CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Carolinas Associated General Contractors (AGC) announces the winners of its 2006 Pinnacle Awards for outstanding achievement in the Carolinas commercial construction industry.

Best General Contractor

Hightower Construction Co., Inc., Charleston, SC

Hightower is a 50-year-old firm with about 110 employees; annual revenue approximately $100 million. Judges cited its safety program, top subcontractor top owner references. Specialty: design/build, government, industrial, commercial and restoration/renovation.

Best Subcontractor/Specialty Contractor

Salem Electric Company, Winston-Salem, NC

Salem Electric is a 60-year-old family firm with about 300 employees. Judges cited staff stability, community involvement and partnership attitude with both customers and second-tier subcontractors and suppliers. Specialty: commercial, industrial and healthcare work.

Best Supplier/Service Company

Chandler Concrete Co., Inc., Burlington , NC

Chandler produces over 1,000,000 cubic yards of ready-mixed concrete annually. The family-owned firm has over 550 employees in three states. Judges cited its safety emphasis and resulting safety performance, and quality of personnel.

Best Highway-Heavy Project (2 Awards Given)

Hwy. 98 Bypass at Wake Forest, Wake Forest, NC

Contractor: S.T. Wooten Corporation, Wilson, NC

This bypass at US 1 involved widening, drainage, grading, paving, signals, structures and culverts, and construction of a new 4-lane divided facility. In addition, construction of a new Single Point Urban Interchange was required, including a two-span bridge.