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BONDS … CONSTRUCTION BONDS

June 4, 2013

Maine voters approved a local bond issued to fund South Portland High School’s $39 million addition and renovation project currently under construction by PC Construction

Maine voters approved a local bond issued to fund South Portland High School’s $39 million addition and renovation project currently under construction by PC Construction

There are few among us fortunate enough to be able to pay cash for a brand new car or home. Not surprisingly, most people finance these big-ticket items through bank loans and mortgages they then pay off over a number of years.

The problem is, when it comes to similar long-term financing of critical infrastructure investments, voters haven’t been in a borrowing mood. This has led to a growing backlog of needed maintenance, upgrade and replacement projects nationwide.

The resulting decay caused by underinvestment is starkly documented in the 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure released recently by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Issued every four years, the report card assigns letter grades to 16 key infrastructure elements such as bridges, drinking water, roads and schools.

ASCE’s 2013 assessment provides a sobering look at the current state of our nation’s underpinnings: Eleven sectors were tagged with D+ to D- grades; four were deemed worthy of C+ to C- grades; and only one sector – solid waste – managed a respectable B- grade.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Increased voter support of local and state bond referendums – many of which are amplified by generous federal matching funds – would go a long way toward cleaning up the backlog. What’s more, with interest rates at historic lows, financing the cost of building new or upgrading existing infrastructure is as cheap as it will ever be.

Deferred maintenance is always the most expensive choice. Now is the time to make important investments in America’s crumbling infrastructure and, by extension, our future.

“LADY BIRD” ARRIVES AT BLUE PLAINS

May 10, 2013

image002LRMembers of the DC Water staff recently toured the drop shaft into which a massive tunnel boring machine will be lowered to start the construction of a four-mile tunnel. This machine, which is more than 400 feet long and weighs over 1,300 tons, will create a 23-foot-diameter tunnel.

At the conclusion of the tunneling work, the 160-foot-deep shaft will be converted into the tunnel dewatering pump station as part of the $215 million design-build Tunnel Dewatering Pump Station and Enhanced Clarification Facility project. The joint venture team of PC Construction and CDM Smith are the proposed firm to design and construct the facility and are awaiting board approval for execution and notice to proceed.

These projects are part of DC Water’s Clean River Project, an effort to significantly reduce combined sewer overflows and improve water quality in the District of Columbia.

DC Water’s tunnel boring machine was named Lady Bird after Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson, First Lady and wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. She made it her mission to preserve and protect the environment. In 1964, she formed The Committee for a More Beautiful Capital, whose positive contributions are still visible today. She encouraged her husband to declare the Potomac River a “national disgrace” which drew attention to the declining health of America’s waterways and became a catalyst for the eventual Clean Water Act of 1972.

Follow ‘Lady Bird’ on Twitter (@LadyBirdTBM) and watch for more to come as we begin design and construction of the tunnel dewatering pump station and enhanced clarification facility!

LABRECQUE HONORED WITH COMMUNITY AWARD

May 9, 2013

Nicole LaBrecque, PC Construction's Director of Health Care Business Development

PC Construction’s Nicole LaBrecque was honored by the United Way of Chittenden County as the Keyperson of the Year

At last night’s annual dinner, the United Way of Chittenden County celebrated their 2012 campaign and some of the companies and individuals who were key to its success. Of the five awards presented, Nicole LaBrecque, PC Construction’s director of business development, was recognized with the Keyperson of the Year Award, which celebrates a person who went above and beyond in leading others at their workplace.

Under Nicole’s direction, PC Construction’s 2012 campaign brought about a $44,000 pledge to the United Way to benefit organizations in various counties in Vermont. Of that pledge, over $22,000 was donated directly by the PC’s employee-owners and the remaining was matched with company funds and raised through events. Overall, PC Construction’s campaign increased 15% over the previous five-year totals. Continue Reading →

Ground broken on New Vermont Public Health LaboratoryGround broken on New Vermont Public Health LaboratoryGround broken on New Vermont Public Health Laboratory

GROUND BROKEN ON NEW VERMONT PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY

April 30, 2013

Yesterday state and local dignitaries joined the Health Department, University of Vermont, PC Construction and HDR, Inc. in kicking off the start of construction on the highly anticipated public health laboratory project. The $30 million facility, a collaboration between the Health Department and UVM’s Colchester Research Facility, will bring together the scientific resources of public health and academic research to protect and promote the health of Vermonters.

Currently housed in one of the oldest facilities in the country, the new public health laboratory will enhance Vermont’s response to public health emergencies and identification of new pathogens or environmental contaminants. Upon completion, the public health laboratory will house highly specialized BSL-3 (biosafety level) laboratory space, offices and training areas. Continue Reading →

PC AIDS CARBON NEUTRALITY EFFORT

April 26, 2013

Colby College Biomass Project Achieves LEED Gold 2PC Construction has a storied history of successfully completing energy-related projects throughout Northern New England, from electric and hydroelectric to natural gas and – most recently – biomass.

While all of these projects have contributed to the well-being and comfort of communities across the region, PC is particularly proud of the biomass system we installed recently at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. That’s because the Colby biomass system has helped the sustainability-minded college achieve a rare feat among higher-education campuses nationwide: climate neutrality.

In fact, only three other colleges have attained the climate neutrality milestone, as reported recently by the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Click here to read more about Colby’s accomplishment.
Click here to read more about the construction of the College’s central heating plant expansion.

