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Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve Honored as Top Project

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The Central Penn Business Journal has named recent enhancements to the Vincent DiFilippo Nature Preserve one of the region’s Top Projects. HRG worked with Silver Spring Township to restore wetlands and meadows, add new riparian buffer plantings, increase parking, and add a boat launch at the preserve. These improvements simultaneously help the township meet its MS4 pollutant reduction plan goals and nurture wildlife while improving the recreational experience for township residents.

 

Shawn Fabian with Silver Spring Township's Jennifer Groller, Carl Machamer, and Scott Maldonado at the Central Penn Business Journal Top Projects Award ceremony

Shawn Fabian with Silver Spring Township’s Jennifer Groller, Carl Machamer, and Scott Maldonado

 

The nature preserve was already a popular place for birdwatching and nature walks, but, thanks to this project, it now has more shade, more wildlife viewing opportunities, and more aesthetically pleasing views with colorful flowers and plantings that simultaneously reduce watershed pollution. It is a bit of a natural oasis in the middle of one of the state’s most rapidly growing suburbs, and the boat launch creates a new convenient access point to one of the region’s treasured recreational amenities: the Conodoguinet Creek Water Trail. An expanded parking area makes it all more accessible to users, allows for buses to more easily turn around in the parking area to facilitate environmental education programing, and created two new ADA compliant parking spots for easier trail and boat launch access.

The project is a great example of how investments in the environment and recreational amenities go hand-in-hand where there is smart planning and thoughtful design. Silver Spring Township has made wise investments in long-term planning, so that each project they do – big or small – supports the community’s long-term goals. These plans have helped them attract extensive grant funding, including more than $252,000 for the nature preserve enhancements in addition to the grant funding that the Chesapeake Bay Foundation brought to the table from grants they secured for the riparian buffer along the Conodoguinet Creek onsite.

We’re grateful to work with Silver Spring Township and be a part of great projects like this. Congratulations to the township on this recognition and to all of the project partners, including the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, LandStudies, and KLA Roofing & Construction. Thank you to Shawn Fabian and everyone on the HRG team who contributed their time and talent to making this a successful project, including Aaron Moyer, JJ Robinson, Jake Hoffman, Eric Fleisher, Terry Meek, Katie Valla, Lauren Zumbrun.

HRG Names New Chief Operations Officer and Chief Services Officer

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HRG has named Ed Ellinger its Chief Operations Officer and Josh Fox its Chief Services Officer.

Ellinger most recently served as assistant vice president, directing daily operations, project delivery, and business development throughout Central Pennsylvania.  His new position as Chief Operations Officer expands his influence across the entire organizational footprint, driving productivity, quality, and project delivery through accountability metrics and implementation of operational policies, practices, and standards for all offices and service groups.  He is well-known and trusted by HRG’s clients and his colleagues for his technical skill and business leadership.  He first joined the firm in 2001 as a project manager in the water and wastewater service group, steadily increasing his responsibility and ultimately managing the group as practice area leader for six years before he moved into his operational role as assistant vice president.  He was succeeded as practice area leader by Fox, who will now establish a new role at HRG as the firm’s first Chief Services Officer.

Fox has been serving HRG’s water and wastewater utility clients since 2006. Like Ellinger, he earned increasing responsibility as a project manager, then group manager and practice area leader managing project delivery and business development for water and wastewater projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. He is known for his deep commitment to his clients, his team members, and the community.  He is an active member of organizations like the American Public Works Association, the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association, and the Pennsylvania American Water Works Association (PA AWWA) and has recently retired from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. As Chief Services Officer, Fox will drive new business opportunities, expansion into new markets, and diversification of the firm’s service portfolio.

“HRG is experiencing record-breaking revenue growth this year, and we have established a long-range vision for even more growth and expansion throughout the decade,” HRG’s President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Fralick says. “We want to preserve the quality and personalized service that have helped us succeed this far, while increasing capacity and building a framework for scalability to achieve that vision.  Ed and Josh know HRG’s values and history very well, and they have strong relationships with all of our stakeholders.  They also have a great sense of where we want to go and have great ideas for how to get us there.  I’m excited to work with them.”

