Tag: esop culture

Earth Day: Environmental Stewardship of Water Engineers

As Earth Day approaches, it serves as an essential reminder to recognize the tireless efforts taken behind the scenes to protect our planet’s most precious resource: water. Our work at T&H isn’t just a profession, nor does it end once we clock out; it’s a calling and a duty. It’s a passion and responsibility to uphold the very principles of environmental stewardship and sustainability every day.

But how exactly do we uphold environmental values year-round?

Striving for Sustainable Solutions

As we continue to experience rapid environmental transformations due to climate change and pollution, we have no other option than to make the fight for economic and resource conservation take on a more aggressive approach. At Tata & Howard, we continue to be industry leaders on sustainability, placing environmentalism at the forefront of every project we take on. Whether it’s providing an innovative and effective water and wastewater Capital Efficiency Plan™ (CEP), providing site stormwater management and funding assistance, designing efficient solutions that incorporate green initiatives with the future in mind, or any one of our many services, our goal remains to minimize environmental impact while meeting societal needs.

Compliant with Environmental Regulations

However, we can’t do our part successfully without recognizing the pivotal role environmental standards and regulations play. By fostering a deep understanding of the intricacies of environmental regulations and standards, we are able to meticulously navigate this maze and ensure that every project is compliant. Since we’re conducting thorough environmental assessments, like water audits or utility asset management, monitoring pollutant levels, and implementing best practices, we are able to better safeguard water quality and environmental health while checking each mandated box.

T&H also continues to be proactive in implementing federal and state stormwater management programs, such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s NPDES Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) program and its Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP).

Conservation Advocacy

As it stands today, the world loses approximately seven billion gallons of water a day. (Yes, a day.) So while we know that striving for sustainable solutions and compliance with environmental regulations both play large roles in our environmental efforts, we recognize that conservation advocacy is also crucial.

Given our tenure in the industry, we’re able to use our experience to create efficiency plans for businesses and communities, support water preservation and accessibility campaigns, and educate our community on the value of water conservation efforts, among other things. Through educational programs, community projects, and collaborative partnerships, we have the power (and duty) to empower communities to embrace water-saving behaviors, implement water-efficient technologies, and promote mindful resource usage.

Conservation advocacy isn’t just one component of our work; it’s a cornerstone that drives our efforts to protect our planet’s most precious resource for future generations.

ESOP Culture

At T&H, we wholeheartedly believe that together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for all. It’s why we are proud to be 100% employee-owned. Our status as an ESOP gives our approach to environmental efforts a bit of an edge. Each and every one of our team members is invested in our success and long-term viability as employee-owners. Because of this shared ownership, departments are able to collaborate and communicate openly, exchanging ideas and insights. As a result, we have an abundance of collective knowledge and experience that we use to our advantage when developing more creative and practical solutions for the communities we serve. Employees with ESOP status are encouraged to go above and beyond in their job and increase our potential to implement greener initiatives that meaningfully contribute to protecting the future of our world by leveraging the power of knowledge and collaboration.

Water Engineers’ Role as Guardians of Public Health

While water engineers are the backbone of ensuring safe and sustainable water management practices, they’re also most likely to be some of the more passionate environmentalists you’ll meet. Every day, water engineers work tirelessly to preserve and defend our waterways, taking painstaking care to ensure each drop is protected and used responsibly.

Given that they spend their careers preserving our waterways, it’s fair to say that water engineers embody environmentalism at its core. Water engineers are exceptional at sourcing, designing, and implementing sustainable solutions and systems that not only meet the needs of our communities but also minimize environmental impact. Whether it’s implementing cutting-edge water treatment technologies, integrating green infrastructure to manage stormwater, or advocating for water reuse initiatives, their goal remains the same: to provide clean and accessible water to all.

Conclusion

As we continue to plan for the future of our water systems, we remain committed to our mission of supporting Earth Day and its principles every day. Through our dedication to sustainability, advocacy for conservation, and adherence to regulatory compliance, we strive to make a positive impact on the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations.

