BUSINESS: Big Hat to be awarded

Construction firm owner Wadman to be honored

OGDEN -- Local leaders will assemble tonight to recognize the contributions of Jay Wadman, whose legacy reaches well beyond the construction company he founded more than 50 years ago.

At a dinner event tonight, the Ogden/Weber Chamber of Commerce will induct Wadman into the Order of the Western Big Hat, a tradition started in 1948 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.

The award is a Stetson cowboy hat and an outpouring of gratitude from community leaders.

Wadman, 81, started his own construction company in 1951 after completing a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy. He learned the trade from his father, Ben, who ran a small construction outfit in the 1930s and 1940s.

In announcing the award, the chamber praised Wadman, saying "His integrity is a beacon of light to employees, industry associates and others lucky enough to rub shoulders with him.

"Jay's desire to build a successful company resulted in his committed participation in the growth of Ogden and Weber County for more than half a century."

Today, Wadman Corp. is one of the most recognized names in the local construction industry. The company has worked on thousands of retail and office buildings, schools, churches, government buildings and more throughout the Western U.S.

Wadman has shared time, money and other resources with many local groups, including Boy Scouts of America, Weber State University and Ogden Pioneer Days, among others.

The Big Hat is typically awarded to high-ranking military, political or business leaders.

The most recent recipients are: Vickie McCall, former president of the Utah Defense Alliance; Maj. Gen. Kevin Sullivan, former commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center at Hill Air Force Base; and former Weber County Commissioner Camille Cain.