Terre Haute, IN – The Wabash Valley Contractors Association (WVCA) celebrated its members at the annual awards dinner, recognizing excellence within the industry and honoring outstanding students with scholarships.

“As the Board President of WVCA, I am honored to recognize the dedication and achievements of our members and scholarship recipients,” stated John Collett. “Our industry thrives because of the commitment of individuals and companies that continue to invest in the future. Tonight, we celebrate those contributions and the next generation of industry leaders.”

This year, Sycamore Engineering was honored with the prestigious Cornerstone Award, recognizing their progressive contributions within the construction industry. The President’s Award, the highest honor within the association, was awarded to Zach Wilhoyte for his exceptional support and dedication to the construction industry and the WVCA.

The evening also featured the presentation of scholarships to outstanding students pursuing higher education. The 2025 WVCA Scholarship Awardees included:

• Nathan Gauer
• George Shagley
• Lilly Hutchison
• Bailey Truxel
• Grace Walden
• Tyler Peterson
• Camille Loftus​

Since its inception in 1999, the WVCA scholarship program has provided financial assistance to students in the Wabash Valley, supporting their academic and professional growth. The scholarships are made possible through membership fees, the annual golf outing in September, and the Christmas party. Over the past decade, WVCA has awarded more than $101,000 in scholarships to deserving students.

The next round of scholarship applications is due on July 1, 2025. For applicant qualifications and the full application, visit www.wabashvalleycontractorsassociation.com/awards.html.
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​Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2024 Annual WVCA Christmas Party on Friday night. We are so grateful for our members, friends, and families who come together to celebrate each year. A special thank you to everyone who generously donated items for the raffle, and heartfelt appreciation to the board for organizing such a memorable event. Here’s to another fantastic year with WVCA!

The Wabash Valley Contractors Association (WVCA) held an engaging dinner meeting last night featuring Nathan Christensen, the Athletic Director at Indiana State University (ISU). Christensen, who joined ISU in July, shared insights into his journey and his vision for the future of athletics at the university.

In his opening remarks, Christensen highlighted the importance of family, reflecting on his personal background and commitment to fostering a supportive environment for student-athletes. He emphasized the transformative impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) on the collegiate sports landscape, explaining how it has reshaped priorities within athletic programs.

Christensen outlined his key priorities, which include investing in student-athletes, enhancing facilities, and strengthening community ties. He expressed the significance of programming with local schools and the city, advocating for partnerships that can elevate both ISU and the surrounding community.

Another crucial topic he touched upon was enrollment and its connection to athletic programs. Christensen emphasized that successful athletics can play a pivotal role in boosting enrollment figures, thereby contributing to the overall success of the university. He also shared moments of success, stressing the importance of preparedness and fundraising efforts to support ISU athletics.

Christensen encouraged attendees to consider investments in the athletic program, noting that any contribution, regardless of size, is valuable from day one. He highlighted an upcoming Men’s Basketball kickoff event on November 7th, presented by RJL Solutions. “Sycamores Hoops Fest” will take place downtown from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and serve as a FREE event celebrating the start of the men’s basketball season.  

The evening concluded with a lively discussion, underscoring the potential for collaboration between the WVCA and ISU athletics to further enhance community engagement and support.
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Thank you to Nathan Christensen for his inspiring words and vision for the future of Indiana State University athletics! We look forward to continued partnerships that benefit both the university and our community.

The Wabash Valley Contractors Association's annual golf outing was a great success, bringing together industry professionals and community members for a day of networking, fun, and friendly competition on the green. This year’s event featured perfect weather, an impressive turnout, and a spirit of camaraderie that made for a memorable experience for all participants. A special thank you to all the sponsors whose generous support made this event possible; your contributions play a vital role in the continued success of the Wabash Valley Contractors Association and its initiatives.