ABOUT HRG

HRG assists with the planning, design, and management of community infrastructure. The firm optimizes places for health, prosperity, and enjoyment with a focus on long-term value. The foundation of their work is civil engineering, but they have diverse expertise in community planning and management, landscape architecture, environmental compliance, and sustainability. For more information, visit their website at www.hrg-inc.com

Aaron Moyer Named One of Central PA’s Top Forty under 40

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Congratulations to our civil team leader Aaron Moyer, who has been named one of Central Pennsylvania’s top Forty Under 40 professionals.  This list is compiled annually by the Central Penn Business Journal to recognize high-achieving young leaders based on their professional accomplishments, community service, and commitment to inspiring change.

Aaron Moyer accepts his recognition as one of Central Pennsylvania's Top Forty under 40

Aaron seamlessly blends advanced technical knowledge with creativity, empathy, and good humor to positively impact local communities.  His work helps them restore streams, improve local roadways, manage growth, and acquire millions of dollars in funding to keep costs low for residents.  He is passionate about public policy and has written multiple local laws to reduce regulatory burdens on residents, simplify land development procedures, and improve water quality.  He also participated in an advisory committee that helped PADEP craft the next round of MS4 regulations.

In his spare time, he plants trees, participates in stream clean-ups, and donates engineering services to non-profits.

Aaron and the other honorees will be profiled in the October 27 edition of the Central Penn Business Journal. You can see the full list at: https://www.cpbj.com/event/forty-under-40/

Adrienne Vicari and Staci Hartz Honored at Women of Influence Ceremony

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Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to attend the Central Penn Business Journal’s Women of Influence ceremony and celebrate an impressive group of accomplished and community-minded women from across the region.  They were chosen among more than 130 nominations because of their professional achievements, community involvement, and inspiring nature. We’re in awe of all of them but especially happy to see three in particular receive this recognition: Adrienne Vicari, Staci Hartz, and Mary Wagner Fox, all members of HRG’s extended family.

 

Staci Hartz, Chris Hartz, Ed Ellinger, Josh Fox, Mary Fox, Adrienne Vicari, and Pat Dennis celebrate at the Central Penn Business Journal Women of Influence award dinner.

(L-R) Staci Hartz, Chris Hartz, Ed Ellinger, Josh Fox, Mary Fox, Adrienne Vicari, and Pat Dennis

 

Staci is an engineer in our water and wastewater group who designs water distribution systems. She is also the group’s leading expert on hydraulic modeling and closely monitors drinking water regulation to advise her colleagues on impacts to our clients. Her empathy and strong communication skills make her a go-to source for information and fuel her passion for community service with her church, local food bank, and various tree planting events. She was honored as a Woman to Watch.

Adrienne is the practice area leader of our Strategic Management & Capital Solutions group and an innovative thinker whose work has received local, state, and national awards.  She is also chair of the board of directors for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania and actively involved in the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association Women Innovation Networking Group, two groups that give her the opportunity to support and mentor women of all ages.

Mary is the first female executive director of the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission and wife of our water & wastewater group manager, Josh Fox.  She investigates violations of the State Ethics Act and educates local governments on how to comply with the act.  She previously served as the assistant chief counsel for the state Department of General Services, the state Office of Inspector General and the state Ethics Commission, but she is particularly proud of her work implementing PA’s Small, Small Diverse, and Veteran Business programs.

Both Adrienne and Mary were honored as Women of Influence.

Please join us in congratulating Adrienne, Staci, Mary, and all of this year’s honorees.

Regional Stormwater Collaborations Win Governor’s Awards

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We had the pleasure of attending a ceremony yesterday day for this year’s recipients of the Governor’s Award for Local Government Excellence.  Two of our clients were being honored for regional stormwater management collaborations we helped them develop.

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s Water Resources Enhancement Program (WREP) was recognized as an “Innovative Community/Government Initiative.”  This program brings Dauphin County and its member municipalities together to pursue regional water quality goals, reduce flooding, and lower the cost of stormwater management for participating communities. It is voluntary and flexible: local governments can choose from one of three levels of participation based on their own unique needs. Participating municipalities are estimated to save between 60 – 90% through their involvement, depending on which level they choose.

Erin Letavic joins the team accepting its award for the Dauphin County Water Resources Enhancement Program on stage.

The Southwest Butler Stormwater Planning Group was recognized for “Innovative Planning and Sound Land Use Practices.”  This group is a collaboration between Butler County and ten municipalities to reduce historic flooding in the Lower Conoquenessing Creek Watershed.  HRG conducted a study to identify problem areas and recommend strategies to reduce flood risk.  We worked with the county and municipalities to develop an equitable cost-share agreement and are currently working on design and permitting for several of the suggested projects.

