Lee Butz, Chairman of Butz Enterprises, Inc., and Alvin H. Butz, Inc. were the recipients of the Labor Partnership Award presented at the Lehigh Valley Labor Council's 52nd Awards Dinner April 20 at Northampton Memorial Community Center.

More than 300 attended the event, including State Reps. Ryan Mackenzie (R - 134th) and Daniel McNeill (D-133rd), City of Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski business, non-profit and labor representatives.

Lee Butz was presented the award by Gregg Potter, President of the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, AFL-CIO, and John Werkheiser, Executive Vice President.

"Lee Butz and Alvin H. Butz, Inc. epitomize how a responsible employer should operate. They believe that safety is a moral imperative rather than just an insurance requirement," said Potter.

"They demand high productivity from their contractors and employees and anything less is just unacceptable. In return for loyalty and quality work, they provide family-sustaining wages, dignity, safety on the job and a competitive prices for their clients," Potter said.

"The Lehigh Valley Labor Council believes Butz demonstrates that labor and business can partner and maintain high productivity and quality while providing exceptional value.

"Alvin H. Butz, Inc. provides structural and financial value to the investors, contractors and community while leaving behind a legacy of philanthropy and community stewardship," Potter concluded.

The Labor Partnership Award has been presented since 2006.

The Lehigh Labor Council represents approximately 41,000 union members throughout Lehigh and Northampton counties.

The Butz Family of Companies, consisting of Alexander Building Construction Co., Alvin H. Butz, Inc. and Shoemaker Construction Co., provides construction management and design-build services.

The firm has built healthcare facilities, college-university and corporate office buildings, manufacturing facilities, sports and entertainment venues, government buildings, K-12 schools and retail buildings in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and northern Delaware.