ACEC/M Presents “FIRM OF THE YEAR” Honors to Small and Large Engineering Companies

Lansing, MI – The American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) recently presented the 2020 member “FIRM OF THE YEAR” awards at the Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala held on March 7, 2020 at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids. Both a large firm (>30 employees) and a small firm were recognized during the event. This is the highest ACEC/M honor bestowed and the only award program instituted to recognize ACEC/M member firms for their leadership in professional practice and community service. Recognition is based on actions taken by a member firm to progressively develop its management practices and for assuming leadership roles in community outreach activities and ACEC/M programs that strengthen the profession for all members.

In the large firm category, ACEC/M member firm OHM Advisors, headquartered in Livonia, took the honor. The 2020 ACEC/M small firm of the year award went to FK Engineering Associates, located in Madison Heights.

ACEC/M Large Firm of the Year

In 1962, engineering veteran John E. Hiltz joined Melvin “Ernie” Orchard to form John E. Hiltz & Associates in Detroit, Michigan, with 15 employees. Their vision was a firm built on extraordinary relationships with municipal clients, providing insightful engineering counsel, and delivering on a promise to Advance Communities.

Today OHM Advisors has more than 500 employees with offices in 3 states and is ranked #251 on the ENR 500 list. Current President John Hiltz, a past President of ACEC Michigan, leads the firm and remains focused on “advancing communities.” Hiltz has been a state and national voice for greater investment in Michigan’s aging infrastructure. OHM Advisors has long supported ACEC, and their leadership dates back more than 40 years ago when Ernie Orchard served as President of ACEC Michigan.

OHM Advisors stands out as a company that helps to advance the consulting design profession, is actively involved in the success and growth of ACEC/M, and continually gives back to the community.

ACEC/M Small Firm of the Year

FK Engineering (FKE) was launched in 2012 by professional engineer Fritz Klinger. Klingler has over 30 years of experience in civil engineering and underground construction and has quickly grown the firm to over 27 employees. Vice Presidents Joe Alberts and Zach Carr complete the leadership team and add more than 50 years of combined experience. Although a small firm, FKE has tackled big projects including the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Little Caesars Arena, Detroit River Interceptor, and the Fraser emergency sinkhole repair.

FKE has been purposeful in its efforts to advance the consulting design profession through contributions to the ACEC/M scholarship and PAC funds and by participating in legislative outreach events.

FKE is very proud of their extensive community involvement since their founding, but particularly in the last several years. FKE has contributed charitably and actively participated in multiple Pure Oakland Water events and suicide prevention fundraisers.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan is the voice of Michigan’s engineering industry. Council members – numbering over 100 firms throughout the state – are engaged in a wide range of engineering/architectural/surveying works that propel the state’s economy and enhance and safeguard Michigan’s quality of life. These works allow people to drink clean water, enjoy a healthy life, take advantage of new technologies, and travel safely and efficiently. The Council’s mission is to contribute to Michigan’s prosperity and welfare by advancing the business interests of member firms.