At T&H, we know that together, we can ensure that every drop of water is treated with the respect and care it deserves. Water is the essence of life, and our commitment to preserving it and making it accessible for all guides everything we do. From designing state-of-the-art water treatment plans to implementing innovative stormwater management solutions, our projects are driven by a deep-seated calling (call it destiny) to play our role as global citizens.

ESOP Culture: A Spirit of Philanthropy

Within the dynamic world of business culture, the idea of philanthropy has transformed beyond the conventional ideas of charitable giving. One unique shape the spirit of corporate philanthropy has taken on is in the form of Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) companies. These kinds of organizations grant their employees a stake in the ownership of the company and often exemplify a commitment to shared success and community impact.

Tata & Howard is proud to say that we have been 100% employee-owned since 2014.

Philanthropy: A Pillar in the ESOP Foundation

A profound way in which ESOPs embody philanthropy is through the empowerment of their team members. By granting employees ownership stakes and allowing them a seat at the table, these companies provide a direct link between individual effort and collective success. For employees, having a sense of ownership can inspire a strong work ethic and a shared commitment to the company’s success, ultimately resulting in increased productivity and innovation (not to mention high retention rates and overall morale!).

Even more, the philanthropic spirit within ESOPs often extends far beyond the workplace and into the broader community. As employees witness the positive impact of their collective efforts, a culture of giving back often emerges, with many ESOP companies actively engaging in community service, charitable initiatives, and support for local causes. The idea of shared ownership naturally paves the way to a shared responsibility for the well-being of the community at large, embodying a model of corporate philanthropy that goes beyond just monetary donations.

Philanthropy: The T&H Way

At the heart of T&H lies a profound belief that resonates with the very essence of ESOP companies: the unwavering conviction that every individual should have the right to access clean drinking water.

In the water and wastewater industry, the impact on the environment and public health is profound. ESOPs, like T&H, recognize this impact and actively engage in initiatives that prioritize ethical considerations, environmental sustainability, and community well-being, with these actions often reverberating far beyond profit margins.

Water for People

One of T&H’s favorite charities is Water for People.

Water for People’s mission is as straightforward as their name: to provide everyone with sustainable, clean drinking water. With this partnership, T&H staff members have the ability to donate straight from their paychecks, with the company matching 100% of each dollar donated. As a water engineering firm, we know firsthand the hardships disadvantaged communities experience due to a lack of clean drinking water. As it stands today, there are approximately two billion people worldwide who do not have that necessary access.

Through their efforts, Water for People ensures that donated funds reach families, clinics, and schools alike, bridging access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services for those living in Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Bolivia, Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi, Tanzania, and India. In 2022 alone, Water for People and their supporters have successfully brought improved water sources to over 220,000 people across over 500 different communities.

HopeWell Services

Every holiday season, T&H partners with HopeWell Services, an organization that provides disadvantaged children with gifts along with so much more. Each T&H team member has the opportunity to select an ornament from a giving tree that holds a child’s holiday wish list. The team member then shops accordingly, and then all gifts are delivered to the children.

Both T&H and HopeWell recognize the transformative power of collective action and shared prosperity, with the goal of bringing everyone the right to access clean water and joy during the holiday season. Together, our combined initiatives highlight the profound impact that can be achieved when organizations, irrespective of their nature, come together with a shared vision of making a positive difference in the lives of their local community.

Worcester County Food Bank

As an ESOP, T&H is deeply committed to shared ownership and responsibility, even mirroring the ethos of the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) in addressing critical needs. Each Thanksgiving, T&H drives a collaborative, company-wide initiative to donate to the WCFB, one of only three Feeding America member food banks in the entire state of Massachusetts. In fact, in 2018 alone, the WCFB was able to distribute nearly 6.1 million pounds of food to approximately 75,000 people throughout the county.

October was ESOP Month, a month dedicated to recognizing their significance in the corporate world, their role in fostering innovative corporate philanthropic efforts, and the people who make these kinds of companies sustainable. As part of the month-long celebration, T&H initiated a month-long food drive for the WCFB — and as always, employee-owners stepped up to the plate in a big way.

