High-Profile Blog

Elizabeth Gilman Duane Joins EH&E’s Biosafety Team

High-Profile Monthly — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:29:51 +0000

Gilman Duane recently joined Environmental Health & Engineering (EH&E) as Associate Director of EH&S Compliance / Biosafety Practice Leader. Betsy joins the EH&E team with over 25 years experience in the laboratory safety and biosafety fields.

Betsy brings a wealth of experience managing laboratory safety and biosafety programs in academic and industry research settings, and is Registered and Certified in the professional practice of Biosafety through the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA). Betsy’s direct experience coupled with her relationships with regulatory agencies offers our clients an advantage in helping them to improve their programs, ensure regulatory compliance, and effectively protect their staff.

Betsy has worked for Northeastern University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, and Pfizer. In 2005, as the President of ABSA, Betsy collaborated with John Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to renew the Agency’s national alliance with ABSA. Betsy serves on the board of the Eagleson Institute and is an active member of the New England Biological Safety Association (NEBSA) and ABSA.

AGC of MA Announces New Chairman and Leadership Team for 2012-13

High-Profile Monthly — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:24:04 +0000

Wellesley, MA. At Associated General Contractors of Massachusetts’ (AGC) Annual Meeting this month, a dynamic group of professionals took their seats on the board of this 77-year-old construction trade association.

Robert France, founder and president of Senate Construction, was elected Chairman; Jeffrey DeMarco, vice president of Campanelli Cos., Vice Chairman; Joseph Albanese, president, Commodore Builders, Treasurer; and Domenic Tiberi, Compass Project Management, Secretary.

Completing the AGC Executive Committee for the coming Association year are Paul Hewins, executive vice president and general manager of Skanska USA Building Northeast Region; Mark David, president, Jones Lang LaSalle Northeast Region; Lisa Wexler, president, Elaine Construction, Immediate Past Chair; and Robert Petrucelli, president & CEO, AGC of MA.

For the complete list of the entire Board of Directors, go to www.agcmass.org.

In his brief statement at the meeting, Chairman France indicated that he and his executive team will continue the collaborative initiatives of the past year working with AGC’s allied associations to foster a more robust business climate in the Commonwealth.

Hobbs Brook’s Park-wide Electronics Recycling Event Largest Goodwill Has Seen

High-Profile Monthly — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:20:40 +0000

Waltham, Mass – Hobbs Brook Management LLC, a pioneer in the development of office space in the Boston suburbs, announced today that the electronics recycling event it hosted for tenants and employees within the Hobbs Brook Office Park in Waltham is the largest that the eastern branch of Goodwill has seen during a corporate sponsored function. Goodwill Industries of Rhode Island was on site to accept donations from park tenants.

“We’ve been collecting electronics from corporate-sponsored events since 2004, but we’ve never seen the sheer volume that we received at Hobbs Brook,” said Edward Balasco, supervisor of recycling & training programs for Goodwill Industries of RI. “Despite the pouring rain, we were overwhelmed by the response. Proceeds from this event will benefit our training programs. We’re looking forward to working with Hobbs Brook again next year.”

Hobbs Brook hosted the event with three goals in mind. The first was to offer a much-needed recycling opportunity for tenants within the park, many of whom packed their cars with everything from televisions, to old keyboards, to bread machines and more. The second goal was in accordance with Hobbs Brook’s GREEN initiative which was formed to promote sustainability across all Hobbs Brook initiatives. The third goal underscores Hobbs Brook’s culture of supporting community-based programs and activities. Known throughout the greater Boston area as a philanthropic company, Hobbs Brook continues to find new ways of supporting programs that in turn support community development, job creation, and the concept of paying it forward.

“I’m extremely pleased with the outcome of this event and look forward to opening it up to our Waltham neighbors next year,” said Thomas Dusel, president and chief operating officer of Hobbs Brook. “Despite terrible weather conditions, we still received electronics from more than 145 people in our park, and collected 37,543 pounds of waste to be recycled. The results of this two-hour event will help Goodwill to continue funding its outreach programs.”

Mixing Total Quality Into Your Next Interior Painting Job by Bryan Kelly

High-Profile Monthly — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:12:50 +0000

