This past Memorial Day weekend, a group of Egan Company employees volunteered with Flags for Fort Snelling to place American flags at the headstones of fallen soldiers at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Flags for Fort Snelling is a local organization that amplifies the remembrance of our fallen soldiers. Since 2015, volunteers have placed flags at the headstones to honor the American Heroes laid to rest at Fort Snelling on Memorial Day. In 2015, it started with 15 volunteers and 2,7000 American flags; it has since grown to hundreds of volunteers who ensure that every headstone has a flag (over 200,000 flags placed).
“As a veteran myself, it is a simple act that I can do to honor the previous generations’ accomplishments and sacrifices and to keep the memory of them from fading into lost history,” shared Ron Hillberg, Egan Company Limited Energy Technician and Flags for Fort Snelling volunteer.
Rob Steffens, Egan Company Pipefitter who also volunteered stated, “As a 30+ year retired veteran, my family and I believe it is important to remember and not forget the approximately 1% of Americans that proudly gave of themselves for the freedoms we all enjoy every day.”
This is the second year Egan employees have supported Flags for Fort Snelling.
Amin Rahimi, Egan Company Senior Electrical Engineer and PE, has been appointed to the North Central Electrical Engineering Society (NCEES) Board of Advisors.
NCEES is dedicated to advancing electrical construction design and application. NCEES is an affiliate of the North Central Electrical League, NCEL. There are six people on the board of advisors.
Rahimi is a professional engineer with Egan’s electrical team. His attention to detail and belief in building strong working relationships with clients ensures successful projects time and time again.
“I am honored to join this esteemed board and look forward to collaborating with great members who have operated as an educational organization dedicated to the advancement of the art and science of electrical construction design. I look forward to contributing my skills and experience to help drive our mission forward,” states Rahimi.
The U.S. solar industry continues to grow and Egan Company has found a front-row seat to this action, with business increasing over the last few years. Whether you’re like Sheryl Crow and looking to “Soak Up The Sun”, businesses are taking advantage of this natural resource through solar panels.
Businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact, save money, and/or improve their energy independence should consider investing in solar power.
THE SHIFT TO SOLAR ENERGY
The world continues to shift toward renewable energy, and one of the most promising sources is solar power. Solar energy is clean, renewable, and abundant. In recent years, many large solar projects have been completed around the U.S., and they continue to be developed at a rapid pace in our local markets.
This uptick in renewables is often attributed to solar energy becoming more efficient and affordable to harness. Similarly, panels can be placed anywhere the sun shines. Commercial solar energy systems can be installed as a ground mount system or a rooftop system; they can range in size from small systems that power a single office to large installations utilized by power companies for residential and commercial customers. All of these systems generate electricity from sunlight, which is captured by photovoltaic cells in the solar panels.
Why commercial and industrial facilities are investing in solar:
Cost savings: Installing solar can help businesses save money on their energy bills by generating their own electricity and reducing their reliance on the grid. Over time, the savings from reduced energy bills can help businesses recoup the system’s cost.
Environmental benefits: By using solar power, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. This can also help improve their public image and reputation, which can be beneficial for attracting customers and employees who value sustainability.
Energy independence: Solar allows businesses to generate their own electricity, reducing their dependence on traditional energy sources. This can help insulate them from rising energy costs and power outages.
Long-term investment: Solar has a long lifespan and requires minimal maintenance, making them a reliable and cost-effective long-term investment for businesses.
Incentives and tax credits: Thanks to a pro-renewables U.S. government administration and increased concern over climate change, many incentives and tax credits are available to businesses that invest in solar power, making it even more cost-effective and attractive.
For nearly 15 years, Egan has continued to support solar projects providing for a cleaner and more sustainable future. From solar farms to rooftop unit installations, 160+ MW of power have been produced from these sites.
More recently, the Egan team has embarked on its biggest solar project yet: Hoot Lake Solar >
Building Automation Systems (BAS) are essential for managing the complex operation sof commercial, institutional, residential, and industrial buildings. They control everything from HVAC and lighting to security and energy management. But as technology changes, so do BAS systems – that’s why the Egan Company team has your back on all things upgrades.
