Erin Threet Featured in National ENR Top 20 Under 40 List

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Engineering News-Record magazine has published its 2019 Top 20 Under 40 list, and our very own assistant vice president Erin Threet is on the list!

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 nine regional editions.

Each of these regions selects 20 outstanding professionals based on their education, industry experience, leadership and community service. Erin was featured in the Mid-Atlantic region’s list in February.

From this pool of regional winners, ENR selects 20 as the “best of the best” across the nation.

Erin received news that she was selected for this prestigious honor in April, and it was a great way to start the week as she opened her email one Monday morning.

“I was surprised and excited and flattered all at once,” Erin says.

But the excitement was only beginning.

In June, ENR invited Erin and the other honorees to New York City for an awards luncheon and photo shoot. Erin describes the exhilarating experience in the video below:

Erin loves New York City and even dreamed of moving there after college. Though she has been there before, she said she got to see a few parts of the city on this trip that she’d never seen in previous visits.  In particular, a rooftop used for the photo shoot provided an amazing view of the Empire State Building, she says.

While in New York, the honorees were split into four groups to collaborate and discuss industry issues. Erin was selected for Team Productivity.  She and her fellow “think tank” members discussed alternate project delivery methods like design-build, integrated project delivery, advanced work packaging, and workface planning.

Some of the alternative project delivery methods are not allowed under current municipal bid regulation in Pennsylvania, so Erin enjoyed learning about processes she hasn’t used before.

The group also talked about the importance of communicating with clients and facility owners to help them understand why certain decisions are made and how those decisions directly benefit the project.

They also discussed the need to educate the general public about the value of infrastructure. “Something like the Got Milk campaign of the 90s,” Erin said. “This is something I’ve thought about before, so it was interesting to see that others across the country are also thinking about the issue.”

Team Productivity shared a lot of innovative ideas and best practices, and Erin said she is already applying what she learned on behalf of her clients.

(You can read more about Team Productivity and their panel discussion in this feature from Engineering News-Record magazine.)

The Top 20 Under 40 honor from ENR is just one of many Erin has received over the course of her career. Like many influential leaders, Erin believes success is all about the grind:

With that in mind, Erin returns to work with a fresh perspective but the same commitment to every day tasks that has produced great results this far: “I just want to keep on keepin’ on,” she says. “I want to continue to grow HRG and our staff here, so that we can serve clients well into the future. [And I want to] do that while maintaining a good work-life balance with the kiddoes and hubby at home.”

You can see more of Erin’s thoughts on the ENR honor, the people she got to meet as part of this experience, and the individuals who’ve helped her get where she is today in the videos below:

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.

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.

 

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/hrgtemp/.

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

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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.

Adrienne Vicari Named One of Central PA’s Top 40 Under 40

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Adrienne VicariThe Central Penn Business Journal named Adrienne Vicari to its 23nd annual Forty Under 40 list, which honors individuals for their commitment to business growth, professional excellence and the Central Pennsylvania community.  She and the other honorees will receive their award at a banquet on October 2 at the Hilton Harrisburg.

Adrienne is the financial services practice area leader at Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. She has more than 15 years of experience in financial consulting, project management and engineering design for municipal wastewater, water and stormwater clients. In her current role with the firm, she uses asset management and capital improvement planning as tools to complete long-range strategic financial planning for her clients.

But she began her career at HRG in a very different role: as a professional engineer designing water and wastewater treatment facilities. She quickly developed an interest in helping her water and wastewater clients obtain and manage their funding for capital improvement projects and transitioned into the firm’s financial service group. As communities have developed a growing need for increased stormwater management funding and utility valuation, she has become an industry leader in these areas, as well.

Russ McIntosh, a vice president of HRG, says:

“Adrienne is an unstoppable force. When she sees something needs done, she dives right in and gives it everything she has. She is extremely knowledgeable of the issues municipal water quality professionals face and very creative in addressing those challenges. There is nothing she can’t or won’t do to help her clients succeed.”

Adrienne Vicari volunteers for STEM educationThis dedication extends outside the office to the Central Pennsylvania community, as well. Adrienne encourages young people to achieve success in science, technology engineering, and math related fields by participating in STEM-related events like the “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” at the Whitaker Center. She also serves as a board member with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania organization and takes part in their annual STEM expo. In addition, she coaches Central Penn Mini Sticks field hockey and a Cumberland Valley softball 10U team.