The Southwest Butler Stormwater Planning Group accepts their Governor's Award for Local Government Excellence.

These programs show the benefits of regional collaboration, and they also show how flexible it can be.  We worked extensively with participating communities to design unique programs that met their needs. Kudos to Butler and Dauphin Counties, the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, and all of the participating municipalities for their ability to work together for the betterment of the entire region.

And congratulations to the other winners at today’s ceremony!

Chris Dellinger Named Leader in Construction & Real Estate

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Chris Dellinger accepts an award for his leadership in the construction and real estate industry from Ernest Long, editor of the Central Penn Business JournalChris Dellinger was recently honored by the Central Penn Business Journal as one of the region’s Leaders in Construction & Real Estate.

The journal recognized 20 individuals and companies that its editors say are “changing the landscape of Central Pennsylvania through design, construction, engineering, lending, and innovation.” Dellinger and the other honorees were featured in the September 30 issue of the publication and received their award at a ceremony on October 27th.

Dellinger is a licensed professional engineer and a land development group manager at Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc (HRG).  His imprint is all over residential and commercial development throughout Central Pennsylvania and can be seen in recent projects like Meadow Lane Farms in North Cornwall Township, Heritage Business Park in Manchester Township, and the Hearthside at Cross Keys Senior Living in Oxford Township. He has also played a key role in the development of many of the warehouses and industrial developments along the I-81 corridor.

Andrew Kenworthy, HRG’s chief operating officer, has worked alongside Chris for more than 20 years and says this recognition is well deserved: “Chris approaches his role with pride and integrity. He understands the impact of construction on neighboring real estate and tries to provide solutions that accomplish the goals of the individual owner and the community as a whole. He always takes the natural environment into account, striving to avoid negative impacts to natural resources and complement local ecosystems.”

 

ABOUT HRG

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is an employee-owned, nationally-ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia

Viazanko Honored by Whitaker Center with Women in STEM Award

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Please join us in congratulating Andrea Viazanko, who was honored as a Woman to Watch at the Women in STEM Awards this week in Harrisburg.

The Whitaker Center named Andrea Viazanko a Woman to Watch at their annual Women in STEM Award ceremony in 2022.

Andrea was one of 12 women selected by the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts because of their significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Andrea is a GIS Analyst who works in our Harrisburg office.  She helps our clients use geospatial technology to make decisions about infrastructure, land use, and stormwater management.  Prior to joining HRG, she worked with PennDOT on transportation planning initiatives and PADEP on mapping for the state mine subsidence insurance program. When she’s not working, Andrea volunteers her time as president of the Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club.  She also previously volunteered with AmeriCorps and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

 

Erin Letavic Recognized by Central Penn Business Journal as a Woman of Influence

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Central Penn Business Journal  recognized Erin Letavic, a senior project manager at Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., as a 2022 Women of Influence honoree at a celebration at the Harrisburg Hilton on June 30. Erin is also profiled alongside other honorees in the publication’s June 24 issue.

Erin Letavic receives a plaque recognizing her as a Woman of Influence

Erin Letavic receives her Women of Influence recognition from Ernest Long, Central Penn Business Journal editor, and Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher for Bridgetower Media. (Photo by Markell DeLoatch for Bridgetower Media)

Women of Influence honors high-achieving women for their career accomplishments. They are selected based on their professional experience, community involvement, leadership and a commitment to mentoring.

Letavic is an accomplished civil engineer focused on water quality.  She was recently appointed by Governor Wolf to represent Pennsylvania on the Chesapeake Bay Program’s Science & Technical Advisory Committee, which offers technical guidance on policy and resources and facilitates cooperation between research institutions and agencies within the watershed.

She also serves as coordinator for more than a third of the counties participating in the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Countywide Action Program.  In this role, she brings together a diverse coalition of stakeholders – from agriculture, industry, education, local government, and environmental non-profits – to meet Chesapeake Bay nutrient and sediment reduction goals.

 

Jason Hinz, a group manager at Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc., says, “Erin is a creative thinker who inspires people to push boundaries to achieve big goals. She has a quiet, approachable leadership style that gives team members a sense of calm confidence in the path ahead, and I can’t think of anyone who deserves this recognition as a Woman of Influence more than she does.”

