Gary E. Bird Horizon Award - Sponsored by Marsh

The Gary E. Bird Horizon Award recognizes innovation in construction risk management. The award is named in honor of Gary E. Bird, a nationally known risk management expert lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Gary expanded the risk management horizon as he searched for new and innovative ways to approach the risks associated with large construction projects. Learn more about Gary in this speech from the 2002 Conference. Download a promotional flyer listing the prizes and benefits of the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award.

The submission deadline is August 15 each year.

2011 Winner

Bob Johnson and Deb Boyd of Granite Construction Incorporated were honored with the Gary E. Bird Horizon Award at the 31st IRMI Construction Risk Conference. Read the press release, along with an overview of their program, “Lean Construction Leads to Workers Compensation Reduction.”

Learn More about the Award

Mission Statement

To promote the awareness of innovative risk management techniques, processes and techniques that are cost-efficient and effective in the construction industry. The identification and communication of these best practices will assist others in the risk management community to review and develop their own best practices.

Prizes and Benefits

  • Winner receives roundtrip coach airfare, free hotel accommodations during the Conference, complimentary registration, and an elegant award for office display

  • Winner and finalists recognized at a special Monday Luncheon during the Conference attended by over 1,000 industry leaders

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Eligibility

The award is open to all full-time business professionals charged with managing construction risks for their employers (including but not limited to risk managers, chief financial officers, safety managers, loss control specialists, claim managers, and risk management teams). Nominees must have been in their current positions at least 3 years at the time of application for the award and have been involved in the development of a construction-oriented risk management technique, process, or program that is innovative, cost-efficient, and effective. Nonprofit construction industry trade groups are also eligible based on their development of innovative techniques, processes, or programs for implementation by their members.

The award is presented to one representative of the winning company or team. In the event the award is a joint submission from multiple unrelated companies, no more than two individuals will receive the award.

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Industry Notification

In order to help us get the word out to the industry about the importance of risk management innovation, candidates are asked to grant IRMI the right to notify the industry about the winning technique, process, or program. Industry notifications, subject to the winner's approval, would include:

  • Press release to industry publications
  • Announcements on IRMI.com and in our e-mail newsletter, IRMI Update
  • Summary or detailed description of the winning technique, process, or program available on IRMI.com

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Previous Winners

Read about the innovative programs of past winners of the award here.

Submission Process

To learn more about the award submission process, how to prequalify a candidate, and to download a submission packet click on the topics below:

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