GBCA welcomed members and industry leaders to its 2026 Fall Membership Dinner on September 29 at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club. The evening brought together Greater Philadelphia’s construction community for networking, a panel discussion on the future of higher education construction, and the announcement of two national awards recognizing GBCA’s work on behalf of its members.

The evening featured a panel discussion with Christopher J. Kern, AIA, LEED AP, Executive Director of Design & Construction at the University of Pennsylvania; James P. Templeton, Assistant Vice President and University Architect at Temple University; and Dominique Casimir-German, MBA, Senior Vice President of Enterprise Asset Management, Real Estate, Facilities, Planning, Design & Construction at Thomas Jefferson University & Jefferson Health.

The discussion focused on capital investment priorities, upcoming construction opportunities, and the challenges influencing campus development throughout Greater Philadelphia. Topics included how institutions prioritize projects, the impact of construction costs and market conditions, and emerging trends in higher education facilities. The panel also explored what institutions look for when selecting construction partners, the importance of building long-term relationships, and how contractors can prepare for future opportunities in the region.

A highlight of the evening was the announcement that GBCA received two national honors from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC): Large Chapter of the Year and Public Relations Campaign of the Year.

The Large Chapter of the Year Award recognizes the strength of GBCA’s membership and the collective impact of its members in advancing Greater Philadelphia’s construction industry. From advocacy and workforce development to safety initiatives and industry partnerships, the award reflects the commitment and involvement of GBCA members who help drive the association’s success and strengthen the union construction industry.

The Public Relations Campaign of the Year Award recognizes GBCA’s Choose GBCA campaign, which highlights the value of GBCA membership and union construction through research, communications, and industry outreach. A key component of the campaign was GBCA’s OSHA 300 Safety Study, which analyzed more than two million OSHA records over eight years to highlight the safety performance of GBCA member contractors.

Together, these awards recognize the impact of GBCA’s work and the commitment of its members to advancing the region’s construction industry.

Continuing a tradition of the Fall Membership Dinner, GBCA also recognized member companies that have been part of the association for 25 years or more. These longstanding members have supported GBCA and the construction industry for decades, helping strengthen the association through their continued involvement and commitment.

This year’s recognition included:

  • Charles H. MacDonald Electric, Inc. (26 years)
  • Joseph S. Smith Roofing, Inc. (27 years)
  • Roma Steel Erection, Inc. (27 years)
  • Liberty Mutual Surety (30 years)
  • Robert Slater, Inc. (30 years)
  • The Stoll Agency, Inc. (30 years)
  • Fizzano Bros. Concrete Products, Inc. (41 years).