Conclusion

As steadfast advocates for sustainable water practices, we recognize the transformative power of shared ownership embedded in the ESOP model. This kind of unique approach to corporate structure cultivates a sense of collective responsibility among employees who are not merely contributors but beneficial owners. Through our alignment with the principles of ESOPs, we contribute to a narrative of shared responsibility, where the right to clean water and other basic human rights is not just a belief but a collective endeavor that transcends the boundaries of business to foster a resilient and caring community and create a lasting, positive impact.

Benefits of Working with a Small Engineering Firm

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses operate 84.8% of establishments while employing 54.3% of workers. So, what is it about small businesses that attract over half of the workforce and make up the majority of establishments? For employees seeking a meaningful career and for clients in search of personalized and effective solutions, working for and with a small firm provides a myriad of benefits that often rise above the conventional expectations that come with larger corporations.

Let’s explore the dual joys of being an employee in a small firm and a client seeking the unique advantages we as a small firm bring to the table.

For Employees

Ability to Embrace Innovation through Varied Roles and Responsibilities

Working for a small business or firm provides employees with a unique opportunity to wholeheartedly embrace innovation and creativity. When embracing this level of ethos, small firms are able to foster an environment where every voice is heard. This mindset empowers employees to don multiple hats, as each person joining the team has their own set of skills, perspectives, and expertise that they can bring to the table.

Each day brings a new set of challenges, creating a dynamic and engaging work environment that offers employees the opportunities to not only lean back on their past experiences, but also learn new skills and provide a “new set of eyes” when interacting with said challenges. These multifaceted roles not only broaden the team’s skillset but also provide a more holistic perspective, inspiring creative and innovative problem-solving, whereas larger corporations and firms may experience more constraints.

Opportunities to Make an Impact

At the heart of our small team lies a collective dedication to a fundamental service: providing communities with clean water. This shared purpose fosters a profound sense of meaning, creating a workforce that is driven by a commitment to our public’s well-being.

Since we are a small firm, our employees and clients are able to consistently make a bigger impact due to having direct access to key decision-makers. Having the opportunity to quickly run new ideas by a key stakeholder allows our team to work more efficiently due to the lack of “hoops” many larger firms often have to jump through, further encouraging innovation and creativity.

This accessibility to decision-makers cultivates a culture of open communication, cutting down on decision-making time. This empowers employees to feel a sense of ownership over their projects, encouraging them to think creatively about solutions and leading them to spend their time working on value-adding tasks and projects.

Added Benefits of ESOP Small Business

And speaking of ownership, all Tata & Howard employees are actually owners, creating even more of an ownership mindset in our organization. Being a 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) provides unique benefits not only to clients who appreciate the effort, attention, and pride of work that comes with ownership, but also to employees who enjoy the financial rewards of ownership.

For Clients

Personalized Service and Direct Communication

There’s a distinct advantage to choosing to work with a small firm, often in the form of more attentive, personal, direct, and customized service. The more intimate nature of small firms can be quite challenging to find in larger corporations, with many lacking direct communication.

With a small firm, direct communication with decision-makers is not only a hallmark, but it also ensures clients that they are more than just another transaction; they are in fact valued partners. This kind of intentional accessibility allows both firm and client to foster a deep understanding of each other’s needs and preferences, making way for service with a level of laser precision that can often go far beyond the standardized solutions larger firms offer.

It’s this level of commitment to customer service and satisfaction that is often ingrained in the ethos of small firms that results in returning customers and more collaborative partnerships.

Cost-Efficient Partnership

Selecting a small firm as a client often means a more cost-efficient partnership compared to working with larger corporations. Small firms often operate with lower overhead costs as they typically have streamlined operations and are laser-focused on efficiency, meaning they can offer more competitive prices.

But, how is that possible?

Small firms can afford to be more flexible, allowing themselves to work around and cater to the specific needs of each client, tailoring services to meet these individual requirements. Unlike larger corporations that may offer standardized solutions at a premium, small firms can provide these services at a more affordable rate.