DBIA DAY AT PENNSYLVANIA AWWA CONFERENCE

April 23, 2013

Mike Cecil, PC Construction Director of Business DevelopmentIn response to the growing interest in integrated delivery construction projects, the Pennsylvania section of the American Water Works Association has incorporated a DBIA (Design-Build Institute of America) day into their annual conference. On Thursday, April 25, the conference will feature technical sessions outlining design-build and integrated delivery educational forums and lessons learned from design-build construction projects in the region.

One of the tracks will focus on the success story of PC Construction’s improvements project at the Hopewell Water Treatment Plant in Virginia. The design-build team, including PC Construction’s Senior Project Manager Dave Johnson, engineering partner Gannett Fleming and American Water, will present this session on April 25 at 8:45 a.m. Continue Reading →

CVPH PROJECT MOVING ALONG

April 17, 2013

CVPH Project Moving AlongThe scenery outside the entrance of CVPH Medical Center looked a little busy last week. Set to achieve a project milestone, PC Construction and Vermont Mechanical stood by as Demag Riggers Crane Service set up a 200-ton hydraulic crane. The goal for the day was to hoist several pieces of temporary and permanent mechanical equipment onto the roof. Once the temporary HVAC equipment is set in place and put into service, the team will move forward with the demolition of an existing air handling unit the first week of May. Upon completion, the crane will be brought on site again to bring in the new air handler.

The project includes upgrades to a penthouse mechanical room, which supports a seven-story hospital building.  The scope of work includes replacement of two air handlers and associated fans, ductwork, controls, heat exchangers and hydronic pumps. Work is on schedule with completion expected for June 2013.

Laser Scanned Point CloudLaser Scanner for Construction

LASER SCANNING FOR CONSTRUCTION

April 16, 2013

Over the past year I’ve fielded a lot of questions about laser scanning and have seen a lot of confusion about the process. Laser scanning technology has dramatically improved in recent years with smaller, faster scanners and more efficient and functional software for analyzing and modeling the results.

What is Laser Scanning? Continue Reading →

CONSTRUCTION UNDER WAY AT CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE

April 5, 2013

Construction under way at Champlain CollegeConstruction began this week on the second phase of the Champlain College Residential Tri Complex project in Burlington, Vermont. Like Juniper Hall, which was constructed by PC Construction last year, the two new residential halls, Butler and Valcour, will be built with gorgeous views overlooking Lake Champlain and the three islands after which they are named. Upon completion, the halls will help accommodate the increasing enrollment at Champlain College by housing a total of 182 students.

The two buildings will be constructed simultaneously, staggered by only six weeks. With a 15-month construction schedule, the project will be mostly enclosed during the winter season, ready for site finishes next spring and open to students in July 2014.

DESIGN-BUILD: WHY NOT?

April 3, 2013

Mike Cecil, PC Construction Director of Business DevelopmentAs I travel throughout the country touting the benefits of integrated delivery (design-build, construction management-at-risk, etc.) for water and wastewater treatment construction projects, I find a common reasoning among owners and engineers for not utilizing integrated delivery to develop and construct their projects. Namely, unfamiliarity and fear of change are the major drivers in preventing design-build and/or construction management-at-risk delivery methods from gaining a larger foothold within the industry.

The Water Design-Build Council recently released the results of a comprehensive survey taken from owners who completed integrated delivery projects across 15 states. For those familiar with the benefits of integrated delivery, the results were not surprising. Some facts obtained from the survey are outlined below:

  • The majority of respondents reported using a two-step procurement process (an RFQ to generate a short list, followed by an RFP) and to select a firm based on best value (evaluating both price and non-price factors).
  • The vast majority of respondents are satisfied with their use of integrated delivery, with high levels of satisfaction for design involvement, project quality and the communication process. Continue Reading →

SUPERINTENDENT RECOGNIZED WITH COMPANY AWARD

April 2, 2013

Superintendent Recognized with Company Award

Joe Picoraro presents Tim Street (right) with PC Construction’s Kilbourn-Sawyer Award

Today I had the honor of presenting PC Construction’s Kilbourn-Sawyer Award to Tim Street, a project superintendent I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 8 years. Surrounded by his fellow employee-owners, Tim was clearly moved and also excited about the recognition.

Continue Reading →

LEADERSHIP TRANSITION COMPLETE: McCARTHY STEPS INTO ROLE OF PC CONSTRUCTION PRESIDENT

April 1, 2013

Kevin McCarthy

Kevin McCarthy, President of PC Construction

Today marked the start of a new generation of leadership at PC Construction. Kevin McCarthy, an employee-owner and formerly executive vice president, has officially stepped into the shoes of president and chief executive officer. After 36 years with the company Peter Bernhardt will step away from the day-to-day leadership and assume the role of chairman of the company. With this transition, Kevin has also become a member of the board of directors and a trustee of the employee stock ownership plan.

“PC Construction has been so good to me over the past 15 years and I am truly honored to be charged with this new position,” said Kevin. “I’m looking forward to working with our talented teams to shape the company’s future. One thing is for certain – the level of quality, professionalism and integrity our clients have come to value will continue to be the foundation for which all our projects are constructed.”

While Peter will no longer be involved with daily company operations, he will continue to be a PC Construction employee-owner and work on a part-time basis dedicated to serving Kevin and the board of directors.

PC CONSTRUCTION RECOGNIZED FOR WORKSITE WELLNESS

March 28, 2013

Governor's Worksite Wellness Award

Kim Charland, benefits administrator (left) and Nancy Shambaugh, director of human resources (right), both of PC Construction are congratulated by Governor Peter Shumlin

Yesterday I attended the annual Vermont Worksite Wellness Conference, along with PC’s Benefits Administrator Kim Charland, where Governor Peter Shumlin and the Vermont Governor’s Council presented PC Construction with a silver level Worksite Wellness Award. The award honors companies for their efforts to create an employee wellness program that focuses on increased employee health awareness and decreased absenteeism, employee turnover and health care costs. Continue Reading →

WILL HEALTH CARE REFORM AFFECT THE CERTIFICATE OF NEED PROCESS?

