News
Kurtis ''Kurt'' J. Mayer Passed Away - Former ACEC/MN Active Member
Mayer, Kurtis “Kurt” J.June 15, 1942 -September 8, 2021 Kurtis “Kurt”James Mayer, age 79, Waite Park, MN died Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at his home in Waite Park.Per Kurt’s wishes private family services were held.Burial will be in the Sacred Heart/ Arban Cemetery, Holdingford, MN.Funeral arrangements were made by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.Kurt was born June 15, 1942 in Minneapolis, MN to Urbin and Josephine (Matter) Mayer. He grew up in lower Northeast Minneapolis where he attended Edison High
TKDA's Rusty Steitz named Facilities Engineering VP
September 16, 2021 For immediate releaseTKDA’S Rusty Steitz named Facilities Engineering VP SAINT PAUL, Minn. — TKDA, an employee-owned provider of engineering, architectural and planning consulting services, is proud to announce that Peter (Rusty) Steitz, PE, has been promoted to vice president of the firm’s Facilities Engineering Division. Steitz has provided management and engineering services for projects in the energy, heavy industrial, and manufacturing markets for more than 20 years. During that
Douglas Barr Passed Away - Former ACEC/MN Board Member
Barr, Douglas W.Age 98, of Minneapolis, passed away September 4, 2021. He was loved and respected by many and will be truly missed by all who knew him.Doug was born to Arthur and Eva Barr August 13, 1923, grew up on a family farm in Wood Lake MN, excelled in studies and sports in his small-town high school and then went on to Harvard. After only one year there, WWII broke out and he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, studied Meteorology at University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin, after which he was
Alliant hires MnDOT veteran leader Peter Harff as Associate and Project Manager in the Midwest Region
(MINNEAPOLIS – September 9, 2021) – Engineering consulting firm Alliant has hired industry expert Peter Harff, PE as Associate and Project Manager focused on expanding business in the Midwest region. The Mankato-based engineer will develop and maintain business relationships with transportation engineering and local government clients. In this new role, Mankato-based Harff will focus on expanding the firm’s offerings in the southwest part of Minnesota. “We’re thrilled to have Peter on board and look forward
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Longtime supporter of ACEC/MN, Robert Barry Whiteaker (ESI Engineering Inc.) Passed Away
Barry Whiteaker (77) of Bloomington died on August 24 of complications following coronary bypass surgery. Barry’s sudden decline after an apparently successful operation shocked and surprised his family and many friends who had been looking forward to spending time with him as he recovered and had hoped to be able to enjoy his warm, intelligent, and supportive presence for many more years.Barry is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Roberta (Bobbie), son, Paul and many friends and family. Services
Betty Wolfangle Passed Away
Wolfangle, Betty Age 97, entered her eternal home on August 30, 2021. Preceded in death by husband, Douglas; parents, Otto & Madge Kaiser. Betty was the wife of Doug Wolfangle, past-president of ACEC/MN. Doug led the engineering section of Ellerbe (the second largest Architectural firm in the US at the time). Doug died a few years ago. Doug led the annual planning process for a number of years and it was through this effort that the association instituted a number of actions that pushed it in new
KLJ Names Fritz Chief Administrative Officer
NEWS RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KLJ Names Fritz Chief Administrative Officer August 30, 2021 – KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ), is proud to announce Martin Fritz as the company’s chief administrative officer (CAO). In this role, Fritz is responsible for overall operations of the company, including the company’s safety programs and procedures, strategy development, legal, risk management, insurance, office/facilities leasing and construction, and related administrative management. He joined KLJ in the
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MN Transportation Conference & Expo - Call for Presenters
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS It's time for the premier conference of the region to return and we want you to be the star of the show. That's right, the Minnesota Transportation Conference & Expo, scheduled for March 1 - 2, 2022 and held in the Saint Paul RiverCentre, is officially calling for presentations by the best and the brightest in the industry. An exciting part of the return is the introduction of new planners and significant changes to the format and function of the event. Updates on registration,
Robert Philip Sands Passed Away
Sands, Robert PhilipOur dearly beloved Bob, age 78, of Bloomington, died on March 8, 2021. Bob grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from West High. He worked at Edwards and Kelcey and then acquired by Jacobs Engineering Group for his entire career. He met the love of his life, Beverly. They had a true love story for 54 years. Bob received his Undergraduate Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of MN, and his master’s degree in Urban Planning at NYU. His greatest work accomplishment was being part
2020-21 winter costs total $116 million
2020-21 winter costs total $116 millionCrews adapted to new winter operations safety protocols during COVID-19 pandemicST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation spent nearly $116 million dollars to clear roads during the 2020-21 winter season, according to a new MnDOT Winter Maintenance Report released today"From daily health screenings and mask-wearing to new cleaning and safety practices, we looked at every aspect of our snow and ice operations to help keep our employees safe at work
KLJ Names CEO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KLJ Names CEO Bismarck, ND – July 26, 2021 – The KLJ Solutions Holding Co., parent organization to KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ), and its Board of Directors has announced Eric Michel, as the organization’s chief executive officer (CEO). Michel fills the gap left by previous CEO Barry Schuchard, who passed away in March of this year. “It’s really an exciting time at KLJ. Eric brings a combination of extensive industry experience and an enthusiasm for growth to this role. With his
SRF is excited to welcome Dale Gade to our Civil Engineering Division!