Jordan Baker, Jason Hinz, and Ed Ellinger celebrate with Erin Letavic and her husband at the Women of Influence ceremony

Jordan Baker, Jason Hinz, Ed Ellinger, Erin Letavic, and Steve Letavic have dinner together at the Women of Influence ceremony.

About Central Penn Business Journal

Celebrating 37 years of journalistic excellence, Central Penn Business Journal is a multimedia news source that publishes a regular print and online edition and breaks news daily on its website, CPBJ.com. In addition, Central Penn Business Journal publishes special focus sections and products throughout the year including Reader Rankings, Fastest Growing Companies and Best Places to Work in PA. Central Penn Business Journal also honors leading Pennsylvanians through nine annual awards events including Health Care Heroes, Women of Influence, Forty Under 40 and Game Changers and facilitates thoughtful discussion with market leaders through its webinar series. Its Digital Marketing Solutions helps customers with social media, search engine marketing and optimization, retargeting, email marketing and more. Central Penn Business Journal is part of BridgeTower Media, one of the country’s leading business-to-business media companies with more than 40 print and digital publications in more than 25 U.S. markets.

 

About Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc.

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) is an employee-owned, nationally ranked design firm providing civil engineering, surveying, and environmental services. The firm was founded in Harrisburg in 1962 and has offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. More information is available at their website www.hrg-inc.com

Bridgeport Transportation and Land Use Study Receives Planning Award

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HRG was part of a team that was honored this week at the Places 2040 Planning Leadership Awards. Our project, the Bridgeport Transportation and Land Use Study, was recognized in the Thinking Beyond Borders category. Thinking Beyond Borders is one of five “Big Ideas” in Lancaster County’s comprehensive plan (otherwise known as places2040). It promotes cooperation across traditional boundaries to achieve regional goals, and the Bridgeport Transportation and Land Use Study exemplifies this approach.

Bridgeport began as a historic village and gateway for travel between Lancaster’s city neighborhoods and its rural landscapes, dating as far back as the 1800s. Today, it encompasses portions of four municipalities: the City of Lancaster and East Lampeter, West Lampeter, and Lancaster Townships. These four municipalities worked together on a shared vision for the area’s transportation infrastructure, trails, and land use policies in order to enhance walkability, reduce congestion, and create vibrant spaces for the community to enjoy.

HRG provided transportation planning services and cost estimates for the creation of this study. Derck & Edson led public engagement and provided streetscape and land planning services. Town Planning Partnership, LLC, assisted with land planning and public engagement. All municipalities and the Lancaster County Planning Department provided representatives for the steering committee. Over 800 local community members provided essential input/feedback as part of the planning effort.

We’re humbled to be recognized among so many great projects at the Places 2040 award ceremony, and we’re thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this project team.

Bridgeport Transportationa and Land Use Study team accepts the Places2040 planning leadership award

(L-R) Bob Shenk, Steve Hackett (Derck & Edson), Ryan Hostetter (HRG), Cindy McCormick (City of Lancaster), Tara Hitchens (East Lampeter Township), Mark Evans (Derck & Edson, Town Planning Partners), Terry Martin (Lancaster County Planning Commission), Ben Bamford (Lancaster County Planning Commission)

 

 

Bob Grubic Receives Professional Achievement Award from Villanova University

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Please join us in congratulating our CEO Bob Grubic, who recently received a Professional Achievement Award from Villanova University’s College of Engineering. He’s shown here with Dr. Michele Marcolongo, the Dean of the College of Engineering at Villanova, who presented the award to him.

Bob Grubic accepts a Professional Achievement Award from Dr. Michele Marcolongo, the Dean of the College of Engineering at Villanova.

Bob was chosen for this honor by the University’s Engineering Alumni Society, and his name will be featured with past and future honorees on a wall of plaques outside the civil engineering classrooms.

He graduated from Villanova in 1973 and immediately joined a small Harrisburg-based engineering firm by the name of Herbert Associates. Today, that firm bears his name and has grown to employ more than 300 engineers, planners, landscape architects, surveyors, environmental scientists, and financial specialists in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. His work as an engineer has helped to shape the infrastructure of Harrisburg and the surrounding area for almost 50 years, and we are all so happy to see him get this recognition from an institution that helped to shape the engineer and business leader he has become. Congratulations, Bob!