Jeff Mikesic Promoted to Transportation Practice Area Leader

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Jeff MikesicHerbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is pleased to announce that Jeffrey A. Mikesic, P.E., has been promoted to practice area leader for the firm’s Transportation Group.

He will have four areas of primary responsibility: vision and strategy, professional development of staff, project delivery, and business development. As the leader of the Transportation Group, he will monitor technical and regulatory trends related to roads, bridges, traffic management, rail and aviation for the firm’s public and private sector clients. He will translate those trends into a coherent strategy for meeting client needs, and he will empower staff to execute that strategy through communication, culture, and professional development initiatives.  He will also ensure projects are delivered in conformance with the firm’s Quality Management Plan and will continue to serve as project manager for key clients and complex projects.  In addition, he will support business development activities across HRG’s entire service area.

Mikesic joined HRG in 1998 as a CADD technician. Over the next six years, he attended classes nights and weekends to obtain his civil engineering technology degree from Point Park University. Thanks to that strong work ethic and commitment to personal growth, he steadily earned increasing responsibility at HRG through several promotions. He was named a staff professional in 2005 and a project manager in 2012, and he most recently served as a team leader before being promoted to practice area leader.

“Jeff exemplifies the ideal employee-owner at HRG. He has always looked for new ways to grow and contribute to HRG’s success, and this has made him a very valuable member of the team.  He will be an exceptional leader for the Transportation Group because his experience gives him unique insight into the role every member of the group plays.”

 – Andrew Kenworthy, Chief Operating Officer

 

ABOUT HRG

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is a nationally ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has grown to employ more than 200 people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.

 

Staub, Feath Discuss Demographic Shifts and Impact on Local Government

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Township News demographic shifts coverOur assistant vice presidents Tim Staub and Jim Feath are both featured in the March 2019 issue of Pennsylvania Township News magazine cover story, offering some insight on how municipalities can adjust policy and prepare for the needs of an aging population.

According to the article, 235 township residents in Pennsylvania turn 65 every day, and older adults are projected to outnumber adults for the first time time in U.S. history by 2035.

“Just how well-positioned is your community to allow them to age in place?” Tim asks.

He offers a number of ideas for making sure your township can retain residents as they age:

  • promoting walkability with sidewalks and connections between neighborhoods and amenities
  • incorporating universal design elements into construction standards that help residents stay in their home
  • permitting multi-generational living arrangements such as shared housing and accessory dwelling units

The key, he says, is to make your zoning and construction codes flexible enough to accommodate the changing needs of your community.

Jim Feath discusses how to provide recreational facilities that meet seniors’ needs, but he also recommends analyzing local population trends before making any significant changes. Some municipalities are seeing an influx of young families. Township officials will want to provide facilities that meet the need of their individual community, not just chase trends. (HRG can help and often provides this service as part of a larger comprehensive plan or comprehensive recreation plan.  Two of our clients — Cranberry Township and Dover Township — are also featured in the article, sharing the ways they proactively plan for their communities’ evolving needs.)

 

Erin Threet Honored as One of Engineering’s Top Young Professionals

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Erin Threet is being honored by Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine as one of the Top Young Professionals in the construction and design industry.  She is profiled alongside the other honorees in the February issue of ENR’s Mid-Atlantic edition.

Erin Threet receives a plaque from company president Jason Fralick

Threet is an assistant vice president and project manager in our water and wastewater service group.  She joined the firm after graduating from Bucknell University in 2006 and enjoyed a rapid rise through the ranks, being promoted to office manager just six years later.  During her time managing the Lewisburg office, its annual revenue has increased by more than 200%. She accomplished this feat while managing the design and construction of millions of dollars in water and wastewater system improvements for a diverse array of public and private sector clients.

Threet actively participates in the industry as a member of the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation.  She is also a board member for the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association and former president of its local chapter, the Central Pennsylvania Water Quality Association.

She has earned numerous accolades for her work to advance these organizations and the sanitary engineering profession, including the Rising Tide Award from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Water Works Association and the Ted Moses High Hat Award from the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association.

