The nominating committee met and selected Bruce Libby as this year’s recipient of the 2012 Edward R. Pedersen Award.  Mr. Libby received this prestigious award at the Annual Election and Installation of Officers on June 26^th at the Homes For Our Troops building site in Granby, MA. 

The award, named after former Executive Director Edward R. Pedersen, is presented annually to a member in recognition of their exceptional and outstanding service to the association in a given year.  It was created as a tribute to Mr. Pedersen upon his retirement in 1997.  The award recognizes that member, during the preceding association year, whom performed “above & beyond” in service to the association and the industry. 

The nominating committee felt that Bruce’s commitment in attending various meetings such as the Franklin County & Berkshire County meetings, along with the State Association meetings has shown his commitment to the association and the industry at large.  Although relatively quiet in nature, he is a constant presence at the various committee meetings of our local association.  Serving on the Executive and Scholarship/Education committees, Bruce has shown his strong commitment for education for our members, non-members and the young people who will be our future leaders of tomorrow. 

Bruce has been a member of the association for 35 years.  He is the President of Contemporary Structures which was incorporated in 1976 by Carl and Bruce Libby.  They started doing engineered structures built in shop such as lam beam sunrooms, post & beam house kits, solar hot water systems and passive solar designed homes.  Bruce started the stair building division in 1992 and it has grown to be a major component of the business with nine employees.

Bruce has served on the Board of Directors of the association and worked with Habitat for Humanity.  He has been a supporter of the Fall and Spring Home Shows by being involved in the shows for years.  Bruce serves on the Town of Hampden Planning Board Storm Water Subcommittee.  He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Federated Community Church of Hampden and also serves on the Property Committee.

Bruce is impressed by the association’s push for highest quality of building construction and the new green initiatives that are being introduced.  As his company installs staircases in Western Mass, he can tell by the quality of the building that HBRA members were involved.  During the construction slowdown, the quality has been maintained as everybody strives to deliver a great product for their customers.  He is also impressed by the ability of the association members to work together to solve upcoming industry situations that affect us all on the local and state level.  Bruce and his wife of 36 years, Janet, are lifelong residents of Hampden.  They have two children, Jenna (30), and Stephen (28).  They enjoy sailing and spending time near the ocean and scuba dive down in Florida and the Caribbean Islands.  Bruce and his wife also enjoy golfing at the Hampden Country Club.