This level of dependability, innovation, and dedication to going the extra mile when providing a fundamental service allows small firms like T&H to build strong, lasting relationships with satisfied clients.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Leading to Innovative Solutions

It’s not just small firm employees that can benefit from embracing innovation and creativity; clients are encouraged just as much to immerse themselves in a firm’s entrepreneurial culture. The collaborative nature of the client-small firm relationship allows for both parties to embrace more unconventional ideas and solutions, while larger firms may be bound by established processes. The lack of these constraints combined with the fostering of innovation and “out of the box-ness” allows small firms to take more calculated risks when solving problems, which can lead to a more dynamic and proactive approach.

Conclusion

When working for a small firm — particularly an ESOP — employees are valued for their contributions and are empowered to actively participate in the decision-making process. In partnering with a small firm, clients are not just mere recipients of a service but are also active participants in their own problem-solving.

This dual experience of working for and with a small firm invites all parties to a world where innovation, creativity, and collaboration are not only welcomed and encouraged but embraced wholeheartedly. It’s with this level of dedication and prioritization that small firms are able to carve a niche area for themselves, providing a level of service that many large corporations are unable to fulfill.

T&H Celebrates ESOP Month

There’s more to celebrate during the month of October than pumpkin spice lattes and leaf peeping…it’s ESOP Month!

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are more than just a financial arrangement. They represent a unique and modern take on retirement plans through a highly tax-advantaged plan in which employees own shares through a trust funded by the company. Studies have shown that companies with ESOPs grow almost three times as fast as non-ESOP companies and are able to provide employees with approximately two times the retirement assets.

Beyond the financial aspect, ESOPs promote a rich culture of collaboration and commitment, where employees have a genuine interest in the company’s success, driving them to contribute their best efforts and feel empowered by their commitment.

ESOPs have been an integral part of the Tata & Howard journey as we have been 100% employee-owned since 2014. Since doing so, we have created four dedicated ESOP committees: the ESOP Communications Committee, the Green Committee, the Wellness Committee, and the Philanthropy Committee. Together, these committees work tirelessly, both independently and together, to bring team building and bonding, a sense of community, lighthearted entertainment, and a positive change to the T&H environment.

This month, we want to take this opportunity to recognize their significance and the wonderful people who make them work – our amazing team!

How does T&H embrace ESOP culture?

For starters, outside of ESOP Month, we have monthly planned team activities that focus heavily on philanthropic initiatives and client-centric special events, including a time capsule planting, an annual scholarship, and other team-bonding focused activities like poker nights, and more — all thanks to our ESOP committees!

This month, we have a multitude of fun-packed events that have been perfectly curated for our ESOP family, all based on at least one of our core values.

Month-Long Food Drive

The first week of the month saw the start of our month-long food drive to the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB). The WCFB is one of only three Feeding America member food banks in the entire state of Massachusetts, providing food to tens of thousands of people every year. At the end of the month, we will weigh the collected donations to see just how much our team was able to rally together for the members of our local community that are experiencing food shortages, all the while demonstrating T&H’s commitment to social responsibility.

Family Feud Competition and Level 99 Adventure

Every Tuesday this October, the T&H crew will break out into teams for the month-long Family Feud competition. We even have our very own Steve Harvey! (pictured below). Not only will the weekly competition serve as a sure-fire cure for any lingering post-Monday blues, it will also foster friendly competition, a sense of togetherness, communication, and of course, a lot of laughter and light hearted entertainment! The competition started on October 3 and the final round will be held on October 24.

As we cannot seem to get enough friendly competition, our team brought their A-game at October 12’s Level 99 event. Level 99 is a one-of-a-kind destination where patrons have access to over 40 themed challenge rooms that are designed to test both their physical and mental capabilities in an effort to win challenges and collect rewards. (Again, have we mentioned just how much the T&H team loves some friendly competition?)

