Volvo Construction Equipment Services vice president and branch manager Al Fernandez recently received the 2010 Golden Beavers Award for Service and Supply in recognition of his 40-year career in the heavy construction industry.

The 2010 Golden Beavers Award for Service and Supply was presented to Al Fernandez, regional vice president and branch manager, Volvo Construction Equipment Services, San Leandro, Calif., at the Beavers 55th Annual Awards Dinner Jan. 22.

The event recognizes industry individuals for their achievements, skills and contributions to the heavy construction industry in the categories of Management, Supervision, Engineering, and Service and Supply. The 2010 Golden Beaver Awards were presented by Beavers president and Awards master of ceremonies, Thomas Draeger, an executive with the Bechtel Group. Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, was the guest speaker.

Fernandez began his career in the construction industry in 1974 in underground contracting operations, beginning his career with Ingersoll Rand’s international group. In 1979 he joined the sales department of Ingersoll Rand’s Pico Rivera, Calif., office, and in 1987 was appointed sales manager of the company’s San Leandro, Calif., operations. He was promoted to vice president and branch manager in 1989 and became western regional vice president in 2002, retaining this position after Volvo’s acquisition of Ingersoll Rand’s road-building machinery operations and 20 company-owned stores (now VCES) in 2007.

The Beavers is an organization for those engaged in heavy engineering construction. It meets annually to recognize significant contributions to the industry and promotes entry of young people into heavy engineering construction. It also supports the Beavers Charitable Trust, which maintains 40 endowed scholarships with a cumulative value of approximately $3 million for civil engineering and construction management education purposes.