Honored with Multiple Awards at ABC of Iowa Awards Gala
On June 6, we were recognized with multiple awards at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Iowa Excellence in Construction Awards Gala in Riverside, IA. We received the Award of Excellence in the Specialty Contractor – Electrical: Industrial - $5 Million to $10 Million category for our work on the Center Fresh Group Cage-Free Egg Laying Barns in Sioux Center, IA. In addition, we also received the Award of Excellence in the Specialty Contractor – Electrical: Industrial – Over $10 Million for our work on the Cargill, Inc. Oilseed Processing Facility in Sidney, OH. We were also the recipient of the first-ever ABC of Iowa Excellence in Community Volunteering Awards. Our team received the Commitment to Heroes award for our volunteer work with the Midwest Honor Flight. To top off the night, the Cargill project also took home the overall Project of the Year Award. This award is presented to the project that scored the highest in all categories.
“These projects are an example of the innovation and commitment to outstanding craftsmanship that embodies merit shop construction. The superior workmanship illustrates the high level of quality produced by merit shop contractors,” said Greg Spenner, ABC of Iowa President and CEO.
Cargill, Inc. Oilseed Processing Facility
We supported Cargill, Inc., with electrical design and construction, and provided leadership and expertise throughout the commissioning and start-up phases at their new oilseed processing facility. We played a pivotal role in delivering this project successfully, fighting against material-related delays using prefabrication and innovative scheduling methods.
Effective collaboration and leadership were integral to this project's smooth running. Working with other trades and the client’s team members on a bustling job site adjacent to functioning facilities was crucial for avoiding conflicts. In addition, we leveraged several solutions to keep the project on schedule despite the delays in receiving critical equipment and materials. Whiteboard planning, 3D modeling, and prefabrication were integral to streamlining operations.
With the client’s well-developed “drive to zero” safety program and our long-standing commitment to a zero-injury culture, this project maintained an impressive safety record. By the end of the project, we had executed well over 100,000 man-hours of work with no recordable injuries.
Center Fresh Cage-Free Barns
Center Fresh Group worked with us to construct their egg-laying barns for 1.5 million birds, providing the electrical design and construction of three cage-free layer buildings and utilizing pre-planning, effective collaboration with other trades, and time-saving prefabrication to keep the project on schedule. We partnered with a consortium of local electrical contractors to procure, install, and wire critical components, including electrical power distribution gear, emergency backup power systems, specialized poultry management control panels, and a new truck scale with a grain probe.
Our commitment to quality control on this project was exemplified through innovative applications such as 3D modeling, mobile technology, and custom software systems. Utilizing 3D modeling for the meticulous layout of underground utilities and the main electric room ensured precision in placement, which is vital in space-restricted areas. Our innovative whiteboard scheduling system drove progress on this project. This visual planning tool allowed our team to schedule tasks weeks in advance, identify potential conflicts, and make any necessary adjustments.
Both projects are a testament to our ability to deliver innovative, efficient, and quality-driven solutions in the face of unprecedented challenges. Our proactive approach, from pre-engineering participation to agile response to changing conditions, showcases our commitment to excellence in construction.
Community Volunteering Award
This is the first year ABC awarded the Commitment to Heroes recognition. This highlights companies that have made outstanding volunteer efforts in Iowa communities. "We are thrilled to recognize Interstates for their outstanding community volunteering efforts," said Nicole Berger, Membership Director of ABC of Iowa. "Their dedication, passion, and commitment to giving back to the community are truly inspiring, and we are grateful for all that they do."
Midwest Honor Flight (MWHF) is a non-profit organization in Northwest Iowa, South Dakota, Northeast Nebraska, and Southwest Minnesota dedicated to providing Veterans with respect, honor, and closure with an all-expense-paid trip to our nation's capital. MWHF has operated for several years and has flown nearly 1,500 Veterans to our Nation's Capital. As they have grown, MWHF began reaching more community members, and it was an obvious choice for us to get involved. We have a strong commitment to not only making a difference with our clients and communities but also have a strong commitment to our veterans at Interstates.
In late 2021, we began our Veterans Employee Resource Group, which supports and connects our Veteran Team Members. MWHF provides multiple opportunities for our team members to support them, including helping with their annual calendar mailing, putting together goodie bags for Veterans, volunteering at their fundraising events and welcome home ceremonies, and participating as guardians during their flights. Team members who have been able to attend a welcome home ceremony or be a guardian on a flight often share the emotions felt by everyone in attendance when these Veterans finally get recognition for their service. We are honored to play such a small part in the lives of our bravest citizens. Over the last three years, we have participated in 10 different volunteer events specifically for Interstates involving over 90 team members, sponsored 5 team members as guardians on flights, and donated nearly $36,000.