91ÊÓƵ

The Associated Builders and Contractors‘ Pacific Northwest chapter kicked off a new tradition earlier this month when it held its first Craft Championships.

The challenge, which ABC National has conducted for 19 years, is designed to highlight the HVAC and sheet metal trades.

For the local chapter competition, held at the Northwest College of Construction, third- and fourth-year apprentices in both disciplines took a written test. The top scorers then participated in a hands-on competition that was judged on the quality of final physical products, personal safety practices and safety procedures, excellence in equipment and tool use, and station cleanliness.

Sheet metal judges included Jeff Topkik and Ty Topkik of Happy Valley Air Conditioning; Bruce Kyser of Viking Sheet Metal; Luke Rappe of Reitmeier and Matt Sig of Hydro-Temp Mechanical.

Safety managers for the competition included Bob Gordon of IRS Environmental, Mike Walshe of Interstate Roofing and Paul Magrone of Yorke & Curtis.

The two top competition winners, Jarred Abbott of Gohman Mechanical and Tom Burns of American Heating, will move on to the National Craft Championships in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in March 2016. Their trips to the competition will be paid for by the local ABC chapter.

to view a gallery of photos from the competition.

Out and About is a new feature in the 91ÊÓƵ designed to help companies in the building industries in Oregon and Southwest Washington share their good news with 91ÊÓƵ readers. Email photos and press releases about company events, employee volunteer efforts, etc., to [email protected].