Anniversary Lunch and Website/Movie Premiere

On October 19, 2023, T&H turned 31 years old, so cue the “happy birthday” song! We were founded on October 19, 1992 by Donald J. Tata and Paul B. Howard. This exciting anniversary was celebrated by a company-wide catered lunch where we also discussed important company initiatives. Once the business portion of the day was completed, it was time for the party to start. The company hosted a premiere of both our new website (click around and check it out!) and new corporate video, both in-person and virtual for our team.

Other Planned ESOP Month Events

  • Represent Your Alma Mater Day where our team is encouraged to don a shirt or item of clothing representing their colleges.
  • An Owners Meeting followed by a suspenseful, immersive, and exciting Murder Mystery party.
  • A Halloween-themed party, and more!

This ESOP Month, let’s celebrate the power of shared ownership, dedication, and teamwork. Thank you for being part of our journey and for helping make our company the success that it is today.

 

Tata & Howard Celebrates Employee Ownership Month (EOM)

Employee Ownership Month (EOM) occurs every year in October and is an opportunity for ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) companies across the nation to educate employee-owners, the media, the public, and government officials about the benefits of employee ownership.  It’s a terrific celebration of the spirit of employee ownership.

Here at Tata & Howard, EOM is a time for us to celebrate and thank each of our employee-owners, as the success of our ESOP is a result of their dedication and hard work. Without it, our ESOP wouldn’t be what it is today. We take this opportunity to focus on building our culture of ownership and continue to educate our employee-owners on the benefits of employee-ownership. We also have fun!

T&H kicked off EOM with our Employee Breakfast & Presentation on October 1st. We are encouraging our employees to participate in weekly hosted games and activities to gain points for their teams – which will be modeled after the Houses of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts School. The House with the most points at the end of the month will win the House Cup! Other fun activities include a cornhole tournament, poker night, lunchtime Jeopardy, pumpkin decorating, the firm’s Anniversary Lunch, and wrapping up with the Pie in the Eye Day.

Giving back is an important part of our ESOP culture. Our offices / employees collect donations during October for a non-profit. This year Tata & Howard’s EOM campaign will impact Water for People – we hope we can contribute as much as last year (and maybe more!).

Great Eggspectations

Employees Celebrate National Egg Day with a Little Fun!

Some people like their eggs over easy. Others prefer theirs hard boiled. At Tata & Howard it seems we like our eggs scrambled!

In recognition of National Egg Day (June 3, 2018), Tata & Howard employees competed in an Egg Drop Challenge. The Egg Drop Contest is a collaborative engineering activity that tests one’s creative problem-solving skills.  And not to get too technical, the Challenge is also a test in the understanding of physics, fluid dynamics, motion, the forces of gravity, and much more.  Working together on these egg structures is also a fun and engaging team-building activity.

The Challenge

After dividing into teams, each group was tasked with creating a structure that could protect an egg from breaking when dropped from a 10-foot height—or at least one story—onto a solid floor.

Team begins workUsing ordinary office supplies (plus an uncooked chicken egg), to build their egg protective packages, teams could use as many or as few of the materials and were free to cut, tear, or break any of the pieces. The time to create the egg structures lasted 20 minutes. After the creating phase was over, it was time to drop the eggs.

This is the time when teams often crack under pressure.

Down They Go

Kevin LaunchesFrom the second floor of our Waterbury, CT office, two teams dropped their eggs onto the sidewalk below.  Upon closer examination, not one of the eggs survived the fall.  In the case of a tie, as in this case since both eggs broke on impact, the team using the least amount of materials was declared the winners. Congratulations to Chelsea, Will, Kevin and Sal who used fewer pieces in the design of their egg packages.

At our Marlborough office, the eggs were dropped from the second floor into the lobby. Each of the four teams carefully suspended their structures over the railing and let go. After the fall, one of the packages oozed liquids, a sign of a broken egg. The other three eggs appeared to have survived the fall showing no obvious signs of breakage.

