AGC of America Honors Flatiron Corp. for Its Community Work

Firestone-based Flatiron Construction Corp. was honored recently for its efforts to build three much-needed footbridges in Nicaragua as part of the Bridges to Prosperity program. As a result, the construction firm was one of eight organizations nationwide to win the AGC in the Community Award from the charitable arm of the Associated General Contractors of America, AGC Charities Inc.

“Completing great construction projects improves cities and towns, but giving back to the community improves people’s lives,” said Jim Clemens, chairman emeritus of Philadelphia, Pa.-based Clemens Construction Co. and the chairman of AGC Charities. “These award winners represent the noblest our industry has to offer.”

The rainy season created deep, swiftly moving rivers that were dangerous or impossible to cross in three rural Nicaraguan communities. In Santa Lucia, a team of 35 employees from Flatiron, Turner Construction and E.E. Cruz built a 220-ft suspension bridge over the Rio Pire; in El Rodeo, they built a 230-ft suspension bridge over Quebrada La Majada River; and in Jucuapa, they built a 150-ft suspension bridge.

The new bridges will serve thousands of residents and provide safe access to schools, doctors and year-round work. Flatiron has partnered with Bridges to Prosperity since 2009, and provides funding and logistical support for employees to travel abroad and complete these volunteer projects.

AGC in the Community Award winners are selected by a panel of judges representing all areas of construction. Award entries were evaluated based on the level of commitment, the scope of the philanthropic efforts and the quality of the benefits to the community.