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Southern Air Named First Company in Virginia to Achieve Virginia BEST Level 3 Safety Certification

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LYNCHBURG, VA – [May 12, 2025] – Southern Air, a leading mechanical, electrical and plumbing contracting company headquartered in Lynchburg, has been officially recognized as the first company in Virginia to achieve Level Three certification in the prestigious Virginia BEST program—a groundbreaking workplace safety initiative established by the Associated General Contractors of Virginia (AGCVA) in partnership with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).
 
Virginia BEST (Building Excellence in Safety, Health & Training) was developed to encourage and recognize construction companies who voluntarily implement exceptional safety and health management systems, going above and beyond the minimum legal requirements to protect their workers. Level Three represents the highest standard in the program and positions Southern Air as a model for safety excellence in the construction industry across the Commonwealth.
 
“Congratulations on Southern Air's certification as a Virginia Voluntary Protection Programs BEST Level Three Company,” said Gary Pan, Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry. “This outstanding achievement in occupational safety and health has come through the dedication and hard work of all. Your employees have worked hand in hand with management to make Southern Air a safer, healthier and better place to work. Without a doubt, these efforts are the reason your company was the first in the state to achieve BEST Level Three.”
 
The benefits of becoming a Virginia BEST Level Three company are significant. Southern Air’s achievement is the culmination of eight years of dedicated work towards this goal by its entire team. The company will be honored with a formal proclamation and flag ceremony led by Virginia’s Governor, publicly affirming the company’s commitment to workplace safety.
 
“This triumph speaks volumes about our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of safety that not only meets but exceeds state requirements,” said Paul Denham, Southern Air President. “It is a testament to our core value of providing a safe workplace for every individual. Our commitment to the safety of all workers has solidified our position as an industry leader.”
 
With this recognition, Southern Air continues to lead the way in construction safety innovation, workforce training, and industry excellence. The company remains dedicated to growing Virginia’s talent pipeline with confidence and setting a new standard for what’s possible in construction site safety.
 
For more information about Southern Air’s award-winning safety programs and projects, please visit www.southern-air.com or contact Paul Denham or Tommy Gay, Southern Air Safety Director at 434-385-6200.
 
About Southern Air, Inc.
Southern Air, Inc. is a leading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contracting company headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. With a strong focus on workforce development, customer-first service, and comprehensive safety training, Southern Air has built a reputation for excellence, innovation, and integrity since 1946. The company employs approximately 800 team members and provides a full lifecycle of services—from design and installation to maintenance and renovation—across commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential sectors. At Southern Air, we are committed to building a stronger, safer future for our employees, partners, and the communities we serve.

Southern Air Named First Company in V...