HDR Launches Orlando-Based Security Company

Omaha-based HDR, one of the nation's largest architecture/engineering/consulting firms, has created HDR Security Operations. Based in Orlando, HDR Security Operations is headed by senior vice president W. Douglas Fitzgerald, a counter- and anti-terrorism expert with more than 25 years of experience including security analysis and design for 67 American embassies, more than 25 embassies and consulates for a NATO allied country, American and NATO military facilities and U.S. state capitols and courthouses.

HDR added security services three years ago with the acquisition of Fitzgerald Consulting, but saw demand increase drastically after September 11, 2001. "Because the need for security-enhanced design crosses all business classes and industry categories, it made sense for us to create a separate group dedicated to that effort," said George Little, president, HDR Engineering.

"Our clients in the healthcare and justice industries have always recognized the need for security.

Unfortunately, conditions today have made clients in all categories realize that security should be integrated into everything they design," added Robert Cavigli, president, HDR Architecture.

JCB Appoints New Dealer in Florida

Equipment manufacturer JCB recently announced the appointment of a new dealer in south central Florida. Glade & Grove Supply Co. provides sales as well as parts and service support for the full line of JCB machines.

The main office of Glade & Grove Supply Co. is located in Belle Glade. The company has two branch locations, in Avon Park and Immokalee.

JCB Inc. is the North American subsidiary of JC Bamford Excavators Ltd.. The company markets a wide range of construction equipment, including backhoe loaders, wheel loader/tool carriers, skid-steer loaders and articulated dump trucks.

M.D. Moody Relocates Orlando Branch

M.D. Moody & Sons recently moved its Orlando branch office to its permanent location at 501 Thorpe Road. Randy Thomas, branch manager, said this facility would be a full-service branch.

Based in Jacksonville, M.D. Moody & Sons is Florida's oldest equipment dealership.

Turner Construction Moves to New Orlando Offices

Turner Construction Co. has recently moved its Orlando office to the Wachovia Office Building in downtown Orlando, at 800 N. Magnolia Ave. Turner completed construction management services for the original construction of the Wachovia building in 1988.

Florida Masonry Association Set to "Block & Roll"

The Florida Masonry Association will hold its 6th Annual Convention at the Wyndham Resort & Spa in Weston, May 15-18. The Annual State Masonry Contractor Awards will recognize the 2002 best masonry concrete block buildings constructed in the state.

The annual convention will also host the state masonry apprentice finals. Eight apprentice training programs will be represented by their top first-, second- and third-year students, who will vie for honors to travel and compete in regional and national competitions.

The convention will also offer educational programs, as well as a full schedule of recreational and social activities.

ValleyCrest Acquires Delray Beach Firm

ValleyCrest Companies, Calabasas, Calif., the nation's largest privately held landscape services firm, announced it has acquired The Impact Group, a landscape maintenance company headquartered in Delray Beach. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The acquisition of The Impact Group strengthens ValleyCrest's existing southeast Florida operations and landscape services capabilities in Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

Under terms of the agreement, The Impact Group will operate as ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance.

AGC Announces Partnerships

The Associated General Contractors of America and the Environmental Protection Agency announced their partnership at the Environmental Resources Committee Meeting during AGC's 84th Annual Convention in Honolulu, Hawaii.

"This partnership underscores AGC member commitment to comply with environmental regulations and EPA's commitment to assist the industry in reaching compliance," said AGC CEO Stephen E. Sandherr. "Because the construction industry is the delivery system for a cleaner, healthier and safer environment, we welcome the opportunity to work with EPA to develop viable solutions to environmental challenges."

EPA has appointed a high-level member of its Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation to serve as AGC's point-of-contact, opening up lines of communications with the agency at all levels. AGC will help EPA understand the construction process, encourage an open dialogue with industry stakeholders, publicize new compliance assistance tools, and offer tips for aligning environment programs - both mandatory and voluntary - with industry needs.

AGC also announced a partnership with the Building Futures Council in which AGC will provide support for the activities of BFC. BFC is an independent, nonprofit corporation composed of senior executives of organizations engaged in the building and construction process, including private and public owners, planners, engineers, architects, constructors and others.

"AGC is excited about the opportunity to work closely with BFC to continue researching, analyzing, and discussing the critical issues facing our industry," said Larry C. Gaskins, AGC President and president, L.C. Gaskins Construction Co., Jacksonville.

The agreement calls for AGC administration of BFC meetings, membership and general operating procedures. AGC will manage BFC apart from its other association activities and BFC will continue to act as an independent entity.

New Nortrax Executive Management Announced

Nortrax, one of John Deere's largest North American dealer organizations, has added three people to its executive management team: William A. Horaney, vice president, sales and marketing; Mike Wingard, vice president, product support; and Mark Germain, vice president, product support.

Horaney joins Nortrax from Deere-Hitachi Construction Machinery Corp, where he served as president since June 2000. He will be based at the Nortrax headquarters in Moline, Ill.
Wingard will manage all product support activities in the West, Midwest, Maine, and Northeast regions of Nortrax. He will be based at Nortrax's Sacramento, Ca. location.

Based out of Nortrax's Moline, Ill. location, Germain will have corporate responsibility for product support in the Great Lakes, Central, South and Southeast regions of Nortrax.

CES Wins ABC TEAM Award

Altamonte Springs-based Comprehensive Energy Services recently received the Associated Builders and Contractors' 2002 TEAM Award in recognition of its training, education and management programs, company founder and president Todd S. Morgan said.

"As a result of our program," said Morgan, "attendees gained a better understanding of the sizable risks associated with indoor air quality issues as well as the importance of formalizing a pro-active plan to reduce their liabilities."

Founder Reacquires AA Advance Air

Founder and president Robert H. Burrow has reacquired Pompano Beach-based mechanical contracting and service specialist AA Advance Air. Established in 1976, the company specializes in air conditioning contracting, installation and service throughout South Florida.