Failed eggThose three teams then ventured to the third floor and dropped their eggs again.  Sadly, none of the eggs survived the fall from the nearly 30-foot fall. And, although many of the egg structures were still intact, it was clear from the misshapen, leaking packages, the eggs broke on contact.  Fortunately, there was very little mess to clean up since the eggs were all overly wrapped and packaged. It was a tough call, but team Chris and Chrissie shared the winning honors.

Incredible Edible Egg

As fragile as eggs can be, they already come in the perfect little package. Eggs are also one of nature’s best sources of protein and amino acids. Eggs also have no carbohydrates or sugar and just like drinking water, play an important role in nourishing families around the globe. National Egg Day is a great time to celebrate and recognize the importance of eggs in our diets. The Egg Drop Challenge is a fun way to bring awareness to this incredible little health food!

The Egg Drop Challenge

Brown eggThe materials used for the egg drop challenge can be whatever you choose. We opted to use common items found around the office.  Of course, don’t forget the egg!

Each Kit contains:
6 Coffee Sticks
2 sheets – 8 ½ x 11” paper
1 yard of masking tape
1 yard of string
5 rubber bands
1 paper plate
2 paper napkins

Download the instructions

DOWNLOAD

Egg Drop

ESOP Month – It’s a Wrap!

Tata & Howard is a 100% employee-owned company, or ESOP. Being an ESOP is an integral part of our corporate culture, and we consistently strive to enhance our core values of teamwork, innovative solutions, positive attitude, efficiency, and integrity through teambuilding activities throughout the year. October is ESOP Month, celebrated by ESOP companies across the United States, and an excellent time for all of us at Tata & Howard to focus on the benefits of employee-ownership as well as the core values that have been with us since our inception in 1992.

Earlier in the month, we showcased how our four ESOP committees – Communications, Green, Philanthropy, and Wellness – planned a month of activities for the Tata & Howard team, Harry Potter style. The first half of the month saw a philanthropic initiative to raise funds for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a community trash cleanup day, and a “Minute to Win It” challenge, as well as various food-themed events. The second half of ESOP Month was also filled with fun and festive activities, including the firm’s official 25th anniversary.

Co-Presidents Karen Gracey and Jenna Rzasa poured the celebratory champagne

On October 19, Tata & Howard officially turned 25 years old. Founded on October 19, 1992, Tata & Howard has grown from a two-person startup to a thriving 70-person firm with nine offices in seven states as well as Ontario, Canada. On October 19, all offices were treated to a celebratory catered lunch, where Co-President Karen Gracey and Co-Founder and Senior Vice President Paul Howard spoke to the entire team about the history of the firm as well as goals for the future. After the speeches, everyone raised a champagne toast for 25 exceptional years in business — and for 25 more — after which we all received Tata & Howard branded fleece jackets.

Taking a selfie with a dinosaur was a hunt requirement!

On Saturday, October 21, we celebrated our 25th anniversary in style, beginning at the Boston Museum of Science, where 70 T&H employee-owners (EOs) and their guests participated in a Murder Mystery Scavenger Hunt throughout the museum. Broken into 10 teams, EOs received 24 clues and a coded sheet and were given two hours to complete their assignment. The hunt was highly entertaining while also providing EOs the chance to get to know their fellow EOs from other offices a bit better. Not surprisingly, six of the ten teams fully completed the challenge with all correct answers, so the winner was determined through some tie-breaking trivia questions about the museum. The winning team was Team 2 Beat, who were all smiles for the photo!

Team 2 Beat

After completing the scavenger hunt, EOs headed over to the Union Oyster House, the oldest restaurant in the United States, where we enjoyed appetizers and drinks in a private room. Once everyone had arrived, a theater troupe from Monson, MA (one of our clients!) began their performance of Trial & Error, a hilarious interactive show that takes place in a courtroom. Each act was given between courses, and the laughter could be heard throughout the restaurant. At the end of the night, we cut into our special 25th anniversary cake and savored the sweet taste of success. The night was highly enjoyable and a true celebration of our firm’s incredible accomplishments.

Steve Landry took his folding very seriously.

