As part of AGC's ongoing commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the construction industry, the AGC Diversity & Inclusion Awards program - sponsored by Willis Towers Watson - recognizes companies that share AGC's commitment. This award seeks to raise awareness of the value a diverse workforce and inclusive environment brings to a company by bringing attention to diversity and inclusion champions within AGC. By recognizing these diversity and inclusion champions, AGC hopes to inspire other AGC member-companies to engage in activities that will promote diversity and inclusion both within the Association and the industry. 

• Awards
  • Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Awards
  • Diverse Business of the Year Award
• Who Should Enter
• Rules/Guidelines
• FAQs
• Contact Information

Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Awards

The AGC Diversity & Inclusion Excellence awards honor AGC members that are champions in advancing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion within their workforce, supply chain and in the communities they serve. By showcasing and recognizing best practices from companies that are developing and delivering diversity and inclusion initiatives with demonstrable success, award winners have the opportunity to share their track record of achievement and commitment.  Award winners will be able to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion and a track record of achievement.

Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Award Categories:

• General or Specialty Contractor – Small Contractor
• General or Specialty Contractor – Mid-Sized Contractor
• General or Specialty Contractor – Large Contractor
• Service/Supplier

Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Award Criteria:

Applicants will be judged on the following:

• Commitment & Accountability
• Workforce Diversity & Inclusion 
• Vendor Diversity
• Community Engagement

Diverse Business of the Year Award

AGC seeks to honor a diverse business that is committed to achieving business success in the construction industry. The Diverse Small Business of the Year award is geared towards general or specialty contractors that hold a certification recognized by a certifying agency. Qualified certifying agencies include: National Minority Supplier Development Council; Women's Business Enterprise National Council; other federal, state and/or local government agencies; or other certifications, recognized on a case-by-case basis. Applicants are not required to submit letters of recommendation, though applications that include recommendation letters are highly valued and may merit extra consideration during the judging process.

The Diverse Business of the Year award winner will be able to demonstrate strong vision and leadership in overcoming obstacles that lead to business results; a reputation for professionalism and integrity in work standards and performance; and a commitment to service in their community.

Diverse Business of the Year Award Criteria:

Applicants will be required to submit a letter of recommendation from AGC chapter or national leadership/staff. In addition, applicants have the option to submit a second letter of recommendation from an individual who they've worked with in the previous 12 months. Applicants will be judged on the following:

• Consistent Growth
• Vision and potential for long-term success
• Business culture and values
• Response to adversity or obstacles
• Contributions to the community
• AGC involvement 

Listen to a ConstructorCast episode featuring two of the 2023 Award winners:

Who Should Enter:

Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Awards

The AGC Diversity & Inclusion awards are open to general contractors, specialty contractors, and service and supply provider companies in good standing of at least one AGC Chapter. Nominations must be submitted by principals or officers of firms, or with their written permission.

Diverse Business of the Year Award

The Diverse Business of the Year award is open to general contractors or specialty contractors in good standing of at least one AGC Chapter. Nominations must be submitted by principals or officers of firms, or with their written permission.

Rules/Guidelines for Submittal:

1. All applications must be completed by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 31, 2024. Late applications will not be accepted.

2. Applicant must be an AGC member in good standing with at least one AGC chapter.

3. All applicants must take the Culture of CARE pledge to be considered for an award. Lean more at www.buildculture.org. 

4. All applicants must complete AGC's Diversity & Inclusion Assessment. Portions of the Assessment will be required to be uploaded into the awards application. Lean more at www.agc.org/culture-assessment.

5. For applications requiring a letter of recommendation, all letters must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, November 11, 2024.

6. Submissions must relate to activities or initiatives conducted in the last twelve months, unless otherwise noted in the application question. 

7. All entries and accompanying materials may be used by AGC of America to celebrate the achievements in diversity and inclusion by the company that submitted it. By submitting an entry, the entrant grants to AGC of America a broad, non-exclusive royalty-free license to copy, distribute, and otherwise use the entry and all accompanying materials (including materials in text, image, or other forms) in works both related to and unrelated to the AGC Diversity & Inclusion awards. The entrant warrants that it has the right to grant such a license and that neither the entry nor the license infringes on the rights of any third party. Do not submit any materials to which you do not have the copyright and other proprietary rights.

8. All applications must be completed using AGC's online application system. Entries will not be accepted by mail or fax.

9. There is a $350 application processing fee. Application fee must be submitted through PayPal. Other forms of payment will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How are the entries judged?

Entries are judged by the AGC of America Diversity & Inclusion Judging Committee. Your entry will be evaluated based on the information you provide in the application.

When and where will the award winners be announced?

Winners will receive their award during the annual AGC Convention held April 8-10, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Winners will be notified of their status in January 2025.

Contact Information:

For questions regarding AGC's Diversity & Inclusion Awards, contact Brynn Huneke, Director of Diversity, Inclusion & Volunteer Engagement at brynn.huneke@agc.org.