Wanted! Outstanding Tradespeople for Craftsmanship Awards

A craftsperson is someone who takes their trade more than a notch above average, with evidence of their skill and expertise visible in the work they perform. Recognize the talent of your tradespeople by nominating them for a 2026 BX Craftsmanship Award!

CRAFTSMANSHIP NOMINATION FORM
Deadline: Friday, April 17 | 4 PM

Since 1964, the Builders Exchange has honored individuals and crews for exceptional craftsmanship on projects across central Ohio. Eligible applicants will participate in site visits in May, followed by interviews and work evaluations conducted by a team of BX judges. Final award recipients will be announced in June.

Both the nomination form and project photos can be submitted online. The final awards will be presented by size category, so that projects both large and small may be recognized.

For more information on the awards or nomination process, contact Pam Austin.

Craftsmanship Award Eligibility Requirements:

1.  The BX Craftsmanship Award recognizes an individual or the crew for his/her work. The nomination types are defined as:
   • Individual Award - a craftsman who actually performed with his/her hands-on the particular piece of work nominated. Nominations will not be accepted for general superintendents, project superintendents, or general foremen who did not play a hands-on role in the work. 
   • Crew Award - nominees who are being considered for a crew award must be the craftspeople who actually performed with his/her hands-on the particular piece of work nominated, including the direct supervision of such work. A crew cannot exceed five (5) individuals. 
2. Nominations must be for work in commercial, institutional or industrial projects. Residential work will not be accepted. Work must have been completed within the past year (January 1, 2025 to April 1, 2026.) Previously nominated work cannot be resubmitted and will be considered ineligible.
3. A team of judges must be allowed onsite to view all portions of the nominated work. If access to the nominated work is restricted or limited for viewing by the judges, the nomination will be ineligible for consideration. 
4. The owner of the nominated work must agree to have their name/location recognized in BX publications and the awards show video. The nominated work must be able to be photographed for public viewing or the nomination will be ineligible for consideration.
5. The nominated work must be from a project in the central Ohio area (Franklin County or one of its six adjoining counties: Delaware, Fairfield, Licking, Madison, Pickaway and Union.)
6. If chosen as a winner, the individual or crew must agree to be photographed and interviewed or they will be ineligible for consideration.
7. Providing digital photos with the nomination is mandatory. A minimum of four (4) and a maximum of 10 images are required. 

Meet Our Leadership Program Participants

Are You Looking For Employees?

Need to hire an estimator, someone to work in the warehouse or maybe a project manager? Post your job opening on the BX Job Board before March 31 and receive two additional weeks free!

Positions online during December were viewed more than 7,900 times. Was your open position there? 
Why Not?

There are two easy options to submit your open positions:

• Complete the online form at www.bxjobs.com
• Email your position description to selkins@bx.org

If you have questions or need assistance, contact Sanda Elkins.

BX Job Board Rates:

• 2-week posting:    $110 BX members; $210 non-members
• 4-week posting:    $135 BX members; $235 non-members
• 6-week posting:    $160 BX members; $260 non-members 

Blueprint Reading Made Practical

A set of drawings holds a project together, acting as a starting point for the unique language at each jobsite. Make sure your employees are speaking the same language by enrolling them in the upcoming Construction Drawings 101 course.

Industry veterans will share their knowledge through lecture and interactive work, providing attendees the basic skills needed to read and understand commercial blueprints. 

This course is ideal for office personnel, field employees, new hires or anyone who is looking to learn and refine their blueprint reading skills. Upon completion, participants will:

• Have a basic knowledge of reading plans and specifications
• Understand general terms in the design process 
• Know where to find information in a set of plans 
• Further understand how trades work together 

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.

DFSP Has a New Name…

Welcome to SUPR (Substance Use Prevention and Recovery)

Support your Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) program by educating staff and supervisors about the effects of drugs and alcohol on your work, safety and health.

SUPR was developed to address workplace use and misuse of alcohol and other drugs. It’s designed to help employers more effectively prevent on-the-job injuries and illnesses by integrating drug-free efforts into their overall workplace safety program. The SUPR can help employers achieve both long-range safety and cost-saving benefits.

The Builders Exchange is an approved host of the BWC’s SUPR training. Both the employee and supervisor classes meet the one-hour training component.

For more information about BX SUPR training or to schedule a company-specific class, contact Sean Cooper.

Is AI Changing How We Manage Construction Risk?

Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming part of everyday project conversations. Join the BX Law & Finance Group for an interactive session examining how AI tools are being used to analyze construction contracts and assess risks.

Gain practical insight into how these emerging technologies can enhance – rather than replace – sound contract and project decision making. Featuring a short live demonstration, this program will showcase AI’s capabilities, limitations and implications for legal and financial professionals. 

For more information about this presentation or the BX Law & Finance Group, contact Kelly Stover.

Enhance Your Surveying Skills with Hands-On Training

Accurate surveying is essential in construction, ensuring that projects start on the right foot and stay on track. The BX Surveying for Construction course provides an interactive learning experience designed to sharpen skills, improve accuracy and prevent costly errors during the building layout phase.

Participants will have the opportunity to work directly with surveying equipment and layout tools, reinforcing key techniques used in the field.

For more information about this course, contact Kelly Stover.