March 22, 2013

All of us who support the planning, design and construction of health care facilities in Vermont are particularly interested in the impacts health care reform could have on the process for delivering capital projects to support patient needs. The March 29 Vermont Healthcare Engineer Society quarterly meeting will focus specifically on the changes that may occur to the Certificate of Need process and how hospitals and health systems evaluate service enhancements and the environments in which they provide care.

Interested in attending? Email me at nlabrecque@pcconstruction.com. Otherwise, keep your eyes open for details following the meeting.

PC Construction is a proud sponsor of the Vermont Healthcare Engineer Society.

MRRA PRESENTS KEY TO MÖLNLYCKE

March 19, 2013

Molnlycke Key Presentation

An oversized key to the new Mölnlycke Health Care facility is presented in exchange for an oversized first month’s rent check

With construction of their state-of-the-art bandage manufacturing facility complete, Mölnlycke Health Care (MHC) received an oversized key to their building on Friday from Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) Chairman John Moncure in exchange for an oversized first month’s rent check. The key-exchange ceremony was attended by approximately 60 well-wishers including state and local dignitaries, MRRA officials, MHC employees and PC Construction staff.

Continue Reading →

PC RECOGNIZED FOR WORKSITE WELLNESS

March 11, 2013

Health and wellness has always been an important part of our company. Like others, we struggled with how to fully incorporate it into a formal program that would yield actual results. While certainly not perfect, we have made great progress in the past few years and our program was recently selected to receive a silver level 2012 Governor’s Worksite Wellness Award.

The award, which will be presented by Governor Shumlin and the Vermont Governor’s Council on March 27 at the annual Vermont Worksite Wellness Conference, is in recognition of employee wellness programs that decrease absenteeism and employee turnover and lower health care costs.  Continue Reading →

PC MECHANIC HONORED WITH AWARD

March 6, 2013

Today PC Construction recognized its top mechanic, Louie St. Cyr, as the 2013 recipient of the company’s Founding Principles Award.

Louie joined the company in 1981 and throughout his nearly 32 years with PC, he has taken on a variety of roles. Regardless of his responsibilities, Louie clearly shined when it came to repairing and maintaining equipment and quickly became known as an expert at disassembling and assembling cranes and dissecting problems along the way. Although he is stationed at our Vermont warehouse operations, Louie spends the majority of his days on the road providing invaluable service to project teams along the east coast.

Project Executive Rick Fisher spoke highly of Louie’s accomplishments at a reception held today in his honor. “Louie embodies PC’s values every day as he performs his tasks, relates with the project teams and completes his work in a way that no one else at PC can,” said Rick. “He is a role model and mentor for PC’s mechanics and an extremely valuable member of the PC team.”

Congratulations, Louie, on this special recognition!

Founding Principles Award

Left to right: President Peter Bernhardt, Equipment Manager Keith Barrett, Mechanic Louie St. Cyr, Project Executive Rick Fisher and Executive Vice President Kevin McCarthy pose for a photo during the Founding Principles Award celebration

The Founding Principles Award recognizes individuals at PC who exemplify the “PC Way” in all aspects of their work and who embody the principles and values handed down by Angelo, Remo and Jim Pizzagalli and their parents, Angelo G. and Theresa.

VISIT US AT THE DESIGN-BUILD FOR WATER/WASTEWATER CONFERENCE

March 4, 2013

What are you doing March 20-22? We’re hoping to see many of you at the 2013 Design-Build for Water/Wastewater Conference in Orlando, Florida. The conference is a great opportunity for architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers and public and private owners to discover the benefits of and become more proficient in the design-build delivery market. I, for one, am looking forward to the numerous technical sessions and networking events. 

Joining me will be a team of nine PC professionals ranging in specialty from executive management and project management to estimating and business development. Mark on your calendars two technical sessions featuring our employee-owners.

Continue Reading →

CECIL TO SERVE ON DBIA WATER/WASTEWATER COMMITTEE

March 1, 2013

Mike Cecil, PC Construction Director of Business DevelopmentMike Cecil, director of business development for PC Construction’s water/wastewater business segment, has been selected to join the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Water/Wastewater Committee.  DBIA is the industry’s preeminent resource for leadership, education, objective expertise and best practices for the successful integrated delivery of capital projects. Their mission is to promote the value of design-build project delivery and the effective integration of design and construction services to ensure success for owners and design and construction practitioners.

As part of the committee, Mike will help the DBIA identify key obstacles to effective design-build in the water/wastewater sector and develop strategies to overcome them; collaborate with other industry organizations on key issues to collectively facilitate positive change; and recommend resources to assist owners in executing design-build more effectively.

“I am honored and thankful to be given the opportunity to serve on this committee. I am looking forward to assisting with the execution of DBIA’s goals and increasing owners and practitioners’ awareness of the benefits of the design-build construction delivery method.”

SOUTH PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT ‘TOPS OUT’

February 15, 2013

South Portland High School Project ‘Tops Out’

A student signs the beam as Dan Cecil of Harriman Architects looks on

In keeping with a tradition dating back to ancient Rome, South Portland High School (SPHS) today hosted a “topping out” ceremony to mark the completion of steel erection on the school’s new wing. PC Construction serves as general contractor on the $39 million, 311,000-square-foot construction and renovation project.

