In this month’s issue, read about CH2M HILL being named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the second straight year and learn about an innovative program that helps cities and counties recover revenue and maintain services to their residents. See how our employees celebrated Earth Day by cleaning up creeks, teaching students about sustainability and generally improving the communities in which they live and work. Finally, meet an employee whose passion and commitment to the environment earned her much-deserved recognition.
Our company
CH2M HILL named among world’s most ethical companies
 For the second consecutive year, CH2M HILL has been named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, a leading international think-tank dedicated to business ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability. CH2M HILL is one of only five engineering and construction firms named among the 100 companies on the 2010 list. Winners are recognized for demonstrating real and sustained ethical leadership within their industries.
CH2M HILL helps Georgia county find owed funds
In this economic downturn, governments everywhere are looking for ways to maximize revenues while continuing to provide the best possible service levels to their citizens. Gwinnett County, recently turned to CH2M HILL for help. Through an innovative revenue enhancement program, we will help Gwinnett identify businesses that owe business occupation and alcohol excise taxes, cell tower lease payments, and E-911 and cable television franchise fees. Under the one-year, performance-based contract, CH2M HILL is paid a percentage of the first-year taxes it identifies and the county collects. In return, Gwinnett will collect the full amount of that revenue in ensuing years. CH2M HILL has similar partnerships with the Georgia cities of Sandy Springs, Johns Creek and Atlanta.
Our communities
Caring for the planet on Earth Day
On Earth Day, employee volunteers across the U.S. joined together to support the communities where we live and work by cleaning parks, roads and streams, and by sharing important environmental messages in schools and at events. In Crestview, Fla., fifth-grade students toured the wastewater treatment plant and saw microbes at work in the lab. In Fayetteville, Ark., CH2M HILL employees joined University of Arkansas students in an annual clean up of Mullins Creek on the campus. In Sandy Springs, Ga., employees participated in an Earth Day festival and market, helping inform visitors about the dangers of stormwater pollution.
Jayne Swift helps Crestview students learn about wastewater treatment.
Our industry
U.S. Conference of Mayors unveils 2010 Metro Agenda
The 2010 Metro Agenda, unveiled at the U.S. Conference of Mayors
78th Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C., outlined mayors’ plans for
restarting
the economy and growing metropolitan areas across the U.S.
The 2010 Agenda focuses on five key areas: jobs, transportation infrastructure, energy independence, airport security and strengthening successful federal investments – areas believed to be crucial for quickly prompting economic growth.
LaFrance named AWWA’s new executive director
 David B. LaFrance joined the American Water Works Association this month as its new executive director. A proven leader in the water community and an industry expert in utility economics and water rates, LaFrance served as director of finance for Denver Water for the past 12 years and was the utility’s manager of rate administration for five years prior. From 1988 through 1993 he worked as a utility rate economist for CH2M HILL. Founded in 1881, AWWA is an international nonprofit and educational society and the largest and oldest organization of water professionals in the world.
Our people
A leader from the ground up
Mary Anne Peck, a CH2M HILL operations specialist, has been awarded the distinguished 2009 Operator Award from the New England Water Environment Association. Mary Anne joined the company in 1992 as temporary help in Biddeford, Maine. She convinced her boss to hire her as a lab tech and immediately focused on getting the lab certified in testing methods, recording and documentation. Her commitment played a large part in the Biddeford wastewater lab earning the company’s Laboratory Achievement Award in 2001 and 2002. Mary Anne received the Water Environment Federation’s Laboratory Analyst Award in 2002, and soon moved into operations at the facility. She ultimately served as the facility’s assistant project manager before moving into her current role. In 2005, Mary Anne joined the “Force Maine” team, competing in the Water Environment Federation Operations Challenge for five straight years and helping the team to a divisional first-place finish in 2008. In her NEWEA Operator Award nomination, Mary Anne was praised for her love of her job, her desire to protect the environment and her diligent efforts to create a unique collaborative environment where employees feel appreciated and enjoy coming to work.
Headquartered near Denver, Colorado, employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global leader in full-service engineering, procurement, construction, and operations for public and private clients. With more than $6.4 billion in revenue and more than 25,000 employees worldwide, CH2M HILL delivers innovative, practical, sustainable solutions — helping clients develop and manage infrastructure and facilities that improve efficiency, safety, and quality of life. The firm has long been recognized as a most-admired company and leading employer, including being named by FORTUNE magazine as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For (2009).
CH2M HILL partners with communities and companies to deliver a complete range of custom-tailored operations and maintenance solutions. Our sustainable O&M solutions include water and wastewater system optimization; contract O&M of water, wastewater and other utilities; facilities management; and complete municipal operations, including administration, public works and community development.
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President’s perspective
Among our core values that I hold dear is our commitment to the communities where we live and work. And May is a significant month for recognizing and celebrating that commitment.
First, we just marked National Drinking Water Week, May 2-9. Our Ave Maria, Fla., client (Barron Collier) could celebrate big this year knowing that their residents have some of the best drinking water in the country! We can celebrate too, knowing that we’ve been there each step of the way in the design, building and operation of the community’s water plant. We are proud to bring this level of quality and expertise to Ave Maria and the numerous other water facilities across the county that we consult with or manage.
May also is the month we launch our ninth annual Water For People workplace giving campaign. Water For People supports locally sustainable drinking water, sanitation, and health and hygiene projects that improve the lives of some of the most impoverished people in the world. I’ve had the honor of serving for eight years on the organization’s Board, the last year as President. Water For People’s mission aligns with our company’s mission of building a better world.
Finally, we observe National Public Works Week May 16-22. More than 500 CH2M HILL employees work to maintain infrastructure in communities across the country such as Hinesville, Ga., Centennial, Colo., and Grants, N.M. Whether it’s repairing roads and sidewalks, mowing rights-of-way, cleaning up parks or improving transportation, these folks put the “work” in public works.
I want to take this opportunity to thank them and all our employees whose behind-the-scenes dedication contributes to enhancing our lives every day. They provide the services that keep our communities clean, safe and healthy. And of course, we thank our clients who allow us to be a valued part of their teams.
I hope you’ll take time to enjoy the beautiful spring weather and perhaps volunteer in your community. And whenever you take a sip of cool, clean water, remember to thank your local water operators and your public works team for a job well done. Working together, we can make the world around us a better place, one community at a time.
Respectfully,
Elisa M. Speranza
President
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Conferences are a great way for us to connect with clients, share our technical expertise and support our industry. When your plans call for you to attend a conference, make sure to look us up. |
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