WGM Group

WGM Group Inc. Expands to Include Industrial Design Division

2010-02-23T18:15:50Z

WGM is expanding to include an Industrial Design Division with three engineers formerly employed by the vacant Smurfit-Stone Container Mill (SSC). The 2010 closure of the SSC Mill in Frenchtown, MT resulted in hundreds of talented employees, contractors and consultants abruptly finding themselves jobless. Among the unemployed are experienced engineers who have expert knowledge related to operations, resources, and potential for the facility. The Mill is a high value asset that is likely to be included in the final settlement of the Smurfit-Stone bankruptcy proceedings. Current discussions being held by potential buyers will ultimately play a significant role in shaping Missoula's economic landscape.

While the closing has devastated the economy of Missoula and surrounding areas, WGM Group believes that there is great opportunity, if action is taken quickly, to take advantage of the new cellulose economy. Cellulose from trees has traditionally been used to manufacture paper and linerboard at the SSC Plant. New processes are being developed to convert cellulose to sugar. These sugars could replace corn and petroleum as a low cost input for the manufacture of many products. This will potentially create a market for a sustainable and renewable source of cellulose, a plentiful natural resource in Montana. The new Industrial Design Division seeks to bring large and small cellulose conversion industries into Montana.

]]> Consistent with WGM Group's values, the new Industrial Design Team enjoys strong professional relationships. Project Manager and Mechanical Engineer, Lisa McFarlane P.E. and Chemical Engineers Mark Vosburgh and Troy Savage P.E. are the former SSC employees now at WGM. They have teamed up with President/CEO Brent Campbell P.E. and WGM Group Environmental Engineer, Melisa Matassa-Stone P.E. to create the new Industrial Design Division.

The innovative use of wood fiber to manufacture high value products and bio-fuels has the potential to generate countless jobs and create an export market for the state. Former SSC engineer knowledge is priceless to any organization looking to purchase, retool and operate the mill. WGM Group is certain that retaining chemical and mechanical engineering resources is necessary to attract a variety of industries not only in Missoula, but also throughout Montana. WGM Group, Inc. is now positioned as a forerunner for emerging markets and a premier provider of industrial design services.

North Higgins Streetscape Improvements Advertised for Bids

2010-02-01T19:51:27Z

Sealed bids will be received at the office of the City Clerk, 435 Ryman Street, Missoula, Montana, until 1:00 p.m., on Monday, February 22, 2010 for construction of the North Higgins Bike/Ped-Msla project. Electronic versions of the construction plans, specifications, and project overview are available for download. Official contract documents may be examined or obtained at the WGM Group office, 1111 E. Broadway, Missoula. Bidders must obtain an official bound set of the contract documents. Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid conference at the Missoula Redevelopment Agency Conference Room, 140 West Pine Street, Missoula, MT 59802 at 11:00 a.m. on February 8th, 2010.

]]> The project consists of sidewalk improvements, enhanced street crossings, protected bike lanes, period street lighting, and landscaping on three blocks of North Higgins Avenue between West Broadway Street and Railroad Street. The City of Missoula received authorization from the Montana Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration last week to advertise the North Higgins Streetscape Improvements project for bids. The project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 through the MDT CTEP Program.

Project Info

Project Overview

Construction Plans

Project Manual

Miller Creek Road Improvements Advertised for Bids

2010-01-19T16:48:39Z

Construction plans were released this week for prospective bidders on the Miller Creek Road Improvements project in Missoula. The project consists of reconstructing approximately 3,400 feet of Miller Creek Road from Briggs Street to Mockingbird Way, including approximately 500 feet of Lower Miller Creek Road. A roundabout will be installed at the intersection of Upper and Lower Miller Creek Roads, as well as new curb and gutter, sidewalk, bike lanes, lighting, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, signing, striping and landscaping.

]]> The project is funded by the City of Missoula and Missoula County through developer impact fees. Bids will be opened on February 8, 2010. Utility relocation work is currently underway. Construction is expected to begin in the spring and will take six to eight months.

Electronic plans and additional project information may be obtained at:

http://www.wgmgroup.com/miller_creek_road/

Official contract documents may be obtained with a non-refundable fee of $50.00 at the following location:

WGM Group, Inc.

