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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Michigan Tornado Recovery

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected by yesterday's tornadoes in Michigan.  We ask that you consider supporting the efforts of the American Red Cross as they work to help those in need.

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=1fdc1d95e7b16310VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

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Going to Princeton

The Princeton Conference is the longest running annual appraisal conference in the country.  Every year since 1936, the Metro New Jersey Chapter of the Appraisal Institute has invited leaders in the real estate industry to offer their insight on the past, present, and future of real estate.  Commonwealth’s Land Acquisition Manager, Tim R. Davis, SR/WA, will be a panelist at the 76^th Princeton Conference on April 26^th to talk about the unique challenges facing utilities as they address acquisition needs to meet future demand.  The conference brochure can be found here.

The Appraisal Institute is a global membership association of professional real estate appraisers, with nearly 24,000 members and 91 chapters throughout the world. Organized in 1932, its mission is to support and advance its members as the choice for real estate solutions and uphold professional credentials, standards of professional practice and ethics consistent with the public good. The Appraisal Institute advocates equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in the appraisal profession and conducts its activities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Members of the Appraisal Institute benefit from an array of professional education and advocacy programs, and may hold the prestigious MAI, SRPA and SRA designations.

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Twister lessons



The game "Twister" vividly demonstrates how intertwined people and lives can become.  If you've ever played it, you know just how hard it is to make a move without touching or impacting others.  So, too, when real life deals us a tragedy, such as the devastation resulting from the twisters in the US Midwest and South.  We cannot remain unaffected, regardless of location or personal involvement.  That's why we, at Commonwealth, stand united with all of those in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Alabama, Georgia, and North Carolina who have experienced loss and are hurting.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families at this time and as they begin the courageous task of rebuilding their homes, their communities, and their lives.

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We're Golden!

First, there was the Midwest heartland....

Next, it was the rugged Pacific Northwest....

Then, came the gracious and storied South, followed by the historic Mid-Atlantic, so the sunny Southwest couldn't be far behind!

Accordingly, Commonwealth is pleased to report that our newest office has opened in the "Golden State"!

We're thrilled to be in Oakland, California and, while it's not quite finished, we wanted to give you a sneak peak into our new digs.

From L-R: Rich Collins, Joe Fore, Ann Watson,
Judy Dinglasan, Steve Miller , and John White.

L-R: Ann Watson, Kathy Klaus, and Judy Dinglasan.

L-R: Joe Fore, Jeanette Dodge, and Ann Watson.

This is just the latest in the continuing story of Commonwealth's exciting growth and commitment to be best positioned to meet the expanding needs of our clients today and in the future.

Stay tuned to find out what's next!

(Thanks to Diane Wilkie, Commonwealth's Manager of Document Management, for the photos.)

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