SRF is excited to welcome Dale Gade to our Civil Engineering Division! Dale previously worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation and City of Shakopee, Minnesota.
Ayres Announces Merger with MEP Firm Gausman & Moore
NEWS RELEASE FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATELY July 12, 2021 CONTACTS: Ayres Associates Inc Bruce Ommen, PE, President 715.834.3161 Gausman & Moore, a Division of Ayres Daniel Sandoval, PE, Vice
MnDOT funds seven rail service improvement projects to support statewide economic development
MnDOT funds seven rail service improvement projects to support statewide economic developmentST. PAUL, Minn. – Seven projects that will improve rail service in Minnesota were announced today by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The projects will receive a total of $4.05 million in grants from the competitive Minnesota Rail Service Improvement program, and will help support economic development in different parts of the state. MnDOT received 21 MSRI applications requesting a total of $21.4
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LHB Receives 2021 Top Workplace Honor
For Immediate Release Contact: Rick Carter 612.752.6923 Rick.Carter@LHBcorp.comLHB Receives 2021 Top Workplace HonorMinnesota and Wisconsin; (June 17, 2021) – LHB has been named one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. A complete list of those selected is available at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2021 and will also be published in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces special section on Sunday, June 20. Produced by the same team that compiles the 30-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the
MnDOT awards $75 million in Local Road Improvement Program grants
MnDOT awards $75 million in Local Road Improvement Program grantsFunding will improve or help build city, town and county roads statewideST. PAUL, Minn. – Seventy-five statewide road projects will benefit from $75 million in Local Road Improvement Program funding to help improve or build roads in Minnesota cities, towns and counties. The Minnesota Legislature appropriated an additional $110 million to specific projects, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The LRIP provides funding for
Barr Engineering Co. names Ward Swanson as president and CEO
Barr Engineering Co. names Ward Swanson as incoming president and CEO For immediate release | June 15, 2021Barr Engineering Co. today announced Ward Swanson, a Barr vice president and senior environmental scientist, has been named president and CEO of the employee-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm. Swanson will succeed John Lee, who has led the company as president and CEO for the past eight years.“Barr is known for delivering exceptional client service, fostering a highly engaged
MnDOT partners with NASA to plan for future of aviation and Advanced Air Mobility
MnDOT partners with NASA to plan for future of aviation and Advanced Air MobilityST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today that it will partner with NASA in an effort to plan for the future of aviation where advanced technology cargo aircraft and passenger air taxi services provide more dynamic aviation options to serve Minnesota’s communities. "These new electric, vertical take-off aircraft are currently undergoing testing, maturing quickly, and represent the future of a
MnDOT, MDE light I-35W Bridge June 11-12 to honor Minnesota’s 2021 graduates
MnDOT, MDE light I-35W Bridge June 11-12 to honor Minnesota’s 2021 graduates ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Interstate 35W St. Anthony Falls Bridge in Minneapolis will display the colors of Minnesota state high schools on the evenings of Friday, June 11, and Saturday, June 12, as a tribute to the graduating Class of 2021, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Minnesota Department of Education. The colors of the American Flag will begin the light show each night 30 minutes before sunset and
Tina Wenzel Enters VAA as First Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations
Tina Wenzel Enters VAA as First Chief Financial Officer and Director of Operations MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Tina Wenzel joins VAA as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Director of Operations, a newly created corporate finance and operations position for the privately held multidiscipline engineering and design firm.The combination of introducing a 10-year, 2030 Vision and modifying the company’s governance were catalysts to adding the newly formed CFO/Director of Operations position.“With Tina on board, this
TKDA Ruth Christensen named to firm board of directors
TKDA’s Ruth Christensen named to firm board of directors SAINT PAUL, Minn. — TKDA, an employee-owned engineering, architecture and planning consulting firm, is pleased to announce that longtime employee and company leader Ruth Christensen, PE, SE, has joined its board of directors. Christensen has contributed considerable design and structural analysis expertise to the Saint Paul-based firm in her more than 20 years with the company. She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s
