Q&D recognized as 'Contractor of the Year' by AGC members

Q&D Construction Inc. of Sparks was recognized as "Contractor of the Year" by members of the Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors last week.

This marks the second consecutive year that Q&D has been recognized by AGC members.

The construction group also recognized three longtime leaders of the construction industry in northern Nevada Dick Elmore, the founder of Wedco Inc.; Jack Lindell of Lindell's Painting Co.; and Paul Tholl of Tholl Fence Co.

Elmore, who launched Wedco Inc. in 1950, has overseen its growth into a major supplier of electrical products and services for the power generation, mining and construction markets.

Lindell took over his father's business a half-century ago. Along with managing its growth, he served more than 10 years on the Nevada State Contractors Board.

Tholl took over the family fencing business in 1950. Since then, he has expanded the company that was established in 1912 into offices in California, Washington and Hawaii and diversified the company into paving.

The three veteran executives won AGC's SIR Award the initials stand for "Skill, Integrity, Responsibility" and joined a group of 94 people who have won the award since it was inaugurated in 1997.

Other companies recognized by AGC members last week included:

* Valley Concrete Co. Inc. of Sparks, subcontractor of the year. The company founded in 1964 by William Balsi he's now its president is one of the oldest concrete contractors in the state.

* Nevada Cement Co., supplier of the year. The company has been manufacturing cement in Nevada since 1965. Its plant at Fernley produces more than 500,000 tons annually.

* Gribben Hartman & Associates LLC of Reno, design professional of the year. The company has worked more than 30 years in the design of projects ranging from hospitals to warehouses and highway structures.