Our company
Tapping military tradition of excellence
 CH2M HILL OMI is always interested in hiring people with military experience because of their leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, work ethic and teamwork. In fact, more than 10 percent of our employees have a military background. But CH2M HILL supports former and current military members in other ways as well. Earlier this month, CH2M HILL was recognized as one of the 10 big companies doing the most for suppliers of military descent by the National Veteran-Owned Business Association and the VA's Center for Veterans Enterprise. Criteria for making the list included veteran supplier diversity program specifics, assets allocated to veteran outreach, and overall results in use of veteran suppliers.
In addition, the Colorado and Idaho committees for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recently recognized CH2M HILL's strong support for employees who serve in the U.S. armed forces. CH2M HILL is among the signatories of the ESGR Statement of Support Program.
Donating to help after disasters
CH2M HILL OMI has made two significant corporate donations to help alleviate suffering following two major natural disasters.
- In Colorado, the town of Windsor was hit by a tornado May 22, damaging at least 850 homes and dozens of commercial properties. SAFEbuilt Inc., the town's building department service provider, created a recovery and repair fund to assist families in need, and CH2M HILL OMI contributed $5,000. SAFEbuilt is a frequent CH2M HILL OMI subcontractor providing building plan review, building inspection and permit services.
- In China, a massive earthquake occurred near Deyang, causing extensive losses of lives and property. In honor of its client – Sandy Springs, Ga. – CH2M HILL OMI donated $5,000 to the city’s campaign to raise money for victims. Sandy Springs officials recently hosted a group of dignitaries from Deyang and formed an instant bond. As a result of that friendship, the city urged businesses and residents to now aid Deyang.
14 more National Safety Council commendations
CH2M HILL OMI staff who operate water and wastewater plants in 10 cities have earned 14 awards from the National Safety Council.
- Staff in Grants, Rio Rancho and Taos, N.M., and in Liberty, Mo., received both the Perfect Record Award and the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award.
- Staff in Dodge City, Kan.; Duncan, Okla.; Ft. Lupton, Colo.; Las Campanas, N.M.; and Webb City, Mo., earned the Perfect Record Award.
- Fayetteville, Ark., staff received the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award.
The Perfect Record Award recognizes facilities with at least 12 consecutive months without an occupational injury or illness that have resulted in days away from work. The Occupational Excellence Achievement Award recognizes facilities that have fewer reported injuries and illnesses than comparable businesses. The 14 new awards join 15 other NSC commendations CH2M HILL OMI people recently earned in Texas.
Our communities
Focus on fish in Oregon
Our employees in Coos Bay, Ore., in conjunction with the city and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, last month held the 10th Annual Fish Release at Blossom Gulch Elementary School. In 1998, CH2M HILL OMI people developed a location adjacent to one of the city's wastewater lift stations – complete with landscaping and guard rails – to accommodate a rearing area for young salmon to acclimate prior to being released to the wild. After several years in the Pacific Ocean, the fish return to Coos Bay. With participation from ODFW's Salmon Trout Enhancement Program, this event has seen more 2 million salmon released since its inception. "This is a great thing for our community. It helps enhance dwindling salmon returns, supports local businesses with the dozens of people fishing the bay daily, and the kids absolutely love it!" says Steve Simpson, Coos Bay project manager.
Ohio employees adopt a street
Employees who  serve an industrial client in Ironton, Ohio, have adopted a street in their community to keep it clean and litter-free. Their volunteer spirit earned them accolades not only in their local newspaper but also from the city. "We need more of this (community involvement) throughout the county," said Dan Palmer, who runs Ironton’s Adopt-A-Litter-Site program, to the paper. "I’m glad to see CH2M HILL OMI taking on one of the main streets in Ironton." Project Manager Joe Davis said, "We just want to be a part of the community. We’re willing to do this in the interest of community involvement." Employees clean their adopted roadway each month. Their day-to-day role is to operate a wastewater treatment system at an industrial site.
Our partners
Bonita Springs extends environmental commitment
Taking another step to be "green," council members for Bonita Springs, Fla., voted last month to authorize the mayor to sign the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. More than 800 mayors across the country have signed the agreement, which calls for cities to meet greenhouse-gas emissions reduction targets in their own communities and to urge federal and state governments to reduce emissions as well. "This is more or less about what we can do as a city to adopt greener practices," Mayor Ben Nelson told the local newspaper. Bonita Springs is one of CH2M HILL OMI's newest partners; the company will begin managing a range of community development services for the city starting June 30.
Other clients who have signed the agreement include Fayetteville, Ark.; Seattle; New Haven, Conn.; Key West, Fla.; Augusta and Tybee Island, Ga.; Carol Stream, Ill.; Biddeford, Maine; Liberty, Mo.; and Taos, N.M.
New Jersey authority turns 20
Born as the Tri-City Sewerage Authority in 1988, the North Hudson Sewerage Authority celebrates 20 years of service this year! Happy anniversary to NHSA, which proudly provides wastewater treatment services for the New Jersey communities of Hoboken, Union City, Weehawken and West New York. Congratulations too to Chairman Richard J. Wolff, who has led the Authority's commitment to environmental stewardship and protection for 20 years.