MMnDOT releases first Statewide Pedestrian System Plan
MnDOT releases first Statewide Pedestrian System Plan ST. PAUL, Minn. – Today the Minnesota Department of Transportation releases the agency’s first Statewide Pedestrian System Plan, which provides policy and investment guidance to improve places where people walk across and along Minnesota highways.The plan identifies priority areas for investments and lays out specific strategies to improve walking availability and accessibility now and for the next 20 years to help communities plan for the future.“Safety
ACEC Forms Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee; Join Today
May 6, 2021ACEC Forms Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee; Join Today To the ACEC Community, Building a more diverse and inclusive engineering industry isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do. The business case for diversity has been well established. Diverse firms are twice as likely to hit their financial targets. And our clients are increasingly choosing diverse and inclusive teams to design their infrastructure projects. The future of the engineering industry
Xai Xiong named TKDA chief information officer
Xai Xiong named TKDA chief information officer SAINT PAUL, Minn. — TKDA is pleased to announce Xai Xiong has been named chief information officer, a new position for the engineering, architecture and planning consulting firm. Xiong has been with the firm for more than 15 years. For past 11 years, he has been the IT manager, leading a team of specialists to support the firm’s operational computer systems and online platforms. He has led several large-scale projects for the Saint Paul-based company,
MnDOT seeks public input on how electric vehicles fit into Minnesotans’ transportation needs
MnDOT seeks public input on how electric vehicles fit into Minnesotans’ transportation needsST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will hold six virtual public engagement sessions May 17-26 to learn how electric vehicles fit into the transportation needs of Minnesota communities. Session participants will hear about MnDOT’s plans for electric vehicles and have an opportunity to share ideas about how more Minnesotans can benefit from the technology. All sessions will consider the risks,
Fixing a 150-year-old mistake
May 4, 2021Fixing a 150-year-old mistake In 1869, Joseph A. Thatcher made a mistake.Ol’ Joe was one of the founders of Zumbrota, Minnesota. As he and the other founders looked to increase the fledgling town’s fortunes, they determined that a bridge across the Zumbro River would make it easier to transport goods. Thatcher, a Civil Engineer, had seen a design for covered bridges in New England and he instructed a local contractor to build one like it.A standard peaked roof, like the sort you see
Minnesota: 2030 outlines recovery and long-term opportunities for Minnesota’s economy
Minnesota: 2030 outlines recovery and long-term opportunities for Minnesota’s economy The Minnesota Chamber Foundation released a report today entitled, “Minnesota: 2030, a framework for economic growth.” This report details the characteristics of Minnesota’s economy, the impacts of 2020 on Minnesota and its regions, and provides a 10-year outlook recommending key strategies for the state’s long-term economic success. This report provides a framework for growth, including three strategies with
MnDOT honors fallen transportation workers during Worker Memorial Day
MnDOT honors fallen transportation workers during Worker Memorial DayST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation honors the men and women who have been killed or injured while working on state roadways during Worker Memorial Day on Wednesday, April 28.Gov. Tim Walz proclaimed April 28, 2021, as Worker Memorial Day in Minnesota in recognition of the high price transportation workers have paid in the construction and maintenance of Minnesota’s transportation system. On April 28, the
Michaud Cooley Erickson (MCE) is pleased to announce the addition of Leisbel Lam
Michaud Cooley Erickson (MCE) is pleased to announce the addition of Leisbel Lam, PE, LC to our firm of engineering professionals. Leisbel joins us as a Principal focusing on government, higher education and workspace sectors. He is an electrical engineer with over 14 years of industry experience and will be active in business development initiatives and delivery of client solutions. Leisbel earned his electrical engineering degree from Florida International University and is currently working toward his
TKDA’S Kathleen Anglo takes on leadership role in architecture group
April 27, 2021 For immediate releaseTKDA’S Kathleen Anglo takes on leadership role in architecture groupSAINT PAUL, Minn. — Landscape architect Kathleen Anglo, PLA, has been named government market manager within the architecture group at TKDA, an employee-owned provider of engineering, architectural and planning consulting services. Anglo has served as project manager and landscape architect for dozens of public projects for government clients, including townships, cities, counties and the state of
TKDA welcomes Ben Meemken, PE
