ABC's 2017 National Craft Championships gold medalists, Craft Instructor of the Year and Craft Professional of the Year were honored before an audience of more than 41,000 at a July 3 Major League Baseball game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. As spectators filed into the stadium, the champions were recognized on the field for their achievements during the pre-game ceremony.

Honorees included:

• Jose Chavez, Starcon International, insulation competition gold medalist
• Jonathan Christenberry, Gaylor Electric Inc., electrical - commercial/industrial competition gold medalist
• Joel Dutton, TD Industries, pipefitting competition gold medalist
• Wade Fuller, Bill Rhiner’s Plumbing, plumbing competition gold medalist
• Brandyn Kendall, Cianbro, pipe welding competition gold medalist
• Andrew Lensink, De Troye Electric Service, HVAC competition gold medalist
• Joseph Smith, Pritt Electric, electrical - residential/commercial competition gold medalist 
• Roger Thompson, Jesse Stutts Inc., Craft Instructor of the Year
• Adam Ruff, Price Electric, Craft Professional of the Year

The champions were congratulated on the field by U.S Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓNational Chairman Chuck Goodrich and ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓChair-elect George Nash. A was also shown on the big screen before the game started.

The National Craft Championships helps to raise the profile of careers in construction and highlight the $1.1 billion that ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓmember companies spend annually on workforce development. The ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓFreedom Fireworks event comes at a pivotal time for the American workforce as the Trump administration acts to expand apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development strategies required to fill nearly a half million jobs that are currently open in the construction industry. ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓrecently launched a new workforce development website, . The site features information on training and education, career paths, safety and diversity programs and workforce development programs ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓmanages around the country. 

In 2015, ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓbegan a partnership with the Washington Nationals to educate the general public, influential legislators and regulators on the merit shop philosophy and importance of safety, quality and workforce development. Print ads, , and digital signage were created to showcase the core values held by ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓand its members, raise visibility for the construction industry and promote a positive image of careers in construction to young people, their families and veterans. 

The creative materials are available to ÀÏÅ£Ó°ÊÓchapters to use in their local communities and can be accessed on or by contacting Sandy Lynch. 

Following the pre-game ceremony, Wade Fuller threw out the first pitch while Brandyn Kendall delivered the line-up card to the umpires at home plate. Then Jose Chavez kicked off the game by making the “play ball” announcement before the first inning. 

The game ended in a 3-2 win over the New York Mets. Following the game, the big screen displayed an ABC-branded clock which began the countdown to the night’s Freedom Fireworks.