The event featured placement of one of the structure’s final I-beams which was signed by SPHS students, faculty and staff; project stakeholders such as architects, engineers and contractors; and local dignitaries. Continue Reading →

COLBY COLLEGE BIOMASS PROJECT ACHIEVES LEED GOLD

February 15, 2013

Colby College Biomass Project Achieves LEED Gold 2When the time came for Colby College to expand their central heating plant, they specifically sought out a cleaner and more efficient alternative to oil. That vision has turned to reality – the College now boasts a high-tech facility complete with a woodchip-fueled biomass boiler system. With construction completed by PC Construction last year, Colby anticipates an annual savings of more than $1 million at current market prices.

The team of Colby, PC Construction and Rist-Frost-Shumway incorporated a multitude of sustainable options throughout the design and construction process. In recognition of those efforts, the project has achieved a LEED Gold rating by the U.S. Green Building Council. Continue Reading →

PC CONSTRUCTION RECOGNIZES SAFETY PROJECTS OF THE YEAR

February 15, 2013

We are pleased to recognize our top Safety Projects of the Year for 2012.

Brattleboro WWTF Upgrade, Brattleboro, VT

Safety Projects of the Year - Brattleboro WWTFA $22.6 million upgrade of an existing wastewater treatment facility to include a new headworks building, primary clarifiers, pump gallery, thermophilic digester tank, sanitary pump station, and plant water pump station. The project also includes modification work to the existing secondary clarifiers, dewatering building, digester complex, control building, chlorine building and contact channels, and selector building with a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system. The narrow site is bordered by the Connecticut River on one side and the Vermont Rail System on the other. Lay down and construction staging areas are at a premium. The congested site coupled with deep excavations, around the clock site dewatering and PC forces self-performing the site, concrete and process mechanical work made this project a daily challenge for the project team.

Columbia Water Canal WTP, Columbia, SC

Safety Projects of the Year - Columbia Water CanalA $26 million renovation and upgrade of an existing water treatment plant originally constructed in the early 1900s. Work included the complete rehab of an aged high service pump room, the building of a new raw water pump station and intake structure along with the installation of all new raw water intake and high service distribution lines, new pressure reducing building and required piping controls, and the addition of a new 3.1 MW generator. The team faced the difficulty of replacing all large underground piping while maintaining service to the community. Every bucket of excavation brought a new challenge with how to support the existing piping while installing the new and ensuring that our crews were protected. This was accomplished with no disruptions to the existing plant and no incidents.

Weidmann BM #2 Addition, St. Johnsbury, VT

Safety Projects of the Year - WeidmannA 38,000-square-foot, three-story expansion of an existing facility to house a new hydraulic board press. To support the weight of the new two-million-pound press, the structural design required the installation of 84 caissons socketed into the sloped bedrock below the addition. Due to the size and weight of its various components, the hydraulic press was erected and the addition built around it. The complexity of erecting the structural steel and constructing the building envelope around the press on a fast-track timeline had unique complications adding to the complexity of the project. Construction personnel worked around and above this three-story press while specialty press erectors and contractors completed the installation of the equipment. The project was completed on schedule with no recordable injuries.  Continue Reading →

TWO UNIVERSITY OF MAINE STUDENTS HONORED; PC SHARES WISDOM AND EXPERIENCE

February 14, 2013

Today I had the pleasure of presenting $1,250 PC Construction scholarships to two outstanding University of Maine students. Brooke Glidden and Billy Roy were selected by a committee of University educators and PC Construction managers for their scholastic efforts in the civil engineering and construction management programs, respectively. Both Brooke and Billy excel in all areas of consideration with strong academic records, a passion for the construction industry, demonstrated leadership, interpersonal skills and integrity.

Two University of Maine Students Honored

Here I am pictured with Billy Roy (left) and Brooke Glidden (center) during the presentation of their scholarship awards

While visiting the campus, PC Construction also had the opportunity to meet with the senior capstone class and spend some time talking about the process of putting a bid into a schedule and project management scheme. PC Senior Project Engineers Tim Sommers and Ryan Kenney, both University of Maine alums, joined me for this exciting opportunity. The class was welcoming and engaged throughout the discussion, as clearly evidenced by their ovation at the end of the three-hour session.

We were also asked to present to the American Society of Civil Engineering student chapter and the construction management estimating class. Those presentations included a discussion of construction management processes relating to the schedule, estimating and team dynamics on a project.

It is so reassuring to step onto a campus such as the University of Maine and clearly see the energy and aptitude of future construction and engineering professionals.

THE BEST OF THE BEST: WATER RECLAMATION FACILITY TAKES HONORS

February 12, 2013

Best of the Best: Water Reclamation Facility Takes Honors

This ad, placed in conjunction with ENR’s Best of the Best feature, provides a glimpse at the successful, collaborative Yellow River WRF project (click photo to view larger)

Engineering News-Record (ENR) has confirmed what we already knew: the Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility is one of the best construction projects in the country.

Utilizing a construction management-at-risk delivery model, the new plant was placed into service a year ahead of schedule and $11 million under budget. PC teamed with the engineering trio of Jacobs, CH2M Hill and Precision Planning, Inc. to demolish and rebuild the plant for Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources without disruption to operations. In the end, six plants were consolidated into one state-of-the-art facility that is among the largest operating membrane plants in the United States.

Yesterday, Engineering News-Record highlighted 19 outstanding projects as the Best of the Best in 2012. The projects were selected based on the level of teamwork, success overcoming challenges, innovation and quality. The Yellow River WRF project was recognized in the Civil Works/Infrastructure category.