For immediate releaseApril 23, 2021 TKDA welcomes Ben Meemken, PE SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Environmental engineer Ben Meemken, PE, has joined TKDA’s water and wastewater group in the firm’s Municipal, Utility and Planning Division. He has a decade of experience in the planning, design and construction of potable water supply systems; wastewater and stormwater collection and treatment systems; and dewatering, dredging and remediation projects. Meemken served as project engineer for the city of Blaine’s
IIMN Hires Stahl to Manage Facility Expansion
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEIIMN Hires Stahl to Manage Facility ExpansionMinneapolis, MN; April 20, 2021 – The International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) is expanding their space to increase their ability and capacity to serve more New Americans and grow the number of services offered. IIMN’s current building, located at 1694 Como Avenue in St. Paul, will undergo a 10-month renovation and expansion with construction partner Stahl and design partner James Dayton Design. Since 2012, IIMN has been experiencing
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Lindsey Lawrence named TKDA’s bridge group leader
Contact: Leslee LeRoux Vice President Marketing/Business Development leslee.leroux@tkda.comApril 20, 2021 For immediate releaseLindsey Lawrence named TKDA’s bridge group leader SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Lindsey Lawrence, PE, is the new manager of TKDA’s bridge group in the engineering, architectural and planning consulting firm’s Surface Transportation Division. Lawrence has been at TKDA since she graduated with a Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University almost 16 years ago. She is a senior
MnDOT Announces 2021 State Construction Projects
MnDOT announces 2021 state construction projectsST. PAUL, Minn. – More than 200 construction projects that will help maintain Minnesota’s roads and bridges, improve safety and support thousands of construction jobs across the state will be worked on this year, the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today. In addition, crews will make safety and infrastructure improvements to 51 multimodal projects, which are airport, port, transit and railroad projects that are outside of the state road
Barr earns Governor's award for safety
Barr’s Duluth, Hibbing, and Minneapolis offices each recently received the Minnesota Governor’s Safety Award for 2020. The Award of Honor, the Minnesota Safety Council’s highest recognition, is given to companies whose occupational safety incidence rates are at least 91 percent higher than the industry average and who score between 91 and 100 in the council’s safety program evaluation. This marks the second consecutive year our Minnesota offices have received the award. “This recognition is the outcome of
MnDOT Job Posting
What drives you? At MnDOT, we are driven to find talented, innovative employees for Minnesota’s nationally recognized transportation system. We work to build the best team in the transportation industry to ensure that Minnesota thrives with a safe, sustainable and leading edge transportation system. You will be surrounded by a diverse community of experts, each driven by challenging work and motivated by the greater good. You will understand the impact of the work you are doing and be able to see the
BARRY SCHUCHARD, CEO AND PILLAR OF KLJ ENGINEERING, PASSES AWAY
Barry Schuchard A pillar of KLJ CEO, Mentor, and Friend September 1, 1960 - March 22, 2021 KLJ Engineering announced today the passing of CEO Barry Schuchard after a hard-fought battle with cancer. A pillar of KLJ, Schuchard spent 38 years with the company, guiding the organization from many roles over the years, most recently stepping into the CEO role January 1, 2021. His legacy was built on a demand for quality, and openness with communication, and an unwavering trust and confidence in all KLJ
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LHB Receives 2021 Top Workplaces USA Honor
LHB Receives 2021 Top Workplaces USA Honor Minnesota and Wisconsin; (March 23, 2021) – Energage has named LHB a recipient of the 2021 Top Workplaces USA award. Top Workplaces USA offers national recognition for organizations who have created an exceptional work culture. In 2020, LHB also won recognition among the Star Tribune’s 150 Top Workplaces in Minnesota. The company is the only architecture or engineering firm in Minnesota to receive the Top Workplaces USA distinction. Organizations from across the
John T. Evers Named Incoming ACEC New York President & CEO
John T. Evers Named Incoming ACEC New York President & CEOOfficial Transition to Take Place July 1, 2021 John T. Evers, PhD has spent 30 years working in government, association management and legislative affairs. He has most recently served as the Sr. Director of Government Affairs for The Business Council of New York. While employed by The Business Council for the last five years, he has been responsible for construction, transportation, telecommunications, technology, contract procurement and
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Alex Goerke joins TKDA's Aviation Division
