Winner Frank Stanek of O-A-K, holding trophy, celebrates with ASAM board members, from left, Paul Roussey, Ann Plummer and Linda Vos Graham.

O-A-K earns contractor award

The American Subcontractors Association of Michigan has awarded the revered Contractor of the Year Award to Owen-Ames-Kimball, which is celebrating its 120-year anniversary, for its "excellence and innovation, and strong and diverse roster of clients."

Seven contractors were up for the award, which is voted on by the area's subcontractors who work with the contractors on construction projects every day.

"The COTY Award primarily acknowledges the soft stuff — stuff that's hard to get your arms around — things like bid ethics, attitudes, work environments, culture and collaboration," said Nate Koetje, a member of the ASAM board.

"This award can't be won through marketing or lobbying, but is earned over time through action and commitment."

Erhardt Construction and Dan Vos Construction were given "honorable mention" at the association's annual dinner Thursday night, which brought together almost 400 contractors and subcontractors in the greater Grand Rapids area. O-A-K representatives joked that the company may serve food and cocktails to gather as many for the next bid opening.

The contractors were scored based on bid ethics and practice, safety, jobsite supervision, communication, schedule coordination, project relations, lien process, administrative procedures, payment terms and quality workmanship.