Advances in digital technology have had an enormous impact on the way we live and do business. But few of us consider the underlying processes that result in the incredible functionality and reliability of digital devices. The way digital products are designed, manufactured and maintained relies on an industrial philosophy first developed in Japan in the 1950s.
Phrases like “Total Quality” and “Continuous Improvement” arising from those practices have become watchwords in industry all over the world. Interestingly enough, such ideas can also be applied to such apparently unrelated areas as building maintenance and refurbishment.
In a way, this approach is similar to the quest for perfection that defines our own ideals of “the very best” in building trades craftsmanship. As facilities managers work to ensure properties become greener, can be operated more cost-efficiently and incorporate new features and amenities, Continuous Improvement can serve as a worthy objective.
All of us know the enormous costs associated with retrofitting older facilities with new systems for HVAC and lighting. But it’s easy to forget that incremental gains can also be achieved through refurbishment. Fresh paint, new wall and floor coverings and other relatively low-cost interior improvements involving carpentry can enhance the attractiveness and “user experience” in virtually any facility.
Those facilities managers intent on making their properties more attractive and usable for current or potential tenants can maintain and even add value to a building through refurbishment strategies.
In taking this approach, a “Total Quality” philosophy can yield additional dividends. But how can you inject such values directly into your operations in an easy, economical way? One approach is to seek out a vendor whose operating philosophy reflects a clear dedication to Total Quality.
Consider the way you review bids in this regard. How, for instance, does your bidder propose to manage your job? In designating a single individual as a primary contact point the quality of your project is sure to be enhanced. The quick, readily understood communications that flow between you and your service provider will pay off in higher-quality work.
Another critical quality factor lies in scheduling refurbishment work, especially if your facilities are in regular use. Educational and medical buildings, retail, office and residential settings rarely have the luxury of shutting down. Nighttime, weekend or holiday hours may be required to ensure your deadlines are met. If your corporate of institutional workforce or clients require ongoing or even unrestricted access, as is often the case in R&D, healthcare and even retail, you have a right to demand flexible scheduling without paying a premium.
In the “nuts & bolts” department, all the little details in a Total Quality job add up to such seemingly innocuous tasks as having a contractor’s cleaner at work throughout the project.
Another is a philosophical commitment on the part of a vendor that no punch list items will be left at the end of an assignment. Clear, readily understood progress reports should also be a feature of your vendor’s stock in trade, formatted and delivered to your requirements.

Robust capacity, a record of achievement confirmed by multiple references and outstanding craft skills are another big factor in the Total Quality equation. In dealing with larger facilities that must meet high standards for materials and finish, selecting a mature vendor with a long reference list is one more guarantor of success. The only surprise in most refurbishment projects is when there are no surprises. Long experience and creative problem solving are the best response to the unexpected.
In a similar vein, selecting a vendor possessed of wide familiarity with materials and supplier sourcing can help ensure your specifications and timeframe are met, if not exceeded. Being able to lay hands on hard-to-get materials or suggest cost-effective, high quality alternatives helps avoid delays. Knowing how to source the best (or an alternative) paint stock, wall or floor covering can add immeasurably to the outcome of even the most challenging project, especially when you are your own designer.
The prestige and reputation of the organization you serve (your brand) is in part contained in the “look and feel” of the facilities for which you are responsible. In sharing your commitment to Total Quality your vendor will be helping you achieve your employer’s goals for organizational success.
When your personal quest for perfection includes a clean, efficient and even picture-perfect job, why not mix Total Quality into your next painting bid? The surest indicator you’ve made a good choice will be the smile on your boss’s face!

Bryan Kelly is President of Kelly’s Property Services in Newton, Mass.

ARC Personnel Achievements

High-Profile Monthly — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:11:27 +0000

Bradford, VT – ARC Mechanical announced the training achievement of 10 HVAC technicians, installers and plumbers.
Willie Bonser, Nick Carbee, Shaylor Duranleau, and Brad Roy are now master plumbers in Vermont. All four are master plumbers in N.H.
Steve Copp, a fourth year apprentice plumber in N.H., is now a journeyman plumber in Vermont.
In addition, Tyson Hayes and Jesse Webster have become Silver Certified Technicians through the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) and Luke Hathaway, Brad Roy, and Andy Tomlinson completed the competent person training to be qualified crane signalers

Simoneau Named “Person of the Year”

High-Profile Monthly — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:10:20 +0000

Bristol, RI – Ron Simoneau, vice president of Shawmut Design and Construction, recently accepted the “Distinguished Person of the Year” Award from the Roger Williams University Construction Management Professional Advisory Board (RWU CMPAB).
Simoneau has played an instrumental role in the growth of the RWU Construction Management (CM) program as a long time member of the CMPAB.
He actively supports CM student competition teams, has helped to lead the Board’s strategic planning, and repeatedly served as a jury member for senior capstone projects.

Dimeo Nears Completion of Medical Building – Designed by Steffian Bradley

High-Profile Monthly — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:07:54 +0000

