Giving thanks

 

Maybe it's because Thanksgiving is right around the corner, or maybe it has something to do with the great news we received recently, but Commonwealth is just bursting at the seams with gratitude these days!

First, let us just say how very much we appreciate you -- our clients, employees, future employees, retirees, friends, and...most of all...our families.

To our clients...thank you for the opportunity to provide you with engineering and support services.  We enjoy getting to know you on job sites and golf courses, at restaurants, and in your offices or ours.  We value your time and work to continually earn the trust you place in us. 

To our employees...thank you for your commitment to Commonwealth and for giving your very best every day to achieve our shared vision of being a recognized leader, the preferred consultant, and the employer of choice in the markets we serve.

To our retirees...thank you for the extraordinary 25 years we celebrated this summer!  We are grateful for your participation in our events and for your willingness to mentor others.

To our future employees...thank you for considering employment with Commonwealth.  We can't wait to see what the future holds.

To our friends and family...a very special thank you for your support and encouragement as we pursue a career we love, even when it takes us on the road or keeps us at work a bit later than planned.  You make it all worthwhile.

Lastly, one more thank you to our employees.  It's a big one!  THANK YOU for your wonderful feedback on the Workplace Dynamics survey.  Because of you driving us to be the very best and your willingness to share your thoughts and feelings, Commonwealth can proudly say we are a Detroit Free Press 2013 Top 100 Workplace! 

What are you most thankful for this year?

From the Commonwealth Family to yours --

Have a very happy Thanksgiving!

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25 Years...and Counting!

This July, Commonwealth celebrated 25 years of being an employee-owned engineering firm providing world-class consulting expertise to the electric power industry and our utility, municipal, institutional, and industrial clients.  You can read more about this particularly meaningful milestone on p. 28 (p. 30 of the .pdf) of Jackson Magazine's August issue. 

The festivities included monthly fun activities, the official unveiling of new glass panels in our hallway of history; a Friday evening gala at the newly renovated Robert Snyder Hall in Jackson College's impressive Potter Center, where we recognized our founding shareholders and employees; and a spectacular day full of food, frolicking, and fun at our employee family picnic on the grounds of our headquarters in Jackson, Michigan. 

We feel truly honored to work with such accomplished colleagues, many of whom serve on the committees setting tomorrow's industry standards, and even more honored to be given the trust and loyalty of our outstanding clients -- among them major utilities, industrial leaders, and some of the world's most prestigious educational and healthcare institutions. 

Here is a look back at some of the best memories from this past week...we hope you enjoy them!

On Thursday, President Dennis DeCosta proudly revealed
 two new commemorative panels representing the past 25 years.
 

 



Friday evening's gala attendees enjoyed the culinary delights of
Continental Services before the program.







 

 

Guests raved about the humorous delivery of keynote speaker, author,
and former professional comedian, Garrison Wynn.

 

 

 

 Saturday's family picnic included: two bands, one dessert contest, a pinewood

derby championship, inflatables for kids, and the Great Anniversary Giveaway.

 

 

 

25 years meant 25 lucky employees took home 25 very cool prizes.

 

The other winner was the fight against cancer, as President DeCosta
and the VPs took to the dunk tank to raise money for Relay for Life.

 

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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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Noteworthy News

Lots of great things going on with our folks this month!  Here are some highlights:

• Congratulations to Kellynne Cole, who was honored today with a Volunteer Appreciation Award by Blackman Township (MI).  Township Supervisor, Dan Hawkins states, "Kellynne has been a Godsend for our Beautification efforts...she personifies the concept of 'giving' and is a true ambassador of Community Connection for Commonwealth Associates."  Kellynne is a CADD Operator in Department 40.

Kellynne Cole receives her award from Township Supervisor, Dan Hawkins.

• Paul Reed, P.E., a Transmission Section Manager in the Northwest office, recently traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to build a home for an impoverished family living in a retired landfill.  Paul reports, "We served breakfast one morning to 250 people in this community with another outreach program and also added electrical and siding to a room extension at a local orphanage run by a third ministry."  

Transmission Section Manager Paul Reed, P.E.

Reed with the team by their handiwork.

• Also in the Northwest office, Admin Treasure Arens, reports that she will be receiving two tickets, which were drawn by lottery, for the August 18^th PBS Antiques Roadshow Tour Event in Seattle.  Treasure states, "I am very excited because it is one of my favorite TV programs and it will be fun learning about my items...you never know, I may be selected to be on TV!"

• The Commonwealth Softball Team just wrapped up the first half of their 2012 season and started the second half with a big 26-4 win over Pentar Stamping.  Congratulations on an exciting season so far!

• This week, Commonwealth staff and their family and guests will take part in the Summer Big Event -- which this year is a baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the reigning World Series Champions, the St. Louis Cardinals.  The evening will begin with a picnic on the famed Pepsi Porch.  It should be a wonderful evening and a great opportunity to connect with other departments and new employees!

