SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

URS Corporation (NYSE: URS - News) today announced that the Company, as a partner in a limited liability company (LLC) with Dewberry, has been awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide technical support for the agencys Public Assistance Program throughout the United States and its territories. The five-year contract has a maximum value of $500 million to the partnership.

Under the terms of the contract, URS and its partner can compete for, or be assigned, task orders to provide engineering, scientific and architectural services following natural disasters including hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes. URS will assist FEMA, state and local governments, and private-nonprofit organizations with the assessment of disaster-related damages to public infrastructure, including determining methods of repair and associated cost estimates. URS will also assist with the monitoring of debris removal and disposal operations, and in the assessment of costs related to these and other emergency response activities.

Commenting on the contract, Gary V. Jandegian, President of Infrastructure & Environment for URS, said: We are pleased to have been selected for this important assignment, which is our seventh consecutive award of this contract by FEMA and reflects our strength in disaster recovery services. Both URS and Dewberry have worked extensively with FEMA in the past, including providing several hundred staff to assist in the recovery operations related to Hurricanes Katrina, Ike, and Irene, as well as providing technical support in response to the 2011 Midwest floods. We look forward to continuing our relationship with FEMA with this contract.

URS Corporation (NYSE: URS - News) is a leading provider of engineering, construction and technical services for public agencies and private sector companies around the world. The Company offers a full range of program management; planning, design and engineering; systems engineering and technical assistance; construction and construction management; operations and maintenance; and decommissioning and closure services. URS provides services for power, infrastructure, industrial and commercial, and federal projects and programs. Headquartered in San Francisco, URS Corporation has more than 46,000 employees in a network of offices in more than 40 countries (www.urs.com).

Read more here:
URS Selected By FEMA For Nationwide Disaster Response Contract

AUSTIN, Texas, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosendin Electric (www.rosendin.com), one of the nation's largest private electrical contractors and a 100% employee-owned company, has named Jonas McBride to the newly created role of Director, Central U.S. Engineering, to help oversee multi-office engineering projects and expand Rosendin Electric's operations in the central United States. McBride will be based in Austin, Texas at the offices of KST Electric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rosendin Electric.

In his new role, McBride will be responsible for overseeing Rosendin Electric's engineering practice throughout the central United States, including managing engineering teams, supporting business development and new contract bids, managing design/build services, and establishing engineering best practices. McBride will report to Ron Wilson, Director of Engineering at Rosendin Electric headquarters in San Jose, California.

McBride brings 17 years of experience in design and construction of large, complex, multi-phased facilities to Rosendin Electric. He has managed engineering projects across a diverse range of industries, including mission-critical, healthcare, biotech/pharmaceutical, commercial, retail, education, and government facilities. McBride will also be responsible for managing the Texas-based engineering team and working with the company's contracting partners.

"Adding Jonas to our team will help us expand our engineering and design/build capabilities across the central states," said Wilson. "We have especially seen a need to support growth in the Texas market with a number of new data center, healthcare, and commercial construction projects. The creation of this new role of Director of Central U.S. Engineering will help us consolidate our engineering expertise, deliver better client service, and work more efficiently with our contractor partners."

Before joining Rosendin Electric, McBride was a consultant specializing in mission-critical data center design. He also has worked for Smith Seckman Reid, Inc., NSPOF Communications, and Day Brown Rice, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University.

About Rosendin ElectricRosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a 100% employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider and is one of the largest privately held electrical contractors in the United States. With over 2,500 employees, Rosendin Electric has offices and experience nationwide and has built upon a 90-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit http://www.rosendin.com.

Read more:
Rosendin Electric Names Jonas McBride to New Role as Director, Central U.S. Engineering

Banking

Sharon Bryant of First Citizens has been promoted to South Carolina banking executive responsible for all of the company's retail and commercial banking operations in the state. She has 27 years of industry experience. She will continue as director of the bank's wealth advisory group.

Catering

Sarah Coffey has been named director of Newton Farms Catering for Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. She has more than 12 years of restaurant and event planning experience. Most recently, she was sales director for New Dream Catering in Charleston. She has a bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston.

Engineering

Gary Jensen has joined ADC Engineering Inc.'s Charleston office as a project designer. Previously, he was with HGBD Engineering Inc. He has 19 years of civil engineering experience. He an associate degree in architectural and construction engineering technology from the State University of New York's Alfred State College.

Health care

Cindy Helling has been named executive director of Select Health of South Carolina. Previously she was vice president and chief operating officer. She has more than 20 years of health care industry experience. She has a bachelor's degree from Excelsior College and a master's degree in business administration from The Citadel.

