October 14, 2026, Syracuse, NY – For 30 years, VIP Structures founder Dave Nutting has been a dedicated supporter of The Salvation Army of Syracuse, lending his time, leadership, and perspective to an organization whose mission he deeply believes in.
On October 14, at The Salvation Army of Syracuse’s 55th Annual Civic Celebration, Dave was recognized with Life Membership on its Advisory Board, a rare distinction honoring individuals whose longstanding service reflects a lifetime of support for The Salvation Army and the Syracuse community.
For Dave, the award was a chance to recognize the people carrying out the organization’s mission every day.
“I want to thank the leaders and the employees of The Salvation Army for giving me a 30-year master class in what devotion to our fellow human beings can look like.”
Over the years, Dave has seen The Salvation Army help people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, from family challenges and housing displacement to mental health and substance abuse issues. “I’d like to dedicate this award to the unbelievably dedicated and passionate folks of The Salvation Army who have answered this calling. Those who measure their wins in inches, all with an eye for how those inches can add up to a lifetime well lived.”
A Perspective People Value
Dave joined The Salvation Army of Syracuse Advisory Board in 1996 and over the years became a trusted advisor, mentor, and consistent source of support within the organization.
Sidney Germinio, Executive Director of Community Services, described Dave as a “steady presence” throughout her nearly 20-year career with The Salvation Army. “There’s something reassuring about having people like Dave around. People who understand the organization, care deeply about its mission, and bring the kind of perspective that only comes with years of experience and genuine commitment.”
“Dave is someone whose wisdom and experience I have come to value. He has a way of making you stop and think, of looking at a challenge from a different angle, and of offering thoughtful insight that makes a conversation and ultimately a decision better.”
A Commitment to Community
Dave’s dedication to The Salvation Army reflects a belief that has followed him throughout his career: when a community supports your success, you have a responsibility to invest in its future.
In 1975, Dave founded VIP Structures with a blue van, a small team, and a vision for a better way to build. Under his leadership, that small operation grew into one of Central New York’s leading integrated design, construction, and development firms – even being named to Inc. Magazine’s Top 500 fastest growing firms. But Dave’s ambitions were never confined to the success of his own business.
Over the years, he has supported organizations across the arts, education, economic development, and human services. His three decades with The Salvation Army stand as one of the longest of those relationships.
In accepting the recognition, Dave again directed attention to the people carrying out The Salvation Army’s mission.
“The Salvation Army has created an Army with the superpower of creating change under the most demanding and personal conditions…It’s been and remains my absolute pleasure to be associated with such a remarkable group of changemakers.”
Congratulations, Dave, on 30 years of service and a well-deserved Life Membership.