Click here to read more.

CENTER FOR ART AND EDUCATION TAKES SHAPE

February 6, 2013

Center for Art and Education Takes Shape That’s right – the highly anticipated year-round Center for Art and Education at Shelburne Museum in Vermont is in the final stretch. Exterior finishes are nearing completion and interior finishes are well under way. On the inside, PC crews can be found finishing drywall, taping and painting, tiling bathrooms and installing the auditorium’s projection screen. The mechanical equipment will start up in early March with slate and hardwood flooring on the horizon for late March and early April.

The Museum has arranged for weekly tours for those who just can’t wait for opening day. The buzz is growing and everyone is excited about the progress. The project is on schedule for a mid-May completion.

COLUMBIA CANAL WTP PROJECT WINDING DOWN

January 30, 2013

Columbia Canal WTP Project Winding Down

The Columbia Canal Water Treatment Plant project in Columbia, South Carolina, included the installation of a 3.1 megawatt generator, the largest manufactured by Caterpillar.

Work is wrapping up and PC crews are in the process of demobilizing at the Columbia Canal Water Treatment Plant project in Columbia, South Carolina.  One of the highlights of this $26 million project was the installation of a 3.1 megawatt generator, the largest manufactured by Caterpillar. Comparatively speaking, a generator of this size creates enough power to provide electricity to over 3,000 homes. Getting this enormous piece of machinery to the site was a challenge of its own. A typical 8-hour drive from the assembly plant in Baltimore, Maryland, to Columbia turned into a 17-hour journey due to height and weight restrictions on the roadways. Continue Reading →

MAINE MARKETS POISED FOR GROWTH

January 29, 2013

Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) Annual Conference

The audience at the Maine Real Estate & Development Association Annual Conference hear news about the state’s economic recovery

According to a parade of industry experts, the outlook for Maine’s real estate and construction markets can be summed up in a single word: optimism. That was the message conveyed to more than 600 attendees at the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) Annual Conference held Thursday in Portland.

In his keynote address, Dr. Charles Colgan from the University of Southern Maine noted the state’s economic recovery continues to lag the rest of Northern New England and the nation, but steady progress is still being made, particularly in the greater Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, Midcoast and Bangor regions. He and several other speakers discussed how Maine’s increased economic vitality is spurring investments in existing buildings and infrastructure, and has served as a catalyst for new construction as well. The rising business tide has also helped lift the sales of single-family homes to levels – and prices – not seen since 2007. Continue Reading →

GETTING THE TEAM ON BOARD: ACTING LIKE AN OWNER

January 24, 2013

McCarthy, KevinAs family businesses in Vermont grow and mature they face new challenges. First and foremost, how do business owners instill the sense of drive, responsibility and ability to solve problems that come naturally to those who started the business?

Pizzagalli Construction Company was a family-owned company for over half a century until the transition to 100% employee ownership was complete in 2009. Then we changed our name to PC Construction in 2011 to further cement the change in ownership while still maintaining the hard-earned heritage of our brand.

The transition to PC Construction symbolized much more than a change in our name, and we needed to do more than simply continue to successfully manage our company and build projects as we always had. We’ve learned that employee-ownership brings a great deal more to a company. Some of those qualities, or necessities, address the hallmarks of sustaining a business – a challenge all companies have faced throughout these times of economic uncertainty. 

A company’s success is based on the dedication, perseverance, and work ethic of its employees. Each and every employee has to make the connection between their actions as they perform their jobs and the company’s success.

At PC Construction, that goes one step further: when the company succeeds, so do they personally through the value of their shares of company stock. This easily relates to the business world as a whole. Firms, no matter the type or size, would not succeed without great people. It is the foundation of our success. And when our companies succeed, our employees are rewarded in a variety of ways – whether through company-sponsored 401(k) contributions, profit sharing, bonuses, and even health insurance.

The trick is to engage our teams and help them understand the underlying importance of their daily actions and the true weight of every one of their decisions. Whether buying pipe to install on a construction project or modifying machinery to change the flow of a manufacturing process, every move our teams make impacts the end result.

So how do you get your team on board?

  • Empower: Define areas your team can help cut costs, improve efficiencies, and generate innovative ideas. Challenge them to get involved and increase motivation by putting ideas to action. Truly embracing their efforts to improve the company says a lot.
  • Accountability: What happens if we don’t achieve sales goals or daily production? If clients are not satisfied? If safety performance decreases? Everyone needs to be held accountable for their actions and participation in company results – good or bad.
  • Education: What is at the top of most minds? They want to know what is in it for them. Share the company’s financial status and clearly illustrate the impact cutting costs or improving efficiencies can have on, for example, the bonus structure or annual raises.
  • Communicate: How is the company progressing? Are we on track to meet goals? What is going right? How can we improve? What’s changing? Nothing can hinder a company more than lack of communication. Genuine and consistent communication through varied channels, whether formal or informal, goes a long way to keeping employees engaged and committed.
  • Celebrate accomplishments: Enough said. Recognizing employees and teams for doing things right, going above and beyond, or achieving significant milestones increases morale and demonstrates the company’s pride in employee accomplishments.

In this day and age recruiting and retaining employees is a challenge for all companies. Fostering an environment where team members are connected to the company on a level deeper than “employee” can set us apart from the competition, build a true team atmosphere and go a long way in obtaining corporate goals.

HONORED TO BE AN AMERICAN CITIZEN

January 9, 2013

DSCN0545

Ashraf proudly displays his Certificate of Naturalization

There are far too many times when I am reminded of people taking for granted the liberties, rights, and responsibilities we each hold as American citizens. It seems that every day I hear such tragic stories of people overstepping boundaries and causing destruction. Yet just the other day I was reminded of the good around us and people who are truly honored to be Americans.