If you have a legacy BAS system, it’s important to consider upgrading to a newer system. A modern BAS system can help you save energy, improve comfort, increase security, and reduce downtime. It can also help you meet current regulations and avoid compliance issues.
Here are some of the benefits of upgrading your outdated BAS:
Increased energy efficiency: a modern BAS system can help you save energy by automatically adjusting the temperature and humidity levels in your building based on occupancy and weather conditions. This can lead to significant cost savings on your energy bills.
Improved comfort: a modern BAS system can help you maintain comfortable temperatures and humidity levels in your building, even when the weather outside is extreme. This can lead to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.
Enhanced security: a modern BAS system can help you improve the security of your building by monitoring access points, detecting unauthorized activity, and controlling access to sensitive areas. This can help you protect your people, property, and data from unauthorized access.
Reduced downtime: a modern BAS system is more reliable and less likely to experience downtime than an outdated system. This can help you avoid disruptions to your operations and inconvenience to your tenants or customers.
Compliance with regulations: a modern BAS system can help you comply with current regulations, such as those governing energy efficiency and security. This can help you avoid fines or other penalties.
If you’re considering upgrading your outdated BAS, be sure to work with a qualified BAS integrator that can help you choose the right system for your needs and budget as well as complete the installation and commissioning process. Contact Egan Company today to learn more about how we can help you upgrade your outdated BAS and improve the efficiency, comfort, security, and compliance of your building.
Opportunities to give back locally with our community partners throughout the year are boundless. This month, Egan Company has supported the Animal Humane Society through its Walk for Animals fundraising event.
According to its website, the Animal Humane Society provides care and services to nearly 100,000 animals every year. There are three local adoption centers in the Twin Cities.
On May 6, 2023, members of the Egan team volunteered with the Animal Humane Society to take part in its Walk for Animals at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Many employees gave financial support as well, with a company match from Egan resulting in a $2,944 donation.
I’m passionate about giving back to the Animal Humane Society because I’m an avid animal lover and they are an important part of our community. They aren’t only an adoption center; they provide support by offering training classes, camps and low cost veterinary care through a strong community outreach program. AHS is the first place people with animals think of in a crisis and often on a large scale. This could be supporting displaced pets due to natural disasters or providing no-cost services to local law enforcement in cases related to or involving animals. The Animal Humane Society helps make our community a better place and provides a much needed second chance for animals in need.
Rachel Welt, Egan Company Corporate Accounting Controller
For more information about the Animal Humane Society, visit its website.
Erin Neils, Egan’s General Counsel, has been recognized by Minnesota Lawyer Publication as an In-House Counsel honoree.
Minnesota Lawyer’s In-House Counsel Awards recognize individuals who work through complicated contract negotiations, defend their companies through litigation, and much more. There were 16 individuals recognized in 2023 and honored at an award ceremony in April.
Neils has been with Egan for eight years. Prior to her time at Egan, Neils worked at a local law firm. She handles all things from contracts to employment law to corporate acquisitions and beyond.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by my peers in the legal community for my work. I’m proud that I’ve been able to effectively support my colleagues at Egan and that my efforts have not gone unnoticed by others in our industry,” stated Neils.
Continually looking for ways to set the bar higher – that’s our goal at Egan Company. We’re honored to announce that we have been recognized as a contractor of the North American Contractor Certification Program for Architectural Glass and Metal Contractors (NACC).
The NACC certifies contractors based on competency, business practices, and adherence to industry-accepted guidelines. NACC Contractors must complete a rigorous review process before receiving the certification.
Vice President Ryan Woodruff states, “Throughout our 25 year history Egan has always recognized the importance of safety and quality in all that we do and being able to obtain a certification through NACC that confirms that commitment is something we’re very proud of.”
Egan is the third contractor in Minnesota to hold this certification.
