Teaching young people and their parents about utility infrastructure was the goal of HBK IMPACT volunteers on Saturday, February 29 at the MSI Black Creativity Career Showcase. Through models and conversations, the volunteers introduced attendees to their engineering careers. The event was hosted by MSI to inspire African-American children to pursue educational opportunities and careers in the fields of science, technology, medicine and engineering.
On February 29, HBK assisted with judging the Chicago History Museum Chicago Metro History Fair Suburban Senior Division. The theme of this year's fair was "Breaking Barriers" and most of the projects adhered to the theme. Judges this day reviewed senior high school submissions in the categories of Documentary and Small Performance. Entrants will be judged through the month of March in the categories of Website, Research Paper, Junior Division, and Senior Division.
HBK was pleased to support the Erie Neighborhood House 150th Anniversary Dinner on March 5 at the Radisson Blu Aqua in Chicago. Honorary 150th Anniversary Chairs were Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Event co-chairs were Joe Dominguez, ComEd Chief Executive Officer and Scott Swanson, PNC Illinois President. Erie Neighborhood House's mission is to empower its community, particularly Latinx immigrants and families of all backgrounds, through access to education, critical services and advocacy in order to create a just and inclusive society.
More than 800 supporters attended the 20th Anniversary celebration luncheon for the ACE Mentor Program Chicago at the South Michigan Avenue Hilton on March 6. HBK Engineering employees attended the event which highlighted the organization's successful efforts to mentor high school and college aged students interested in pursuing careers in architecture, construction or engineering. Award winners and mentors were acknowledged during the event. Guests were challenged to replicate a Chicago building using limited materials with the winning table securing a scholarship for the student at their table. The organization provided scholarships, internships and mentoring programs for 335 students this year.
HBK Engineering CEO Ron Kaminski spoke at the Greater Chicago Damage Prevention Council (GCDPC) 22nd Annual Excavator Breakfast on March 10. Held at the University of Illinois at Chicago Southeast Student Center, the event brought together about 300 professionals. The GCDPC is made up of representatives from facility owners and operators, the City of Chicago DIGGER system, engineers, excavators. locators, state and local governments, and others interested in protection of underground facilities.
HBK IMPACT volunteers baked cookies at the Ronald McDonald House in downtown Chicago on March 6. Near Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Northwestern Hospital, and other downtown pediatric clinics, the 15-story property provides 70 private family guest rooms with private bathrooms in which families with hospitalized children may stay free-of-charge. The property is the tallest Ronald McDonald House in the region and provides families a comfortable space with complimentary meals and snacks, games and entertainment outside the hospitals. HBK volunteers made dozens of chocolate chip and sugar cookies through the Cookies from the Heart program for the families staying in the house.
HBK employees wore purple items of clothing to work on Monday, March 9 in recognition of International Women's Day. Purple is recognized as the color associated with equality. International Women's Day, celebrated on Sunday, March 8, seeks to promote women's equality and recognize the contributions women have made and continue to make to the world.
HBK Engineering, LLC, participated in a breakfast meeting February 26 hosted by Choose DuPage Economic Alliance and DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin. Under discussion was the Illinois Canabis Regulations and Tax Act. Sandra Arredondo, HBK Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer, attended the meeting which centered on how employers will manage their businesses in light of the new law which legalizes recreational marijuana use.
During these times, it is important that we practice social distancing, wash our hands, do our part to reduce the impacts of the outbreak, and support control measures. Stay connected and informed through the CDC and WHO.
HBK wishes you and your family safety and health. We will get through this together. HBK Strong.
We launched a communication campaign, HBK Strong, on March 25th. The purpose of the campaign is to help facilitate positive messaging with staff and provide a source of connectedness during the Covid-19 pandemic. Employees are provided a forum to support each other and share positive experiences through email and video responses. HBK Strong!
Stay Safe and Healthy