1111 E. Broadway

Missoula, MT 59802

For more information, please contact Cody Thorson, Construction Project Manager, at cthorson@wgmgroup.com or 406.728.4611.

WGM Group Inc. Finds New Home

2010-01-07T23:15:29Z

With the help of the Small Business Association and their Historically Underutilized
Business Zone (HUBZone) program, WGM Group Inc. purchases new office building.

Brent Campbell, president of WGM Group, Inc., has announced that WGM recently purchased a new office building. WGM will be moving January 18th from its current location to 1111 East Broadway in Missoula. WGM is an locally owned and operated, community-centered land use planning, engineering, and surveying firm that has been building better communities, safer roads, and healthier places to live, work, and play in the Northwest for over 40 years.

Enduring the same economic climate as its fellow community members, WGM employees appreciate tough economic times. However, with the help of the Small Business Association (SBA), WGM has taken advantage of the tremendous funding opportunities to acquire much needed space.

Click the following links to view this story's news coverage:

Missoulian Article
KPAX Article
KPAX Interview]]> WGM's board of directors decided to purchase its new building after a three year search for office space that could support the unique functions of this multi-disciplined firm. WGM was able to take advantage of an SBA secured loan provided through stimulus funding as well as special provisions under the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) project. WGM's new building is located in an SBA HUBZone. This federal program is designed to stimulate economic development and to create jobs in communities with statistically proven economic need by providing federal funds to businesses operating in these areas.

According to Campbell, "the new location of the firm's headquarters is a great opportunity for WGM to acquire the type of expandable, efficient space that it needs in an environment that is easily accessible by employees and by clients."

For further related information or to schedule an interview with Brent Campbell, President/CEO, please call WGM Group, Inc. at 406.728.4611 or email bcampbell@wgmgroup.com.

Lewiston-Clarkston Downtown Circulation Study Underway

2009-12-04T18:25:07Z

The first Public Open House for the Lewiston-Clarkston Downtown Circulation Study was held December 3rd, 2009, in Clarkston, Washington. The study will address deficiencies and identify improvements in the roadway network serving downtown Clarkston, WA and Lewiston, ID focusing on U.S. Highway 12 and major connecting streets.

To view the Public Open House presentation click here. To view and print the Public Open House comment sheet click here. Please submit your comment sheets using the contact information listed on the form.

To view this project's recent, local, news article click here and click here.

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Study Elements Include:

Transportation planning and analysis
Short-term and long-term recommendations for improvements
Design principles and guidelines for implementation

A second Public Open House is planned for Spring 2010. For more information, please contact Mark Bancale by telephone at 406.728.4611 or by email at mbancale@wgmgroup.com.

Season's Greetings Valued WGM Group Clients, Friends, and Colleagues

2009-12-03T21:40:03Z

Valued WGM Group Clients, Friends, and Colleagues,

WGM Group extends our warmest wishes to you during this holiday season.

We see the real effects these tough economic times have had on families and the local organizations and businesses that help support them. Thus, we have thought long and hard about how to show you our appreciation while helping communities at a time when it is needed most. That's why, in lieu of mailing you a Christmas card, we have made donations to worthy causes in communities throughout Montana and Idaho under the name "Valued WGM Group Clients, Friends, and Colleagues," These contributions have gone to the Montana Food Bank Network, Missoula Poverello Center, and Idaho Food Bank to help provide food and shelter to needy families. We are proud to have served you in the past and look forward to working with you in the future.

All of us at WGM wish you happiness throughout the holiday season and the New Year!

North Higgins Streetscape Improvements Moving Ahead

2009-12-03T15:57:31Z

The North Higgins Streetscape Improvements project is part of the first phase of implementation of the Missoula Greater Downtown Master Plan. The project consists of sidewalk improvements, enhanced street crossings, protected bike lanes, period street lighting, and landscaping on three blocks of North Higgins Avenue between West Broadway Street and Railroad Street.

Advertisements for bids will be released in January 2010. The project award will be announced February 2010 and construction with take place March through September 2010.

To view the Final Design presentation click here. To view the North Higgins Streetscape Improvements project information sheet click here.

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To learn more about this project please contact Rod Austin, Director of Operations for Downtown Business Improvement District of Missoula by telephone at (406) 728-1140 or by email at raustin@missouladowntownbid.org.