Law

Matthew S. Byzet joined Keaveny Law Firm LLC of Charleston as an associate. He practices in the areas of construction, insurance, personal injury, premises liability, products liability and professional malpractice. He has a bachelor's degree in communications and business administration from Butler University and a law degree from the Charleston School of Law.

See original here:
EXECUTIVE ITEMS: News of banking, catering, engineering and more ...

FAIRFIELD, N.J., March 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Providing the same unparalleled performance and architectural elements that lighting professionals enjoyed with the original Evoke family, Amerlux debuts high-performance, energy saving Evoke 2.9 G2 LED Downlights in round and square profiles for a sleek, contemporary inconspicuous appearance. A leading provider of task-specific, energy-efficient lighting solutions, Amerlux offers Evoke 2.9 G2 LED Downlights for inclusion in sustainable strategies recognized by organizations such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and The U.S Green Building Council. The new generation offers an array of compact, architecturally styled luminaires for a wide variety of applications.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120309/NY67599 ) (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120118/NY36894LOGO )

"The second generation of Evoke 2.9 Downlights is the result of many years of research and development combining LED energy efficiencies and cost savings without compromising appearance or performance," said Frank P. Diassi, Chairman and Founder of Amerlux. "The family is ideal for upscale residential, retail and a variety of commercial applications in North America and on a global scale as well."

Specifically engineered around the latest LED light sources, the 12-watt Evoke combines uncompromising energy efficiency and superior aesthetics with a miniature 2.9-inch aperture. Evoke offers architects and lighting designers the flexibility to create complete sustainable lighting schemes including general, accent, task and wall washing applications.

"Harnessing the power of LED, Evoke luminaires combine the robust features, fit, finish and details with the latest sustainable lighting technology," explained Chuck Campagna, CEO and President of Amerlux. "Engineered using the highest quality world-class diodes and ceramic circuit boards, Evoke delivers superior efficacy, light output and lamp life."

The family offers warm 2700K, crisp 3000K, bright white 3500K and cooler 4000K LED sources that can be used in highly switched areas or applications requiring dimming capabilities. Consuming just 12 watts, Evoke LED is capable of producing over 670 net lumens of uniformed light in 15- to 60-degree beam spreads. Tightly binned LEDs ensure excellent fixture- to-fixture consistency and a superb CRI (color rendering index) of 82 to 90.

To maximize their rated life, Evoke 2.9 G2 LED Downlights combine conduction, convection and radiation elements to divert damaging heat away from the LEDs with a multi-faceted thermal management system. A patented ceramic circuit board ensures that the LEDs are driven to their optimal performance while the highly engineered heat sink conducts heat away from the diodes above the ceiling line. This unique combination provides additional thermal protection, allowing for a tight cluster of high output LEDs to be used in this discreet aperture size. The result is a long lasting fixture capable of significantly reducing operation costs by maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing maintenance.

The patented heat sink reduces fixture temperature for an unparalleled LED rated lamp life of 50,000 hours at 70 percent initial output. The compact LED module produces over 670 net lumens of light while consuming just 12 watts of energy. A unique slide mechanism offers easy access to the LED driver to simplify inspection and maintenance. The luminaire boasts a precise beam spread range from 15- to 60-degrees that makes it ideal for lobbies, conference rooms, private offices and elevator banks.

Evoke 2.9 G2 LED Downlights are designed with a reflector trim that sits flush with the ceiling line, for a minimal edge detail. A trimless fixture is also available with a perforated plaster ring that mounts to the aperture for the application of drywall compound, which is applied directly to the plaster ring and feathered away for an even cleaner installation and look. High performance lighting applications are effectively achieved from above a smooth, uninterrupted surface, for a clean, unobtrusive aesthetic.

Evoke delivers clean consistent beams free of projected heat and UV/IR radiation, making it optimal for lighting color or heat sensitive merchandise. With full range dimmability and specialized optics, the luminaires are offered in the round, square, round glass and square glass decorative styles.

Follow this link:
Amerlux Debuts Evoke 2.9 Second Generation Downlights

PBD was recognized for their outstanding work on projects for Navistar, Coyote Logistics and HiMSS.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 09, 2012

This years Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards winners were announced at the Awards Dinner, presented by Associated Bank and Crains Chicago Business, on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Im thrilled to see our teams hard work recognized by their peers and the industry as a whole, said Ron Carlson, PBD founder and CEO. Its a privilege to be part of a group that has had such a central role in real economic revitalization this year in Chicago.

