Getting started

The Projects of Distinction (POD) Excellence in Construction (EIC) is for members of ABC of Wisconsin only. The submittal is a two-step process:

Step 1. Register projects in the Intent to Compete stage. This is where you sign up and pay for your entry using a cart checkout process. You must complete the cart checkout process for the project to be officially registered in the program. The application fee must be received by the ABC of WI chapter no later than the submission deadline of Sept. 30 in order to be eligible for judging.

Step 2. Submit your documentation and all the contents (descriptions, photos, references, safety data, etc.) needed to complete an entry in the Submission Materials stage by the end of day, Sept. 30, 2025.

Start a project submittal here

Tutorial video

If you have never entered a project using this portal, you may want to view this 7-minute tutorial video for getting started. 

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Projects of Distinction Awards, please feel free to contact Chrissy Long (clong@abcwi.org) or Laura Kocum (lkocum@abcwi.org) at ABC of Wisconsin. 

List of ABC of WI members

To help determine if contractors on your project are ABC of Wisconsin members, download this alphabetical list of contractors and suppliers. 

Built on Merit Award
The Built on Merit Award is presented to the project that demonstrates the highest level of engagement with ABC member contractors and suppliers. Applicants are required to submit a list of ABC members who contributed to their project as part of the application process.

This award underscores the importance of collaboration within the ABC community and recognizes projects that exemplify the strength of the merit shop philosophy. By utilizing ABC contractors and suppliers, entrants affirm their commitment to the principles of training, safety, and excellence that define ABC membership and elevate standards across the construction industry.

Entry Fee

The 2025 Projects of Distinction entry fee is $300 per project submission.

Photo release

A photo release for third-party photography can be found here. 

Entry categories

General Contractor Categories:

• Commercial - Under $2 Million; $2 Million to $10 Million; Over $10 Million
• Healthcare - Under $5 Million; Over $5 Million
• Industrial - Under $3 Million; Over $3 Million
• Infrastructure - Heavy
• Institutional - Under $5 Million; Over $5 Million
• Pre-Engineered Building - Metal Building Under $1 Million; Metal Building $1 Million to $2.5 Million; Metal Building Over $2.5 Million
• Public Works/Environmental
• Renovation (Restoration & Renovation, including historical)
• Residential - Single Unit; Multi-Unit
• Other Construction
  • Green Building
  • Community/Public Service
  • Miscellaneous/Special Projects

Specialty or Subcontractor Categories:

• Electrical: Commercial -  Under $250,000; $250,000 to $1 Million; Over $1 Million
• Electrical: Industrial - Under $250,000; $250,000 to $1 Million; Over $1 Million
• Mechanical: Commercial - Under $500,000; More than $500,000
• Mechanical: Industrial - Under $500,000; More than $500,000
• Exteriors
• Interiors
• Landscaping
• Sitework

Other Specialty Construction:
For the specialties below, please enter in either "Specialty Construction - Commercial" or "Specialty Construction - Industrial" regardless of type (commercial, industrial or residential projects in the trade). All entries will be combined into one general trade (e.g. "Carpentry," not "Carpentry - Commercial" nor "Carpentry - Industrial").

• Carpentry
• Concrete
• Precast Concrete
• Doors/Windows/Glass
• Masonry
• Plumbing
• Thermal and Moisture Protection

Project scoring

The number of entrants in each category does not directly affect the odds of receiving an award because entrants do not compete against other contractors, but instead on a point-level basis. Possible points is 100. Remember that points add up and a point here and a point there can make a big difference.

Important dates

• Eligible project completion dates: Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025.
• Submission deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, 11:59 PM
• Judging will take place in the month of October. 
• Projects of Distinction chapter award recipients will be notified in early November 2025.
• Gold and Silver award winners are eligible for entry into the National ABC Excellence in Construction (EIC). The "Intent to Compete" registration deadline is Oct. 24, 2025, however, ABC of Wisconsin members will be given an extension on this until Nov. 14, which is also the full application submittal date. All materials would have to be in to ABC National on Nov. 14 at 10:59 PM (CT). 
• The POD Awards Banquet is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 at Glacier Canyon Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells. The National EIC Awards Gala is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026 in Salt Lake City.

Start a project submittal here