Easter Break and New Videos Released

Welcome back!  Hope your Easter break was enjoyable.  Can you believe the temperatures we've been having recently?  Of course, some have experienced more Midwestern storms wrecking havoc.  Our thoughts are certainly with those impacted.

Around Commonwealth, things have been exciting!  We've brought in a number of talented new folks to join the expanding team, are overhauling our website, and have created a series of videos to help tell the great story that is Commonwealth.

Here's a first look at Connect With Confidence:

If you are an engineer searching for that next job, or know someone who is, you'll want to watch this sneak peek of Working at Commonwealth:

You can view all of our new videos on our YouTube channel here.

Another busy week around the office

Not only are we busy with a number of exciting new projects this week, but our staff members are also busy demonstrating passion and leadership in other ways.  Some examples --

Bruce Powell

Bruce C. Powell, P.E., with Commonwealth in Roanoke, has been elected as a Member-at-Large of the Virginia Mountain Section of IEEE.  Bruce is a proud military father whose son has courageously been serving our country in the Middle East.  In addition to his degree from Old Dominion, Bruce also graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VA Tech), where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets.  He has over 30 years of experience in the design of protection and control and relay settings for high-voltage electric facilities.  

A Senior Member of IEEE, and Power Society Member for over 36 years, Bruce has served as Chairman of the Richmond Section and Vice-Chairman of the Worchester Section.  Bruce also chaired the ABET Advisory Council for Virginia State University's Engineering Department for 12 years and served on the Advisory Council for Virginia Commonwealth University for 3 years.

Ian Hutt

Electrical engineer, Ian Hutt, is speaking at Central Michigan University today as part of their Engineering & Technology Alumni Career Day.  A 2007 grad, Ian is joined here at Commonwealth by fellow CMU alum Chris Nelson, and Commonwealth intern, Nick Prawdzik, who will be joining us after graduation.  The founder of the college's IEEE Student Chapter, Ian was the first electrical engineer to come out of CMU's program.  

Ian and Mrs. Hutt recently welcomed a son, William.

2011-2012 men's ice hockey team

Commonwealth's men's ice hockey team wrapped up another exciting season with Game 27 this week.  Word is they didn't shatter their previous 16-10-1 record, but they are ready to come back strong and give it another go next season.  This season's roster included: Brandon Flager (goalie), Dan Agnello, Ryan Agnello, Mike Sokoll, Brian Schultz, Ken Wynychuk, Steve Arnold, Keith Schultz, Brian Wynychuk, Matt Halmekangas, Scott Czarnik, Brandon Houchin, Scott Marlett, and Andrew Bertke.

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A Rockin' Place to Work

You might have heard that we recently were rated among the best and coolest places to work.  Now, you can read the feature article as it appeared in Jackson Magazine! Simply click HERE.

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WE'RE HIRING!

NEW! 

Power Generation & Energy Group Job Listings

Lead Mechanical Engineer

Department: Power Generation & Energy
Location: Jackson, MI
Reports to: Department Manager


Responsible for:
- Guiding junior-level engineers and designers in mechanical engineering design and engineering study efforts. 
- Working on challenging assignments that include investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving mechanical engineering issues involving boilers, balance of plant equipment, air pollution control equipment, steam turbines, gas turbines and water treatment systems. 
- Routine work, to include: developing integrated systems designs and performing supporting calculations; preparing technical specifications for mechanical engineering equipment; preparing engineering studies; performing independent reviews of work performed by others, including calculations and drawing preparation; coordinating and providing guidance to other engineers, project managers, client personnel, and suppliers to ensure a complete and timely design; performing reviews of existing facilities to propose upgrades and replacements and presenting findings and recommendations to clients and peers; and mentoring less-experienced engineers. 
- Potential project management of smaller projects. 

Requirements:
- 10 or more years of experience in the design of mechanical engineering systems for non-commercial heavy-industrial plants (power or chemical), with a focus on integrated, detailed system design for new plants, modifications, or replacements. Past experience should include selection of equipment, piping materials, and control philosophy, as well as preparation of performance sizing calculations and specifications. Sound working knowledge of heat balances or piping design is a plus. 
- Candidates must hold a BSME or MSME degree from an ABET-accredited university; be able to coordinate their work with others; have good leadership, communication, analytical and organizational skills; and have experience in serving as firm/client liaison in a support or lead engineering role. 


Construction, commissioning, and start-up experience is a plus.


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Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 
Department: Power Generation & Energy
Location: Jackson, MI
Reports to: Department Manager


This position offers you a great opportunity to be a part of an I&C engineering and design team engaged in design of distributed control systems, modifications to new and existing power generation facilities, and plant controls betterment projects. The ideal candidate will have experience with instrumentation and final control elements, distributed control systems, and programmable logic controllers as applied to power plant systems. Experience with logic diagrams, instrumentation installation details, piping and instrument diagrams, motor control schematics, specifications, studies, and cost estimating is desired. 


