ENR California’s Top 20 Under 40 competition is currently accepting entries to recognize outstanding young leadership talent in the construction industry. Every year when we publish this list, I often hear the question: “What about recognizing people over 40?” 

Well, I’m glad you asked! This year, we are introducing a new industry recognition, ENR California’s 2014 Legacy Award.

This new award honors industry veterans with many years of experience and long lists of contributions to their profession and community. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to be 100 years old or retiring to win. The nominee’s age, working status (still working in the industry or retired) and professional roles/titles are not the main determinates for this honor. We’ll be looking for nominees with a history of innovation, outstanding career highlights and an engagement within the industry and the surrounding community.  

Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by colleagues. ENR’s regional editors will judge the award. Nominations may be kept confidential (if requested by the nominator) from the candidate until the process has reached the last stage when all finalists are reviewed. 

All nominations should include: 

• A resume with major career highlights such as innovations and key projects or initiatives worked on or managed
• A letter of reference from the nominator or a colleague familiar with key elements of the individual’s career
• A list of publications, white papers, articles, news stories written about (or authored by) the individual relevant to his or her career; photos of work are encouraged
• A photo of the nominee
• A summary of major activities outside the industry such as mentoring, teaching, political and/or government offices held

The deadline for Legacy Award submissions is October 1. Please email your submission directly to me at scott.blair@mhfi.com (indicate Legacy Award Nomination somewhere in your subject line) and be sure to include all the components noted in the bulleted list above. The winner of this award will be honored at our annual Best Projects awards banquets in San Francisco and Long Beach in early December.

Also don’t forget to nominate your firm’s rising stars for this year’s 20 Under 40 competition. To do that, click here.