This week I had the opportunity to witness a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Naturalization Ceremony. I was not just a member of the crowd, but a guest of a friend – a PC co-worker – who was fulfilling his lifelong dream of becoming an American.

Born in Egypt, Ashraf knew from the day he graduated that he wanted to go to the United States. Unable to find a legal and honorable way to do so, he moved to Kuwait and then Saudi Arabia before being offered the opportunity to immigrate to Canada. Excited about Canada’s similarities to American life, Ashraf made the move and became a Canadian citizen. After a few years, he realized he would only find what he really longed for in the United States. That was when he obtained his visa and began working in Washington DC. Continue Reading →

KEVIN MCCARTHY TO ASSUME ROLE OF PRESIDENT

January 7, 2013

We are pleased to announce that Kevin McCarthy will be promoted to president and chief executive officer of PC Construction, effective April 1, 2013 when Peter Bernhardt steps away from the day-to-day leadership of the company.

McCarthy-Bernhardt
Kevin McCarthy (top) will assume the role of President and CEO of PC Construction upon Peter Bernhardt’s transition to Chairman

McCarthy, who joined PC Construction in 1998 and currently serves as executive vice president, will become a member of the employee-owned company’s board of directors and a trustee of the employee stock ownership plan.

“This is truly an exciting time as we prepare for the third generation of PC Construction leadership to step up and carry the company forward,” said Peter Bernhardt, president of PC Construction. “This key leadership succession step has been carefully planned over the past year or so to ensure a seamless transition. Kevin’s vast and diversified construction leadership experience will help secure the company’s future success while keeping our core values and the PC Way fully embedded in our activities and behavior each and every day.”

“I am proud to have Kevin step into this role, and am confident the company will continue to prosper in his hands with the help of our leadership teams and every employee-owner,” added Bernhardt.

Kevin McCarthy joined PC Construction as vice president with more than 17 years of estimating, project management and executive oversight experience in the construction industry. Throughout his time with PC Construction, he has provided leadership for various areas of the company’s construction operations in addition to estimating, strategic planning, and managing safety and various operations support services. His role evolved to senior vice president in 2007 before his promotion to executive vice president in 2011.

With this transition, Peter Bernhardt will move away from the career he built with PC Construction over the past 37 years and take on the role of chairman of the company, succeeding Jim Pizzagalli, who will remain a director. While Bernhardt will no longer be involved with daily company operations, he will continue to be a PC Construction employee-owner and work on a part-time basis dedicated to serving McCarthy and the board of directors. Continue Reading →

Thermal Hydrolysis equipment begins arriving at Blue Plains AWWTPThermal Hydrolysis equipment begins arriving at Blue Plains AWWTP3 - First three reactorsThermal Hydrolysis equipment begins arriving at Blue Plains AWWTP

THERMAL HYDROLYSIS EQUIPMENT BEGINS ARRIVING AT BLUE PLAINS AWWTP

December 19, 2012

Last week, the first shipments of Cambi’s thermal hydrolysis process (THP) equipment began arriving on site at the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The equipment will be delivered over the course of the next few weeks and will go online in the 2nd quarter of 2014. This equipment is part of DC Water’s ongoing project to incorporate thermal hydrolysis into their sludge treatment process.

Twenty-four of the pictured reactors, which are manufactured in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will be incorporated into the facility. Additionally, four pulpers, four flash tanks, bridge walkways, and piping – all made in the U.K. – will begin arriving on site and will be assembled with the help of representatives from the British manufacturer S.E.S, who have temporarily relocated to the DC location.

Upon completion of this design-build project with PC Construction and CDM, the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant will be the largest thermal hydrolysis process plant in the world.  Continue Reading →

PC EMPLOYEE-OWNERS PLEDGE $44,000 TO HELP COMMUNITIES

December 17, 2012

After a two-week campaign, PC has announced a $44,000 pledge to the United Way to benefit organizations in various counties in Vermont, most notably Chittenden County.

Our employee-owners participated in several events and unified in a giving campaign centered on a goal of increasing participation. With over $22,000 pledged directly by employee-owners, the company matched those efforts for a total of over $44,000. This represents a 15% increase over the company’s previous five-year campaign history.

This year marked the company’s 46th annual United Way campaign, a tradition that began in 1966 with $106.50 in employee donations and the institution of the corporate matching commitment.

PROJECT TEAM ACCEPTS ENR MID-ATLANTIC AWARD

December 12, 2012

2012 ENR Best Projects Merit Award - Abingdon LR

The Abingdon team members who attended the awards ceremony included (left to right) PC Construction’s Damien Woodard and Brian Harrington; Harford County’s Talad Said and Jackie Ludwig; and Hazen and Sawyer’s Aaron Duke and Andy Gregson

Yesterday’s awards ceremony honored Engineering News-Record’s Mid-Atlantic Best Projects, and the associated design and construction teams. The talent, knowledge, safety and skills of these teams demonstrated that great vision, proper planning, and crisp execution can lead to amazing outcomes. The projects showcased were not only completed and operational; they each had their own individual challenges and flavor – from LEED Silver and Gold to hazardous materials removal and renovations. The Abingdon Water Treatment Plant Expansion, constructed by PC Construction and designed by Hazen and Sawyer, was recognized with an Award of Merit in the Civil Works/Infrastructure category. Continue Reading →

THE LIFE OF A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

December 11, 2012

Mike Cecil, PC Construction Director of Business DevelopmentIt recently occurred to me that the construction process is much like the cycle of life.

