McGill Reflects on a Successful 2023
Entering into 2024, McGill is reflecting on the numerous great outcomes and developments that 2023 brought us and our clients. Although we have our sights set on a successful future, the start of a new year allows us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the previous 12 months.
Reflection is an important aspect of the growth process because it helps build on our strengths and enter the new year with a solid foundation and the desire to exceed prior goals.
JANUARY
In January, McGill announced some exciting leadership changes that were set in place to equip personnel for success, improve efficiency, foster cohesion across our various practice areas, and prioritize strategic expansion.
Here at McGill, we believe that adaptability is the key to successful leadership, which is why we are thrilled that we have implemented some exciting changes that have already begun to propel our firm forward.
Members of McGill’s leadership team are persistent in their efforts to meet the requirements of an increasingly diverse workforce and are eager to adapt to the ever-evolving standards and practices of our industry.
FEBRUARY
In February, we celebrated Engineers Week, a week dedicated to celebrating the future of engineering. The week was created by the National Society for Professional Engineers (NSPE) an organization that is dedicated to “Creating a world where the public can be confident that engineering decisions affecting their lives are made by qualified and ethically accountable professionals.” The theme of Engineers Week 2023 was Creating the Future.
MARCH
In March, Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina, and Elizabeth Biser, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), visited and toured the Tuckaseigee Water and Sewer Authority (TWSA) Water Treatment Plant as part of the announcement of $462.9 million in funding for 249 drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure projects in 80 communities across the state. TWSA received $4.1 million in grant funding for a new on-site clearwell and a high service pump replacement that will make their water treatment plant stronger, more resilient, and add needed storage to the plant.
McGill helped secure funding for the project and will be providing design and construction phase services for these much-needed upgrades to the TWSA Water Treatment Plant. This project will help TWSA better serve the residents of Jackson County and the Towns of Dillsboro, Sylva, and Webster.
Also during the month of March, McGill recognized National Groundwater Awareness Week. An initiative that aims to highlight the responsible use of groundwater, as well as its development and management. I 2023, the National Ground Water Association focused on providing education for water well owners on how to test, tend, and treat their private water systems.
APRIL
McGill’s 20th Annual Spring Bass Fishing Tournament took place on Lake Rhodhiss Friday, April 21st. The day started at 8 am with 21 boats and 42 anglers launching to see what the lake could provide. Congratulations to our first-place team, Dustyn Reece and Jesse Smith who represented Reece Logging, LLC. Dustyn and Jesse took home the $550 cash prize and $275 for the largemouth bass weighing in at 12.25 pounds.
MAY
May 21st – 27th is National Public Works Week, sponsored by the American Public Works Association (APWA) since 1960. This week was an opportunity to educate the public about the value of public works professionals and necessities of public works projects across North America. We took this opportunity to promote how the work that McGill performs for local governments connects us all through infrastructure and service and is representative of the 2023 theme, “Connecting the World Through Public Works.”
JUNE
In June, McGill highlighted the importance of strategic planning. McGill Client Services Manager Gary Jackson wrote and shared an article going over strategic planning for municipalities, the benefits of strategic plans, the basic elements of strategic plans, and the strategic planning model.
JULY
In July, we celebrated National Intern Day. On this day each year, McGill celebrates and recognizes the incredible contributions of our talented interns who bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and innovation to the McGill team. Internships have become an essential steppingstone for many young individuals looking to enter the workforce, and McGill is excited to have this group of bright and intelligent interns this summer.
AUGUST
In August, McGill announced Bob Miller as out new Raleigh Office Manager. Bob came to McGill with over 38 years of engineering, consulting, and project management experience.
“I want our clients to know that when they invest their trust in us, they will get the very best from us. Always,” said Bob.
Stinger Park was buzzing on the evening of August 11, 2023, ahead of the much-anticipated ribbon cutting ceremony. Visitors were beaming with excitement as they checked out the impressive multipurpose fields, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, cornhole area, shaded picnic spaces, and scenic nature trails. The sound of children laughing filled the air as they played on the slides, jungle gyms, and splashpad.
People of all ages and backgrounds seemed to be enjoying the hot summer evening in this new magical place in the heart of Bessemer City.
