We're tops!

It's official!

We've been named a 2012 Top Workplace: http://www.topworkplaces.com/frontend.php/regional-list/company/freep/commonwealth-associates

Click here to view the full list: http://www.freep.com/article/20121118/BUSINESS06/121115019 and here to read the insights coming out of this year's competition: http://www.freep.com/article/20121118/BUSINESS06/311180166/Behind-2012-Free-Press-Top-Workplaces-results-Sense-connection-crucial.


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I said I wasn't going to do this...

I have to confess...I did not want to write this.  Nope, I definitely did not want to be that person who talks about how great her company is, how nice his coworkers are, or all the wonderful things the company does in the community...but I will. 

Frankly, because it's true and I firmly believe that, if you are looking for an engineering job, then you need to know about it. 

Please forgive my unabashed company pride.

Since you probably don't have the couple of hours it would take for me to truly do justice to the company and the folks around here, I'll give you my version of a "highlight reel."

First, there's the whole employee-owned thing.  It's powerful.  It means that each of us care very much about what gets done and how.  We are invested in our clients and projects in a deeper way.  We are committed to creating the proper conditions for people and careers to flourish and for the best ideas to be unleashed and integrated into how we do business with clients and with each other.

Second, Commonwealth has a team of people who are incredibly talented and confident, yet humble.  In fact, many of them even lead or serve on the boards setting tomorrow's industry standards because they are just that passionate about their work.  But it's not all work around here.  If you want to enjoy a simultaneously fast-paced, yet remarkably relaxed atmosphere, then this is the place for you.  You certainly won't be bored, but you'll also have plenty of time for your weekly massage, employee softball team game, "What's for Lunch Thursday," or a delicious Relay for Life Cookout on the lawn listening to our own "Boiler Room Band".  For being so productive, folks around here certainly have work-life balance figured out.

Third, our projects are interesting and challenging.  Barges in Alaska, tower testing in Spain, under the Hudson River in NYC, who knows where you'll be and what you'll experience as part of your Commonwealth career!

Fourth, the benefits are great.  Click here to check them out for yourself.

Finally, while I could go on and on, I'll close with the biggie.  I very much admire my colleagues for thinking and acting beyond themselves.  Commonwealth enthusiastically embraces social responsibility and demonstrates leadership in the community to make a positive impact, not just for employees, but for everyone who lives and works in the surrounding area.  Whether sponsoring the annual Hot Air Jubilee, supporting the local performing arts scene, providing winter coats for kids or food for pets, collecting toys for Toys-for-Tots, cleaning up the roadsides, or mentoring future generations of potential engineers, Commonwealth employees are happiest when they are giving back and helping others.

I think you'll agree that my company pride is well-founded.  If you are looking for a terrific place to work, I invite you to check out our Current Jobs. 

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The fun starts here!

CONNECT is Commonwealth's social involvement committee.  Its mission is to organize and manage a range of voluntary activities and events for Commonwealth employees, to foster camaraderie, personal and professional growth, and goodwill/corporate citizenship beyond our walls.  

Any interested employee is welcome to join the committee and participate in any of its 3 focus areas: Culture, Compassion, and Community.  

Commonwealth is committed to being an employer of choice.  

In her blog, HR guru Susan Heathfield offers the following 12 Characteristics of an "Employer of Choice":

 1)   Job security

 2)   Empowerment and authority

 3)   Respect

 4)   Opportunity for growth

 5)   Access to information

 6)   Commitment

 7)   Involvement

 8)   Positive relationships with co-workers

 9)   Work/life balance

10)  Performance culture

11)  Fairness

12)  Recognition

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On Location: Jackson, Michigan

This month, for those considering employment with Commonwealth, or simply wishing to learning more about us, we will be featuring a series of posts showcasing our various office locations.  We are pleased to start by introducing you to the city we call "home" -- Jackson, Michigan, location for the headquarters of Commonwealth Associates, Inc.  We trust you will find it, as we do, to be a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

From its historic downtown, to the 600 acres of beautiful, open parkland that stretch across the city limits providing limitless outdoor recreational opportunities, Jackson easily earns its designation as one of Michigan’s “Cool Cities.”  Once known as the “Crossroads of Michigan” due to its location at the I-94/US 127 junction and its use as a major railway hub, Jackson has become a crossroads of innovation led by an eclectic group of entrepreneurs and artists. 

The area features numerous festivals and celebrations and cultural activities abound.  Attend the symphony, catch a Broadway show, or stop by the Shakespeare Festival.  History buffs may wish to explore Jackson’s captivating history with a visit to the birthplace of the Republican Party “Under the Oaks,” or soak in her rich heritage with tours of Underground Railroad and Civil War sites.  Wine lovers can spend the day at their favorite local winery and race fans can try their hand at a lap around the famed Michigan International Speedway.  Love the water?  You’ll find plenty of it to play in here, so grab your gear and set off on an adventure.

In the “Rose City,” there’s something for everyone…making it the perfect place to call home.

Cascade Falls, Cascades Park



Destination: Downtown - an art lover's paradise



Jackson's Civil War Muster

Just a few of the highlights:

• Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History
• Cascade Falls
• Rose Festival
• Shakespeare Festival
• Jackson County Fair
• Hot Air Jubilee
• Carp Carnival
• Blues Festival
• Jackson’s Civil War Muster

Don't forget to visit us on Facebook for more great photos and information! 

Recruitment: Full court press?

While the phrase "court recruits" might evoke the image of a delectable meal at a trendy, new bistro, it actually refers to Commonwealth's hoops action.  Engineer John Stieber and a group of colleagues have been playing basketball Monday nights after work at the RAC, Jackson County's nearby multi-purpose sports facility, and the group is looking to expand.

Stieber, a guard/power forward, recently took a few minutes to share a little bit about the team.  He noted that the real secret to their on-court success was that the players share a common bond.  That bond: 60Hz.  "It helps us to stay on the same wavelength on the court," he said. 

When asked whether anyone on the team might be likely to switch careers and turn pro, Stieber replied, "It's mostly just getting out to have fun and get exercise; I personally won't entirely give up my goal of becoming a professional athlete until I hit 35, but as a group our focus is to have fun."  Not unexpectedly, this news was most reassuring to the team in HR.

Stieber indicated that, beyond the friendships and opportunity to socialize, what he liked best about working at Commonwealth was that "Commonwealth has given me important projects to work on the day I began working here as an intern.  This exposure, and having supervisors that have been in the business for decades means that I've been able to grow my skills very quickly."  He continued, "Commonwealth encourages personal growth and will help you in your goals, such as obtaining a master's degree or becoming a professional engineer."

If you are looking for a rewarding career and fun activities in which to take part, then you'll want to learn more about Commonwealth.  Just visit http://www.cai-engr.com/. 

No basketball skills are necessary, but they're always welcomed.

Welcome!

Commonwealth President, Dennis F. DeCosta with SVP Stephen W. Arnold

This blog is a place to learn more casually about Commonwealth: what it's like to work here, what our people have to say, and what fun things we do.  I hope you will check back each month for new interest stories and updates.  Our main blog, "Connect with Confidence at Commonwealth," features more frequent postings and is another terrific source for learning more about Commonwealth Associates.  Please click here to view it now.

Have a great weekend!