The August Wabash Valley Contractors Association Dinner was an event to remember, with industry leaders gathering to network, share ideas, and hear from guest speaker—Vigo County School Superintendent Chris Himsel. Known for his dedication to education and innovative approach to leadership, Superintendent Himsel provided valuable insights into the future of Vigo County Schools, touching on topics that resonated deeply with the audience.

A Glimpse Into Superintendent Himsel’s Background
Superintendent Chris Himsel opened his talk by sharing his personal journey. Growing up on a farm, he learned the values of hard work, perseverance, and community—principles that have shaped his career in education. His upbringing on the farm taught him the importance of dedication and grit, values he carries with him today as he leads the Vigo County School Corporation.
Himsel’s professional journey is equally inspiring. With a background in education spanning several decades, he has held various roles that have allowed him to impact the lives of countless students. Perhaps one of the most heartwarming aspects of his story is his role as a father; he and his wife have adopted five children.

Recruiting Talent to Reach More Students
A significant portion of Superintendent Himsel’s address focused on how he has increased the base pay for educators. He emphasized that competitive salaries are essential in attracting and retaining top talent—professionals who can make a real difference in the lives of students. As Vigo County Schools continue to strive for excellence, Himsel made it clear that investing in quality educators is a top priority.

Updates to High Schools: Modernizing HVAC Systems
Himsel also provided updates on the ongoing efforts to modernize the HVAC systems in Vigo County high schools. These updates are not just about comfort; they are critical to creating a conducive learning environment for students. Ensuring that facilities are up-to-date and functioning efficiently is a key component of the broader goal of providing a high-quality education.

On June 20th, members of the Wabash Valley Contractors Association gathered for our highly anticipated June dinner meeting at the Country Club of Terre Haute. The evening was a dynamic blend of networking, fine dining, and insightful discussions, gathering industry leaders from across the Wabash Valley. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie, reinforcing the strong bonds within our local business community.

This month’s speaker was Terre Haute’s newly elected mayor, Brandon Sakbun, from the Terre Haute Mayor's Office. Mayor Sakbun’s presence was eagerly anticipated, and he did not disappoint. He provided a comprehensive overview of his administration's plans and initiatives, particularly those that directly impact the building trades and related industries in Terre Haute.

Mayor Sakbun began by addressing the ongoing efforts to tackle blighted properties in the city. He outlined a multi-faceted approach that includes stricter enforcement of property maintenance codes, incentives for property owners to rehabilitate dilapidated buildings, and collaboration with local developers to repurpose these spaces. His commitment to revitalizing these areas aims to not only improve the aesthetic appeal of our city but also to create new opportunities for housing and commercial development.

The Mayor also addressed the current housing crisis affecting many residents. He emphasized the importance of increasing the availability of affordable housing and highlighted several upcoming projects aimed at expanding housing options for low- and middle-income families. These projects are expected to boost the local construction industry, providing jobs and stimulating economic growth.

Another significant focus of the evening was on licensing and permit regulation changes. Mayor Sakbun acknowledged the challenges faced by local contractors and developers due to bureaucratic red tape. He shared his administration's commitment to streamlining these processes.

In addition to addressing economic and structural issues, Mayor Sakbun also spoke passionately about assisting the homeless community. He outlined several initiatives aimed at providing comprehensive support services, including housing, healthcare, and job training programs. The goal is to not only offer immediate relief but also to create sustainable pathways out of homelessness for the most vulnerable members of our community.

The evening concluded with a lively Q&A session, where Mayor Sakbun answered questions from the audience. His openness and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue were greatly appreciated by all in attendance. The Mayor's vision for Terre Haute is one of progress, inclusivity, and sustainable development, and his leadership is poised to bring about significant positive changes for our city.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mayor Sakbun for spending the evening with us and for sharing his inspiring vision. Our gratitude also goes out to all our members who joined us for another successful dinner meeting. Your participation and engagement are what make these events truly special.
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As we look forward to our next gathering, we encourage everyone to stay connected and informed. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for details on our upcoming golf outing, which promises to be a fantastic opportunity for fun and networking. Information will be available soon, so stay tuned!