She also co-founded a women’s volunteer group for West Shore mothers that encourages them to pursue diverse volunteer opportunities with their children. The group has had a significant impact on mid-state organizations such as Caitlin Smiles, Leg Up Farm, Ronald McDonald House, Dress for Success, and others.

 

ABOUT HRG

Originally founded in 1962, HRG has grown to be 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.

 

Premier Projects: Dauphin County Honors Middletown Sewer & Cal Ripken Field

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Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is pleased to announce that two of our projects have been selected by Dauphin County in its annual Premier Projects award program.

Since its inception five years ago, the Dauphin County Premier Projects program has honored 23 projects that promote smart growth and spark revitalization throughout the region.  Among this year’s six honorees, HRG provided engineering services for two of them: the replacement of sanitary sewer facilities in Middletown’s downtown business district and the construction of a state-of-the-art youth baseball field at the Harrisburg Boys and Girls Club.

 

Middletown Sewer Replacement

Premier Project 2017: Middletown Sewer Replacement

(Left to right) County Commissioners Mike Pries and George Hartwick,III, HRG Staff Professional Staci Hartz, Middletown Public Works Superintendant Ken Klinepeter, and Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Tim Reardon

 

The replacement of Middletown’s sanitary sewer lines played a crucial role in promoting renewed economic development along South Union Street, which is the heart of the borough’s business district.  Some of the sewer mains in this area were close to 100 years old and had deteriorated enough that community and business leaders feared a collapse could endanger streetscape improvements in the area.  This project successfully replaced aging infrastructure and eliminated a cross-connection between the borough’s sanitary and stormwater systems that had caused several sewage overflows near Hoffer Park as well as sanitary sewer back-ups in businesses along South Union Street. Without excess water entering the system during wet weather events, the sewer authority has additional capacity available and is able to extend service to nearby growing communities in Londonderry Township and Lower Swatara Township (which, in turn, can promote further economic development in those areas, as well.)

 

Cal Ripken Senior Youth Development Park

Premier Project; Cal Ripken Field

(Left to right) County Commissioners Mike Pries and George Hartwick,III, HRG Eastern Region Vice President Andrew Kenworthy, Harrisburg Boys and Girls Club Director of Development Blake Lynch, and Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Executive Director Tim Reardon

The Cal Ripken Senior Youth Development Park at the Harrisburg Boys and Girls Club provides recreation and character development opportunities for disadvantaged youth.  The park was funded through the Cal Ripken Senior Foundation, which supports the development of baseball and softball programs in distressed communities.  This initial donation inspired other businesses and community organizations to pledge their own financial support for the athletic facility and its programs, which include Little League, a summer soccer program, speed and agility camps, flag football, and lacrosse.

The facility is located in an economically disadvantaged section of the city and is the only active athletic field available for youth in that area.  As such, it offers kids a safe space for recreation to keep kids busy and engaged in healthy pursuits.

 

ABOUT HRG

Originally founded in 1962, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) has grown to be 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.

Justin Mendinsky Named One of Engineering’s Top Young Professionals

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Bob Grubic presents ENR Mid-Atlantic Honors to Justin Mendinsky

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

Mendinsky is a team leader for the water and wastewater service group at Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. He has gained national attention for his work on the award-winning wastewater to energy project at Milton Regional Sewer Authority’s wastewater treatment facility. This $55 million project uses innovative technology to convert the highly concentrated wastewater from local manufacturing facilities into biogas that can generate electricity to power operations at the plant.  In addition to producing its own renewable energy, the newly upgraded treatment plant produces pelletized biosolids that can be sold for agricultural purposes, lowering waste management costs and providing an extra revenue stream.

As the manager of this project, Mendinsky has been invited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to speak at a national rural development conference and interviewed by major publications such as Energy and Infrastructure magazine.

However, Mendinsky’s leadership in the industry goes beyond just one project. He also currently oversees more than $1.5 million in water and wastewater engineering services each year, including all of the work associated with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s water and wastewater facilities.

In addition, he is 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 also chairman of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association’s Engineering and Construction Committee.

Mendinsky is a leader in his community, as well. He actively participates in events for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County.  He is also a member of the General and Occupational Advisory Committee at Carlisle High School.  This committee develops programs that help students meet the demands of the 21st century workforce.

Mendinsky’s manager, Ed Ellinger, says, “Justin is known by his fellow employees for his positive attitude and enthusiasm. He continues to inspire others to adopt his philosophy that potential is limitless.”

 

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

Originally founded in 1962, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) has grown to be 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.