And The Winners Are...

PBS&J’s Awards Program recognizes employees’ high-power performance for clients, communities, and peers nationwide.

Focused on project performance, community service, and efforts to promote fellowship among its own employees, PBS&J’s National Recognition Awards Program spotlights those who went the extra mile for their clients, their communities, and their fellow employees. Winners of the 2005 competition were announced earlier this year at the firm’s annual meeting.

According to PBS&J Vice President Paul Cooley, P.E., who oversees the awards program, the evaluation process was strenuous. “We were delighted when we received more than 90 nominations in three major categories. Even with a panel of eight judges, it took many hours to review them and then make our decisions,” he said. The team of judges represented PBS&J professionals from across the geography of the firm and from every service line.

Cooley noted that the PBS&J Awards Program is modeled after some of the best in the industry, including those of the American Public Works Association, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies. “So it goes without saying that our standards are very high,” he added.

When asked why a program like this is important to the firm, PBS&J President Todd Kenner, P.E., pointed out that it provides models of individual and professional distinction for all PBS&J employees to emulate. “But it also goes beyond that,” he said. “We wanted a way to make sure that our employees knew that we recognized and valued their strong work ethic, technical expertise, and creativity—whether it benefits a client, their peers, or otherwise meets a need in our communities. That’s something we want to do every chance we get.”

PBS&J Highlights is pleased to list the 2005 First-Place winners.

Project: Under $2 Million
Arc Hydro Enhanced Database (AHED)
Client: South Florida Water Management District

The AHED project team was recognized for addressing the complexities of watershed management resources. The development of the Arc Hydro Enhanced Database, based on the industry-standard Arc Hydro data model, enabled the South Florida Water Management District to handle the water resources challenges unique to south Florida and the Everglades.

Project: $2–10 Million
The Salt Creek Urban Runoff Treatment Facility
Client: City of Dana Point, California

PBS&J’s project team assisted the City of Dana Point Public Works Department with preliminary design, permitting, NEPA compliance, public outreach, design, and construction management services for this facility. Staff exceeded the client’s expectations with a unique approach for the project, and rallied to assist the City in securing the largest single award of a Clean Beach Initiative Grant in California history.

Project: $11–50 Million
Emergency Debris Cleanup, Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne
Client: Florida Department of Transportation, District One

Responding quickly to 2004’s major hurricanes, the PBS&J project team successfully performed as a construction manager/general contractor in the areas of debris classification, pickup, hauling, and disposal. Nearly one million cubic yards of storm debris—spread across eight Florida counties—was removed and disposed.

Project: $51–100 Million
Seneca Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion
Client: Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

The successful design and construction management of this wastewater treatment plant expansion put this project in the spotlight. The project team worked to produce a first-class, community-friendly facility at a cost significantly below the established budget. The project was accomplished through a combination of creative approaches, sophisticated technologies, and project team collaboration.

Project: Over $100 Million
Creole Trail Liquid Natural Gas Project
Clients: Creole Trail LNG, LP, and Cheniere Creole Trail Pipeline Company

This is a unique example of advanced project planning and superior land stewardship to promote economic development and environmental conservation. The project team provided overall project and program management support for a $750-million liquid natural gas terminal project and an $800-million, dual 42-inch, 117-mile-long natural gas pipeline project in southwestern Louisiana. A novel approach delivered the project one month ahead of schedule.

Community Service: Individual
Harry “Butch” Neal, PWS,
Orlando, Florida

Butch Neal received top honors for his work in restoration, construction, and community service at El Mirador, Costa Rica. Leading a group of 39 volunteers to a village of 300 poverty-level Nicaraguan exiles, Neal and his team constructed and repaired homes and other structures and worked to successfully bring running water and electricity to the town for the first time in 20 years.

Community Service: Group
Community Involvement Committee
Charlotte, North Carolina

PBS&J Charlotte’s Community Involvement Committee was recognized for its untiring efforts on behalf of programs such as Junior Achievement, Special Olympics, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Avon’s Walk for the Cure, to name only a few. This small group also spent countless hours mentoring school children, volunteering at a homeless shelter, and giving to the needy.

Employee Activity Committee
PBS&J Orlando, Florida Office
Orlando, Florida

The Orlando office EAC was recognized for the menu of year-round activities it provided for the nearly 400 Orlando-area employees during 2005. From crock pot cook-offs and corporate runs to mud volleyball and bake sales, this ambitious team provided an active calendar and healthy balance of community service opportunities and employee appreciation/relaxation events.