The Wabash Valley Contractors Association (WVCA), a leading coalition of business management professionals committed to fostering growth in the construction industry throughout Terre Haute, Vigo County, and surrounding areas, hosted a successful dinner event last night, showcasing achievements and initiatives aimed at enhancing local development.

The evening, held at The Country Club of Terre Haute, brought together members of the construction community to celebrate advancements in the industry and discuss future endeavors. Among the distinguished guests was Craig Maschino, Director of the Terre Haute Regional Airport, who served as the keynote speaker for the event.

The association expressed its gratitude to Mr. Maschino for his insightful address, which provided updates and insights into the exciting projects underway at the Terre Haute Regional Airport. Attendees were fascinated to learn that the airport features a remarkable 9,020-foot runway, capable of accommodating any aircraft in the world, reaffirming its status as the third busiest airport in Indiana.

During his presentation, Mr. Maschino also shed light on the growing demand for Aviation Maintenance Technicians (AMTs) and highlighted the airport's innovative approach to addressing this need through high school pathway to learning classes, offering non-traditional student night courses. This initiative not only contributes to the development of skilled labor but also serves as a testament to the airport's commitment to fostering education and workforce development within the community.

Craig also took the opportunity to promote the upcoming Terre Haute Airshow during his address. Scheduled to take place on June 1st and 2nd, this highly anticipated event promises exhilarating aerial displays, captivating performances, and family-friendly activities. Attendees can now secure their tickets by visiting https://www.terrehauteairshow.com/, ensuring they don't miss out on this exciting showcase of aviation excellence and entertainment.

"The Wabash Valley Contractors Association extends its sincere appreciation to Craig Maschino for his engaging presentation and invaluable insights into the future of the Terre Haute Regional Airport," said Don Nusbaum, WVCA Board President. "His dedication to excellence and commitment to community development are truly commendable, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn from his expertise."

The dinner event served as a platform for members of the association to network, exchange ideas, and reaffirm their commitment to driving positive change in the construction industry and the broader community. Through collaborative efforts and strong leadership, the association remains committed in its mission to ensure that citizens of the Wabash Valley benefit from high-quality development and sustainable growth.

Congratulations to L&W Supply for being the recipient of the prestigious Cornerstone Award! This award honors forward-thinking companies for their significant contributions to the construction industry. Although Todd Thorlton was unable to accept the award at the February dinner, we were thrilled to have him join us at this month's dinner meeting to receive this well-deserved recognition. Congrats to L&W Supply for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence!

The Wabash Valley Contractors Association (WVCA) celebrated their members at the annual awards night dedicated to recognizing excellence within the industry and the association.

“As the Board President of WVCA, I am constantly inspired by the incredible work of our members. Taking a moment to recognize and celebrate their achievements not only honors their hard work but also serves as a reminder of the collective impact we can achieve when we support and uplift one another,” states Don Nusbaum.

Michael Shaw with Earl C. Rodgers & Associates received the prestigious President’s Award. The President’s Award is the highest honor within the association. Shaw was recognized for his outstanding support and dedication to the construction industry and support of the association.

Tim Twitchell of Garmong Construction Services was awarded the Honorary Member Award. Twitchell’s many years of service were recognized through this award along with his passion and pledge to the industry.

L&W Supply was the recipient of the Cornerstone Award. The Cornerstone Award recognizes a progressive company for their contributions within the construction industry. L&W Supply regrets its inability to attend the event; however, acknowledged with gratitude the honor of being selected to receive this recognition prior to the meeting.

The annual awards night also recognized students who have shown exceptional academic excellence over their college careers by awarding several scholarships. Recipients in attendance included Bailey Truxal, Mason Unger, Kendra Deckard, and Hailey Walden.