Also during the second half of ESOP Month, EOs participated in a paper airplane contest. EOs in all offices had ten minutes to make paper airplanes out of standard copy paper. No glue, tape, paper clips, tearing, or puncturing of the paper were allowed. After the planes were built, it was time to test! Points were awarded on a basis of longest distance flown as well as longest air time. First, second, and third place winners in each category won points for their houses. Adam Carrier took top spot for distance with 37.3 feet flown, and James Hoyt won first place for airtime with 3.1 seconds. Jon Gregory and William Grant came in second and third, respectively, in both events, with distances of 37.2 feet and 36.7 feet, and airtimes of 2.65 seconds and 2.6 seconds.

Will Grant and Sal Longo test flew their planes in Waterbury, CT.
Brian Biagini learned that not all flights necessarily go as planned!

Another friendlier challenge was our thank you note challenge, sponsored by the Philanthropy Committee. EOs were asked to send thank you notes or emails to their fellow co-workers, and for every thank you they sent, the ESOP Committee would send $1.00 to DARE Family Services, with a three thank you note per EO cap. The day brought lots of smiles as people received special messages of appreciation, and we ended up collecting $108 to send to DARE. The event was well received and reminded everyone to show gratitude.

During the last week of ESOP Month, EOs participated in a step competition, sponsored by our Wellness Committee. The team with the highest total steps as well as the team with the most participation would receive points for their houses. Over half the company participated, and collectively we racked up an astounding 1,754,372 steps!  That’s the equivalent of walking from Marlborough, Massachusetts to Cincinnati, Ohio.

To wrap up ESOP Month, EOs got together after work on Monday, October 30 to enjoy some home baked pumpkin treats and pumpkin beer while we decorated mini pumpkins. On Halloween, the house points were tallied, and we are happy to announce that Ravenclaw wins the House Cup! All in all, ESOP Month was another huge success, and we are already planning for next year.

ESOP Poker Night

Since many EOs were at the corporate office in Marlborough, MA for training on September 20, the ESOP Committee decided to host an after-hours Poker Night complete with barbecue from Firefly’s and a variety of beers including fellow ESOP Harpoon Brewery’s Flannel Friday. EOs enjoyed some great food and downtime while also participating in a friendly Texas Hold’Em tournament. The grand winner of the night was Dave Ceppetelli from the Vermont office, and he walked away with a VISA gift card. The response from the team was extremely positive, and we can’t wait for the next fun outing (which will be very soon considering October is ESOP Month!)

The Team That Plays Together Stays Together!

At Tata & Howard, we place high value on teamwork. In fact, it is one of our five core values on which the firm was founded 25 years ago. Teamwork is important on many levels. Working as a team internally ensures that our clients are receiving the best, most innovative and technically accurate service on projects. Working as a cohesive team with our clients allows us to truly hear what our clients are saying, enabling us to understand their needs and concerns, and to work together to efficiently find solutions to their challenges.

But team building doesn’t happen by chance; rather, it requires a concentrated effort from employee-owners at all levels in order to build and maintain positive and meaningful relationships. Because of this, Tata & Howard encourages and invests in activities that bring all of us closer together. A large part of our team building comes in the form of our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Since 2014, 100% of the stock in Tata & Howard has been owned by the employees, and since every member of the firm is an owner, the success of the firm becomes much more personal. Just like a football team that must work together to win championships (we might be talking about the Patriots here!), we also work together to deliver the best projects to our clients, enabling us to grow the firm.

EOs participated in the Charles River Cleanup event in April

To further our ESOP culture of ownership, we have four dedicated ESOP committees: the ESOP Communications Committee, the Green Committee, the Wellness Committee, and the Philanthropy Committee. Working independently and together, these four committees strive to bring team building, a sense of community, physical and mental health, and positive change to the firm. To that end, the ESOP committees plan and fund numerous activities and initiatives throughout the year.

