Congratulations to the Northwest Extension Phase II Light Rail project team for earning the prestigious 2025 Baldwin Group Build America Award in the Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnering and Collaboration category (Civil Projects $20M and above). The project was also recently honored as ENR Southwest’s Airport/Transit Project of the Year. These recognitions underscore the project’s standout success—showcasing how strong collaboration and innovative problem-solving can overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results. Northwest Extension Phase II
By Neal Flesner As the president of Velo Group and an IPI Master Construction Partnering Facilitator, I’ve always been a firm believer that the foundation of any successful construction project is strong collaboration. So, when Scott Jennings, P.E., founder of SJ Construction Consulting, based his latest blog post and Pipeline Podcast episode on the lessons learned from our construction partnering sessions at Velo Group, I was thrilled. It was incredibly rewarding to see how Scott
By Eileen Sien Benjamin Franklin once said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” This insight perfectly reflects a recent initiative by one of our clients, who embraced Collaborative Partnering and actively engaged his peers, enhancing their ability to apply partnering strategies in their projects. Let’s step back a minute to provide a little perspective…Brandon Gerardy, a project manager with Garney Construction is a member of
The grand opening of the Sound Transit Lynnwood Link Extension (L300) on August 30, 2024, represents not only the launch of a vital transit line, but also a significant milestone in construction partnering and collaborative project management. This achievement highlights the dedication and teamwork of all stakeholders involved, paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable public transportation system in the Seattle metropolitan area. A Collaborative Effort From its inception, the Lynnwood Link Extension
Building Success Through Collaboration: Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach Ammunition Pier and Anaheim Bay Modernization Project The Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach recently completed the Ammunition Pier and Anaheim Bay Modernization Project, a significant $157 million initiative that enhanced operational efficiency and security for the U.S. Navy while accommodating modern naval vessels. Project Overview Spanning nearly five years, the project involved construction of a new 1,100-foot-long, 125-foot-wide ammunition pier designed for dual ship operations. Replacing
At Velo Group, we frequently hear, “Should we hold this meeting face-to-face, or can we just get away with a video conference?” The answer isn’t straightforward-it depends on various factors. To shed light on this, let’s explore the data supporting the effectiveness of face-to-face communication. In an industry where complexities and unforeseen challenges can disrupt even the most well-laid plans, effective communication becomes the cornerstone of success. One of the most powerful ways to enhance communication
It’s been nearly five years since the Ridgecrest earthquakes rocked the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake, a key hub for Navy research, testing, and weapon development. Established in 1943 during World War II, this base has been instrumental in advancing naval capabilities and supporting our nation’s defense. Yet, the destruction from the 2019 quake presented a formidable challenge, one that demanded resilience, determination, and exceptional teamwork. In a recent Bakersfield Now Eyewitness News
Enhancing Construction Project Delivery through Partnering: A Collaborative Approach In today’s dynamic construction landscape, marked by challenges like supply chain disruptions, inflation, and labor shortages, the importance of efficient project delivery methods has never been more evident. Embracing collaborative approaches such as Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) and Design-Build (DB) methods has become crucial, with early stakeholder engagement proving essential for success. Early Collaboration: The Foundation for Success Early engagement, a cornerstone of both CMAR
Partnerships with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) hold a unique blend of challenges and unparalleled opportunities. Whether undertaking infrastructure projects, environmental restoration efforts, or disaster response initiatives, working alongside the USACE demands specialized skills and strategies. For general contractors navigating this terrain, understanding the intricacies of partnering with the USACE is paramount. As a construction partnering facilitator, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of effective collaboration with agencies like the USACE. Embracing the
By Mark Moody, VELO Group Partnering Facilitator The realm of Construction Partnering is experiencing a global surge, dispelling previous doubts about its relevance. At VELO Group, we’ve successfully expanded our reach across borders, conducting impactful sessions in diverse locales such as Argentina, Israel, Dubai, and beyond. We recently facilitated a successful kick off for a Bureau of Overseas Building Operations (OBO) project in Mauritania. As we continue to venture into new territories, VELO Group’s consulting
March 3-9 is Women in Construction Week (WIC Week), a time to raise awareness of the construction career opportunities available for women and emphasize their growing role in shaping some of the country’s most exciting projects. In celebration of WIC Week 2024, Velo Group is spotlighting Eileen Sien. A Professional Civil Engineer and a Certified Senior Construction Partnering Facilitator, Eileen’s career path gives her a thorough understanding of the unique issues project teams may face.
by Neal Flesner In a recent Construction Partnering session, I was discussing the successes of a $1.4-billion mega project as they embarked on the last 10 percent of construction, commissioning and turnover. “What was the difference between this project and others,” I asked. One of the key leaders did not hesitate, “It is a Culture of Accountability.” Accountability is a key tactic born out of partnering sessions that project teams use to reach the project’s
Effective communication is essential in any field, but in construction, where projects are complex and involve numerous stakeholders, the ability of project team members to communicate effectively is essential. While sharing your expertise and ideas is an important part of verbal communication, active listening may be even more crucial. In fact, mastering this workplace skill may even help manage your emotions, retain data and information better, and resolve conflict. Did you know that we hear
Building effective partnerships on large-scale, complex public infrastructure projects that involve various stakeholders, span several years, and have major impacts on communities is often as daunting as the scale of the project itself. With collaboration across more than 50 organizations, including contractors, consultants, utilities, and federal, state, and local agencies, the $3.2-billion Fargo-Moorhead Area Diversion Project in Fargo, North Dakota is no exception. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working in partnership with
If you have been involved in the design and construction industry for even a brief period, you’ve likely witnessed contentious interactions between project stakeholders that far too often result in claims and litigation. Unfortunately, adversarial relationships such as these can lead to exorbitant legal costs for construction projects. They can also cause a great deal of anxiety and stress, quickly turning the vision of your dream project into a nightmare. The process of construction partnering