Kingsport, Tenn. Business Owners Win 2008 “Contractor of the Year” Award

Owners of Kingsport-based paving firm honored for business achievements and industry representation

LAS VEGAS, March 2008 – Alan and Amanda Bracken, owners of Bracken Paving in Kingsport, Tenn. won the eighth annual Contractor of the Year award sponsored by leading national trade magazine Equipment World and construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. during a recent ceremony at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Bracken Paving was one of 12 finalists who were all selected on the basis of their growth over the past five years, endorsements from customers and vendors and the contribution they have made to the construction industry. The Contractor of the Year award is the first – and only – national award of its kind.

Bracken Paving has grown from $2 million in 2001 to $9 million in sales today. Bracken attributes this dramatic growth to a change in leadership style and company structure, expanding from one to three paving crews. “[Our] emphasis on excellence and personal
growth enables us to attract and retain the most positive and promising people,” said Bracken of the teamwork, leadership and business relationship principles that now exist in his company’s culture.

All finalists received a four-day trip to Las Vegas and attended the NASCAR Nextel Cup race courtesy of Caterpillar, sponsor of the #22 Caterpillar Toyota Camry.

“Equipment World magazine is honored to recognize these pillars of the construction industry,” said Gregg Terry, publisher of Equipment World magazine. “These finalists represent the best aspects of the construction industry – integrity, hard work, and dedication. Their success is a testament to their perseverance, drive and strong values.”

Now in its eighth year, the Contractor of the Year is sponsored by Equipment World magazine, the construction industry’s leading trade publication, and The Cat Rental Store, a division of Caterpillar Inc. with over 430 rental stores throughout North America and Cat Access Account.