The Texas Historical Commission's courthouse program was honored as a national model for preservation.

THC Courthouse Preservation Program Receives Awards

The Texas Society of Architects recently awarded a Citation of Honor to the Texas Historical Commission's Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program at its annual conference in Houston. The Austin chapter of the American Institute of Architects nominated the THC for the award.

The Citation of Honor award recognizes individuals and organizations outside the architectural profession whose activities make a significant contribution to the goals of the architectural profession of improving the natural or built environment. The THC was specifically noted for its contributions to the built environment.

The Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program was cited in the nomination as a national model for preservation of the very highest caliber, and for the sheer scope of the project.

To date, 20 historic courthouses have been restored and rededicated through the program. Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state, of which 234 are eligible for the program. There are 112 courthouses currently participating in the program.

"Texas is setting a standard in historic preservation," said THC executive director Larry Oaks. "Along with preservation, we are discovering the benefit of economic development in these communities and a renewed pride and community participation among the residents."

The THC recently received the National Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation for the Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program. This award honors organizations, businesses or people whose efforts are exemplary in the preservation of cultural heritage.

Trammell Crow Receives Business Ethics Award

Trammell Crow Co. of Dallas, one of the largest diversified commercial real estate services companies in the United States, was recently named the 2004 recipient of the American Business Ethics Award by the Society of Financial Services Professionals in the Large Company (more than 2,500 employees) category. The award recognizes U.S. companies that exemplify high standards of ethical behavior in their everyday business conduct and in response to specific crises or challenges.

A panel drawn from business, academia, public service, media, consulting and ethics sectors selected this year's recipients, who were honored recently at the Society's annual Financial Service Forum.

In presenting the award, the society detailed how Trammell Crow Company has continued to embrace the ethical compass that its founder, Trammell Crow, set 56 years ago when he summed up his business philosophy in three words: to do good. "Guided by a detailed code of ethics, Trammell Crow Company employees have made Mr. Crow's vision a reality by balancing the interests of its clients, the community and the environment on every project they undertake," said Society of Financial Services Professionals President Richard A. Bell.

Norbert W. Young Jr. Recipient of AIA Award

The American Institute of Architects recently announced Norbert W. Young Jr., president of McGraw-Hill Construction, which, like Texas Construction is a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies, as the 2005 recipient of the Edward C. Kemper Award for outstanding service to the profession of architecture through the AIA. Named in honor of the AIA's first executive director, the award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the profession of architecture through service to the Institute. The AIA membership will celebrate Young's leadership and dedication by presenting him with his award during the AIA 2005 National Convention and Design Exposition in Las Vegas in May.

Texas Joins NRMCA New State Affiliation Designation

The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association board of directors has created a NRMCA State Affiliate designation for state concrete-related organizations.

The Mississippi Concrete Industries Association Board of Directors recently voted to become the first state association to become an affiliate of NRMCA. Other state associations that have since become affiliates include Texas and Arkansas.

When a state association and NRMCA pass reciprocal resolutions to have an affiliate designation, the state association can then nominate an individual to become one of three regional nominees to be elected to the NRMCA Board of Directors. This director will represent his state by coordinating the strategic and work plans of his state with NRMCA's plan. The program also raises the performance level across the industry by providing for discounts on NRMCA programs and resources based on the percentage of producer companies in a state that are members of both the state association and NRMCA.