Rebuilding Together and WD-40 Company Announce Winner of 2nd Annual Tradesperson of the Year Contest
Joel Hamberg of Joel Hamberg Painting in Portland, OR Named Winner of National Campaign For His Pro Bono Work at the Hollywood Theatre
PORTLAND OR – May 4, 2012 – Rebuilding Together announced Joel Hamberg, a Painter from Portland, OR who has done extensive pro bono work for the historic Hollywood Theatre in NE Portland, as the winner of the second annual Rebuilding Together Tradesperson of the Year™ contest. Rebuilding Together partnered with WD-40 Company, On the House with the Carey Brothers, ServiceMagic, HGTV and DIY Network, and Craftsman Tools, to find skilled tradespersons throughout the U.S. that gives back to their communities and add value to their industries.
The Rebuilding Together Tradesperson of the Year was chosen after a committee review of nomination essays, a personal interview, and online votes by the American public. Joel Hamberg is a community leader who uses his knowledge of and passion for painting and the trades to help people in need. Joel was nominated for the work he completed at historic Hollywood Theatre, donating more than $60,000 in materials and labor to restore the historic building. He also encouraged other tradespeople to contribute and has been instrumental in turning around the historic building and the entire organization it represents.
“Joel’s passion is evident, his generosity is obvious and he truly lives out one of WD-40 Company’s core values – making it better than it is today,” said Tim Lesmeister, vice president of marketing for WD-40 Company. “As presenting sponsor of the Tradesperson of the Year contest for the second year in a row, we are proud to honor all of the skilled tradespeople nominated – our core end-users – for being leaders in their industries and generous in their communities.”
“Joel is very deserving of this honor and we are all very happy for him,” said Doug Whyte, Executive Director of the Hollywood Theatre. “He has been an integral part of the resurgence of the theatre and still comes by on a weekly basis to catch a film, always with a paint brush in hand, touching up any blemishes he comes across. It’s community members like Joel that keep Portland’s historic treasures alive!”
As the Grand Prize winner, Joel will receive a trip for two to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans, $500 spending cash, tools and products courtesy of Sears and a selection of WD-40 brand products.