EOs donated supplies to teens at Monty Tech during a backpack drive, and plan to participate again in the fall

Some of our 2017 initiatives have included the purchase of flatware and the elimination of disposable utensils at all offices, a backpack drive to benefit disadvantaged high school students, participation in the Charles River Cleanup, a special night of teaching girls about engineering, employee-initiated and company matched donations to the Colonias program and to Water For People, a cookout at Hopkinton State Park, and several special lunches and after work events. Planned events include the Navajo Water Project 5K (everyone can participate! Click here for more info), a scavenger hunt at the Museum of Science followed by dinner at the Union Oyster House, an Operation Gratitude necessities drive for our nation’s veterans, a volunteering event at a local soup kitchen, and numerous other philanthropic and fun events.

CT EOs were all smiles during their cookout!

Last week, the weather was spectacular, so the ESOP Communications Committee decided to host an after-hours cookout complete with grills, burgers, sides, beer, and lawn games. Employee-owners in Marlborough enjoyed chatting and lounging in the grass, as well as a bit of friendly competition in the form of 4-Square. Down in Connecticut, EOs chose a shady spot and enjoyed a variety of food as well as each other’s company. The Vermont and Maine offices had some team members in the field and on vacation, so they decided to postpone their events for a couple of weeks, but we’ve heard rumblings of a possible Portland Seadogs excursion in the near future!

We believe that our team is what sets us apart and what makes the firm special, and the firm of choice for innovative solutions in the water environment. From working together on innovative projects — like the recently completed 8.0 mgd DAF Long Pond Water Treatment Plant in Falmouth, MA or the under construction 7.0 mgd biological filtration Home Farm Water Treatment Plant in Shrewsbury, MA — to participating in philanthropic ventures and fun outings, the Tata & Howard team focuses on camaraderie, positivity, support, efficiency, and innovation. By working and playing as a team, we bring out the best in each other and provide a superior level of service and productivity to our clients. And the best part is that we have fun while doing it!

Tom Hoctor, Bill Andres, and Dave Lombardo found a shady spot to relax.
MA employee-owners grabbed some food before playing lawn games.

 

Engineer Tom Hoctor grilled up the goods for the CT crew!

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Tata & Howard Celebrates 25 Years in Business

TH 25-22017 marks Tata & Howard’s 25th anniversary year, and in celebration, we are planning a year-worth of activities and special events. Tata & Howard’s doors were officially opened on October 19, 1992 by Don Tata and Paul Howard, who remain active in the firm as Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, respectively, today. Initially a two-person startup, the firm has grown to over 65 employees with nine offices in seven states. And while our services and experience have expanded exponentially since 1992, we remain a niche water firm with deep, targeted expertise in the water environment.

Throughout our 25 years in business, quite a bit has changed, including regulatory requirements, supply and demand, treatment technologies, climate change, and the face of our nation’s workforce. At a company level, we have moved our corporate headquarters, expanded nationally, rolled out a new logo, converted to a 100% ESOP, hired nationally recognized subject matter experts, appointed several vice presidents and two co-presidents, and weathered the effects of the retiring generation of Baby Boomers. However, one thing has not changed since our inception: our core values. Efficient solutions, integrity, client satisfaction, teamwork, and positive attitude have formed our cornerstone for the past 25 years, and will continue to steer the company, our people, and our decisions as we continue to grow with and into the future.

teamwork-esopAs part of our year-long celebration, we will be implementing several initiatives that focus on our core values and our ESOP culture. We have planned monthly activities including numerous philanthropic initiatives, client-centric special events, the planting of a time capsule, the implementation of an annual scholarship, and assorted team-focused activities. All of our planned events will be based on at least one of our core values and will celebrate the positive team environment that exemplifies Tata & Howard.

We look forward to celebrating our silver anniversary with all of our clients, colleagues, family, and friends. Keep your eyes on your inbox for special invitations and news announcements – and if you haven’t joined our email list, you may click below to sign up. Our goal is to make our 25th anniversary year an event to remember, and one that celebrates not only our company, clients, and employee-owners, but also the core values that lay the foundation on which the firm was founded — and on which the firm continues to thrive, both now and in the future.