ABOVE AND BEYOND

The Daily Reporter Publishing Co.'s Newsmakers of the Year are (front row, from left to right): Jerry Salaty, Educator of the Year; Sylvia Habermehl, Subcontractor of the Year; Cheryl Berg, Woman Contractor of the Year; state Rep. Dan Vrakas, Politician of the Year; Kevin O'Toole, Builder of the Year; Tony Arteaga, Minority Contractor of the Year; Jim Shields, Designer of the Year; (back row, from left to right) Bret Engelking, representing Bielinski Homes, Environmentalist of the Year; David Vogel, Humanitarian of the Year; and Mark Irgens, Developer of the Year.

David Vogel steps into a Santa Claus outfit every year and listens to the hopes and dreams of children.

State Rep. Dan Vrakas has an uncanny ability to find common ground in a construction industry overflowing with opposing viewpoints.

Jim Shields has spent years designing top-notch buildings and inspiring students to reach for architectural greatness.

Jerry Salaty prepares high school kids for a career in construction and a life of leadership, responsibility and teamwork.

Kevin O'Toole is there for the construction industry whenever the construction industry needs him.

Mark Irgens knows his success is only part of the equation, so he draws his industry together and helps it speak in a shared voice.

Sylvia Habermehl is a voice for her peers and a resource for colleagues who need guidance.

Bielinski Homes has positioned itself as an environmental role model for the rest of the industry.

Cheryl Berg stands as a testament to perseverance in the face of overwhelming tragedy.

Tony Arteaga has created a construction company that gets stronger and more successful every year.

Individually, these 10 people have very little in common. But together, they make up The Daily Reporter Publishing Co.'s 2004 roster of Newsmakers of the Year.

Choosing our newsmakers was easy, and honoring them was important. So The Daily Reporter and Wisconsin Builder held an awards ceremony at the Milwaukee Public Museum on Oct. 27 with about 150 people to make sure that everyone recognized the achievements of these nine people and one company.

And we're happy to say that the message got out.

© 2004 Daily Reporter Publishing Co., All Rights Reserved.