She is also an active member of her church counsel and missions committee, and she regularly volunteers her time to various community service initiatives.

HRG President Jason Fralick says:

“Erin’s energy and enthusiasm are inspiring to all of us at HRG.  Employees want to work with her, and our clients want her working on their projects.  I couldn’t be more thrilled to see her receive this honor.”

 

ABOUT ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD’S TOP YOUNG PROFESSIONALS PROGRAM

Engineering News-Record is a weekly magazine with close to 50,000 paid subscribers that covers news in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. In addition to its national publication, it also publishes several regional editions.

Each year, the regional editions recognize 20 industry professionals as the “best of the best.”  Applicants are evaluated on their education, industry experience, leadership, and community service.

The Mid-Atlantic edition focuses on Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.

 

ABOUT HRG

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is a nationally ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has grown to employ more than 200 people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.

Justin Mendinsky to Manage Harrisburg Water/Wastewater Group

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Justin MendinskyHerbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) has promoted Justin Mendinsky to manage its Harrisburg-area water and wastewater group.  Mendinsky previously served as a team leader in the group and will continue to serve key clients while he takes on new responsibilities overseeing project delivery, operations, business development, and staff training.

Mendinsky joined HRG in 2004 and was named a shareholder of the firm in 2017.  He has a master’s degree in environmental engineering and is a registered professional engineer.  He is also a member of several leading industry organizations, including the Central Pennsylvania Water Quality Association and the Eastern Pennsylvania Water Pollution Control Operators Association.  He is chairman of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association’s Engineering and Construction Committee.

Mendinsky’s manager, Ed Ellinger, says, “Justin is known by his fellow employees for his technical capabilities, positive attitude and enthusiasm.  These qualities will make him a great leader for this group.”

 

ABOUT HRG

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is a nationally ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has grown to employ more than 200 people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.

Josh Fox Promoted to Practice Area Leader

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Josh FoxHerbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is pleased to announce that Josh Fox, P.E., has been promoted to practice area leader for the firm’s Water and Wastewater Group.

He will have four areas of primary responsibility: vision and strategy, professional development of staff, project delivery, and business development. As the leader of the Water and Wastewater Group, he will translate technical and regulatory trends into a coherent strategy for meeting the needs of public and private sector utilities.  He will also empower staff to execute that strategy through communication, culture, and professional development initiatives.  He will ensure all projects are delivered in conformance with the firm’s Quality Management Plan and will continue to serve as project manager for key clients and complex projects.  In addition, he will support business development activities across HRG’s entire service area.

“As practice area leader, Josh will oversee all aspects of how HRG serves the water and wastewater industry, while maintaining the relationships he has already built with our clients as a project manager.  This is a significant responsibility,” Chief Operating Officer Andrew Kenworthy says, “but he is ready for the task.  Josh is extremely focused and organized, and he always performs above expectations.  His thoughtfulness and committed work ethic have earned him the respect of our water and wastewater team, making him an effective leader for the group.”

Fox is a licensed professional engineer with 12 years of experience in the design of water and wastewater systems.  He has a master of business administration degree from Norwich University and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering technology from The Pennsylvania College of Technology. He is also an infantry captain in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

 

ABOUT HRG

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is a nationally ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has grown to employ more than 200 people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.

 

Jason Hinz Promoted to Regional Manager of Civil Engineering

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Jason HinzHerbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is pleased to announce that Jason Hinz, P.E., has been named regional manager of the civil engineering group in its Harrisburg office. Hinz previously served as a project manager in this group and has been with the firm for six years.

He has both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and close to a decade of experience with municipal engineering and water quality improvements. He provides municipal engineering representation to Lower Paxton Township, Londonderry Township, Derry Township, and Hummelstown Borough and has consulted on a wide variety of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and municipal parks.  However, his primary focus is on stormwater management, drainage, stream restoration, and water quality.  He also assists the private sector with meeting stormwater and water quality regulatory requirements on site development initiatives.

