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ON THE MOVE

THREE MANAGERS PROMOTED AT RPS KLOTZ ASSOCIATES Texas-based civil engineering firm RPS Klotz Associates has announced the promotion of three of its professionals into practice and departmental management roles. Don Durgin , PE, has been promoted to transportation practice manager. Durgin has 15 years of experience in a variety of transportation-related fields, including municipal roadways, complex highways and interchanges, rail design, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. He holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Nevada. Alex Kuzovkov , PE, has been promoted to deputy practice manager in the Public Works Department. Kuzovkov has more than 25 years of experience in planning, design, operation and construction administration of water and wastewater treatment facilities, water and wastewater conveyance systems, and pumping and storage facilities. He holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Petersburg State University in Russia. Lynn Pipkin , PE, has been promoted to mobility department manager. Pipkin has nearly 30 years of transportation planning, design and construction expertise, with

significant experience with the Texas Department of Transportation and Harris County Toll Road Authority. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. CARDNO APPOINTS AMERICAS SAFETY CHIEF Professional infrastructure and environmental services firm Cardno is pleased to announce a key leadership appointment that will strengthen safety performance in the Americas Region. Marla Toma has been promoted to the position of vice president of Health, Safety, Environment & Quality where she will oversee a range of safety initiatives across Cardno’s operations. She has also been appointed to the Regional Leadership Group for the Americas. With more than 25 years’ experience as a certified safety professional, Toma most recently served as HSE director for the company’s Natural Resources Management and Health Sciences Division. She has extensive safety expertise in oil spill response and has worked as a chemist/quality control officer on multiple hazardous waste, oil spill assessment and remediation projects. In her new role, Toma will direct programs, procedures and management systems to reduce accidents, occupational illnesses and

exposure to long-term health hazards. She will ensure the technical guidance of HSEQ officers, lead safety training development, supervise incident investigations for injuries and significant near misses. She will also oversee the substance abuse prevention program and workers’ compensation administration for the region’s 150 offices. “Marla has an exemplary record across health and safety, environmental chemistry and quality assurance,” said Americas President and General Manager Mark Swatek. “She has contributed significantly to developing and managing Cardno’s Zero Harm safety program and we look forward to her providing leadership to our HSEQ staff and improving the effectiveness of our safety programs.” Marla has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and a Certificate in Hazardous Materials Management from the University of California at Davis. She has also earned Certified Safety Professional designation and completed the Executive Program in Safety Management from the American Society of Safety Engineers.

❚ ❚ Charge if necessary (even if the money is going to charity or a speaker/presenter). Guests who are willing to pay the price to attend an event often anticipate that their experience will be valuable or, at the very least, they are interested and curious about what you have to offer. ❚ ❚ Don’t overlook the details. Whether you are holding this event at your firm’s office or somewhere else, have appro- priate lighting, music, sound, food/drink, restrooms, and whatever else will keep people comfortable and having a good time. ❚ ❚ Capture the event with photo/video so it can continue to work as marketing. ❚ ❚ Make sure every attendee is walking away with something of value (can just be information). ❚ ❚ Keep a guest list and follow up with every attendee. Follow these tips, get a little creative, have some fun, and you’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful event! CHRISTINA ZWEIG is Zweig Group’s director of research and marketing. Contact her at christinaz@zweiggroup.com. “Get specific with a targeted audience. Decide who you want to come and why they should come. Hosting a new product demo, holding a seminar or educational event, or bringing in some kind of entertainment can get people together.”

CHRISTINA ZWEIG, from page 9

a charitable aspect that further encourages attendance and publicity. This event brings a bunch of potential and current clients together and everyone gets to interact with the dynamic leader of the company. Get help, partner up with another firm, or even bring in something/someone outside your industry. Hickok Cole Architects (Georgetown, DC), took home first place in Zweig Group’s 2015 Marketing Excellence Awards in the Special Event category for its social marketing event – Art Night. Every October, HCA transforms its four-floor offices into a huge art gallery and the proceeds from the sale of artwork are split between the nonprofit organization, Washington Project for the Arts, and local participating artists. Even though Hickok Cole foots the bill, the event brings in more than 700 people and the firm estimates the press/media coverage is equal to at least $10,000 worth of advertising and exposure. “Follow these tips, get a little creative, have some fun, and you’ll be well on your way to hosting a successful event!” Other things to keep in mind: ❚ ❚ Timing is everything. Consider other area events, industry events, holidays, location, and weather. ❚ ❚ Alert the media (and not just through social media).

THE ZWEIG LETTER April 18, 2016, ISSUE 1148

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