More than 60 companies were recognized for outstanding achievements in construction performance and safety during the 2025 Awards Banquet jointly hosted by the Northwest Indiana Business RoundTable (NWIBRT) and the Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF). The annual event, held on May 8 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville, drew over 600 professionals from across the region’s construction industry.
The celebration brought together owners, contractors, subcontractors, and industry stakeholders to recognize those making a lasting impact through high-quality project execution and a steadfast commitment to safety protocols. The banquet serves as a dual ceremony honoring both CAF’s Construction Excellence Awards and NWIBRT’s Safety Awards.
Aaron Janovitz, Chair of NWIBRT’s Safety Committee and Health and Safety Superintendent at bp Whiting Refinery, emphasized how integral safety and performance are to sustaining Indiana’s vibrant construction industry.
“Superior performance and a steadfast commitment to safety spells success in the construction industry. You can’t have one without the other, and we are truly fortunate in our region to have companies who embrace that philosophy and put it into practice every single day,” said Janovitz. “It is an honor to celebrate those companies that have such an impact on the industry today and are positioned to keep moving the needle forward well into the future.”
The Construction Excellence Awards, presented by CAF, spotlight projects and companies that have demonstrated leadership and innovation in design, execution, and client satisfaction. Dewey Pearman, executive director of CAF, noted that the winners represent the best of the industry.
“With the completion of each new project, the talent, commitment and dedication behind it reminds us that while it can sometimes be a challenging field to navigate, it is, without a doubt, always a rewarding industry to be in,” said Pearman. “With a foundation built from such a high caliber group of companies and leaders, the future of our industry looks stronger than ever.”
Some of the event’s most prestigious awards included:
Award-winning projects included:
Several companies were commended for implementing cutting-edge technologies and processes to enhance jobsite safety and performance:
Life Saver Awards went to Branden Carden (Meade) and Jon O’Dor (Korellis) for actions that directly prevented serious harm.
Numerous individual awards were given to skilled tradespeople and apprentices for leadership in safety. Site Safety Leaders of the Year included Travis Bergstrom of Superior Construction and Jason Morris of Cargill. Outstanding Craft and Apprentice Safety Leaders were recognized across trades, including ironworkers, carpenters, electricians, and laborers, highlighting the personal commitment to a safety-first culture.
Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to professionals and organizations whose support strengthens the region’s safety and training initiatives. Notably, Rick Foor of Cargill received a Special Recognition Award for his continued contributions to safety and workforce development.
With safety and innovation at the forefront, the 2025 NWIBRT/CAF Awards Banquet celebrated more than past achievements—it underscored a promising future for Northwest Indiana’s construction industry driven by collaboration, skilled labor, and strong leadership.
Originally reported by Buillding Indiana Business.
.webp)