Matt Bonanno, the civil engineering practice area leader at HRG, says, “Jason is a true team player who has wide-ranging knowledge of all the services we offer. He is well-known to our many municipal and private sector clients and is well-positioned to continue the civil group’s growth and success here in the Harrisburg area.”

Jason is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania.

 

ABOUT HRG

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is a nationally ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has grown to employ more than 200 people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.

 

Ed Ellinger Named Assistant Vice President

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Edward A. Ellinger, P.E.Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is pleased to announce that Edward A. Ellinger, P.E., has been named assistant vice president of HRG’s Harrisburg office, a position that was introduced as part of HRG’s succession plan and organizational changes that were announced in October and go into effect in January 2019.

Currently a practice area leader in charge of the firm’s water and wastewater services, Ellinger will transition to new duties managing the firm’s operations throughout the Harrisburg region. This includes ensuring the continued delivery of high quality service to its public and private sector clients across all divisions, supporting business development, and encouraging the growth and development of nearly 100 employee-owners based in the firm’s Harrisburg location.

Ellinger joined the firm in 2001 as a project manager and has contributed greatly to the growth of its water and wastewater service group. He was previously promoted to regional manager of water and wastewater services for Harrisburg in 2003 and practice area leader in charge of the water and wastewater service group companywide in 2010.

Jason Fralick, who was recently named HRG’s company president beginning in January 2019 says:

“Ed is recognized by his peers in the industry and at HRG for his technical expertise and his leadership ability. He has their respect and trust, and I know he will do a great job positioning HRG for continued growth and success in the Harrisburg area.”

 

Ellinger holds a bachelor’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University and is a registered professional engineer in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

 

ABOUT HRG

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is a nationally ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has grown to employ more than 200 people in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.

 

Cumberland County Receives Safety Award for Craighead Bridge

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Cumberland County has been recognized with a Road & Bridge Safety Award for the Craighead Bridge replacement project. The award is given jointly each year by the Pennsylvania Highway Information Association, County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, and PennDOT to the best road and bridge safety improvement projects undertaken by county governments across the state.

The county’s director of planning, Kirk Stoner, accepted the award on behalf of the commissioners at the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Conference in Gettysburg yesterday.

Craighead Bridge Wins County Road and Bridge Safety Award

(From left) Jason W. Wagner, Managing Director, Pennsylvania Highway Information Association; Brian D. Emberg, retired Senior Vice President, Herbert Rowland and Grubic, Inc.; Kirk Stoner, AICP, Director of Planning, Cumberland County; Fred Thompson, Vice President, Kinsley Construction; Phil Royer, Estimator/Project Manager, Kinsley Construction; James D. Ritzman, PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Planning; and County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania President and Lancaster County Commissioner Dennis Stuckey.

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. designed the replacement bridge for Cumberland County, which improves safety for local residents in several ways:

  • The new bridge is stronger and replaces one with more than 100 years of wear and tear.
  • The new bridge can safely carry two lanes of traffic, where the previous bridge could only carry one.
  • Back-ups and rear-end collisions had occurred frequently at the original bridge and have been eliminated by the new bridge.
  • The replacement bridge was built on a new alignment that gives drivers a better view of oncoming traffic.
  • The new bridge has a flared intersection where Zion Road meets Old York Road. This makes it easier for drivers to turn onto and off of the bridge.
  • The new bridge has no weight restrictions, and its improved sight distance and turning radii make it easier for emergency vehicles, school buses, and delivery trucks to reach local residents.

The original Craighead Bridge held a special place in the heart of the community and is even featured on the South Middleton Township seal. The county struck a deal with a non-profit organization to preserve the original bridge for bike and pedestrian use, so that future generations can continue to connect with this historic fixture along the Yellow Breeches creek. Local residents get the safety and convenience of a modern bridge while preserving the charm and memories of the original bridge.

