Celebrating Jim Escamilla’s Impact with the Felix A. Anderson Image Award
Abonmarche is proud to announce that James Escamilla, PE, has been honored with the Felix A. Anderson Image Award by the American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/Michigan). This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession, demonstrated exceptional leadership, and fostered public appreciation of the engineering industry’s role in improving quality of life.
A Legacy of Leadership and Excellence
Jim’s engineering career began in 1981, leading to key leadership roles at Tower Pinkster and WBDC. In 1997, he took a bold step by acquiring RC Byce & Associates, where he served as President/CEO for over 26 years. Under his leadership, Byce & Associates became a trusted leader in engineering and architectural design, celebrated for its commitment to quality and innovation. In 2023, Byce & Associates merged with Abonmarche, further expanding the firm’s capabilities and solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
“Jim’s leadership, mentorship, and industry advocacy have set the standard for engineering excellence.” — Alex Newman
The Felix A. Anderson Image Award: Recognizing Outstanding Engineers
The Felix A. Anderson Image Award is named after a pioneer in the field of engineering and is one of the highest honors given by ACEC/Michigan. This award recognizes engineers who:
Enhance public awareness of the engineering profession
Champion programs that promote pride in engineering
Encourage leadership within the profession
Improve the public image of engineering
Jim’s career embodies all of these qualities, making him the perfect recipient of this honor. His contributions have not only advanced engineering standards but also elevated the industry’s reputation. Jim has served in leadership roles with ACEC/Michigan, ASHRAE, CAMEE, and MSPE, where he mentored young engineers, advocated for the profession, and worked to ensure that engineering remains a respected career.
Mentorship and Legacy
Jim’s influence extends far beyond his professional success. Through his mentorship and advocacy, he has helped countless engineers build successful careers. Many of these individuals now hold leadership roles within Abonmarche, professional organizations, and their local communities. Jim’s work continues to shape the future of engineering, leaving an enduring legacy of leadership and mentorship.
A Well-Deserved Recognition
The Felix A. Anderson Image Award honors Jim Escamilla’s decades of dedication to public engagement, mentorship, and engineering excellence. This recognition highlights his commitment to improving the engineering industry and fostering a strong, supportive community for future generations of engineers.
Please join us in congratulating Jim Escamilla for this remarkable achievement and celebrating his outstanding contributions to the field of engineering!
Celebrating Chris Cook: Inaugural Recipient of the 2024 Michigander Alumni Award
Abonmarche is proud to announce that Christopher J. Cook, the firm’s former President and CEO, has been awarded the inaugural 2024 Michigander Alumni Award by the University of Michigan College of Engineering. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the State of Michigan and their local communities, reflecting the core values of Abonmarche.
A Legacy of Excellence
With over 35 years in civil engineering, Chris has been instrumental in enhancing transportation, water, and sewer infrastructure across Michigan. His journey at Abonmarche, where he rose from project manager to President and CEO, has been pivotal to our growth and success. Under his leadership, we have expanded our reach, serving clients across Michigan and Indiana from multiple locations.
Community Commitment
Chris’s impact extends far beyond his engineering expertise. His dedication to community service began in his youth and continues to flourish today. He has held various leadership roles, including Chairman of the Benton Harbor Planning Commission, and served on zoning boards of appeals in Cadillac and St. Joseph. For the past 16 years, he has been the Treasurer for the St. Joseph Public Schools Board of Education, where his thoughtful decisions have positively influenced countless students and families.
His commitment to service has not gone unnoticed. For his extensive contributions, Chris has received the ACEC National Community Service award and the Merlin Hanson Exemplary Business Leader Award.
Voices of Support
Ronald Brenke, Executive Director of the ACEC of Michigan, praised Chris’s community involvement, stating, “Chris genuinely cares about issues affecting the quality of life for residents and is always willing to volunteer his time to further a cause.”
Rob Cleveland, President and CEO of Cornerstone Alliance, noted, “Cook has repeatedly put himself in the crosshairs for advancing all Berrien County residents. Under his leadership, Abonmarche has been at the forefront of Benton Harbor’s resurgence.”
Jeff Noel, former Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at Whirlpool Corporation, commended Cook’s leadership qualities, highlighting his legacy of fairness and ability to unite people around shared goals.
Transformative Contributions
In addition to his community service, Chris has collaborated with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy on process improvement initiatives, helping communities across the state reduce costs and access funding. His expertise with the State Revolving Loan Fund, Asset Management, and Capital Improvement Planning has made him a key player in these efforts.
As the current Managing Director of Harbor Shores Development, Chris has been vital in revitalizing Benton Harbor. The Harbor Shores project transformed over 500 acres of blighted property into a vibrant community, featuring a renowned Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and new residential developments—demonstrating the profound impact civil engineering has on local economic growth.
An Inspiration for Future Engineers
Chris’s journey from a University of Michigan student to a leader in civil engineering serves as an inspiration for current and future engineers. His story reminds us all of the vital role civil engineers play in shaping our communities and improving lives.
We invite you to learn more about Chris Cook and his remarkable contributions to our community. For more information, visit the University of Michigan Alumni Awards or check out the Abonmarche Leadership page for insights into Chris’s impactful career.
ACEC/Michigan Honors Abonmarche as 2021 Firm of the Year
Benton Harbor, Michigan –Abonmarche is the newest recipient of the prestigious 2021 Firm of the Year Award bestowed annually by the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Michigan.
The award, considered the top honor at ACEC/Michigan’s annual Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards, seeks to shine a spotlight on an ACEC member firm that excels in community engagement, advancement of the engineering profession, and ACEC involvement.
Abonmarche’s roots in community service run deep. For many years, our firm has served as a leader in supporting communities through active volunteerism and charitable donations. In 2020, our leadership developed Philanthropic and Voluntary PTO programs to support the passions of their staff. Abonmarche employees also enjoy a flexible work-life balance that enables them to accomplish goals outside of work, in addition to their career goals.
Our focus on client service is something we stress every minute of every day,” said Chris Cook, President of Abonmarche. “We have invested heavily in leadership training and in the advancement of each of our staff members’ industry certifications, along with a very successful internal technical staff development program.”
In addition to serving on several ACEC committees and forums, Abonmarche regularly mentors emerging firms. Our staff also often serve as a liaison between ACEC/Michigan, local governments, and several state agencies, helping to establish meaningful connections while advancing ACEC/Michigan goals.
“Thank you to ACEC/Michigan, the member firms who have counseled and advised us, our clients, and our staff, for all of the support you’ve provided us as we’ve grown,” said Cook. “We are proud to serve as an active member of ACEC/Michigan, and we are honored to be selected as the ACEC/Michigan 2021 Firm of the Year.”
ACEC/Michigan presented the 2021 Firm of the Year Award to Abonmarche at its annual Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala, held virtually Friday, February 26, 2021. For more information regarding the awards submission and selection process, visit www.acecmi.org/engineering–surveying-excellence. To learn more about Abonmarche, visit www.abonmarche.com.