“It was great to see the community support and interest for this project — plus all of the folks enjoying the facilities,” said McGill Vice President Doug Chapman. “Stinger Park provides something for everyone. Having multiple children, I appreciate a place where you can entertain various age groups in a great setting.”
SEPTEMBER
In September, McGill proudly announced our in-house surveying team. At McGill, our surveying division is built on providing a comprehensive range of surveying services using the latest instrumentation and software technologies. We firmly believe that surveying is not just an add-on, but an integral part of our engineering services. It plays a crucial role in obtaining accurate and detailed information about the physical characteristics and topography of a site, which is essential for effective design and construction.
OCTOBER
In October, McGill promoted our fiber optic services. In today’s digital age, access to fast and reliable internet connectivity has become a necessity for individuals, businesses, and communities alike. While urban areas have witnessed significant advancements in internet infrastructure, rural regions have often been left behind.
Recognizing the dire need for bridging the urban-rural gap and expanding access to high-speed internet, McGill has been at the forefront of providing fiber optics services to underserved areas.
With over 2,000 miles of fiber optic projects under our belt since 2019, we have showcased our dedication to shaping communities throughout the Southeast by revolutionizing internet access.
McGill Environmental Services Practice Area Leader Jon Swaim said, “We have worked on numerous projects since we began offering fiber optics services — mostly focusing on rural areas that lack proper internet access, particularly along the east coast. From Robeson County, Lumberton, Laurinburg, Fayetteville, Columbus, Brunswick County, and Chowan County to Pickens County and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina — McGill has worked tirelessly to bring high-speed internet to many of our local communities.”
NOVEMBER
November was a very exciting month for McGill as we opened our new office location in Roanoke, Virginia.
The expansion marked an exciting milestone for our firm, as we extended our footprint into a vibrant and thriving community. With the addition of a second Virginia office, McGill is well-positioned to serve clients in Southwest, Southside, Central, and the Hampton Roads regions of the Commonwealth.
Equally as thrilling was the appointment of Wes Fleming as the office manager for the McGill Roanoke office. With his extensive experience in engineering and a deep commitment to community engagement, Wes is poised to be a strong leader for the Roanoke office.
McGill Vice President and Virginia Regional Manager, Danny Bridges, views the opening of the Roanoke office as a natural progression for McGill, noting: “Our firm currently serves clients across the breadth of the Commonwealth. Our Williamsburg office remains a hub to serve our clients in the Hampton Roads and Southeast Virginia regions, and our desire to grow in Virginia leads us to the next step in the process – adding another location to allow us to stay local to our client base. Roanoke’s geographic location and lifestyle enhancements, such as cost of living and recreation opportunities, stood out to McGill’s leadership when considering opening a second office.”
DECEMBER
In December, our employees enjoyed the Annual McGill Holiday Party in Asheville at the Crowne Plaza, and it was truly a night to remember. With a Gatsby theme, guests were transported back to the roaring twenties as they enjoyed an evening of glitz and glamour. The party had everything you could want – an awesome band, delicious food, and a photo booth with props that provided the perfect opportunity for employees and their guests to capture the night’s memories.
MCGILL WAS ON THE MOVE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
In 2023, the Great State Trail Coalition launched the Year of the Trail to encourage all of us to recognize our role as champions of our natural resources and enjoy the benefits they support, including health, wellness, and economic development across the state. This initiative inspired McGill to develop McGill on the Move. The McGill on the Move program challenged our employees to get outdoors and enjoy our natural resources while celebrating the work
McGill has done to improve trails and parks throughout North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
We were so incredibly pleased with the participation for McGill on the Move. Over a third of employees participated in the five-month challenge. The goal to get outdoors and enjoy nature was achieved by employees logging a total of 3,550 hours of outdoor activity. Our employees were able to see beautiful sites and do a variety of activities, such as biking, kayaking, and hiking.
OUR CLIENTS WERE THE BEST PART OF OUR YEAR
While McGill has been involved in a diverse range of projects and activities over the last year, one thing has been consistent: our dedication to shaping communities and providing excellent service to our clients.
Our firm was founded on establishing meaningful relationships with local communities, and we are excited to build upon these relationships as we move into 2024.
LEARN MORE
Click here to read more about what McGill was up to in 2023. Click here to learn more about what we do and how we can potentially serve you and your community in the years to come.