A new project award is similar to the birth of a child. Like all new parents, one is excited and trying to make sure everything is perfect for the baby. We do everything in our power to raise him properly and teach him good manners. We are also jubilant and want to tell everyone the good news. For contractors, that involves vendors, subcontractors, and co-workers, whereas for parents it is friends, neighbors, and family.

The start of any construction project is not unlike the formative years of a child. We set up the trailers, establish procedures and begin to forge relationships with subcontractors, vendors, engineers and the owner. It is fair to say that a child’s early years can have the greatest impact; the same holds true for the start of a new construction project. If it gets off to a rocky start, it is often difficult to get back on track (think military school). That is one of the reasons PC puts great emphasis on pre-planning – so when we hit the ground running, we have a solid foundation to work from. Continue Reading →

PC CONSTRUCTION TRUCK CHANGES CAREER

December 6, 2012

Project Manager Jim Bowie recently handed the keys to a GMC Sierra truck to Shelburne Museum Director Tom Denenberg. The truck was facing retirement from PC’s fleet around the same time the Museum was looking for additional trucks to support their operations.

“It is a good fit,” said Bowie. “We’ve had a long-standing relationship with the Museum and the value they provide to the community is tremendous. This was just a little something we could do to help.”

PC Construction truck changes career

Left to right: John Lavoie, project superintendent, PC Construction; Rick Peters, director of grounds, Shelburne Museum; Tom Denenberg, director, Shelburne Museum; and Jim Bowie, project manager, PC Construction.

BioElectric Treatment Diagram

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN WATER TREATMENT: BIOELECTRIC TREATMENT

December 3, 2012

ElectroCell Technologies is the U.S. agent for a relatively new and potentially game-changing process for treating liquid waste. Based in Colchester, Vermont, this company is promoting a technology originally conceived in Israel that is starting to make great strides in North America. Continue Reading →

GOVERNMENT AT WORK IN VERMONT

November 29, 2012

Government at Work in VermontEarlier this month I enjoyed my second day-long seminar as a member of the Leadership Champlain Class of 2013. Leadership Champlain is a nine-month program run by the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce that allows participants to gain insight into community issues through active, team-based learning, networking, and exposure to community leaders in Vermont. I am so fortunate that PC Construction sponsored my participation in this program – although I’ve lived in Vermont for seven years, it was time to get more connected! Continue Reading →

PATIENT-CENTERED MEDICAL HOMES THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CARE

November 28, 2012

Nicole LaBrecque, PC Construction's Director of Health Care Business DevelopmentPatient-centered medical homes (PCMH) provide comprehensive, quality care for patients from preventive services through specialty health care needs. More of the nation’s health care centers are moving to the PCMH approach to allow for consistent medical services and a unified team approach to care.

Alicia Jacobs, MD, posted a blog yesterday that outlines the unique attributes and associated health benefits of a PCMH. She states that, “Besides improved access and a focus on whole person health assessments, medical homes have a systemic approach to improving the overall quality of health care delivery… Medical homes focus on the whole person, not just physical illness, by facilitating a seamless patient experience across the care continuum, from primary care to specialty care, mental health counseling to diet and nutrition –connecting you with medical and community resources that contribute to your physical and mental well-being.”

It is clear that PCMHs are changing the way care is delivered to patients. As more medical facilities adopt this patient-centered approach, PC Construction will be ready to help them realize their construction goals. We are proud to have consulted on and constructed some of the first PCMHs in New England.  The Martin’s Point Health Care Veranda Clinic in Portland, Maine, opened its doors over two years ago. 

Click here to read Alicia’s blog.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS, BIG IDEAS

November 20, 2012

Young professionals, big ideas

The Leadership Development Program group attends their annual seminar in South Burlington, Vermont

One of the highlights of my year is bringing together all the young construction professionals who are participants in our elite Leadership Development Program for their annual seminar. The participants enjoy this time to build relationships that will serve them throughout their careers at PC.

I’ve put together a number of these seminars and have learned that these individuals are eager to share, participate, and contribute. So this year we challenged them and required the LDP participants to split into teams to create proposals for company improvements. After months of identifying problems, researching history, and developing viable solutions with input from other people throughout the company, the groups presented their proposals to the company’s senior leadership group.  Continue Reading →

PC-DESIGNED GANTRY CRANE HARD AT WORK

November 16, 2012

This week PC Construction began setting 76,000-pound precast beams utilizing an in-house built gantry crane.  The crane was designed by the team at the DC Water Slurry Wall and Tankage project in Washington, DC, and engineered by long-time partner, Jack Finney of Finney Engineering. The custom crane is necessary to expedite the project and increase the availability of the other 210 cranes currently on site.

Using typical cranes to complete the work would not have been as efficient due the large distances associated with setting the beams and the limited reach capacity of other cranes. The process would have taken much longer and impacted the progress of the concrete structure work. Instead, the gantry crane allows us to finish the structure work in a timely manner while keeping our site cranes available for other work.

PC-Designed Gantry Crane Hard at Work

Mall Retail Space RenovationInnovative thinking reduces costsphoto8Dumbwaiter Innovation

INNOVATIVE THINKING REDUCES COSTS 99.6%

November 14, 2012

After Midnight Jewelers, a Vermont jeweler, contracted with PC Construction’s Special Project Group to perform a complete interior renovation of their retail space. Our team first relocated the operating business to a nearby kiosk to allow for continued operations during construction. We then demolished 95% of the old finishes and rebuilt the 600 square foot space. With a tight 8-week schedule, the work had to be coordinated in a very restricted working space within an operating mall in coordination with adjacent tenants. Equipment and material deliveries were restricted after 9:30 a.m. each day. 

