Say WHOORA! Now say it louder like Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman so the person in the next cubical can hear you. Why? Because out of all the Design Build Regions in the United States OUR chapter won the Best Region Award at the DBIA National Convention in Nashville, TN.

The competition was fierce with over 27 nominees from all over the country. Regions were judged on the excellence of their educational programs, their advocacy efforts in state and federal legislation and the public awareness programs promoting Design Build. According to President Greg Bogard (BNBuilders), "We are proud to bring this award home to the Northwest. All of us worked extremely hard to achieve this goal. We would like to thank our members, program participants and sponsors for all their support."

Pictured are several members of DBIANW's Executive Committee that include: Greg Bogard, President; Hank Sitko Executive Director; Robynne Parkinson, Secretary; and Bill Ecker III Co Chair of DBIANW's Education Committee. Those not present are David Mortenson, Past President; Bill Ecker, Treasurer; Court Olsen, Co Chair of the Education Committee and Mark Odjendyk and Brent Guinn Co Chairs of the Membership Committee.

The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) will hold its Annual Design-Build Water/Wastewater Conference from February 14 - 16, 2007 at the Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center to focus on current issues, best practices, and challenges facing professionals in the water/wastewater design-build industry. Members of the press and the construction industry are invited to attend.

Experience DBIA’s multi-faceted educational program with three tracks focused on the how to and successful implementation of integrated products. Sessions will focus on issues such as procurement methodologies, contracting approaches, examples of successful implementation of key design-build strategies and concepts, solutions to common industry challenges, and effective implementation of risk management, early decision-making, and well- written performance requirements. Visit exhibitors in the Expo Hall to learn about new products, meet industry experts, and network with leaders in the field of design-build water/wastewater construction.