Pay It Forward: Ben Wickstrom, President of Erhardt Construction

When Erhardt Construction Co. set out to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the company's management team wanted to do something other than throw a big party. Instead, what Ben Wickstrom and the team developed was a plan to make a statement of gratitude to the community that has supported the company in its five decades of growth.

"Rather than talk about ourselves, we want to celebrate the community," Wickstrom said.

The company created the Building Our Community contest to give away $50,000 in construction services for a new project or renovation that helps advance the mission of a nonprofit organization. The nonprofits have already submitted applications to Erhardt.

"We want to call attention to the people who are serving people," he said. "It's tough for them to raise money in a challenging environment, but during a challenging economy is when those services are the most needed."

The construction firm put the applications on its website, www.erhardtcc.com, and is allowing the public to vote on the top five projects, which will receive funding. The first round of voting ends July 13 with the top five announced July 16. The final round of voting ends Aug. 17, and the winners will be announced Aug. 23.

The construction projects will be completed within a year of the announcement, he said.

Erhardt partnered with some two dozen subcontractors and supporting organizations to bring the project to fruition.

"This is really an extension of who we are. We're here to serve our clients, our community and our employees. It's what we do," Wickstrom said.