What's New at Art Anderson Associates

New Personnel Join AAA

Art Anderson Associates recently added three new team members to its staff of professionals, bolstering its capabilities to meet a growing workload for both marine and facilities projects. The individuals who were hired are Donald Walker, Brieann Shearer and Cody Fawver.

Brieann Shearer joins the Art Anderson team as an entry-level Civil Engineer. A 2006 graduate of Washington State University, Ms. Shearer obtained her degree in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis. During her college career, she worked in an internship with northwest-based contractor Lease Crutcher Lewis, where she gained valuable industry experience. She will be mentored by one of the Art Anderson Associates’ most experienced engineers as part of the company’s “Extra Nautical Mile” mentoring and internship program. With assignments working on both landside and marine structures, Ms. Shearer is eager to learn and is excited about the diversity of project experience she will gain at Art Anderson Associates.

Cody Fawver is a student with an already-impressive resume of qualifications, and has joined the firm as a drafting and modeling intern. Mr. Fawver is an active member of the Washington Technical Student Association and has been involved in Skills USA competitions that have challenged his graphics and design talent. His experience includes assisting graphics and design instructors at both South Kitsap High School and West Sound Technical Skills Center. He will be working primarily on the firm’s marine design and research projects, but will provide his modeling and design expertise wherever needed. As part of Art Anderson Associates’ “Extra Nautical Mile” program, Mr. Fawver will expand his knowledge in the AutoCAD and Rhinoceros software tools and is looking forward to securing his future in the design and technology field.

AAA Receives AWB Workplace Award

The Association of Washington Business (AWB) recently presented Art Anderson Associates with one of fifteen Better Workplace Awards, given to Washington businesses who demonstrate innovation in the areas of workplace safety, job training and advancement and benefit and compensation packages. The award was presented by Governor Christine Gregoire and AWB Chairman Kirk Nelson at the Association’s 2007 Legislative Day, held on February 7th, 2007.

The award was given specifically to recognize Art Anderson Associates for its benefits and compensation package. In order to help employees make better health care decisions, the company recently changed its health care plan to one that features a Health Savings Account combined with a high-deductible health plan. Also new this year is an increase in the amount the company matches employee 401k contributions. Employees have enjoyed a number of other benefits for a long time, such as flex time, profit sharing, life insurance and a flexible leave policy. Art Anderson Associates offers its full slate of benefits to employees who work more than 24 hours per week.

AAA Driving Vision for Puget Sound Passenger Ferries

Art Anderson Associates is part of the team that was selected by the Puget Sound Regional Council to develop the vision of passenger ferries in the Puget Sound region. The team, led by Nelson/Nygaard and including both AAA and Mirai Associates, will provide the technical basis to strengthen the PSRC's Destination 2030 policies, programs, projects and criteria. With transportation planning at a critical juncture, including rising fuel costs and land-side congestion, this project represents a crucial opportunity to make effective use of the wide-open "freeways" of the Puget Sound. Art Anderson Associates will be addressing many of the operational and technical challenges and opportunities associated with passenger ferries, building on its extensive experience in ferry transportation planning.