Alex Goerke joins TKDA’s Aviation Division SAINT PAUL, Minn. — TKDA recently welcomed Alex Goerke, PE, to the firm’s Aviation Division. He joins TKDA with a passion for airport engineering. He is well-versed in airport design and construction observation of both commercial and general aviation airports and has experience in designs for light-duty and heavy-duty airfield pavements. Goerke has worked on projects in Minnesota and North Dakota, including runway and taxiway construction, as well as
Steve Alm Joins Hanson as Federal Services Principal
Alm joins Hanson as Federal Services Principal SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Steve Alm, P.E., LEED AP®, recently joined Hanson Professional Services Inc. as a vice president and the federal services principal as Joan Freitag, a senior vice president and the civil works and federal business development principal, transitions into retirement in 2022. Located in Minnesota, Alm will oversee the firm’s federal services market nationwide, managing its projects and staff, working with clients and establishing new client
Daniel Sandoval, PE - Named Gausman & Moore President and CEO
Gausman & Moore has named Daniel Sandoval, PE as President and CEO. Gausman & Moore (G&M) has announced that its board of directors unanimously named Daniel Sandoval, PE, as the firm’s new President, effective January 1, 2021.Sandoval joined G&M in 2018 and is also the Chief Visionary and Managing Principal of our Los Angeles, CA office. In a very short time, Sandoval has significantly increased the revenue and market share for G&M’s west coast presence. Drive, tenacity, and vision makes Sandoval a perfect
Stantec Grows its North Central Planning and Design Expertise
Erin Perdu, AICP has joined global design firm Stantec as the Planning Group Leader in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As part of this role, Perdu will manage planning projects as well as a growing team of planners and designers based in the North Central Region. Perdu is a Senior Urban Planner with 22 years of professional planning experience in both the public and private sectors. She has worked as a staff planner and Community Development Director for multiple municipalities, with a focus on communities in the
MN Building Exchange Announces 2021 Board of Directors
The Minnesota Builders Exchange Holds Annual Meeting to Announce 2021 Directors, Officers and Award Winners Erik Molin, Molin Concrete Products Co, was introduced as 2021 President of the Minnesota Builders Exchange Board of Directors at the 133rd Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Builders Exchange (MBEX) on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Molin succeeds Danielle Dziedzic, Dziedzic Caulking Inc. Molin has served on the MBEX Board of Directors and has served as Treasurer and Vice President prior to his
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BKBM Engineers has named Andrew Rauch as new President
For Immediate Release Bakke Kopp Ballou & McFarlin, Inc. (BKBM Engineers) is pleased to share several new appointments within our leadership structure as we enter 2021. Andrew Rauch has been named President after being on the Board of Directors and serving as a corporate officer since 1994. Throughout his extensive career with BKBM, Rauch has been a technical leader, held various leadership positions including Structural Group Manager and Director of Quality Assurance, and has had active leadership roles
TKDA’s Matt Christensen named VP of Surface Transportation
TKDA’s Matt Christensen named VP of Surface Transportation SAINT PAUL, Minn. — TKDA, an employee-owned provider of engineering, architecture and planning services, has named Matt Christensen, PE, as the firm’s new vice president of the Surface Transportation Division. Christensen joined TKDA as a graduate engineer in 1999, and most recently was the manager of the firm’s bridge group. He takes over the division’s leadership position from longtime Vice President Kevin Cullen, PE, who retired in
Press Release: LHB Announces New Shareholders
LHB Announces New Shareholders Minnesota and Wisconsin; (December 29, 2020) – LHB, Inc. is pleased to announce that Alan Vorderbruggen, Matthew Settergren, Jessica Polus, Nathan Potratz, and Austen Bryan were elected as LHB Shareholders. Incorporated in 1966, LHB continues to be a privately held, employee-shareholder-owned company. Each of these individuals have demonstrated their commitment through their job performance in addition to their financial investment. Alan Vorderbruggen, PE(MN), SE(MN), CDT,
2020-2021 Minnesota Construction Industry Assessment Released
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4, 2020 St. Paul, MN: Associated General Contractors of Minnesota today released the 2020-2021 Minnesota Construction Industry Assessment results. This annual survey solicits the input of contractor, material supplier, architect, and engineering firms in Minnesota regarding current and future trajectories of the commercial construction market. “The results provide a surprising look into the forces that shaped the 2020 construction season and offer a glimpse of what the