Industry Roundup – 2009-12-09

Contracts awarded and other industry news

December 9, 2009

Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based Convia/A Herman Miller Co . announced that it was selected as the lighting control provider for pre-built offices as part of the $20 million Empire State Building retrofit project . The project is expected to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in the building by approximately 40% and put it within the top 10% of all energy efficient buildings worldwide. The Empire State Building project is led by a team of consulting, design, and construction partners, including the Clinton Climate Initiative , Johnson Controls Inc ., Jones Lang LaSalle , and the Rocky Mountain Institute .

Cambridge, Mass.-based CDM received two awards from the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) at its annual award competition. The St. Bernard Parish pump station rehabilitation project received the National Design-Build Award in the Rehabilitation/Renovation/Restoration category. The emergency repair and rehab of a stormwater conveyance system in Clay County, Fla. received the Design-Build Merit Award in the same category. Additionally, Peter Tunnicliffe, PE , received DBIA’s Distinguished Design-Build Leadership Award , which is presented to individuals who have demonstrated leadership in the advancement of best design-build practices and of design-build as the project delivery method of choice. Tunnicliffe has more than 35 years of design-build experience and is currently the senior vice president at CDM.

St. Louis-based Murphy Co . was selected as a finalist in all four specialty contractor categories at the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis Keystone Awards . The contractor was recognized for its work on SSM St. Clare Health Center, Danforth University Center at Washington University, Pfizer’s new research building, and Covidien Pilot 14 plant. Murphy Co. was recognized in the following categories: Building construction, project $5 million or more; Building construction, project; Industrial/infrastructure, project $5 million or more; Industrial/infrastructure, project under $5 million.

Chesterfield, Mo.-based MiTek Inc . announced the acquisition of Heat Pipe Technology Inc .

Lisle, Ill.-based Molex Inc . announced that it received the Core Partner Award for superior performance as a global supplier from China’s Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd . At the award ceremony at Huawei’s corporate headquarters in Shenzhen, Molex was recognized for its innovative technology, quality, responsiveness, and delivery of interconnect products and services.

Baltimore-based Danfoss Turbocor Compressors Inc .’s Ron Conry was the winner of the James Harrison Medal at the recent Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heating (AIRAH) Awards . The award recognizes the highest levels of individual achievement in the Australian refrigeration and air conditioning industry. Conry was the chosen recipient of this award in recognition of his pivotal role in developing a high-speed and oil-free centrifugal compressor.

Emory Rodgers , deputy director of the building and fire regulation division of the Virginia Dept. of Housing and Community Development , was presented the Bobby J. Fowler Award during the International Code Council’s (ICC) 2009 Annual Conference and Code Development Hearings . The award honors the memory of the first chairman of the Code Council Board of Directors, is given to an individual whose contributions to the building and safety industry advance the Council’s goals in achieving a safer and sustainable built environment. Particular emphasis is placed on the recipient’s focus beyond local or regional concerns to issues and activities that span the globe.

The Code Official of the Year Award was presented to Michael Fink, deputy commissioner of the city of Philadelphia’s Dept. of Licenses and Inspections . Fink was honored for his meritorious contributions to the code enforcement profession and for his professional abilities that are recognized as an example for all members of the building and fire safety industry.

Azarang "Ozzie" Mirkhah , fire protection engineer for the Las Vegas Dept. of Fire and Rescue , was presented the Fire Service Award , which is given to an individual for their service, professional abilities, and leadership that are exemplary in the development of the International Fire Code, and for their efforts that are an example to all fire prevention and fire protection professionals.

Thomas Phillips , code compliance manager for Target Corp.’s property development , was the recipient of the Council’s Affiliate Award , which is presented to a member of the building industry who consistently demonstrates the qualities of integrity, professionalism, and dedication.

The Building Officials of Suffolk County, New York Chapter of the Code Council was presented the ICC Community Service Award , which is presented when circumstances warrant recognizing meritorious service that promotes the public health, safety, and welfare in communities by initiating activities or actions that are considered to be above and beyond the normal expectations.

The Colorado Chapter of the ICC was named Chapter of the Year . To earn this designation, a chapter must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in promoting the vision, mission, and goals of the Code Council.

Chapter Merit Awards were presented to the Code Administrators Assn. of Kentucky , the Virginia Building and Code Officials Assn . ,and the Washington State Assn. of Permit Technicians . Merit Awards are presented to chapters that distinguish themselves through activities that demonstrate the goals and objectives of the association.

The Educator of the Year Award was presented to Code Council staff instructor Terrell Stripling for the exceptional manner he displays while carrying out the Council’s continued tradition of excellence in its training programs. Stripling is a seasoned ICC instructor with 20 years of fire service experience and also has worked in the construction industry.

Blue Springs, Mo.-based Fike announced that it acquired Rafiki Protection Ltd ., which also includes Santana Solutions Ltd.