Sep09 15
2009 Award Winners and Erik Weihenmayer at Closing General Session
The 2009 NECA national award winners were recognized at this morning’s closing general session. (There’s a list of winners below this post.) We also heard from NECA CEO John Grau, ELECTRI Council Chairman Bob Mike Mazzeo, and President Rex Ferry.
Blind adventurer Erik Weihenmayer offered today’s keynote speech. He shared some great stories about his quest to climb the world’s seven highest summits – a quest made even more challenging by his lack of sight.
“You can’t retreat and just focus on survival when times are tough,” he told attendees. “I believe there is something inside each of us – a light that feeds on frustration and setbacks. And it’s that light that gives us the power to be stronger and better.”
Weihenmayer likened his own pioneering spirit to the work done by NECA contractors. “You have to embrace new ways of doing more with less and transforming how you do business. The adventure lies in building new strategies.
“There’s a direct correlation between innovation and adversity,” he continued. “You have to square off with adversity to achieve greatness.”
2009 NECA Award Winners
Coggeshall Award: Ben W. Nevers, Sr.
Comstock Award: Dillard R. “Rod” Borden
James H. McGraw Award: Max L. Landon
NECA Association Executive Distinguished Service Award: Robert G. LaLumiere
ELECTRI International Wendt Award: Jack McCormick, McCormick Systems and Giovanni Marcelli, Accubid
