COEUR d'ALENE - The North Idaho Building Contractors Association recently presented awards during a meeting at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn.

Associate of the Year - Angela Erickson, Panhandle State Bank

Erickson, who guided the NIBCA in 2012 as the first associate president in NIBCA's history, committed endless hours to the organizational, fiscal, membership recruitment and event planning elements of operations.

In a difficult period of time for new home construction, she raised the bar of expectation for NIBCA leadership and members alike.

Erickson infused a high level of energy into every aspect of the association's functions and ensured that in addition to aspiring to lofty goals, the members also had a great deal of fun.

Company of the Year - Panhandle State Bank

Panhandle State Bank stepped up to sponsor or donate to every NIBCA event in 2012. Their extraordinary contribution to the success of NIBCA this year was best demonstrated in the commitment of management to support Angela Erickson's presidency by allowing her the freedom within her job to dedicate a significant portion of one year to the NIBCA.

The time needed to plan and lead board meetings, participate in trips to the Idaho Building Contractor Association meetings around the state, attend committee and governmental agency meetings and coordinate with office staff was afforded to her.

Builder of the Year - Mike Ragusa, Termac Construction

Mike Ragusa has been building new homes in Kootenai County for two decades with much of the construction activity occurring in the city of Hayden.

In addition to being a quality builder of affordable housing, he has committed much of his time and financial resources to addressing regulatory and building related fee inequalities that all builders in Kootenai County are subjected to.

Inspired by a fundamental approach of fairness to matters such as these, Ragusa has always assessed such issues as either being right or wrong for the builder and ultimately, the consumer.