January 30, 2017

AGC chapter honors Simmons, Spencer, Taft, Sen. Schoesler

During its annual convention on Jan. 27 in Bellevue, the AGC of Washington honored three outstanding members of the construction community — Joe Simmons, Suzie Spencer and Lindsay Taft — for their commitment and dedication to the industry and the local community. Other kudos were given to Senator Mark Schoesler and the law firm Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker.

Simmons

Contractor of the Year
Joe Simmons
Joseph S. Simmons Construction

Simmons proved his commitment to giving back to the community through his leadership, guidance and hard work with the AGC of Washington’s Future Leadership Forum philanthropy project in 2016. The project was an extensive renovation of the Treehouse organization’s Wearhouse store in Seattle — where foster youth and caregivers can shop at no cost for high-quality new and like-new clothing, shoes, school supplies, toys, books, tickets to events and other essentials. The store works closely with the community to ensure that its items reflect current trends, brands and fashions, along with the basics that every kid needs. Simmons and his company spent many hours, including evenings and weekends, to add high-end finishes to make the shopping experience much more enjoyable for those in need.

Spencer

Specialty Contractor of the Year
Suzie Spencer
Teknon Electrical Services

Spencer devoted many hours serving on AGC of Washington’s Diversity Task Force, newly formed in 2016. Her willingness and ability to share the challenges and opportunities of applying for and maintaining WBE certification in the state of Washington was an eye-opener for task force members as well as state agencies. Her talking points are responsible for an open discussion of, and casting light on, issues to affect real change in the system.

Taft

Associate of the Year
Lindsay Taft
Ahlers & Cressman PLLC

As an active member of AGC of Washington’s Legal Affairs Committee, Taft represented AGC of Washington contractors’ interests on a number of issues in 2016. Lindsay was the lead author for AGC’s detailed response to WSDOT’s proposal regarding mandatory enforceable goals — a response that helped convince WSDOT to reconsider its position. Taft also served on the advisory committee for the Department of Enterprise Services Disparity Study. She co-authored, on behalf of AGC, an amicus brief to the State Supreme Court regarding its current consideration of issues related to the Brightwater tunnel case. All of Taft’s service to the AGC of Washington was on a pro bono basis.

Schoesler

Legislator of the Year
Senator Mark Schoesler

Schoesler was elected to the House of Representatives in 1993, to the State Senate in 2004 and is in his second term as the Senate Majority Leader in the Majority Coalition Caucus. Under his leadership, the Senate has been a defender of fiscal stability through sustainable budgeting and limited taxation. Schoesler has been a stalwart friend of the business community, and in 2015 he cast his first-and-only vote ever in favor of a tax: the $16 billion transportation funding package supported by AGC. While doing so, he made sure that the package included smart reforms that will stretch taxpayer dollars.

Leader of the PAC

This award recognized Oles Morrison Rinker & Baker as the top contributor to AGC’s Build PAC in 2016. Build PAC supports candidates who support the construction industry.

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