Americans will get to vote on a different kind of "Idol" this summer: the five finalists in the 15th annual Dickies American Worker of the Year Awards.
The five finalists were selected from among thousands of entries collected online and through the Dickies American Worker of the Year mobile tour presented by the Professional Bull Riders, which made stops at PBR events, job sites and retailers as it crisscrossed the nation. Entrants were asked to make audio recordings or write 100 words or less about why their nominee represents "the spirit of the American worker."
Every entry was reviewed and then judged by a selection committee in
The five finalists are:
* David Bildstein, 42, a steel mill bricklayer in
* Lance Beto, 42, an electrical lineman in
* Janet Buras, 49, an elementary school principal in Bay St. Louis,
* Chris Davidson, 36, a pro mountain bike team mechanic from
City,
* Jeremy Gianzero, 26, an ER nurse and mechanic in
Anyone is eligible to vote from June 23 through October 7 at http://www.workeroftheyear.com/, where videos of each finalist are available, along with bios and photo galleries of each person. Everyone who votes will be entered to win a free trip to
The top vote getter will be named the 2006 American Worker of the Year, and will receive a brand new 2007 Ford F150 truck equipped with a special suspension by FabTech, along with a custom-painted BMC Chopper, an "Ultimate Grill Setup" from Johnsonville Brats, boots from Rocky Boot and a VIP stay at the Mandalay Bay for the PBR World Finals in Las Vegas.
"These five people are truly inspirational in their work ethic and love for their families, communities and country," said Jon Ragsdale, vice president of marketing for Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing Co. "Dickies is thrilled to recognize hardworking, everyday Americans who are the backbone of our nation."
The company will also honor workers from each of the states, to be announced in mid-July. State winners win $200 in merchandise, and include an
