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Anderson to Head BEV, Inc.
(Blacksburg, VA) Ken Anderson was elected President and Chair of the Board of Directors of Blacksburg Electronic Village, Incorporated (BEV, Inc.) at the organization’s August board meeting. Mr. Anderson is founder and chief executive officer of Anderson & Associates, a professional design firm headquartered in Blacksburg with offices throughout the region. A charter member of the BEV, Inc. board, Anderson succeeds Robert C. Heterick, who passed away in 2003.
The Blacksburg Electronic Village began in 1993 as a cooperative effort of Bell Atlantic Corporation, the Town of Blacksburg, and Virginia Tech. The landmark project was the first to provide an entire community with access to the then fledgling Internet. Under the leadership of Heterick, then Vice President and Chief Information Officer at the university, the BEV quickly became a functioning prototype and technology field laboratory, exploring and demonstrating how people and organizations might use personal computers connected through large networks. Concurrently, BEV Inc. was chartered as a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation to provide long term continuity and guidance for the BEV and as a vehicle to attract and manage grants and other support resources.
“Over the years, BEV has really helped put Blacksburg and Virginia Tech on the information technology map,” said Anderson. “It has provided not only visibility for the town but a real increase in professional credibility for local businesses in the IT and engineering fields.”
Today, BEV continues as a research and outreach mission of Virginia Tech Information Technology under Associate Vice President Judy Lilly. “We still receive support each year from the town,” said Lilly, “and, through BEV Inc., we continue to work together on new initiatives.”
Operationally, BEV’s original web site (http://www.bev.net) still uses only freely available open source software, still serves as a field laboratory for testing new technologies and ideas, and still provides an online presence and services for many of the area’s civic and nonprofit organizations. “Most Blacksburg businesses have their own commercially supported web sites by now,” said Bill Sanders, who was named the BEV Director in July. “The BEV has always been more of an innovator and incubator, trying to help people and communities figure out how to get started, especially where network access or expertise is lacking.”
For example, BEV and the Virginia Cooperative Extension service are just completing a three-year project, funded by the Department of Commerce through BEV, Inc., to replicate the current BEV web environment and help develop a technology master plan for a number of Virginia’s most economically disadvantaged rural counties. “We’re being evaluated now,” said Lilly, “but I’d say, in general, we’re learning how much needs to be done to help our rural communities contribute to the commonwealth’s technology-based economy at the level of their human potential. We’ve plenty to do going forward.”
Lilly and Sanders represent Virginia Tech and the BEV respectively as liaisons to BEV, Inc. The other officers on the board with Anderson are treasurer Marilyn Buhyoff, Secretary & Counsel of National Bankshares, Inc. and secretary Mike Berry of Advanced Logic Industries. The remaining members of the board are Dr. Jody Hershey, Director of the New River Health District; Jeanne Stosser of MCR Property Management; Wendell Hensley, President of Tech Sales, LLC and chair of the Blacksburg Telecommunications Advisory Committee; Patricia Arvin; and Earving Blythe.
In other business, the board took time to remember Robert C. Heterick who, in addition to founding the BEV, had a distinguished career at Virginia Tech and later served as president of Educom, a prestigious professional organization dedicated to technology in education.
Design Services Firm's Web Site Simplifies Construction Bidding Process
BLACKSBURG, VA (August 21, 2001) – Through innovative web site offerings, Anderson & Associates, is simplifying the construction bidding process. The firm's redesigned web site, located at www.andassoc.com, features a bid information section, which provides contractors with continual access to advertised project information and frequently updated addenda, as well as an option to order project plans and specifications online. This online feature not only differentiates the firm's web site from other industry sites, but offers an easier and less expensive way of doing business.
In the past, bid communication was handled through extensive phone calls, with the exchange of letters and checks through the mail. Now contractors and industry peers have convenient and immediate access to all online bid information…free of charge. Through the online bid information section, Anderson & Associates provides a higher level of customer service for the firm's clients. The online bid information section creates increased competition among contractors on projects for clients of the firm. This competition results in better pricing, which ultimately saves Anderson & Associates' clients money. "The future of commerce is online," said Ken Anderson, president of Anderson & Associates. "As a design services firm, we are committed to utilizing cutting-edge technology to benefit our clients. Through interactive features like the bid information section, we are creating an easier and less expensive way of doing business."
In addition to the interactive bid information section, the content-packed site features general information about the firm with mapping components to branch offices; a comprehensive menu of services provided, including online project profiles, simulations and digital models; an online click-through recruiting brochure, interactive job postings and online employment applications; and a section dedicated to A&A University with future functionality including the option for clients to sign up for classes online.
Anderson & Associates offers web site development among the firm's extensive and diverse menu of service offerings. Most recently, the firm successfully designed and developed web sites for the Town of Blacksburg (www.blacksburg.va.us), Montgomery County (www.montva.com), Tradewinds Communications (www.tradewindscommunications.com) and WebGis.netTM (www.webgis.net). Anderson & Associates, Inc. is a tri-state professional design services firm headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, with five branch offices in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.
