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Press Release

The Zachry Construction Corporation Risk Management Team Receives Award for Innovative Construction Project Planning Process

Las Vegas, NV, November 9, 2005—The risk management team of Zachry Construction Corporation was honored at the 25th IRMI Construction Risk Conference with the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award. The award was accepted by team members Warren Davis, Susan LaBrie, Phil Pascale, and Susan Staff on behalf of Zachry Construction Corporation for the development and implementation of a construction-driven project planning process that optimizes project execution over the course of a construction project. Use of this process has consistently and significantly improved Zachry’s bottom line.

The Gary E. Bird Horizon Award is presented annually by IRMI to recognize a demonstrated commitment to improving construction risk management through the implementation of innovative, cost-effective, and efficient risk management techniques.

The panel of industry experts, selected by IRMI to judge the award submissions, made insightful comments about the winning submission. "This is a complex and integrated risk management process that effectively has reduced the cost of risk for the company," offered one judge. Another judge remarked that this is a "well- integrated process involving all aspects of the project life cycle. They are attacking the entire process, not just one aspect of the problem. The plan is very well structured to have a short and long impact on cost and project efficiency."

The other finalists for the award were Mike Nicholson and Sandy Monday of Washington Group International, who designed and implemented innovative safety programs that have had a positive impact on Washington Group International’s loss experience and profitability.

The award was named for Gary E. Bird, a nationally recognized risk management expert who was known for his significant and cutting-edge risk management solutions. The next award will be presented at the 26th IRMI Construction Risk Conference taking place in San Diego, October 9-12, 2006.

In addition to recognition, the winner receives complimentary registration, travel, and lodging to the next IRMI Construction Risk Conference. To find out more about this award, its qualification requirements, and how to apply, contact Christine Fuge of IRMI at 1-800-827-4242, ext. 346, or visit IRMI.com and go to the "Conference" section of the site.

About IRMI

For more than 40 years, IRMI has helped our customers save lives and livelihoods as the premier provider of risk management and insurance information, tools, education, and training. IRMI helps risk management, insurance, and legal professionals make better decisions for their companies and clients with unbiased expertise and balanced, comprehensive content. 

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