Nominations for 2009 Are Now Being Accepted

(KANSAS CITY, Mo., June 14, 2009) – A novel form of creative expression – municipal water tank artwork – has gained public attention in recent years from a national awards competition sponsored by Tnemec Company Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-performance protective coatings. Now in its fourth year, Tnemec’s Tank of the Year contest recognizes water tank graphic designs based on their aesthetics and significance to the local community.

“Owners, engineers and project teams are starting to think about water tanks in a new way,” acknowledged Doug Hansen, director, Water Tank Market. “Today, communities are turning water storage towers into imaginative works of art that symbolize civic pride and tradition. From pedestal tanks that mimic hot air balloons to standpipes that resemble a grain silo or lighthouses, water tanks are capturing the public’s imagination across the country.”

Equally impressive are some of the stories behind these unique works of art, according to Hansen. He cited the example of last year’s Tnemec Tank of the Year winner in Lake Villa, Ill., that features a detailed recreation of the Lakes Community High School eagle mascot painted by coatings applicator Jetco, Ltd. “Judges chose the Lake Villa project for its artistic merit, as well as for the special community involvement in raising money to offset the extra cost of the design,” Hansen recalled. “The tank has become a symbol of community and school pride.”

More than 250 projects have been nominated for the Tank of Year Award since it made its debut in 2006. “Each year, the judging seems to get harder due to the remarkable entries we receive,” Hansen noted. “The imagination and artistry that goes into the designs on these water tanks is truly impressive considering the various shapes, dimensions and application challenges involved with these towering projects.”

The call for entries goes out every spring, with nominations for this year’s competition due October 2. Contest rules require that water tanks be coated with Tnemec products, with preference given to projects that feature the company’s HydroFlon fluoropolymer topcoat. All tank styles will be considered and both new construction and renovation projects are eligible for the competition, although work must have been completed within 24 months of the deadline date.

Tnemec Tank of the Year selections have been featured by local print and broadcast media, as well as on The Today Show. In addition to receiving public recognition and prestige, Tnemec presents winning communities, engineers and applicators with a customized trophy and certificate. The winning tank is also featured on Tnemec’s Web site (www.tnemec.com) and given a prominent placement in the company’s water tank calendar that includes the contest’s top finalists.

“Through our Tnemec Tank of the Year competition, we are celebrating the innovation and creativity that transforms these cold steel structures into iconic landmarks that are part of a community’s identity,” Hansen added. “Whether these tanks resemble a ketchup bottle, a giant strawberry or a scenic landscape, they’re part of Americana that deserves recognition.”

Editor’s Note: Click here to access high resolution photos from the Lake Villa 2008 Tank of the Year, along with runners-up and previous winning entries.

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