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Anderson & Associates Awarded 2001 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award
BLACKSBURG, VA (May 29, 2001) – Anderson & Associates, Inc., a design services firm based in Blacksburg, Va., was recently awarded the 2001 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award for small businesses, presented by the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists and the Virginia Psychological Association. The prestigious award recognizes Virginia businesses who are striving to achieve psychologically healthy work environments for their employees. The award aims to highlight the relationships among productivity, profits, worker satisfaction and the work environment. It recognizes organizations that have established programs, procedures and policies that enhance the quality of psychological health in the workplace.
The award was earned based on the submission of a written proposal and a series of extensive interviews with company employees, including human resource representatives, project engineers and company officers. The proposal focused on four different workplace environment aspects: employee involvement, family support, employee growth and development, and health and safety.
- Employee Involvement -- The firm's almost 225 employees are dedicated to community involvement. Anderson & Associates volunteers are involved with school programs, local infrastructure projects, and local and statewide planning organizations. Additionally, Anderson & Associates holds annual United Way fund raising drives, participates in Red Cross bloodmobiles and encourages employees to volunteer with various community organizations.
- Teamwork -- Teamwork is the foundation of Anderson & Associates. The firm has elected to make all employees hourly to eliminate a hierarchy system. The hourly pay system allows individuals the freedom to adjust their schedules to balance personal needs and career responsibilities.
- Employee Ownership -- Anderson & Associates is an Employee Stock Ownership Company (ESOP). Through the ESOP, all employees are equal owners in the company. Employees can access financial information about the company at any time through the firm's Intranet site.
- Family Support -- Since October 2000, Anderson & Associates has partnered with Carillion to provide an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is a voluntary, confidential service that provides professional counseling and referral services designed to help employees with personal, professional or family challenges.
Additionally, the firm has arranged for the Family Support Network of Montgomery County to provide informational sessions on "Parenting in the Workplace." The free sessions are scheduled during lunch and are broadcast via Internet Protocol Television to the firm's branch offices. Spouses and other family members are encouraged to attend, as well as any interested Anderson & Associates clients.
- Employee Growth & Development -- Education is a top priority at Anderson & Associates. In 1998, the firm implemented an in-house training program to assist employees with career development. Employees, as well as clients, can attend classes to earn continuing education credits, brush up on state regulations, and improve their professional and people skills. The hour-long sessions are broadcast to all Anderson & Associates offices using NetMeeting and Internet Protocol Television. The firm also encourages employees to attend professional seminars and conferences to learn abut current issues, techniques and trends within the industry. Anderson & Associates promotes active participation in technical and professional societies, and pays annual dues to one organization for each full-time employees.
- Health and Safety -- Since 1998, Anderson & Associates has worked with Columbia Montgomery Regional Hospital to establish a Wellness Program for employees. The Wellness Program provides a variety of health related programs on-site for minimal or no charge to employees. Anderson & Associates strives to create and maintain a safe workplace for employees by providing information and training to raise awareness of potential hazards they could be exposed to during their work – from on-site risks to driving safety.
"It is a great honor to receive the 2001 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award," said Ken Anderson, president and CEO of Anderson & Associates. "Our firm has worked diligently to create an environment in which employees can excel, both professionally and personally. The rewards of our efforts are not only represented with this award, but are also recognized with superior client satisfaction as a result of our well-trained, confident and positive employees."
Anderson & Associates, Inc. is a tri-state professional design services firm headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, with five branch offices in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The company's web site is located at www.andassoc.com.
For more information, to receive a copy of the winning Anderson & Associates proposal, or to schedule interviews with company representatives, please contact Kristen McClung at 800-763-5596 or by e-mail at mcclung@andassoc.com.
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Census 2000
Raises Redistricting Questions for Local Jurisdictions
BLACKSBURG, VA (February 5, 2001) -- State and local census
results are due to be released over the next several weeks, and jurisdictions all over the
country will need to address the issue of redistricting. The results of Census 2000 will
affect communities throughout the decade as localities use census data to redraw election
districts for local governing bodies. The way these perimeters are drawn can affect party
or ethnic representation in elections.
During the next few months, several Virginia counties with
staggered terms face tight deadlines in order to complete the redistricting process in
time for the November 2001 elections.* The terms of some incumbents will expire as of
January 1, 2002. If the county fails to redistrict in time, the November 2001 elections
could become subject to challenge in court. The big question many localities are now
facing is, "How do we accomplish the redistricting process under such tight deadlines
and with limited resources?" Anderson & Associates, Inc., a tri-state
professional design services firm, may have the answer - innovative GIS (Geographic
Information Systems) technology.
