This month, read about the many ways CH2M HILL is putting our corporate values into action. Find out how we're helping one of Washington’s largest water utilities implement asset management and how we've expanded our planning services. Join us in celebrating two client milestones, and learn how our employees supported a popular event while raising funds for charity at the same time. See how projects in cities around the country observed Public Works Week, and meet an employee whose diligence earned her well-deserved recognition.
Our company
CH2M HILL expands e-plan capabilities
 As part of an expanding municipal consulting practice, CH2M HILL recently announced the formation of a strategic alliance with Avolve Software to develop and deliver integrated electronic planning solutions for state and local government. With the goal of helping local government increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve service to citizens and promote sustainable practices, CH2M HILL will fold Avolve Software’s electronic plan/document software and professional services into its operations services portfolio, providing on-site system deployment, software application hosting and storage, disaster recovery management, business and technology consulting, finance and billing services, and more. “CH2M HILL is one of the most respected companies in the world. We are honored to be so aligned with them in their vision to help state and local governments reach their highest goals and objectives – especially in challenging economic times,” says Ron Loback, President and CEO of Avolve Software.
Creating a new asset management framework for a Washington utility
 Delivering “cost-effective, safe, reliable and high-quality water in a socially and environmentally responsible manner” is a tall order. To help achieve this vision, Tacoma Water called on CH2M HILL to develop a comprehensive asset management program, including the creation of an asset management office. As part of the initial benchmarking assessment against industry best practices, O&M specialists brought together a “blue ribbon” panel of asset management practitioners from leading agencies in the U.S. and Australia. The first phase of the project involves evaluating operations, identifying opportunities for increased efficiency, conducting a gap analysis, developing a roadmap for implementation and engaging more than 100 utility staff in training. Improvements identified in this phase will be fully implemented during the next three to five years, setting the stage for sustainable success.
Our partners
Wishing a client happy trails in Temple
CH2M HILL friend Bruce Butscher, public works director in Temple, Texas, retired March 31. An industry veteran with 30 years of experience, Butscher guided the completion and implementation of the city’s water and sewer master plan and drainage master plan, and led development of the largest capital improvement program ever undertaken in the city’s 129-year history. Temple has contracted with CH2M HILL for the management of its wastewater treatment plant, lift stations and industrial pretreatment program since 1994.
Pacific Power celebrates 100 years of service
Pacific Power, part of PacifiCorp, celebrates its 100th anniversary this month. In 1910, four small electric companies in Oregon and Washington joined to become Pacific Power, serving 7,000 customers. The utility, which now serves almost 730,000 customers, marked its anniversary by giving a legacy gift to each of its four original communities. They include a community tree planting in Astoria, Ore., and a new sustainability center at the Children’s Museum of Walla Walla. CH2M HILL has provided facilities management and related services for PacifiCorp’s Transmission and Distribution organization for almost eight years, supporting 94 corporate buildings and field sites across six states.
Our communities
Cookin’ up ribs and chili for charity
 Employees from New Mexico and Colorado participated in the City of Rio Rancho, N.M.'s seventh annual Pork & Brew BBQ State Championship and raised more than $600 for Water For People. Despite heavy wind and rain, the CH2M HILL team cooked up a feast of smoky ribs and chili for a crowd that included employees and clients. The Pork & Brew is a signature event for Rio Rancho, and our employees compete every year. The event is one of the largest two-day events in New Mexico. CH2M HILL has operated and maintained the city’s water and wastewater system since 2002. Following a competitive process, the contract was recently renewed for up to eight more years.
Our industry
Public works: Above, below, and all around you
CH2M HILL employees celebrated Public Works Week May 16-22. This event recognizes the tens of thousands of men and women across North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works, from the power lines over our heads to the water and sewer pipes below the ground to the roads and the streets and sidewalks all around us. Centennial, Colo., put on a series of school presentations showcasing the importance of traffic engineering, snow removal and street maintenance (shown). Johns Creek, Ga., held its second annual Touch a Truck Day, giving parents and children a close-up view of the city’s “yellow iron” and other equipment. In Live Oak, Fla., more than 100 second graders at Suwannee Elementary School learned all about safety before climbing on the city’s heavy equipment.
Our people
Business manager’s efforts personify corporate values
 For Laura Torrisi, CH2M HILL’s corporate values aren’t just words. This business manager consistently puts them into action as she works to advance the cause of minority business enterprises at a client facility in Colorado. Laura’s efforts have been recognized by the Rocky Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council, which named her the Nelson Ball Advocate of the Year. From cleaning services to product suppliers, Laura actively looks for opportunities to include minority-owned businesses in the bidding process. Thanks in part to her efforts, CH2M HILL’s spending with qualified minority suppliers at Laura’s site rose by 66 percent in 2009 alone. Laura believes that a company’s workforce and its suppliers should mirror customer demographics, noting that her commitment
is a result of mentoring she’s received throughout her career.
Headquartered near Denver, Colorado, USA, employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global leader in consulting, program management, design, construction, and operations for government, civil, industrial and energy clients. With US$6.3 billion in revenue and more than 23,500 employees, CH2M HILL is an industry-leading program management, construction management and design firm, as ranked by Engineering News-Record (2009). 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.
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
One of the things I appreciate about our company is the commitment to everyday excellence and the values that guide everything we do: People first, safety, integrity, citizenship, quality and respect. Following these values enables us to do the best work possible for our clients, protect the environment and provide a strong foundation for future success. To emphasize our commitment to safety, health and environmental protection, we’ve taken June’s National Safety Month observance global at CH2M HILL.
Our commitment is more than just a program or a designated month, though. It’s integrated into our everyday lives – in the workplace and at home. We’ve earned four OSHA Voluntary Protection Plan Star awards in the past five years for our safety practices. These awards recognize employers and employees who focus on the prevention of injuries, illnesses and fatalities through the implementation of effective safety and health management systems.
Our client projects also benefit. I recently recognized the CH2M HILL team on the Juniper Networks campus in Sunnyvale, Calif., where we celebrated more than 65,000 hours without a recordable injury. Our team, which provides facilities management services for nine buildings, also earned the National Safety Council’s Perfect Record Award for working 12 consecutive months without a recordable injury.
Recognition is nice. What’s even better is the knowledge that our employees go home safely at the end of every work day.
The same corporate values that create this safety culture carry over to our commitment to the communities where we live and work. We just wrapped up our annual month-long workplace giving campaign for Water For People, during which employees around the globe helped raise money that will improve the quality of life for people in developing countries by providing safe drinking water and sanitation. And every month we find our employees giving safety presentations at schools, participating in safety and environmental fairs, and volunteering to help improve their communities.
We share a bold mission with our clients to build a better world – one person, one project and one community at a time. We thank you for our continued partnership and will continue working to exceed your expectations every day.
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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