Panelists and voters, comprised of previous year award winners and real estate professionals, evaluated the project submissions on a range of criteria, including commercial success, project complexity, innovative problem solving and community and environmental impact.

PBD submitted three local projects, completed within 2011: a 1.25 million square foot project for Navistar, a 96,000 square foot project for Coyote Logistics and a 28,550 square foot project for HIMSS (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society).

The Navistar project highlighted all phases of PBDs tailored design services. PBD redesigned the entire 88-acre Lisle, Ill. campus, once home to Alcatel-Lucent, converting an IT work environment to the corporate, planning and R&D function of Navistars global headquarters . PBD also designed and constructed two ground-up buildings on the campus. For the renovation phase, PBD oversaw the master planning and design of Navistars corporate offices, truck bays, testing facilities, museum and customer welcome center.

HIMSS, a non-profit organization focused on healthcare IT and management systems, hired PBD to assist with the relocation and redesign of their Chicago offices. PBD led the renovation of an existing commercial office space, creating collaborative work environments and a rotunda to reinforce HIMSS culture and mission.

With Coyote Logistics, PBD spearheaded the design phase of the companys relocation from Lake Forest, Ill. to the third and fourth floors of Chicagos Green Exchange Buildingthe countrys largest sustainable business community committed to environmental responsibility and positive social impact. PBD incorporated sustainable best practices through all phases of the projects development.

About Partners by Design

Link:
Partners by DESIGN incorporated wins Design Firm of the Year for the third time at the 2012 Chicago Commercial Real ...

NEW YORK, March 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Stuart Dean, North America's preferred provider of architectural restoration services, will demonstrate its broad array of facade restoration and commercial-grade grout installation solutions to attendees of the National Facility Management Technology (NFMT) Expo (March 13-15 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD). NFMT is the largest gathering of building owners, facility managers, maintenance engineers, sustainability directors and other facilities management professionals across the country. The expo provides an interactive educational and networking experience that offers ideas to inspire those in the facility management industry.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120213/NE52388LOGO )

"At Stuart Dean, we have a proud history of restoring, polishing and maintaining some of the continent's most prominent commercial addresses. We are also pleased to mark our tenth anniversary as an exhibitor at NFMT, a key industry show," said Mark Parrish, president and CEO of Stuart Dean. "Our time-tested approaches and innovative solutions help to extend the life, increase the value and enhance the beauty of interior and exterior architectural surfaces for buildings, institutions, retail stores and restaurants of all kinds. We believe the industry will continue to take notice of what we have to offer from the facade outside to the floor inside."

Stuart Dean's Specialty Services Division focuses on the restoration of architectural metal of curtain walls and building facades. Because both function as the long-term weather barrier for the building, they can become dull and weathered by harmful elements. Stuart Dean employs experts in the application of field-applied fluoropolymers and other high-performance coatings to restore the facade and the curtain wall. The company also remains on the forefront of developing and applying the newest technologies and methodologies to protect metal architectural surfaces.

Inside the building, the company's exclusive Marcoat Epoxy Grout Floor System is an innovative solution for grout degradation, one of the most common and costly back-of-the-house problems for the restaurant industry. Marcoat is a nonporous epoxy replacement for conventional grout and eliminates corrosion for the long term by standing up to the rigors of daily wear and tear in commercial kitchens. The material features industry-leading return on investment, with a total cost of ownership four times less than conventional grout.

The company also specializes in stone cleaning and sealing, wood refinishing and glass restoration, thereby providing the total solution for facility managers.

Stuart Dean will be located at Booth #2223 at NFMT.

About Stuart Dean Stuart Dean is the country's preeminent architectural restoration company, specializing in metal polishing, stone cleaning and sealing, wood refinishing, glass restoration, and commercial-grade grout installation. Thousands of clients entrust Stuart Dean to protect, maintain and restore their buildings, retail stores, institutions and restaurants every day. Stuart Dean offers a portfolio of services to enhance the beauty and retain the value of a wide array of architectural assets. The company has been in business for nearly 80 years, with 22 offices in the U.S. and Canada and over 450 employees. Major markets served include New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, D.C./Virginia, Phoenix, Charlotte, Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Tustin, San Diego, Toronto, and Vancouver. For more information, visit http://www.stuartdean.com.

Contact: Jeff Donaldson 412-642-7700 jeff.donaldson@elias-savion.com

See more here:
Stuart Dean Highlights Restoration and Maintenance Solutions to Building Owners, Facility Managers at NFMT 2012 ...

PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Michael Baker Jr., Inc., a unit of Michael Baker Corporation (NYSE Amex:BKR), has announced that Matthew C. Lamont, RA, NCARB, has joined the firm as architecture operations director for Bakers Phoenix, Ariz., office. In this position, Lamont will provide leadership in all aspects of operations and business development for Bakers architectural practice in the region.

A LEED-Accredited Professional, Lamont was previously a principal-in-charge of a major design group and has been involved in a number of high-profile projects for clients such as Charles Schwab, TGEN, Qwest, and Phelps Dodge. His specialized technical and leadership experience includes major commercial mixed-use, high-tech/mission-critical, military/government, healthcare, multi-family and educational facilities.

Bakers Ronald W. Kretz, AIA, vice president and deputy service area manager for Bakers Architecture Group, said, The addition of Matt to our leadership team will be crucial to our success, particularly in the Southwest where we see solid opportunities. His experience specific to the markets we serve will prove to be valuable while his deep understanding of design/build and sustainable architectural design will help to build Bakers portfolio of such high-profile projects.

Lamont holds active architecture licenses in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada and Utah. He is a member of the Arizona Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, National Trust for U.S. Historic Preservation and the Urban Land Institute. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board MemberU.S. Veterans Initiative. Lamont earned his Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the University of Southern California.

Michael Baker Corporation (www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering, design, planning and construction services for its clients most complex challenges worldwide. The firm's primary business areas are architecture, aviation, defense, environmental, geospatial, homeland security, municipal & civil, oil & gas, rail & transit, telecommunications & utilities, transportation, urban development and water. With more than 3,200 employees in over 100 offices across the United States, Baker is focused on creating value by delivering innovative and sustainable solutions for infrastructure and the environment.

Original post:
Lamont Named Baker Phoenix Architecture Lead

FRANKLIN (SOMERSET) When Thai Lee acquired Software House International in 1989, nobody expected it to become the international powerhouse that it is today. But in just over 20 years, the Harvard-trained Lee has transformed the spin-off company from the division of another company to an independent, multibillion dollar global provider of technology products and services with 25 offices in North America, Paris, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.

Today, it is the largest minority/woman-owned company in the U.S., and its based right here in Central Jersey.

The company began under Lees leadership in the Somerset section of Franklin, moved to larger headquarters in Piscataway in 2008, and recently completed a move back to Somerset to accommodate its continued growth. SHI now occupies the former ATT building on Davidson Avenue that had been vacant for about a decade. The company has about 1,800 employees, with 200 added last year, most of them at the Franklin location.

According to Ed McNamara, director of communications for SHI International, Lee has been a smart, hands-on shepherd for the company. She does not believe management should be stratified above the other employees with special privileges. In fact, there are no reserved parking spaces at the SHI International parking lot for anyone but expectant mothers. Lee knows the names of just about everyone at the company, and McNamara said she works very hard.

Another way she has differed from many of her competitors has been that she has carefully managed the companys assets, keeping her costs low and not leveraging the company as others might have done.

As a result, McNamara said, Lee has been able to move closer to our customers when competitors have pulled back. This has enabled SHI to take advantage of the downturn in the economy, growing the business and opening 20 new offices around the country and then the world in 2008 and 2009.

When she realized that the company was outgrowing its new headquarters in Piscataway after just a few years, Lee brought in Cornerstone Architectural Group, a leading full-service architectural firm based in South Plainfield, to design a renovation of the ATT building on Davidson Avenue for her new headquarters. Cornerstone had designed the Piscataway headquarters, and the two companies had a history of working together.

(Page 2 of 3)

This project, one of the largest in the tristate area, embodies SHIs core values of innovation, early adoption and pioneering on the cutting edge, said Robert F. Barranger, co-founder and partner at Cornerstone Architectural Group.

The 15-month, multiphased fit-out entailed a major energy-efficient lighting retrofit on which Cornerstone worked closely with California-based Finelite, a leading manufacturer of high-performance lighting systems, and independent lighting manufacturer representative Jeffrey Maglietta of the Chatham-based Liberty Lighting Group Inc., to design a system that provided a higher-quality light while realizing a 50 percent reduction in energy consumption for lighting and the number of fixtures.

Go here to read the rest:
SHI International matches growth with green living

Advanced Grout System Prolongs Life of Floors to Avoid Costly Repairs

NEW YORK - Stuart Dean, a renowned provider of architectural restoration services throughout the United States, will present its Marcoat Epoxy Grout Floor System as an advanced solution for grout degradation March 4-6, 2012 at the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA) 2012 Annual Conference at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Grout degradation is a common and costly back-of-the-house problem for RFMA attendees, which includes restaurant facility directors, managers, project coordinators, owners/operators, construction managers, and operations and purchasing managers. The company will be at Booth #311.

