Dan Abitz Talks Commissioning in Online Interview

Commissioning is the focus of an interview with Dan Abitz that appeared in a syndicated column written by Ron Wilson of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development at Kansas State University. The article appeared online on December 30 and 31 in Farm & Ranch Guide, Midwest Producer, The Prairie Star: Montana Ag Newspaper, and the OttawaHerald.com.  At the time of this writing, you can find it at   http://www.midwestproducer.com/articles/2010/01/04/news/regional_news/regional19.txt 
Roman Bachamp of GBA Builders first introduced Ron to GBA on a trip to K-State to look at a project. Interested in GBA’s expertise in commissioning critical facilities and research laboratories, Ron followed up with Dan.

A second interview featuring GBA Builders and some of its unique projects should be published online in early January.

GBA Shares in the Spirit of the Holidays with 'Coats for Kids'

Holly Boomsma, Bridge Structural, (right) shared the holiday spirit with staffers, from left, Linda Bollinger, GBA Builders, and Heidi Thummel, Marketing, by readying coats donated by GBA staff for distribution to children in the metro area. GBA's effort, which was spearheaded by Holly, is sponsored by NewsRadio 980 KMBZ and Pride Cleaners to help ensure that children in need have warm coats this winter!  Last year nearly 10,000 coats were dry cleaned and distributed. Thanks to all who contributed!  Together we can make a difference!!

Kim Pearse Appointed to Board of Shawnee Chamber

Congratulations to Kim, a professional engineer and Director of Marketing for GBA, on his appointment to the Board of Directors of the Shawnee, Kansas, Chamber of Commerce. The two-year term will begin January 2010. As Director of Marketing, Kim heads up our efforts to position the firm in key markets, overseeing strategic marketing, business development, and branding efforts. For 18 years prior to that he headed up GBA’s Structural Engineering Group. Kim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University. He was named an associate of the firm in 1995 and in 2009 was promoted to senior associate and elected to the GBA Board of Directors.

Who Me? A Home for Me? Animal Haven is Helping; GBA Is Too!

Dogs rule! At GBA, we like dogs! We like cats too! And we're very pleased to be working with the folks at Animal Haven, who help find homes for little guys just like this. And they do, with great success!

Each year, 2,500 dogs and cats are adopted from Animal Haven! And each year, 1,000 dogs and cats are reunited with their families thanks to Animal Haven's Lost Pet Center! But the no-kill shelter has outgrown its Kansas City Metro Area facility in Merriam, Kansas, and is looking to move to a larger space where they can devote even more love and attention to these special animals.

GBA's Kim Pearse and Tawn Nugent are working on the front lines, serving on the capital campaign committee, developing a Speakers' Bureau presentation to take to the community, and devoting their time and expertise to the organization. In fact, Tawn just finished volunteer training and joins other volunteers who ensure that all dogs get outside for a walk and some play every day!

Animal Haven, which serves 12 municipalities in the Metro Area, shares a vision with other local animal welfare organizations whose goal is to transform the Greater KC Metro Area into a No-Kill Community by the year 2012. All of us can help!

BTW, this fine pup was adopted by GBA's Bobbi and Brad Burton and their son, Jacob. Jacob, who is nine, is pictured here with Freddie, one!