In 1953 he started AGC committee work and has had continuous involvement since, which adds up to 55 years of active involvement and 59 conventions (two of which he and Vicki were chairs). Frank served as AGC of Iowa President in 1973 and is a National Life Director with AGC of America.

Frank has been involved in local and civic work. He chaired the parochial school board and helped to raise money to build a new school. Frank also raised money for a retirement home and developed a ski run where they taught many kids how to ski. Having a Scandanavian wife, he joined the renowned Norwegian singing group called The Luren Singing Society.

Frank said that he and Vicki always look forward to the AGC Convention (both State and National) to renew acquaintences. He also said that most of his work with AGC has been rewarding. He knows the staff and members do good work for the construction industry which benefit both members and those of the industry that do not belong.

Frank and Vicki want to thank all the members (past and present) for having them around all these years and say if the good lord is willing-they will see us in 2009.

Merril Norris – Born in Macksburg, Iowa in 1917, Merril Norris developed his strong work ethic and humility as a teenager during the Great Depression. He did all he could to contribute to the family finances. When selling watermelons wasn’t enough, he got a newspaper route in Indianola for the Des Moines Register and Tribune. This paper route gave him his first taste of being “King for a Day” when he earned the honor of being the top selling newspaper boy. Merril was picked up in a private car, treated to a tour of the Register and Tribune’s main office, where he met the editor and later had lunch at a nice restaurant in Des Moines.

During World War II, Merril served in the Navy in the Construction Battalion stationed at San Diego Naval Station in California. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1946, he started doing dirt work and digging foundations for new home owners in Ottumwa. However, Merril quickly realized that asphalt was the way of the future. He purchased a used asphalt plant, other construction equipment, and Norris Construction Company was born.

For the next 40 years, Merril remained passionately involved in all things “asphalt”. He was past president and board member of the Asphalt Paving Association of Iowa. Merril also served on the board of directors of Associated General Contractors of America and was a life director. He was past president, board member and an honorary member of Associated General Contractors of Iowa and a past president and board member of Iowa Limestone Producers Association. He served his community as a board member for Regional Ventures at Ottumwa Regional Health Center, as a board member of the Ottumwa Regional Health Center Foundation, and as a board member of Union Bank and Trust Co. As a member of the First United Methodist Church, Merril served on the Finance Committee. In addition to Norris Construction Company, he started and owned Industrial Machine and Norris Chrysler. Merril also had ownership interests in L&W Quarries and Douds Stone Inc.

Throughout his life, Merril appreciated and enjoyed nature. He would buy a few acres of timber and pasture land whenever he could. These farms were Merril’s sanctuaries ~ where he could relax while building lakes, clearing ground and raising cattle. He would also pursue his love of hunting and fishing. We will never know how many business issues he resolved while running a bulldozer, clearing trees, or cleaning fish.

Merril Norris would be humbled by the honor that you have bestowed on him this evening. Although Merril died November 6, 1996, his legacy lives on.

Cordell Peterson – Born in 1941, Cordell Peterson grew up in Rembrandt, Iowa and graduated from Rembrandt High School in 1959. He graduated from Buena Vista College in 1963 and taught high school and coached at Reinbeck from 1963-1965.

In 1964 Cordell started conservation contractor service in Reinbeck, and currently is President of Peterson Contractors Inc. The company is involved with projects throughout Iowa as well as many other states.

Along with his longtime AGC of Iowa membership, Cordell is President of Lincoln Bancorp, Board chairman of Lincoln Saving Bank, Trustee at Buena Vista University and member of Amity Presbyterian Church. He has also been President of Reinbeck Motors since 1967. Cordell is married to Sandra and they have a daughter Cheryl Vandvoora and two sons son Mark and Mike who both work for Peterson Contractors Inc.