Miller Creek Road

2009-12-02T15:50:25Z

Utility Relocation to Begin Early December

Long awaited work on Miller Creek Road will begin December 7th, 2009 with the initial utility relocation by Northwestern Energy, Qwest, and Bresnan Communications. An electronic message board will be placed on Miller Creek Road a week prior to start of work to inform the public and area residents of this pending construction and provide notice of potential traffic delays.

Work will primarily occur on Upper Miller Creek Road and at the Wye. This work is in anticipation of road reconstruction planned for spring 2010.

]]> MSipe@ci.missoula.mt.us.

Click here to learn more about this project.

Billings, MT Ranked #1 "Best Places to Launch" Small Business Startups

2009-11-02T19:09:06Z

Billings' bright business forecast is great news for Montana. Based on U.S. Census Bureau 2007 County Business Patterns, CNN Money reported that Billings, MT ranked number one amongst small metro areas for the "best places to launch" small business startups.

Boasting a population of 152,005, Billings is the biggest city in Montana. However, this place still holds true to its small town character. "Billings remains the sort of place where the average commute time is a mere 16 minutes and business proprietors are on a first-name basis with their UPS delivery guy," reports CNN's Helaine Olen.

]]> Billings is growing rapidly. According to Census Bureau estimates, Billings' metropolitan area population has increased by about 10 percent between 2000 and 2008. With its major local industries including agriculture, energy, transportation, healthcare and education, this place is not only a great place to work but a great place to live.

The economic thermometers and barometer show that Montana is still the last best place. Olen says, "Unemployment is rising but remains well below the national average. The national real estate bubble skipped Billings -- today, Montana's foreclosure rate is the fourth-lowest in the country."

Click here to view the article.

Wye Sewer System Project Updates

2009-09-29T17:53:11Z

After many years of planning and months of construction, the final phases of the Wye Area Sewer System (RSID) 8489 are finally underway!

This project will provide environmentally sound sewer service to approximately 1,566 acres of industrial, commercial, and residential land located northwest of the City of Missoula, MT.

It will accomplish this by
Extending municipal sewer
Eliminating drainfields
Encouraging connections for community drainfields

This work is designed to protect groundwater and mitigate further degradation of the Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. Additionally, it will lessen the contamination of the Missoula Valley Aquifer, which is designated the areas "sole source aquifer" by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Learn more about this project by visiting the Wye Sewer Project page.]]> In 2007, the City sewer was extended to the Wye Area, northwest of Missoula near the interchange of Highway 93 and Interstate 90. That project completed construction of two pump stations and related mains. The remainder of that system is now being built to service all of the residents within RSID 8489. The project is anticipated to be complete by spring 2010.

To fund this 10.1 million dollar project, a Rural Special Improvement District (RSID) was implemented. Typically, these special assessment bonds or RSID bonds are issued to pay for public improvements where the property benefited by the improvements can be identified. In this instance, the Wye Area Sewer System assessments will be the responsibility of the benefiting landowners.

WGM Group Teams with Missoula on $19.6 Million Dollar TIGER Grant Proposal

2009-09-17T20:24:39Z

Investing in World-Class, Sustainable, Transportation

Teaming up with the Missoula MPO, WGM Group contributed its time and talent to develop a grant proposal for the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) program. If successful, this 19.6 million dollar grant would complete a funding package for bike lanes, sidewalks, and paths throughout Missoula, Montana.

Hopes are high with the goodwill that this proposal generated. The grant request received letters of support from Mayor Jon Engan, Senator Max Baucus, and Senator Jon Tester, as well as numerous community-base entities including The University of Montana, Center for the Rocky Mountain West, and homeWord.

See what everyone is excited about. View the grant by clicking here.

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Active Missoula not only holds promise for recreationists and commuters, but also for jobs. Currently the private sector, especially the building industry has been hit particularly hard by the economic downturn. This grant would generate both short and long-term economic benefits by creating and/or sustaining over 650* local jobs.

Additionally, environmental sustainability is a core value of this proposed program. Recent studies have shown that Missoula's Vehicle Miles Traveled are expected to double in Missoula by 2035. This non-motorized transportation system would encourage more people to walk and bike, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

* Employment estimates are based on Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimate of employment impact on highway capital expenditures, which include direct, supporting, and induced positions.

