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< All News February 15, 2016

[GRAND RAPIDS, MI] – The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) named Kent Companies General Superintendend Mike VanBemden as one of four finalists in a national competition for Craft Professional of the Year. VanBemden was recently awarded the inaugural Craft Professional of the Year by the Western Michigan Chapter of ABC. He will complete a final round of interviews with judges at the ABC Workforce Week, March 1-4, 2016 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Each year, ABC presents the Craft Professional of the Year (CPOY) award to an individual who sets a high standard for professionals in their craft by exhibiting outstanding skills and leadership. The recipient of this national award demonstrates a passion for the trade, taking pride in hands-on work and the satisfaction of a job well done to benefit both the construction industry and the greater community. The winner is a master of skills whose commitment to excellence makes him or her the ultimate example of merit-shop success in the field.

Mike VanBemden began his career with Kent Companies in May 1984 and served in roles including general labor, carpentry, foreman and superintendent. Today he oversees the work of over 300 craft professionals on Kent Companies’ largest concrete job sites. He earned numerous awards throughout his career including national recognition by the Tilt-Up Concrete Association for the construction of Haworth Corporate Headquarters in Holland, Michigan.

Kent Companies CEO Jeff VanderLaan notes, “We are extremely proud of Mike and his career achievements. He will represent Kent Companies very well on the national stage. More importantly, he will show the entire construction industry about the rewards of a career in concrete.” VanderLaan continued, “We admire his dedication to the craft, to continuous improvement and to sharing his knowledge with others. He is the embodiment of Responsibility, Expertise and Determination – the core of the Kent Companies culture.”