Craighead Bridge before replacement

Original Bridge

Craighead Bridge

New Bridge

 

ABOUT CUMBERLAND COUNTY

Cumberland County is the fastest growing county in the Commonwealth and offers the perfect mix of small town,
suburban and rural living. Established in 1750, Cumberland County consistently maintains one of the lowest tax
and unemployment rates in the State, while providing exceptional services for its more than 250,000 residents. More
information on Cumberland County can be found at www.ccpa.net

ABOUT HRG
HRG is a nationally ranked Top 500 Design Firm, providing civil engineering, surveying and environmental services to public and private sector clients. The 200-person employee-owned firm currently has office locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.

HRG Clients Obtain $35 Million in Latest Round of PENNVEST Funding

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HRG helped our clients obtain more than $35 million in grants and loans from the most recent round of funding announced by PENNVEST this month. More than a third of the funding PENNVEST announced is going to clients HRG helped apply to the program.

The following grant and loan recipients received application assistance from HRG:

Houtzdale Municipal Authority in Clearfield County
The authority received a $22 million loan to replace 185,000 feet of waterline and 1,200 service lines and meter pits. This project will address water loss and ensure reliability of the system. (Our State College office manager Jeff Garrigan will be presenting this project at the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities’ Conference this September alongside Houtzdale’s plant superintendant John Gallagher. Be sure to attend this workshop for valuable advice on controlling non-revenue water loss.)

Stoneboro Borough in Mercer County
The borough received a $2.6 million loan and $2.9 million grant to install a new storage reservoir and replace 19,500 feet of waterline, fire hydrants, and service connections.

Clarion Borough in Clarion County
The borough received a $684,078 loan and $1.2 million grant to install 22 storm water inlets and 2,835 feet of corrugated metal pipe to connect with the existing conveyance system. The work will help to prevent recurrent flooding of homes and businesses.

Lower Swatara Township in Dauphin County
The township received a $5 million loan to replace a 48-inch outfall and install 7,245 feet of new storm sewer, along with 210 feet of drainage swales. This project will also help to prevent the flooding of private properties.

(The full list of grant and loan recipients is available in this press release from Governor Wolfe.)

HRG’s financial services team has extensive experience applying for and winning grant and loan assistance from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. Over the years, we have obtained more than $500 million in grants and loans for our clients from this program, and we can help you find grant and loan opportunities for your water, sewer, and stormwater projects.

Contact a member of our Financial Services Team to discuss grant and loan opportunities for your community.

Erin Threet Receives High Hat Award from the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association

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News: Erin Threet Accepts High Hat AwardThe Pennsylvania Water Environment Association honored Erin Threet with the Ted Moses High Hat Award at its annual award ceremony Monday night. The award is given each year to individuals who have excelled at promoting the association and its programs.

Threet manages the Lewisburg office of Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., and serves the firm’s water and wastewater system clients as a project manager. She is also currently the president of the Central Pennsylvania Water Quality Association, a local chapter of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association.

Threet has been an active member of the organization since 2006. Over the years, she has served on various committees as the local level, including the Young Professionals, Electric Communication, and Awards committees.

“Being involved with these organizations has given me the opportunity to work with some of the brightest and most passionate professionals in the water quality industry,” Threet says. “I’m very humbled to be chosen for this honor from such an esteemed group of my peers.”

Each year, the names of the High Hat award winners are added to a hat, bearing the names of all the previous years’ winners. The original hat was purchased in a pawn shop in 1935, but a second hat was purchased for the addition of new names when there was no longer room for recipients to sign the original hat. The recipients of the award are officially initiated into the “Sludge Shovelers Society” as part of the ceremony.

The award is named after Ted Moses, the first secretary of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association.

 

ABOUT THE PENNSYLVANIA WATER ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION

The Pennsylvania Water Environment Association was founded in 1926 to advance the preservation, protection and improvement of water resources. It provides accredited training to industry professionals and publishes a quarterly magazine spotlighting industry news, noteworthy projects, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit the association’s website at pwea.org

ABOUT HRG

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is a nationally ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has grown to employ more than 200 people in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio.  For more information, please visit the website at https://hrg-inc.com/.