Justin Mendinsky to Manage Harrisburg Water/Wastewater Group

/in , /by

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

/in /by

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

/in , /by

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

/in , /by

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

/in , /by

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

/in , , , /by

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

/in , /by

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/.

HRG Receives National Award for Communications Excellence from ESOP Association

/in /by
HRG wins ESOP Association Annual Award for Communication Excellence

Jason Fralick, Kara Smith, Bob Grubic, and Laura Williams attended the ceremony to accept the award.

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) was honored last night at the ESOP Association’s Annual Awards for Communications Excellence (AACE) ceremony in Washington, D.C. HRG received an award for employee ownership marketing.  This award recognizes achievements in advertising the benefits of employee ownership to customers, the community, and the general public.

HRG became an employee-owned company in 2008. The firm has an ESOP Advisory Committee that engages employee owners in decision-making and actively promotes the benefits of ownership to both internal and external audiences. Our status as an employee-owned company is listed on our logo, business cards, letterhead, and corporate brochure.  The benefits of employee ownership (to our employees and to our clients) are touted on our corporate website, intranet, and social media channels. The firm even produced a video in which employees explained what HRG and employee ownership means to them.

“Employee ownership is key to HRG’s identity,” according to company president Robert Grubic. “We believe employee ownership motivates our employees to innovate and continuously improve the quality of our services and our operational efficiencies. It also creates an atmosphere of equality among all team members that fosters cooperation instead of competition.

AACE Award winners are chosen by a panel of five judges made up of both management and non-management employee owners, each of whom has demonstrated active experience and interest in the field of ESOPs and employee ownership communications. Awards are based on: overall quality and quantity of employee owner education, contributions of employee owners, integration of the ESOP into company culture, frequency of ownership communications, involvement of employee owners, encouragement of ownership attitudes, clear explanations, creative ideas, graphic design, and technical quality.

 

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.

 

ABOUT THE ESOP ASSOCIATION

The ESOP Association is the national trade association for companies with employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) and the leading voice in America for employee ownership. The core belief of the ESOP Association is that employee ownership will improve American competitiveness, increase productivity through greater employee participation, and strengthen our fee enterprise economy.  For more information about the ESOP Association, visit their website at www.esopassociation.org

 

HRG Moves Up 26 Spots on ENR’s Top 500 Design Firms List

/in /by

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) continued its rise through the rankings of the nation’s top design firms this year. The firm will be listed at number 408 in Engineering News-Record’s annual list, which hits newsstands this week. HRG will be listed at number 40 in Engineering News-Record’s Mid-Atlantic Region top design firm list, which is up three spots from the previous year.

Engineering News-Record (ENR) is a leading trade journal for architects, engineers, and contractors. It compiles its Top 500 Design Firms list annually based on the revenue that firms earned in the preceding year.

This is the third year in a row that HRG has increased its ranking on the list, thanks to steadily increasing revenue. The firm grossed more than $30 million for the first time in 2017 and is on track for continued growth in 2018.

Bob Grubic quote about 2018 ENR Top 500

 

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.

 

 

 

Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Wins Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence

/in , , , , /by

The Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA) received the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence at a ceremony in Harrisburg on April 11, 2018. WVSA was honored for spearheading an innovative, regional approach to stormwater management that is saving municipalities in Luzerne County millions of dollars on their regulatory compliance and pollutant reduction efforts.  Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) helped WVSA develop this approach.

 

Hundreds of communities across Pennsylvania are required to apply for a permit under the state Department of Environmental Protection’s MS4 program. This program is designed to manage stormwater runoff to prevent pollutants from entering our watersheds and reduce the risk of flooding. The latest round of permitting requires many communities to cut the level of pollutants they discharge to a particular watershed by as much as 10% over the next five years. The cost of producing and implementing these pollutant reduction plans can be too much for many local governments whose budgets are already stretched thin.

With that in mind, WVSA asked HRG to prepare a feasibility study focused on whether regional cooperation among all the municipalities in the county could lower the cost of compliance.  According to HRG’s study, the approach will indeed save participating municipalities more than $200 million over the next 20 years.  Some savings come from sharing the cost of planning and other fixed expenses, but the biggest savings come from the construction of best management practices meant to help the communities reach their pollutant reduction goals. Working together, the municipalities can construct fewer, more effective projects that do a better job of reducing pollution for a lower cost than municipalities would be able to achieve on their own.

 

 

Toby Creek Impoundment

How Municipalities in the Wyoming Valley are Cutting Stormwater Management Costs by up to 90%

Learn more about this excerpt from an article about WVSA’s stormwater program in The Authority magazine. The first in a series of articles on WVSA, this piece discusses the many ways regional cooperation will save municipalities money over the next five years.

 

ABOUT THE WYOMING VALLEY SANITARY AUTHORITY

The Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (WVSA) has been providing wastewater treatment service for residents of Luzerne County since 1962. WVSA’s service area includes 35 municipalities from Harveys Lake to Pittston to Newport Township. Learn more about the authority and its services at www.wvsa.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 West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.  For more information, please visit the website at www.hrg-inc.com.