BIRMINGHAM, AL — The Alabama Associated General Contractors (Alabama AGC) recognized the best in the state’s construction industry during its 2026 BuildSouth Awards, honoring projects, companies, and individuals whose work is shaping Alabama’s communities and economy.
The annual event brought together contractors, industry partners, and community leaders to celebrate excellence in safety, innovation, workforce development, and community impact across the state.
“BuildSouth showcases what makes Alabama’s construction industry the best in the nation — our people,” said Alabama AGC President Mike Scarborough of Rabren General Contractors. “From complex industrial facilities to transformative community projects, this year’s winners represent the highest standards of craftsmanship, safety, and leadership. I’m proud to stand alongside professionals who continue to raise the bar for our industry.”
Among the evening’s top honors:
- T.W. Pugh Excellence in Safety Award - Geoff Chambers, Rabren General Contractors
- Legislative Hard Hat Award - Representative Mike Kirkland, Vulcan Materials
- Innovations in Commercial Construction - Aaron Wright, Construction Channel (Bank Independent Operations Center - BIM Design)
- Women in Construction Award - Tina Whittington, Dunn Building Company; Lauren Marsh, Ridgeline Construction
- Associate Member of the Year - Chad Yeager, Mid-America Roofing Company
- Young Professional of the Year - Stephen Coady, G.A. West
- Workforce Development Award - G.A. West
| Your local Wirtgen America dealer |
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| Beard Equipment Co - AL |
| Beard Equipment Co - AL |
| Tractor & Equipment |
| Tractor & Equipment |
Project excellence awards were presented across numerous categories, including:
- New Design Build - B.L. Harbert International for the 53rd WEG Subscale Drone Facility and the New U.S. Consulate General Nogales; Brasfield & Gorrie for the United States Courthouse in Huntsville
- New Build Construction - Stone Building Company for the Coca-Cola Amphitheater and 17 Springs Multi-Sport Complex, Phase II
- Heavy Industrial Construction - Marathon Electrical Contractors for Airbus/FAL Marketplace
- Community Involvement Projects - Rogers & Willard for the Goodwill Gulf Coast Multi-Purpose Campus and Rives Construction Company for Cougar Crossing at the Birmingham Zoo
Additional honors recognized excellence in highway construction, renovation, specialty contracting, and construction management throughout Alabama.
A highlight of the evening was the induction of two industry leaders into the Alabama Construction Hall of Fame:
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| Nichols Fleet Equipment |
| Nichols Fleet Equipment |
- Ben Nevins, B.L. Harbert International
- Jeff Stone, Brasfield & Gorrie
Their careers reflect decades of leadership, mentorship, and impact on projects that have shaped Alabama and communities around the world.
“These Hall of Fame inductees represent the very foundation of our industry’s strength,” Alabama AGC CEO Billy Norrell said. “Ben Nevins and Jeff Stone have not only delivered exceptional projects, but they have invested in people — mentoring young professionals, strengthening companies, and supporting the growth of construction in Alabama. Their legacy will continue to influence our workforce and our communities for generations to come.”
