Congratulations to Bailey-Harris CEO Allen Harris for being named the 2024 Cornerstone Recipient by the Alabama chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors.
In 1994 the ABC of Alabama started recognizing one person a year that has given their life’s commitment to better construction. The Cornerstone Award is given to someone who has made a noteworthy contribution to the Alabama construction industry by positively impacting workforce development, immigration reform, and the industry as a whole.
“As a lad of 14 entering the construction world, little thought was focused on awards,” said Harris. “In striving to build an organization, it became very important to build people, so that they could build projects. It is our employees who bring honor to the profession and enjoy the sense of accomplishment on which I and many people thrive. Now with this notable honor, it is a huge motivation for doing even more for the industry to which I have been married for many decades.”
As he announced the award to Bailey-Harris employees, President Reed touted Harris’ steadfastness and impartiality as the key to his success: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Allen for years. One thing that he has always done is the right thing. Years ago, when Allen was board chairman of the state association, so much of his leadership could have been self-centered; but never once did he get in the grays. In the industry it’s sometimes easy to do that, but he always kept it in the middle. He asked me a hundred times, ‘What’s best? What’s best for everyone and we’ll do it,’ and that’s the main thing I remember about how he led that year.”
Tim hightower, ABC’s state PAC chair and President of Southern Carpet, Hardwood and Tile, and also a good friend of Harris, was there during the award announcement. “In all my years, I’ve never known anybody that brings a passion for what they do like he does. He always kept me on point and still does. This award is well-deserved, and I thank him for all he’s done,” said Hightower.
Allen Harris is a cornerstone of ABC’s Alabama chapter, not to mention the industry of construction itself, and joins other pillars in the community that have given of themselves to better construction.
“The shock of being a recipient has not worn off,” said Harris. “Disbelief, unworthiness, and what the award stands for just blows my mind. To be in the same fraternity with the many extraordinary past recipients is beyond any words I can pen in this moment; it is truly an incredibly high honor.”