Engineering community support: local firms contribute across Alaska.

• Author: Ellis-Knapp, Jody
• Position: ENGINEERING: SPECIAL SECTION

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When you think of engineering, you probably think of environmental issues, architecture, construction, and the oil and gas industry. Engineering is a very diverse career that encompasses a variety of job titles and a myriad of skill sets, and Alaska is home to many firms, all of which are an integral part of our economy. But there is more to our local firms than just work. A good portion of Anchorage's engineering firms make their presence known in the community by contributing in a variety of ways, giving hours of their time and making contributions to causes around the state. Alaska Business Monthly caught up with a few of Anchorage's firms to discuss what role volunteering and community activism takes within the engineering field.

CRW

CRW was founded in 1981 by Willem Van Hemert. The company began as a sole proprietorship, eventually evolving into a limited liability company with 62 employees. CRW specializes in civil engineering, electrical engineering, surveying, planning and construction support services. CRW's volunteer work is a combination of company-matched volunteer hours and support of individual volunteering. This includes food drives, blood drives, the United Way Day of Caring, Zoo Boo, Aces Paint the Rink Pink, E-Week, Citywide Cleanup and Adopt-a-Trail, as well as involvement in art and sporting events throughout the state.

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"Our staff is very active as a group and as individuals," says Leah Boltz, marketing director. "We have built a culture that encourages community support, and our employees are all community-minded. You can always see someone from CRW out helping a cause or participating in community events. We like to support our employees' causes and in turn, our community participation is very diverse."

While Boltz sees it as merely a fringe benefit, being out in the eye of the community is definitely advantageous for business. "Our clients see us in the community supporting their causes and joining with them to make Alaska a better place," she says. "More people know our company name and our principals because they see us outside the office, supporting local causes. It also brings our name to the front of the client's minds when they are looking for civil engineering firms."

CRW tries to grow their community involvement a bit more each year, with a few new ones on the agenda for 2010, including Parks for All, which is building a fully accessible playground in Cuddy Family...