Gibbs & Olson Sponsors The First PWB Regional Academy

Gibbs & Olson sponsored the first Public Works Board Regional Academy which was held at Clark College Corporate Learning Center in Vancouver.

This was an opportunity for attendees to learn more about:

  • The future of the region’s economy
  • The political landscape following the November elections
  • Flow of funding through a county to local governments

Gibbs & Olson has an in-house funding specialist with the experience needed to develop a creative funding strategy that will successfully meet funding agency objectives. We can be involved with every aspect of the funding application process or simply review the application packages before submittal. Once funding is obtained we offer funding administrative services to ensure all the required documentation is appropriately prepared and submitted for funding agency compliance. Contact us to find out how Gibbs & Olson can help make your project a success!

City of Longview Highlands Trail Ribbon Cutting

shapeimage_1 (6)The Highlands Trail officially opened Saturday. Longview Mayor Dennis Weber, Patsy Hite and local boy scouts helped cut the ribbon, officially opening the trail. The ribbon cutting was followed by a Fun Walk from Archie Anderson Park to the Highlands Community Center on Carolina Street. The trail celebration was co-sponsored by the City of Longview and the Highlands Neighborhood Association.

Gibbs & Olson provided the City of Longview with design and bid phase services. Project elements included 6,800 feet of 10 foot wide asphalt trail, concrete sidewalks, ADA compliant access ramps, utility access gates, chicane bike crossings, trail signage and striping, urban design amenities, water quality treatment area, landscaping, and LED trail lighting. The additives include 13,000 square feet of parking, stormwater collection, treatment and disposal, landscaping and irrigation, and illumination for Archie Anderson Park; and two separate street parking areas with curb and gutter, concrete sidewalk, stormwater collection and treatment, signing, striping, landscaping and illumination.

The Highlands Trail Project provides a critical recreational link along the bordering residential community to their adjoining parks and open spaces, and provides a significant contribution to the completion of the Cowlitz Regional Trail Plan. The intention is to eventually connect the Highlands Trail to the countywide trail system that is being built in phases.

Gibbs & Olson Attends Small Ports Seminar

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Carol Ruiz and Vicki Wiggins of Gibbs & Olson attended the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA) Small Ports Conference in Leavenworth. Carol was a guest speaker and provided tips to small ports on working with consultants. Other presentations included helpful topics on how to find new tenants, applying for grants, the SEPA process, and managing leases. Download presentation on “Helping consultants…so we can better serve you.”

Richard Gushman Elected To Cowlitz EDC Board

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EDC Newsletter

Richard Gushman president of Gibbs & Olson was elected to the Cowlitz Economic Development Council Board of Directors. The CEDC supports business expansion and retention through strategic alliances and strong community support.

Serving Cowlitz County since 1979, CEDC is a proactive, results-oriented public/private partnership working with over 200 associates to assist businesses to relocate or expand in Cowlitz County.

CEDC promotes job creation and investment while maintaining the county’s exceptional environment and high quality of place.

Gibbs & Olson Attends IACC Conference

Paula Coviello of Gibbs & Olson attended the Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council (IACC) Conference in Wenatchee in October. The conference included all the state and federal funding agencies.

A key change from recent years is that the Public Works Trust Fund has money available again. In fact, the Public Works Board is looking for ideas on what new types of applicants and projects could be a good fit for their funding. Training has also become a priority for the Public Works Board so they are asking all of us to spread the word and let them know what projects or training needs are out there.

This year the IACC has provided links to the sessions from the conference, you can find them at http://www.infrafunding.wa.gov/conference.html

Dan Bergman Obtains Professional Land Surveyors License

shapeimage_1 (9)Dan Bergman, of Gibbs & Olson, recently received his professional land surveyors license from the state of Washington Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Dan has 16 years experience and is part of our survey team that provides land surveying and mapping services ranging from legal descriptions to highly sophisticated GPS & RTK surveying.

Gibbs & Olson Announces Internal Ownership Transfer

Richard Gushman is appointed as new president and CEO

Gibbs & Olson is pleased to announce an internal ownership transfer. Richard Riley and Robert Hitt, longtime owners, are stepping down with the fourth generation of employee-owners taking their place.  Richard Gushman is appointed as the new president and CEO.

With over 60 years of ownership stability employees familiar with their mission and goals succeed retiring shareholders.  The firm has advanced three employee-owners to the leadership team; Tom Gower, Mike Marshall and Vicki Wiggins. They’ll join existing owners in moving the company forward.

“These changes represent a benchmark in our strategic planning and ownership transition plans. “ said Richard Gushman, new president. “We look forward to the next phase, I’m optimistic about our future and expanding our services with innovative ideas that broaden our expertise to better serve our clients.”

Gushman, started with the firm over 23 years ago and since 2003 has served as Vice President. In addition to his Vice President duties, he has managed multi-million dollar projects with a demonstrated ability to identify and implement cost-effective solutions for a wide range of complex technical issues. Mr. Gushman has provided consulting services on dozens of infrastructure projects. He has a proven track record of successful project delivery from initial conceptual design through final construction and project closeout.