News

HBK Ranked #247

HBK was ranked in the Engineering News-Record (ENR) 2020 Top 500 Design Firms. The Top 500 Design Firms list, published annually in April, ranks the 500 largest U.S.-based designs firms, both publicly and privately held, based on design-specific revenue. Companies are ranked according to revenue for design services performed in 2019.

HBK ranked 247 in ENR’s 2020 Top 500 Design Firms— see rankings.

Engineering News-Record (ENR) is the only media brand reporting news, data, rankings, analysis and commentary essential to decision-makers in the $11.25-trillion global construction industry. As the trusted source for 140+ years, ENR provides professionals in the buildings and infrastructure markets information to thrive regionally, nationally and globally.

April 19 to April 25 is National Volunteer Week. While giving money to support non-profit organizations is a worthwhile endeavor at any time, and especially now when fundraisers are being cancelled, there are additional ways to help in our community. Here are some suggestions:

• Give blood. Check American Red Cross listings for locations.
• Foster or adopt a pet. Shelters are lacking volunteers at this time and pets are in need of care. Also, consider donating pet supplies.
• Reach out to a house of worship for contact information of people in need of assistance.
• Shop or do errands for quarantined families who need to stay home or don't want to take their kids out in public areas.
• Call an isolated friend or family member to do a wellness check.
• Donate gift cards to a local hospital, police department or fire department for healthcare workers or first responders to purchase meals or coffee.
• Order curbside take out or delivery to support local restaurants.

The effort to bottle and distribute hand sanitizer by our Safety Team was initiated to combat the lack of sanitizer available nationwide with the onset of the COVID-19 virus. One of the most important things that can be done to stop the spread of diseases is to keep hands clean, but employees in the field work without access to soap and water. The hand sanitizer, supplied by Kennay Farms Distillery in Rochelle, will help keep our employees safe. HBK Strong!

HBK CEO Ron Kaminski shared a positive state of the company message with employees on Wednesday, April 15 as part of the HBK Strong Campaign. Kaminski said that as a member of the critical utilities infrastructure space of power, electric, gas, and telecommunications, demand for HBK solutions remains constant in light of COVID-19. He thanked employees for all their efforts to deliver to clients the high level of work product the company has demonstrated over the past 20 years and encouraged everyone to keep up the good work while staying healthy and safe. HBK Strong!

HBK employees love their pets! Friday, April 10th was National Pet Day, as part of our HBK Strong campaign we took this opportunity to brighten up the day a bit. Employees entered their pets for a contest- cutest pet gets major bragging rights, but more importantly these pets put a smile on our faces.  

Most adorable award went to Perry, a doe-eyed, 3-month-old Beagle!

All of the pets gave us something to smile about!  HBK Strong

HBK Engineering is pleased to support the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Strike Out Hunger Campaign. Launched on Tuesday, April 7, the fundraising effort is aimed to support families with food needs during the coronavirus pandemic. The foundation has partnered with Feeding America to assist its 200 local food banks, 60,000 food pantries and meal programs. The campaign began with a $250,000 donation from the foundation and partners. It is estimated that Feeding America will need $1.4 billion in additional resources in the next six months to address increased food demands, and the foundation is reaching out to the public for donations.

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation was founded nearly 20 years ago to help build character and teach critical life lessons to at-risk young people living in America's most distressed communities. It is shifting its focus at this time to be of assistance to those struggling because of the pandemic. Visit https://www.ripkenfoundation.org/donate/strikeouthunger for more information.

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

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 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.