As the new year dawns, Anderson & Associates continues to harness technology to serve people with increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Considering the feasibility of three-dimensional laser surveying, enhancing our computer simulations, finding new uses for our web-enabled geographic information system, and increasing the effective use of computer technology in our everyday operations are just a few of the possibilities being examined to enable A&A to better serve clients.

The company, 170 employees strong and operating out of five offices in Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, is committed to expanding services and guiding employees to reach new levels of contribution. Mentoring, communication training, leadership opportunities, and career planning are part of the job at A&A. One of the company’s key goals - right up there with satisfying the client and making a profit- is providing growth opportunities for employees. As staff members become ready to take on new responsibilities, the company often expands geographically or in services to accommodate them.

"We spend a lot of time and resources on people", says Executive Vice President Chip Worley. "A&A has always been a different type of company in this regard, from the open book and open door management style to the lunch time seminars for promoting continuing education. All of these efforts are investments in people: to increase and maintain technical competency, to promote trust and good working relationships, and to provide top notch service to our clients."

Another factor that continues to set A&A apart from its competition is the use of technology to expedite everything from financial analyses to meetings. "We started early and we’re still deeply involved," says Ken Anderson. "We’re in the third or fourth generation of technology use, while others might be in the first or second generation."

"People who stay at A&A have the same core values," says Mary Ann Bonadeo, Project Manager and ESOP Advisory Committee Chairwoman. "They’re committed to providing the best service to the client and appreciate our employee ownership philosophy. They know they have a direct effect on the company’s performance, and because the ESOP allows everyone to benefit from increases in stock value, they’re interested in continually improving."