Warwick, RI – Dimeo Construction Company is nearing completion on Kent Hospital’s new two-story, 60,000sf Ambulatory Surgery and Medical Office Building (MOB), designed by Steffian Bradley Architects. The MOB is being constructed adjacent to the existing hospital and will house eight new operating rooms to replace the hospital’s existing surgical suite. The first floor will accommodate private physician practices.
Dimeo also is scheduled to begin construction on a main lobby which will contain a connecting corridor to provide access from the hospital to the new medical office building and surgical suites.
The Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) will be attached to the northeast corner of the main entrance to the hospital and will include five 600sf operating rooms and three 400sf operating rooms, along with the associated support space for each. The ASC will occupy the entire 30,000sf on the second floor of the new MOB.
All construction activities had to be carefully coordinated within a very active, constrained site. Daily coordination between the Hospital staff, Dimeo project manager James Bendokas, and superintendent Mike Morocco was essential in maintaining uninterrupted access for both hospital staff and visitors, as a majority of the work occurs directly adjacent to the existing main entrance to the hospital.
Another area of specific concern and coordination was the adjacency of the existing oxygen tank farm to the construction activities of the new MOB. Interrupting the supply of oxygen to the hospital from the tank farm could not be tolerated. The teams met extensively to review and confirm acceptable construction practices, developed and set specific protocol for work occurring adjacent to the oxygen tank farm. Continuous communication with hospital personnel, pre-planning, along with the development and distribution of detailed two week look-ahead micro schedules and site logistic updates were essential in forecasting and eliminating potential impacts to the daily operation of the hospital.

MacMillin Company Joins Forces with D.E.W. Construction Corp.

High-Profile Monthly — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:03:02 +0000

Williston, VT – Don Wells, president of D.E.W. Construction Corp., is pleased to announce the merger of the MacMillin Company of Keene, NH, with D.E.W. The merger is a strategic step that unites the strengths of both businesses, resulting in a winning situation for their present and future clients as well as their employees.

“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to work with MacMillin’s owner Bill Walker and his staff to integrate our services to better serve the market,” says Wells. “Our business philosophies are in alignment: people come first. We both look out and advocate for our clients, and now we can offer them enhanced services. It also provides opportunities for our staffs and employees to grow.”

D.E.W., a 15-year-old company, brings to the table a solid business development plan, progressive marketing strategies, and Building Information Modeling, a technology method of managing models, processes, and communication across a large team. MacMillin, a 66-year-old company, brings a rich history of service and customer satisfaction in a region where D.E.W. previously planned to expand operations.

Bill Walker, who has been with MacMillin for 42 years and President for the last 25 years, says the merger will yield an entity that is stronger than what each independent company now offers. “Our companies have a great synergy. They are alike in management practices and philosophies and it’s a great fit for the employees. The result of the merger will be companies that are stronger and more competitive in the construction marketplace.”

D.E.W.’s corporate headquarters will remain in Williston, VT, and the MacMillin Company will retain its Keene offices and New Hampshire corporation status, with Walker continuing as CEO.

Recently, MacMillin’s work volume has been approximately $40 million annually. Completed projects within the past year include Keene Family YMCA, Keene Middle School, Marlborough Elementary School, and Kilton Public Library.

D.E.W.’s recent projects include Jay Peak’s Hotel Jay and Pump House Waterpark, James M. Jeffords Hall at University of Vermont, Community College of Vermont Rutland Academic Center, Putney School Field House, and the Waterbury Fire Stations. Their current annual sales for 2011 were in the $150 million range.

It is the goal of both companies to grow the New Hampshire operation to a similar size of D.E.W.’s Vermont operations. “It will be business as usual for everyone involved,” says Wells. “The merger will be a seamless transition to ensure integrity throughout the process.”

Recently, the D.E.W. staff popped a cork and toasted their 15-year anniversary as well as the merging of the two companies. “This is a positive move for everyone,” says Wells. “I look forward to an exciting and productive future for D.E.W. and MacMillin.”

“Flex” Building Completed

High-Profile Monthly — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:59:19 +0000

Cumberland, RI – Vision 3 Architects has completed the core and shell of a 20,000sf, one-story “Flex” building Highland Corporate Park in Cumberland. The Economic Development Foundation of RI, (EDFRI) is the developer.
The project is part of the EDFRI Master Plan of providing a flex building type to allow a mixed use group of business, warehouse, and light industrial to any of the tenant spaces. This building is the fourth of its type for Highland Corporate Park.
The General Contractor on the project was New England Construction from Rumford.

Pro Con Completes Market Basket Store – Prellwitz/Chilinski Project Architect

High-Profile Monthly — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:57:54 +0000

Manchester, NH – Pro Con Inc. of Manchester has completed the new 100,000sf Market Basket store in downtown Manchester, on a 10.7 acre site that was formerly home to Rockwell Automation Inc.’s Allen Bradley Plant. RMD Inc of Tewksbury, Mass. developed the store for Demoulas Super Markets Inc. and the Market Basket stores. Prellwitz/Chilinski Associates Inc. of Cambridge was the project architect and Pro Con was the general contractor for the project, which included the supermarket as well as space for retail tenants.
The new store features a Market’s Café, a Market’s Kitchen, and an in-store bakery. Pro Con completed construction of the free-standing stair tower that leads customers from the street level to the front entrance of the store in advance of the grand opening.
The Market Basket store was designed and built to be LEED certified. As part of the extensive renovation project, Pro Con demolished a portion of the structure including exterior walls and the existing concrete slab and recycled 95% of the waste material, diverting tons of debris from the landfills.