At the First PCEA National Convention, May 17, 1975, Dale Gillis, Vice President of G.G. Ray Co. of Charlotte, a large Roofing Company at that time, presented to the Association two handsome trophies as a memorial award in memory of Rudolph John Barnes, Past President of G.G. Ray Company. Mr. Barnes was a strong supporter in the efforts made to make the PCEA a National Association. Since that time, the Rudolph John Barnes Award has been presented annually by National PCEA to recognize exceptional service at the National level by an outstanding individual in the Association. The original selection committee was made up of the National Directors from each chapter and they chose the recipient from members presented to them by their various chapters. This selection committee was later changed as the Association grew to the present Committee that consists of the five most recent active recipients. The award consists of a large trophy with the recipient's name affixed, and is retained by the recipient for a period of one year, until the next recipient is selected. A smaller trophy is then presented to the previous recipient as a permanent award.
This year’s recipient is Jim Cormany.
Perhaps the most coveted award given by PCEA is the Rudolph John Barnes National Estimator of the Year Award. This award is given annually to a person that has gone above and beyond on the National Level to contribute to the success of PCEA.
Jim has been a long standing member of the Columbia Chapter. Throughout his tenure, he has willingly served multiple terms as Chapter President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary and Board Member. He has carried out the duties of each office with exemplary leadership, passion and drive.
Jim has always been first to volunteer for all of his Chapter sponsored events. From the annual fundraising golf tournaments and membership drives to promoting the Chapter and Association at various educational events; Jim has always been ready to jump in. He helped develop and deliver a presentation on “Estimating As A Profession” for the local Midlands Education and Business Alliance symposium. He is an active advocate for the promotion of estimating as a profession.
On the National level Jim has served as National Director, Secretary, Vice President, President-Elect and President. These offices have placed him as Chairman of various National committees throughout the years where he has always served with due diligence. His most recent accomplishment has been the development of a very comprehensive five year Long Range Plan for the Association. A template for years to come.
As a sole proprietor of Bamastone Corporation, Jim wears many hats as a manufacturer’s representative of cast stone and architectural precast concrete, FRP fabrications and glass fiber reinforced concrete. He still manages to carve out large chunks of time to serve his Chapter and National. Jim is supported by his wife Geneva and two grown sons, and resides in Lexington, SC.
Jim is an ardent University of Alabama fan.
Past Recipients
Glenn Hessee | Columbia | 2021 |
Randall Williams | Catawba Valley | 2020 |
Don Howard | At-Large | 2019 |
Kim Lybrand | Charlotte | 2018 |
Rob Bauer | Orlando | 2017 |
Matt Solomon | Columbia | 2016 |
Randall Williams | Catawba Valley | 2015 |
William H. "Bill" Barton | Columbia | 2014 |
Cebert White | Hampton Roads | 2013 |
Gail Chapman | Columbia | 2012 |
Charles S. "Chuck" Sauls | Orlando | 2011 |
Wesley Ferree | Triad | 2010 |
Trey Shaw (Posthumously) | CSRA | 2009 |
Kevin Jackson | Triangle | 2008 |
Taylor Wyant | Hampton Roads | 2007 |
Alva D. Gaskin, Jr. | CSRA | 2006 |
Chris Betts | Charlotte | 2005 |
Ron Kiser | Triad | 2004 |
Dennis Childs | Columbia | 2003 |
Lynn Keaton | Piedmont | 2002 |
Mel Rosenbaum | Charlotte | 2001 |
Richard Mosby | Central Virginia | 2000 |
Cheryl Honeycutt | Triangle | 1999 |
Ann Helms | CSRA | 1998 |
Eddie Carroll | Triad | 1997 |
Grover Edwards | Catawba Valley | 1996 |
Wally Mills | Triangle | 1995 |
Don Earles | Columbia | 1994 |
Bill Shuler | Triad | 1993 |
Dick Wells | Columbia | 1992 |
Tim Harward | Triangle | 1991 |
Phil Spangler | Piedmont | 1990 |
Lynn Nash | Catawba Valley | 1989 |
Jack Smith | Piedmont | 1988 |
H.H. "Hub" Lyles | Charlotte | 1987 |
Bill Downey | Triangle | 1986 |
S. Ray Currin, Jr. | Triad | 1985 |
Ted G. Wilson | Charlotte | 1984 |
R. P. "Stephen" Davis | Charlotte | 1983 |
Larry Thompson | Piedmont | 1982 |
Marshall L. Gurley | Triangle | 1981 |
G. Keith Middleton | Charlotte | 1980 |
Frank "Dusty" Callohan | Triangle | 1979 |
Dale I. Gillis | Charlotte | 1978 |
W. Aubrey Federal | Charlotte | 1977 |
Vern W. "Bill" Helms, Jr. | Charlotte | 1976 |