and honors the men and women who see beyond the invisible barriers that impede the progress of women, especially in nontraditional fields,” says Susan Levy, found of the Crystal Vision Award and past NAWIC national president. “Nominees must demonstrate the courage to act on their vision by gradually breaking down those barriers through policy change, setting precedent and taking risks.”

Nominees for the Crystal Vision Awards may represent any of the various construction fields and include contractors, architects, engineers, suppliers, labor organizers, and trade association and government personnel. NAWIC also invites nominees from al employment levels including owners, executives, managers and agency chiefs. The NAWIC Office must receive the nominations on or before February 28, 2005.

ALL NOMINEES MUST MEET AT LEAST THREE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA:

1. Be in a position of authority to influence and/or make decisions beneficial to women in the construction industry.

2. Empower women I construction through company policy, legislation or organizational structure.

3. Actively promote the inclusion and/or advancement of women in construction.

4. Demonstrate leadership on behalf of women in construction.

5. Break barriers with a “first” for women in construction.

6. Act as a role model and/or mentor for women.

A panel of industry experts will select winners based on the award criteria. They are Doug Curtis, director of chapter development, Associated Builders & Contractors; Mike Holland, executive vice president, American Council for Construction Education; and Norbert W. Young, Jr., FAIA, president, McGraw-Hill Construction.

Award winners receive a complementary trip Grapevine, Texas, to accept their awards during the Crystal Vision Awards Gala held in their honor. Video portraits will also highlight the achievements of the two winners and their contributions to enhance the success of women in the construction industry.

An online copy of the application is available www.nawic.org. Applications should be sent upon completion to:

NAWIC, Attn: Crystal Vision Awards, 327 South Adams Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76104-1081.

Companies and organizations can support the importance of recognizing excellence in the construction industry by sponsoring the 2005 Crystal Vision Awards Program. To learn more about becoming a sponsor, please contact the NAWIC Office for more details. Sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $5,000.

Founded in Fort Worth, Texas in 1955, NAWIC is an international association serving approximately 5,500 members in 184 chapters across the United States and Canada. NAWIC also has international affiliates in Australia, New Zealand, south Africa and the United Kingdom. For more information, please contact Marketing Communication Director Kara Roberson at 817-877-5551.