The project design called for an $11,000 pneumatic transport system to convey jewelry and watches from the retail space to the mezzanine repair space. When the owner had concerns about the system’s cost, PC’s project engineer Travis Tremblay came up with another idea. He created a low-budget dumbwaiter using rope, weights, pulleys, and a galvanized pail. The dumbwaiter functions with the use of a counterweight on one side and an opposing vehicle, in this case the bucket, on the other side. The counterweight is sized in a way to allow the bucket to remain static – if you pull on the string and then let go, the bucket remains where you stopped regardless of its position. Continue Reading →

CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION FOCUS OF SMPS TOUR, PANEL DISCUSSION

November 12, 2012

The Northern New England Chapter of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) yesterday hosted a tour of the Peter T. Paul School of Business & Economics that PC Construction is currently building for the University of New Hampshire. The approximately 115,000-square-foot, $40-million facility greatly impressed the SMPS attendees, particularly its liberal use of natural materials combined with around $2 million worth of high-tech components. By all accounts, the building will be a campus gem when completed early next year.

Following the tour, I had the privilege of moderating SMPS’s higher education panel discussion held at UNH’s historic Huddleston Hall. The distinguished panel included UNH’s University Architect Doug Bencks, Dartmouth College’s Director of Project Management Matt Purcell, and Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Bob Vachon from Southern New Hampshire University.

Each panelist provided a “state of the state” summary of his respective campus’s facilities and the potential projects that lie ahead. For the many architects, engineers and contractors in attendance, the news was good: all three campuses foresee ample work for the A/E/C industry. Continue Reading →

PC CONSTRUCTION HONORED WITH 2012 CMAA PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

November 8, 2012

PC Construction Honored with 2012 CMAA Project Achievement Award

It was a pleasure to join fellow team members on stage to accept a 2012 Project Achievement Award by the Construction Management Association of American (CMAA) at its National Conference in Chicago, Illinois. The award is in recognition of the work completed on the $250 million Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility Improvements project, which won in the category of Infrastructure Project over $150 Million. 

The $250 million Yellow River Water Reclamation Facility Improvements project for Gwinnett County utilized a construction management-at-risk delivery method partnering PC Construction with the engineering team of Jacobs, CH2M Hill, and Precision Planning, Inc. The existing facility was demolished and rebuilt without disrupting operations and, at the conclusion, consolidated six plants into one state-of-the art facility. Capacity was increased from 14.5 MGD to 22 MGD. The project was completed $11 million under budget and the new plant was placed into service one year ahead of schedule. The facility is currently the largest operating membrane plant in the United States.

We are extremely honored to have been recognized by CMAA with this award. This project is unlike most treatment plant projects we construct, with a focus on a true collaborative effort between the contractor, and engineers to maximize project outcome for the client. On many design-bid-build projects, everyone has their own agenda, which leaves less time for just getting the job done. At Yellow River, it didn’t matter if it was a design problem or a construction problem; everyone just got together and solved it like a team.

The CMAA awards recognize owners and professional construction managers for successful completion of challenging projects. Criteria considered include overall management, safety, quality management, cost management, schedule management, complexity, innovation and creativity, and customer satisfaction.

Kicking it off for the United WayKicking it off for the United Way

KICKING IT OFF FOR THE UNITED WAY

November 2, 2012

This week, the Vermont PC team kicked off its annual United Way campaign. We’ve been a longtime supporter of this incredible organization, dating back to our first campaign in 1966 which raised $213, including a company match. Every year since then, our Vermont employees have generously given to this organization to help support the needs in our community.

The kickoff featured our very own Crystal DelleChiaie’s daughter, Natalia, who stole the show at only age 3! We learned of Crystal’s family’s tumultuous journey with Natalia from a very tiny preemie to the adorable and active toddler she is today, and how several of the United Way agencies came to their assistance and continue to support Natalia’s development. Continue Reading →

WEIDMANN Electrical Technology Celebrates Facility AdditionWEIDMANN Electrical Technology Celebrates Facility AdditionWEIDMANN Electrical Technology Celebrates Facility Addition

WEIDMANN ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY CELEBRATES FACILITY ADDITION

October 26, 2012

Officials, locals, bankers, co-workers, designers, and contractors all gathered yesterday at an open house for WEIDMANN’s Electrical Technology’s new expansion in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Continue Reading →

AIA NEW ENGLAND AWARD AND INSPIRATIONS

October 22, 2012

Emery Community Arts Center, University of Maine Farmington

The Emery Community Arts Center at the University of Maine Farmington

The Emery Community Arts Center project strikes again! The American Institute of Architects New England Chapter recognized designLAB and PC Construction with one of only three Honor Awards for Excellence in Architecture. Over 240 submissions from New England were evaluated by Patricia Patkau and a jury of peers. Kelly Ard from designLAB accepted the award and mentioned her appreciation for PC Construction’s collaborative process for creating solutions. Previously recognized with an American Architecture Award, the Emery Community Arts Center at the University of Maine Farmington is used for visual and performing arts for the university and the community.

The award ceremony was just one highlight of the AIA New England conference. Keynote speaker for the event was Patricia Patkau, Partner of the firm Patkau Architects in Vancouver, British Columbia.  The theme, “Design of Place: A Place-Oriented Response to Site, Climate, Culture, and Program” centered on Patricia’s 30 years of integrating architecture with social, environmental, and cultural concerns. Continue Reading →