"Grout deterioration is accelerated in the restaurant environment for several reasons, including heavy traffic, moisture, food by-products, cleaning agents and grease, which cause the average high-performance restaurant chain to re-grout every two to four years depending on volume," said Mark Parrish, president and CEO of Stuart Dean. "Our exclusive Marcoat Epoxy Grout Floor System is a replacement for conventional grout and eliminates corrosion for the long term by standing up to the rigors of daily wear and tear in commercial kitchens."

Marcoat is a nonporous epoxy that eliminates the pockets where food particles, liquid and grease can accumulate in traditional grout and cause health hazards. The product is impervious to oleic acid and enzyme cleaners that are present in the kitchen environment, and also protects tile from breaking and chipping. Additionally, its special formulation is impervious to mold and mildew.

Marcoat comes with a limited two-year warranty on workmanship and an additional manufacturer warranty against product failure of three years, for a total of five years of coverage against product breakdown under normal restaurant conditions. The material features industry-leading return on investment, with a total cost of ownership four times less than conventional grout.

"Marcoat is NSF-certified for use in the food service industry and is designed to be a long-lasting solution in the restoration and new construction of restaurant kitchens," Parrish added. "We are excited to introduce Marcoat to the restaurant professionals who attend RFMA."

RFMA is a professional organization dedicated to advancing industry awareness of restaurant facility management, and promoting professional and ethical standards to serve customers with added value. Drawing restaurateurs from across the country, the RFMA Annual Conference spotlights the latest technological advances in the restaurant facilities' industry. With more than 230 exhibitors displaying products and services, renowned speakers and breakout sessions, the RFMA conference has established itself as the leader in assimilating new information on restaurant facility maintenance.

About Stuart Dean

Stuart Dean is the country's preeminent architectural restoration company, specializing in metal polishing, stone cleaning and sealing, wood refinishing, glass restoration, and commercial-grade grout installation. Thousands of clients entrust Stuart Dean to protect, maintain and restore their buildings, retail stores, institutions and restaurants every day. Stuart Dean offers a portfolio of services to enhance the beauty and retain the value of a wide array of architectural assets. The company has been in business for nearly 80 years, with 22 offices in the U.S. and Canada and over 450 employees. Major markets served include New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, D.C./Virginia, Phoenix, Charlotte, Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Tustin, San Diego, and Toronto. For more information, visit http://www.stuartdean.com.

Contact: Jeff Donaldson For Stuart Dean 412-642-7700 jeff.donaldson@elias-savion.com

See original here:
Stuart Dean Presents Advanced Marcoat® Grout System to Restaurant Industry at RFMA ...

VALPARAISO | Now celebrating more than 60 years in business, Chester Inc. has its roots firmly planted in corn and steel.

Led by President and CEO Pete Peuquet, Chester Inc. serves customers with the manufacture, sales and service of products in agriculture, industry, commerce and retail markets. These products and services are organized into three divisions.

Construction services include architectural services and commercial and industrial construction. Information technologies offers computer and network services and agricultural systems include grain and irrigation systems and The Popcorn Store.

But the company's beginnings go back to George F. Chester, a Northwest Indiana man who was as much scientist as he was a farmer. In the midst of the Great Depression, Chester developed new seed corn by studying its genetic characteristics for better growth, insect resistance and better crop yields.

From 1936 to 1951, the George F. Chester & Sons Seed Co. operated in Boone Grove. When the company's founder decided to retire, Charles F. Bowman and Orville Redenbacher of Purdue University saw an opportunity to buy and expand the business.

Bowman and Redenbacher developed Chester Inc. into a national seed corn, but when Redenbacher focused on popcorn, "things started to pop," said Richard K. Shields, Chester Inc. business development manager.

Shields calls Chester Inc. "an incubator" for growing businesses that spin off with other companies.

A division of Wesson Oil Co. bought the popcorn business, and the national marketing made Orville Redenbacher Popcorn a household name.

In the meantime, the Chester Inc. agricultural business concentrated on other products the farming industry needed, Shields said. After talking with farmers, company officials branched off into producing fertilizer. The Chester Inc. suspended liquid fertilizer became a soughtafter agricultural product.

"We supplied it to grain elevator and dealers and it became a very popular product," Shields said. "Another national firm bought that."

See original here:
Rooted in corn, steel