The Pinnacle Awards ceremony was part of CAGC's 104th Annual Convention, held in Charleston, SC in January, and co-sponsored by CPA firm Greer Walker LLP and law firm Johnston, Allison & Hord. The event gathered industry leaders to celebrate the projects that enhance local communities and push the boundaries of construction.

"Build with the Best" Pinnacle Award

The recipient of the "Build with the Best" Pinnacle Award was Senator Ross Turner, representing South Carolina District 8 in Greenville County. Senator Turner has been a consistent advocate for the construction industry in South Carolina and spearheaded crucial legislation that mandates construction work zone training for all new drivers in the state. This legislation, signed into law by Governor McMaster, makes South Carolina the third state to implement such a policy, emphasizing the importance of safety and education in construction zones.

Pinnacle Award-Winning Projects: The following projects earned recognition for their unique challenges and contributions to the construction industry:

71 Wentworth, Charleston, SC

General Contractor: Trident Construction

This restoration project revitalized the historic 71 Wentworth building, originally constructed in 1872 by The Freemasons of South Carolina, and preserved a landmark of Charleston’s architectural history.

North Carolina State Capitol Renovation, Raleigh, NC

‍General Contractor: Muter Construction
The renovation of North Carolina’s iconic State Capitol included significant updates, including replacing the copper roof and upgrading HVAC systems while maintaining the building's historic significance.

Hurricane Florence MILCON Package 4 Bridges, Camp Lejeune, NC

‍General Contractor: Archer Western
This project involved replacing two railroad trestles at Camp Lejeune, critical for military freight transport, as part of the ongoing restoration efforts post-Hurricane Florence.

Harkers Island Bridge Replacement, Harkers Island, NC

‍General Contractor: Balfour Beatty Infrastructure
This $60 million project replaced a 3,200-foot fixed-span bridge, connecting Harkers Island to mainland North Carolina, and enhancing transportation resilience in the region.

Construction Excellence Awards: In addition to the Pinnacle Awards, CAGC recognized nine outstanding projects for their excellence in construction:

1. UNC Roper Hall, Medical Education Building, Chapel Hill, NC – T.A. Loving Company
2. Crabtree Creek West Greenway, Raleigh, NC – Crowder Construction Company
3. New Bern City Hall Addition, New Bern, NC – Daniels & Daniels Construction Company, Inc.
4. R-4467 - US 17 Business/NC 37 Bridge over Perquimans River, Hertford, NC – McLean Contracting Company
5. I-40 / I-77 Interchange Project, Statesville, NC – The Lane Construction Corporation
6. Gold Rock I-95 Interchange, Battleboro, NC – Barnhill Contracting Company
7. NC-12 Shoreline and Resiliency Project, Duck, NC – Fred Smith Company
8. Reedy Branch WWPS & Force Main, Smithfield, NC – T.A. Loving
9. Summerville WWTP Biosolids Solar Dryer, Summerville, SC – Harper General Contractors

Carolinas AGC (CAGC) is a trade association that represents contractors in the building, utility, and highway sectors across North and South Carolina. The organization supports construction professionals by providing advocacy, educational resources, and networking opportunities. To learn more about CAGC, visit www.cagc.org.

This year’s awards highlight not only the success of individual projects but also the broader impact of the construction industry in the Carolinas, driving economic growth and improving infrastructure for communities. With more than $1 billion worth of projects completed by CAGC members, the Carolinas continue to stand out as a hub for innovation and quality in construction.

Originally reported by Lori McGovern in Carolinas AGC.