SIR AWARDS NEWS RELEASE – Barbara and JP Pinocchio, Reno’s first couple when it comes to giving to the fight against women’s breast cancer, and Leigh Berdrow, a visionary leader who bolstered construction education through her co-founding and administration of ACE Charter High School, were honored February 19 during the Nevada Chapter Associated General Contractors’ 47th SIR Awards Banquet held at the Peppermill Resort Hotel in Reno.
Barbara and JP Pinocchio have helped those who need it the most, while building their own business legacy in the fickle and demanding restaurant business. With their four children, they created the framework of fun and philanthropy with the Mom’s on the Run and Ride for the Ta Tas events and ended up raising nearly $3 million toward helping women who are fighting breast cancer. Barbara’s vision was to honor her sister Debra who succumbed to cancer at the age of 39.
With passion and determination, Sparks native Leigh Berdrow has been a game changer for hundreds of northern Nevada high school students. A co-founder of one of the nation’s most unique high schools, The Academy for Career Education is a comprehensive occupational high school created to find the right fit for kids, and fill an important need in the construction industry. Since its inception in 2002, ACE students have continued to excel in the classroom and in SkillsUSA championship competitions, a showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation.
An acronym for the AGC motto, “Skill, Integrity and Responsibility,” the SIR Award is given to honor the men, women and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Nevada, the quality of life and the construction industry. Originating with the Nevada Chapter in 1967, the SIR Award was adopted by AGC chapters nationwide, including the national office in Washington, D.C.
The Nevada Chapter AGC was formed in 1939 by a group of Nevadans to replace the dangerous gravel roads in northern Nevada with modern asphalt. Now the group has become known for more than building roads. AGC members have battled floods, built hospitals, parks and schools. Over 200 members strong, the Nevada Chapter strives to support the image and awareness of the construction industry and the community quality of life with “Skill, Integrity and Responsibility.” The AGC represents Northern Nevada’s top general contractors and building professionals The AGC has dedicated itself to enriching the quality of future professionals in Nevada. The AGC is designed to create a cohesive environment in the construction field for the purpose of creating unity among members, building a professional work environment, increasing work satisfaction, and improving job performance. The Nevada Chapter AGC building is located at 5400 Mill St. Reno, NV 89502. The Nevada Chapter AGC may also be contacted by phone at 775-329-6116 or visit www.nevadaagc.org.