We have been NHSA's operations and maintenance partner since 1989, earning several awards over the years. Most recently the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development presented the company with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration "SHARP" award. The Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program award recognizes employers that demonstrate exemplary safety and health achievements.
Our industry
Top Ops take the stage at AWWA conference
CH2M HILL OMI was the exclusive sponsor of the Top Ops competition at the American Water Works Association's annual conference in Atlanta, a quiz bowl-style competition for water treatment operators. Congratulations to all of the operators who participated, especially the Florida team – Palm Coast Water Buoys – named the 2008 Top Ops Champions. The competition is chaired by Darrel Blanchard, senior operations specialist for CH2M HILL OMI. Among dozens of technical papers, CH2M HILL's Paul Demit presented a case study about our successful design-build-operate program for water and wastewater treatment plants for the new community of Ave Maria, Fla.
Our people
Meet Julie Kauffman, making employee donations matter
 CH2M HILL OMI believes in giving back to communities. One way we do that is by supporting Water For People, a nonprofit that provides clean water and sanitation solutions in developing countries. Community relations coordinator Julie Kauffman was busy in May leading the company's efforts to raise money for Water For People. She spearheaded a firm-wide campaign to encourage employees to consider a personal donation. Through Julie's efforts, the company raised $92,000 last year and expects to easily surpass the $100,000 goal this year. (She’s still counting contributions.) "As I learned more about Water For People, I became very impressed," says Julie, who joined CH2M HILL OMI in 2007 from a nonprofit group. "Water For People doesn’t build a project and leave; instead, they act as facilitators and educators. Community members actually do the work – whether it's burying pipe, digging latrines, or installing hand pumps – giving them ownership and skills to maintain and expand systems."
Stepping up to lead in New Mexico
 Ron Rosen, an area manager for CH2M HILL OMI in Farmington, N.M., has graduated from Leadership New Mexico, a nonprofit developmental group dedicated to identifying and enhancing business leaders in the state. Selected for the 2007-2008 class, Ron and about 40 other participants spent 10 months attending several educational sessions on economic, environmental, people and business issues in New Mexico – all helping to develop stronger professionals who can work on solutions for today and for the future. "This is an important program that helped me gain a deeper understanding and awareness of issues facing our state while providing a means to have a positive impact," says Ron, who received his diploma last week from Norm Tucker, San Juan Regional Hospital Center treasurer. CH2M HILL OMI has operated and maintained Farmington's water and wastewater systems since 1999 and provides similar services in five other New Mexico cities.
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President’s perspective
Almost three years ago, my family's world was turned upside down in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the levee breaks in New Orleans. While our house was spared, many people in my adopted city are still struggling. Sadly, this spring has been full of natural disasters – rain, flooding, tornadoes and more – for people in the Western and Midwestern United States, and killer earthquakes and monsoons in Asia. As our hearts go out to victims, our minds also turn in, asking "am I prepared if an emergency happens to me?"
While it is impossible to prevent every emergency, we know that being prepared is key. This month at CH2M HILL, we're participating in National Safety Month activities, with a special focus this week on emergency preparedness. That means being prepared whether your home fire alarm sounds, whether a colleague takes ill, whether one of our clients needs help cleaning up after a storm.
In fact, just last month, our public works team serving the new city of Central, La., met with public safety officials to review an emergency response plan. Guess what? The plan was needed the very next day when severe thunderstorms struck the area, causing widespread flooding and damage. We're proud of our team in Central for stepping up to help the city recover quickly.
It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of safety and preparedness, at home and at work – especially if work involves driving a truck or car. During last week's focus on driving safety, we learned that driver distraction is a leading cause of driving accidents, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Reaching for an object increases your crash risk by 9 times, and talking or listening to someone on a cell phone increases your risk by 1.5 times – whether or not you're using a hands-free device.
We can't avoid disasters caused by nature. But we can avoid disasters caused by distraction and lack of preparedness. Happy summer, and be safe!
Respectfully,
Elisa M. Speranza
President
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Conferences give us a great way to continue connecting with clients, sharing our technical expertise and supporting our industry. Plus, they’re fun! Here are some of the upcoming hot spots where you can meet CH2M HILL OMI: |
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June 17-20
June 18-20
June 20-24
June 21-24
June 23-26
June 25-27
July 11-15
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Clients in government and industry rely on the people of CH2M HILL OMI to provide a range of custom-tailored operations and maintenance solutions. The company's services include water and wastewater system optimization; contract O&M of water, wastewater and other utilities; and complete municipal operations, including administration, public works and community development – all backed by a commitment to safety, quality, innovation and customer service. Founded by CH2M HILL in 1980, the Denver-based company serves clients in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Headquartered in Denver, Colo., employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global leader in engineering, procurement, construction, management and operations for government, civil, industrial and energy clients. With more than $5 billion in revenue and 24,000 employees, CH2M HILL is an industry-leading program management, construction management and design firm, as ranked by Engineering News-Record (2007). The firm’s work is concentrated in the areas of energy, water, transportation, environmental, nuclear and industrial facilities. The firm has long been recognized as a most-admired company and leading employer, including being named by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and one of America’s Most Admired Companies (2008). |
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