BRIDGING THE GAPS IN MIDTOWN

2009-08-14T21:21:46Z

~ Building a Greener, Safer Missoula through

Non-motorized Route Improvements ~

On behalf of the Missoula Redevelopment Agency, WGM Group, Inc. graciously welcomes all parties interested in learning about the Brooks Street Commercial Corridor Curb and Sidewalk Project, to attend a Public Open House on August 19^th, 2009 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Opportunity Resources, Inc., 2821 S. Russell Street. This open house will provide an opportunity to review and comment on the preliminary design.

This project is designed to take steps toward a safer, greener Missoula. The Missoula Redevelopment Agency, in conjunction with the City of Missoula, has geared up to increased pedestrian travel by creating a safer, more complete sidewalk network in the Brooks Street Commercial Corridor and the adjacent streets located within the Urban Renewal District (URD) III, also known as Midtown. With a focus on sustainability and quality of life, these improvements are designed to encourage the use of non-motorized routes, reducing Missoula's dependence on single occupancy vehicles. These changes are set to brighten Missoula's future, so to speak, by reducing traffic congestion and its inevitable pollution.

]]> The best is only getting better. Missoula has been recognized as a Bicycle-Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists and was listed as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People by

America

's Promise Alliance.This is credited, in part, to Missoula's well planned and executed bicycle and pedestrian facilities. However great the accomplishments, there is still room for improvement. Many gaps still remain in the sidewalk network, lacking Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. Furthermore, many areas in Midtown do not have adequate drainage, lighting, landscaping, and other amenities which are critical to a safe, comfortable living environment.

The Brooks Street Project will address many of these deficiencies, contributing to the goal of a seamless non-motorized system throughout Midtown. Construction is anticipated to begin this fall. The project will be funded by URD III Funds, with no assessments to adjacent landowners.

In these tough economic times, the URD III fund is good news. With the support of our local Missoulians, we will soon have a greener, safer place to live. Typically the adjacent landowners have to foot the bill for these types of improvements. However, this fund will cover one hundred percent of this project's expense.

WGM Boasts Six LEED Accredited Professionals

2009-08-04T20:58:32Z

In recent months, six WGM Group engineers have earned their Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Jeremy Keene, PE Melissa Matassa-Stone, PE Ryan Salisbury, PE

Janet Grove, PE Jon Gass, PE Jeff Smith, PE

]]> Jeremy W. Keene, PE passed the LEED exam back in November 2008. He was quickly followed by Melissa R. Matassa-Stone, PE; Ryan J. Salisbury, PE; Jonathan L. Gass, PE; and Janet L. Grove, PE who passed their exams in March and April of this year. And in June, Jeff R. Smith, PE received his certification.

LEED accreditation recognizes a high level of knowledge and understanding of sustainable building practices, and the LEED Rating System. All accreditations come from the U.S. Green Building Council.

WGM Grant Application Lands Construction Funds for Ravalli County

2009-07-21T21:05:22Z

In 2007, WGM Group successfully obtained a planning grant on behalf of Ravalli County from the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP). This grant allowed WGM Group to complete a countywide bridge inventory, including the compilation of a detailed GIS database. From this inventory, the County was able to identify structures in need of attention.

]]> In 2008, WGM Group completed a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and submitted a grant application to TSEP for the construction funding to replace a series of culverts on Sweathouse Creek with a bridge. The 2009 Montana Legislature deemed WGM Group's application a success! The WGM Group PER ranked 2nd out of 65 grant applications and $138,000 was earmarked for replacement of the Sweathouse Creek crossing. This culvert replacement project is scheduled for construction in fall 2009/spring 2010.

Construction Begins on Final Phases of Wye Sewer RSID 8489

2009-07-09T15:26:54Z

After many years of planning, the final phases of the Wye Area Sanitary Sewer RSID 8489 project are finally underway!

City sewer was extended to the Wye Area, northwest of Missoula near the interchange of Highway 93 and Interstate 90, in 2007 with the building of the Wye Sewer backbone. That project completed construction of two pump stations and related mains to serve a portion of the area's population. The remainder of that system is now being built to serve all of the residents within RSID 8489.

]]> Sommer Construction from Nampa, Idaho was selected to build the Phase 2A portion of the project; Advanced Earthworks of Hamilton, Montana will build Phase 2B. Both contractors will be working simultaneously during the summer and fall of 2009; both anticipate project completion by the end of the year.