MT. VERNON, IOWA - The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) - an influential organization within the construction industry that serves as an informational and networking tool for its members and carries out a multitude of educational and promotional efforts for the advancement of concrete foundation technology - has announced the call for entries for the "2010 Projects of the Year" Award. This program is in its fourth year so named, formerly known as the "Basement of the Year" or the often described "Basement from Hell".

According to Ed Sauter, executive director of CFA, the Project of the Year competition is one of the least utilized benefits for CFA members. It provides an opportunity to tout the excellence and creativity while displaying to the world the craftsmanship that exists in an otherwise underappreciated industry. The upgrade to recognizing a broader market of projects enables contractors to display the wide range of projects that are being completed today, more than just foundations.

"Technology remains one of the biggest issues in our industry. With the numerous advancements that have been made, the poured wall industry evidences contractors completing complex projects more regularly and more efficiently," said Sauter. "Year after year, the projects submitted express a balance between complicated designs and conditions with planning and creative thinking from these contractors. Truly diversity is on display through this program. With the increased focus we have created on technical and business competence, exposing the industry to the craftsmanship that exists is of utmost value."

Cases in point are the winning structures from last year's competition that ranged from a 3,000-sq.-ft. basement with seawalls to a basement of more than 23,500 sq. ft. Also seen was an above-grade concrete home complete with a striking two-sided concrete stair entry and a more commercial-scaled annex project for Clemson University showing the wide diversity that exists in expertise from CFA contractors.

Is your business concrete foundations or above-grade concrete structures with removable concrete forms? If so, you should take advantage of this unique industry opportunity to display your work to the industry. To enter a project in this year's competition, you must be (or become) CFA Contractor member with an active status. Non-members do not qualify for the awards program. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 15, 2009. Given the state of the economy throughout this year, the CFA has waived any fee for submittal.