Conceived in 1994 and named after Bill Helms, the first National President of PCEA and one of the original founders, this National award was established to recognize an outstanding PCEA Chapter each year.  This award is based on a point system in which various points are earned throughout the year, based on different criteria in five major categories.  These categories are Chapter Membership, Chapter Procedures, National Involvement, Education & Scholarships and Computer Technology.  Each Chapter entry is to be submitted in a professional manner using a bound notebook, providing backup documentation.  The Chapter earning the most points overall is regarded as an exemplary Chapter.  The first award was presented to the Blue Ridge Chapter, Roanoke, VA, at the National Convention in May 1995.

2020 Bill Helms Chapter of the Year Award Recipient

Orlando Chapter

“After winning the Bill Helms award last year, our board made it one of our goals to win it back to back. I did not get to attend the banquet last year even though it was in Orlando, and I selfishly wanted to be part of the group that was called up and announced as winners in Asheville this year. We knew from last year that if we sent all of our reports in and submitted on time that we had a good shot of winning again.

Our Officers helped our chapter stay on track all year in getting everything sent up, and we knew had given away another amazing amount of scholarship money (over $11,000). Then COVID-19 happened, offices closed, PCEA meetings and the convention where cancelled, and almost everyone had to work from home. Luckily we were still set up to get everything in electronically, and we were thrilled to find out that we won again. I would like to say thanks to the Orlando BOD for actively pushing for our group to achieve this, and a special thanks to Kate Galindo for always helping us at the National Level. Now I guess next year when we can finally have the convention in Asheville, we will be going for a three-peat.”

-  Tim McLaughlin, Orlando Chapter President, Hoar Construction

Past Bill Helms Award Recipients