Article by ASCE Awards Committee
Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. is the 2014 recipient of the ASCE-PGH Employer Recognition Award. More than 25 years ago, CEC was founded in Pittsburgh by four individuals who set out to create a firm that clients would look to when they had tough challenges. The founders also were determined to create a company where employees would want to spend their entire careers: a place where they could achieve their professional goals and a place they enjoyed coming to every day. CEC has since grown to 19 offices and more than 650 employees nationwide.
CEC is an employee-owned firm, allowing staff to share in the company success through stock ownership. The company’s continuing growth reflects client confidence in the work of CEC employees, who are guided by three main business principles: Senior Leadership, Integrated Services, and Personal Business Relationships. And while the firm has experienced tremendous growth, there has remained a strong commitment to maintain a small-firm culture.
One of the firm’s Core Values is to provide opportunities for professional growth. Employees are encouraged to be proactive in their professional development and to continuously engage in advanced education courses and seminars. To facilitate this, CEC has instituted the Do-Manage-Market-Lead employee career path model, which empowers employees by providing an outline of the skill sets and behavioral qualities needed to advance to the next level. Additionally, in 2014, CEC launched their annual Awards for Innovation program, which recognizes and celebrates employees who turn innovative ideas into reality and make a positive impact on the firm, the industries served, and/or the core practices. The award identifies and recognizes excellence in creating new products and services, and provides a learning vehicle for all CEC employees.
The management of CEC also recently instituted a firm-wide commitment to employee wellness. This commitment encourages staff and their families to better manage their care and make healthy lifestyle choices. The CECFit wellness program emerged from this commitment, which incorporates regular lunch and learn sessions, voluntary health screenings, email blasts and coordinated events to increase health awareness and provide tools and support.
Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) provides comprehensive industry-focused consulting services that advance our clients’ strategic business objectives. CEC is recognized for providing innovative design solutions and integrated expertise in the primary practice areas of civil engineering, ecological sciences, environmental engineering and sciences, waste management and water resources. www.cecinc.com