The first major report produced by the Census Bureau will be
information needed by states and localities to redraw the boundaries of congressional,
state legislature and local election districts. The Bureau is required to report
redistricting data (also known as PL 94-171) by April 1, 2001 so that states will be able
to redistrict promptly. The redistricting data contains two basic pieces of information
needed by local government officials to redraw election district lines - maps and
population data.
The redistricting data alone doesn’t mean much without
looking at accompanying maps to learn more about specific geographic areas. However, using
the firm’s GIS program, Anderson & Associates can combine the redistricting data
with mapping capabilities, which ultimately transforms numbers into visual images on a
clearly defined map. By using GIS technology throughout the process, government officials
can perform redistricting tasks is a fraction of the time traditionally spent, saving
officials valuable time and resources.
"Using GIS technology to cope with such an overwhelming
job, coupled with a tight timetable set by the Virginia General Assembly, can really make
the process manageable and more streamlined," says Waverly Evans, Project Manager for
GIS at Anderson & Associates, Inc. "Additionally, our GIS applications can make
it easier for government officials to fulfill their important obligations in creating
balanced voting districts."
Additionally, with WebGISTM technology the census data could
be made public on the Internet, enabling all parties involved in the redistricting process
to have improved access to redistricting data and maps. Doug Eckel, Virginia Tech
Instructor of Political Science and Assistant Dean, is an advocate of making the new
census data (upon which redistricting is based) available to the public on the Internet
before any decisions are made. "Groups could use the PL 94-171 data to create
their own redistricting proposals or comment on the possibilities," Eckel said.
"The availability of this information makes the whole process of redistricting more
transparent for citizens."
Anderson & Associates, Inc. is a tri-state professional
design services firm headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, with five branch offices in
Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The company’s web site is located at www.andassoc.com.
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Local Engineering Firm Receives Prestigious Web Award
Anderson & Associates Honored with Lightspan's StudyWeb® Recognition
BLACKSBURG, VA (Dec. 18, 2000) - Anderson & Associates,
Inc., a tri-state professional engineering and design services firm, was recently honored
with the Lightspan StudyWeb® Award for the firm’s WebGIS.net (http://www.webgis.net) Internet site.
The Anderson & Associates WebGIS.net site was selected as
a featured site in Lightspan’s StudyWeb (http://www.studyweb.com)
as one of the best educational resources online by Lightspan researchers. StudyWeb is one
of the Internet’s premier sites for educational resources for students and teachers.
Since 1996, Lightspan’s reviewers have searched the Internet to select the finest
sites to be included in StudyWeb’s listing of educational links. Each site in
StudyWeb includes a detailed review describing its editorial and visual merits. StudyWeb
reviews have been featured on Webcrawler Select, The Lycos Top 5% and Education World.
The Anderson & Associates WebGIS.net site received the
StudyWeb honor for its innovative interactive mapping features. On the WebGIS.net site,
residents in many counties in Virginia and North Carolina can now easily access land and
parcel information on the web through a Geographic Information System. Developed by
Anderson & Associates, WebGIS.net lets consumers access parcel maps with user friendly
tools to locate specific addresses, owners and even land or building values.
WebGIS systems also serve as unique resources for more than
just housing or neighborhood information. For consumers seeking outdoor recreation, the
system provides specialized information about area parks, rivers and trails. For parents
seeking information about local schools, the system provides specific information about
school district boundaries with direct links to school district web sites. And for
consumers commuting to work, or even driving to the local grocery store, the system
provides maps of new and existing roads.
"The public has always had the right to access land and
parcel information, however it was a laborious and time-consuming process," said Ken
Anderson, President of Anderson & Associates, Inc. "With WebGIS systems, we are
now offering area residents a way to access public information in a timely and convenient
manner. In essence, we are making public information public."
All information offered through WebGIS programs can be easily
printed from the web. The WebGIS.net site can be viewed from the Lightspan's StudyWeb site
at http://www.studyweb.com and clicking on People
& Places: U.S. Geography: Virginia: Interactive Maps, or at http://www.WebGIS.net.
Cities or counties that are interested in learning more about
getting WebGIS.net in their area should contact Waverly Evans, Assistant Project Manager,
at 800-763-5596 or by e-mail at evans@andassoc.com.
Lightspan, Inc. provides curriculum-based, educational
software and Internet products and services used in schools and at home. Lightspan’s
technology, delivery system, and content help increase a student's interest in learning,
parent’s involvement in their children’s education, and a productive interaction
among teachers, parents, and students. Lightspan’s products include Lightspan Achieve
Now, an interactive curriculum program for K-8 students; study aids for college students
offered through Academic Systems, Lightspan’s higher education group; and an
integrated family of Internet products and services offered through Lightspan’s
subscription Internet service The Lightspan Network and through Lightspan.com (http://www.lightspan.com).
Anderson & Associates, Inc. is a tri-state professional
design services firm headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia with five branch offices in
Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The company’s web site is located at http://www.andassoc.com.
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