Requirements:
- 10+ years of applicable experience
- BS or MS degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited university
- Registration as a professional engineer. 
- Must have good communication, analytical, organizational and computer skills and be able to coordinate your work with others. 


We are looking for a person who has leadership skills, pays attention to accuracy, is detail oriented, can be responsible for self-directed learning, consistently meets deadlines, is able to work on several projects at a time, and can deliver both large and small projects.

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That's Music to Our Ears

It's official...

Commonwealth is cool!

Citing our Boiler Room Band, among other things, we snagged the coveted title of "Rockin' Place to Work."

Sure, we knew we like it, but there's something far cooler about seeing it in writing.

You can access the article here.
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The Groundhog Has Spoken

You might not be aware that groundhog hairs are used for tying trout flies, such as the 'Chuck Caddis, or that early American Indians once used sturdy woodchuck hides for the soles of moccasins, but I bet you're aware that Phil saw his shadow again and it's six more weeks of winter!  That's why, about this time, you might want to consider a terrific Commonwealth job in our Atlanta office.  To find out what's available, click here.


Once you've done that, you might want to discover the other interesting facts about groundhogs you might not know:  http://www.news.cornell.edu/Chronicle/96/2.1.96/facts.html

Stay warm!
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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: Roanoke, Virginia

This month, for those considering employment with Commonwealth, or simply wishing to learning more about us, we are featuring a series of posts showcasing our various office locations.  We are pleased to continue this week by introducing you to our Roanoke, Virginia office in America's picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains.  We trust you will find it, as we do, to be a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

Nicknamed "The Star City," Roanoke, Virginia is considered the cultural and business hub of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It is the fourth largest city in the state and is home to many cultural attractions.  Roanoke's bustling city center is filled with lovely historic buildings, amazing upscale restaurants, and great shops.  It's easy to spend a whole day just exploring the blocks of this amazing area.  You may wish to stop by the historic City Market to see the produce and wares grown and created by local producers, especially as Roanoke is located within the designated "North Fork of Roanoke" winemaking region.

Love the outdoors?  Try hiking, biking, walking nature trails, fishing, and paddling in the cool, clear waters.  You'll find an abundance of natural choices in Roanoke with 69 parks, 5 greenways, Carvin's Cove, the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway, and Appalachian Trail.

The Roanoke Valley is conveniently located off of Interstate 81 and the Blue Ridge Parkway at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley.  Experience the railroad heritage, take in the arts and culture, shop, eat, and enjoy the wealth of outdoor recreation in the heart of breaktaking mountains.  Surrounded by scenic beauty, the Roanoke region is a perfect place for Commonwealth employees to live and work. 

Soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Experience Roanoke's exciting nightlife

Follow your rising star to "The Star City"

Shop, dine, and explore in downtown Roanoke

Pretty as a picture!

Children of all ages enjoy the Shenandoah Valley's rich railroad heritage

Just a few of the highlights:

• Taubman Art Museum
• Center in the Square
• Mill Mountain Zoo
• Discovery Center 
• The Art Museum of Western Virginia
• The Science Museum of Western Virginia
• History Museum of Western Virginia

On Location: Atlanta, Georgia

This month, for those considering employment with Commonwealth, or simply wishing to learn more about us, we will be featuring a series of posts showcasing our various office locations.  We are pleased to continue this series by introducing you to the great southern city of Atlanta, also affectionately known as "The Big Peach."  We trust you will find it, as we do, to be a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

 

Despite its humble beginnings as a settlement at the intersection of two railroad lines, Atlanta today is a major business city and the primary transportation hub of the entire Southeastern United States.  It contains the country's third largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies and is also home to the many cultural institutions and exhibits.  As Georgia's Capitol and largest city, Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlantic metropolitan area.

 

Trendy, gracious, vibrant, and energetic, Atlanta is the ultimate blend of Southern hospitality and multicultural influence, lending to its reputation as one of the nation's leading international cities.  Additionally, to the delight of environmentalists, it is unique among all major American cities for its lush tree canopy, earning it the nickname, "City in a Forest."

 

Whether you are an avid sports fan, a student of urban architecture, or an outdoor enthusiast lured by the balmy climate into one of Atlanta's spectacular city parks, you are sure to find plenty of activities to meet your cultural and recreational needs here.



Atlanta Stadium

 

Centennial Olympic Park



Atlanta Aquarium



Atlanta Zoo

 
Just a few of the highlights:

 ·         Atlanta Botanical Garden

 ·         Georgia Aquarium
 ·         Fox Theater
 ·         Braves Museum & Hall of Fame
 ·         Georgia Dome
 ·         Centennial Olympic Park
 ·         Atlanta Motor Speedway  


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

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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!