HLR Celebrates First Survey Apprentice to Graduate from the IPLSA Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program

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Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) congratulates Survey Apprentice, Ryan Baker, on his graduation from the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA) Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program — a two-year USDOL-recognized apprenticeship program in partnership with Parkland College in Champaign, IL which helps introduce the profession and train the next generation of survey technicians.

Ryan is HLR’s first survey apprentice to participate in, and graduate from the program, recently earning his CST Level I certification from the National Society of Professional Surveyors.

The two-year apprenticeship program consists of in-person labs, online coursework, and on-the-job training as participants work full-time for a sponsoring employer to prepare for a career in surveying. Once accepted into the program, training is paid for by the apprentice’s sponsor employer. Apprentices have the option of continuing their education and may opt to convert their training to college credit toward a four-year degree in land surveying. To successfully complete the program, apprentices must pass the Certified Survey Technician Level I or Level II exams. Apprentices are then guaranteed a job with their employer upon completing the program.

"I was actually introduced to the apprentice program before it was officially rolled out. I was looking to find a career after college, so I reached out to Parkland College to inquire about their land surveying program, only expecting to hear about a typical community college curriculum that could potentially lead to a career. While Parkland does offer this, Kory Allred, Land Surveying Program Director, mentioned an apprentice program, still in the works at the time, that would offer a potential apprentice a job right out of the gate along with two years of classes to supplement on-the-job training. It was exactly what I was looking for, and I applied right away. I was then contacted by HLR expressing their interest in bringing on an apprentice and I moved to Elgin to start shortly thereafter. The program has been great. I would see things that I learned in class out in the field, and I learned more in-depth in class things I already encountered on the job. Two years later, I’m thankful for the program as a means of hitting the ground running in a new career. It’s been a great beginning with HLR!" — Ryan Baker, CST I, Survey Apprentice, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR)

Illinois is just one of many states that has seen a decrease in the number of survey technicians entering the industry, but the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association, in partnership with Parkland College and participating employers, hope to bring positive change with the Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program.

HLR looks forward to the continued success of the program and its participation as a dedicated sponsor employer. For more information on the Surveyor and Mapping Technician Program, please visit www.iplsa.org.

Additional Resources:

Students/Apprentices – For more information about the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA) Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program, click here.
For more information about the land surveying programs at Parkland College, click here.
For more information about the Certified Surveyor Technician (CST) certification program sponsored by the National Society of Professional Surveyors, click here.
Click here to watch Ryan Roth, Policy Specialist at IPLSA and Jeni Lyon, President/CEO of HLR, as they discuss the Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program.
Click here to watch participants in the IPLSA Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program discuss their experiences in the program.

If you are interested in participating in the Illinois Professional Land Surveyors Association (IPLSA) Surveyor and Mapping Technician Training Program, please contact Mike Mejia, Human Resources Manager, at mmejia@hlreng.com.

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Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit Earns APWA Fox Valley Branch 2025 Public Works Project of the Year Award

By HLR • January 9, 2025

Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is proud to announce that the City of Elgin's Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit project has been recognized with a 2025 Public Works Project of the Year Award by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Fox Valley Branch. This award celebrates excellence in the management, administration, and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the engineer, and the contractor who work together to complete public works projects. The project, completed in partnership with the City of Elgin and contractor Martam Construction, Inc., transformed an outdated, concrete-lined detention basin into a naturalized stormwater facility that enhances water quality and supports ecological health. Innovative Green Infrastructure Historically, untreated stormwater runoff from the basin could carry pollutants directly into the Fox River, contributing to water quality challenges. The retrofit replaced the concrete channel with a meandering flow path and native vegetation designed to slow water flow, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Additional features, such as sedimentation zones and a plunge pool, further optimize pollutant capture and water quality. Sustainability and Climate Resilience The project introduced over 60 species of drought- and flood-resistant native plants, creating a resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and minimizing long-term maintenance. These improvements align with the City of Elgin’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit goals, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to sustainable stormwater management. Collaboration, Success, and Community Benefits HLR worked closely with the City of Elgin and Martam Construction, Inc. to design, permit, and construct the retrofit. Rigorous planning and commitment to sustainability ensured the project’s success. The reconstructed basin has become a valuable asset for the local community, offering enhanced aesthetics, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the beauty of dynamic seasonal changes in the plant communities. Adjacent stakeholders have praised the project for its environmental stewardship, particularly with the removal of dense brush that previously limited visibility. The Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit showcases how public works projects can address immediate environmental needs while preparing for future climate challenges. HLR is honored to have collaborated with the City of Elgin to deliver a solution that improves the detention basin, supports biodiversity, and benefits the community for years to come. The award will be officially presented during the 2025 Fox Valley Branch Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets in Bartlett, IL.

DuPage Court Revitalization Earns ACEC Illinois 2025 Engineering Excellence Special Achievement Award

By HLR • December 11, 2024

We are thrilled to announce that the City of Elgin and Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) have been recognized with an ACEC Illinois 2025 Engineering Excellence Special Achievement Award for the DuPage Court Revitalization project. This prestigious award celebrates the innovative engineering solutions and collaborative efforts that transformed a vital community hub in Downtown Elgin.

HLR’s CEO Jeni Lyon Honored as a 2025 Chicago Titan 100

By HLR • November 15, 2024

We are excited to share that our President and CEO, Jeni Lyon, has been named one of the 2025 Chicago Titan 100! This prestigious recognition honors the top 100 CEOs and C-level executives in the Chicago area who exemplify extraordinary leadership, vision, and passion in their industries. Jeni’s journey with Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) began in 1999, leading to her role as President and CEO in 2018. Under her leadership, HLR has significantly grown in revenue, expanded its workforce, and launched key sustainability initiatives, earning multiple industry accolades along the way. These achievements reflect Jeni’s dedication to fostering an environment where employees thrive and clients receive exceptional service. Her commitment to nurturing a positive workplace culture has earned HLR notable accolades, including recognition as a 2024 Best Place to Work by the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (ISPE) and ongoing recognition as an Employer of Choice® by PSMJ Resources, Inc., along with numerous project and client satisfaction awards. These honors embody the " Work Hard | Have Fun | Give Back® " philosophy that Jeni has instilled in the firm, driving both employee engagement and the firm’s success. Jeni’s influence extends beyond HLR. As the volunteer Board Chair for the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, she plays a key role in driving economic growth and community development. Her commitment to giving back is evident in HLR’s philanthropic initiatives, which include supporting local STEM programs and engaging in various community-focused efforts. A champion for the future of land surveying, Jeni’s leadership and vision continue to shape both the firm’s success and its impact on the communities we serve. We couldn’t be prouder of Jeni and the lasting impact she continues to make on HLR, our clients, and our community. Congratulations, Jeni, on this well-deserved honor! About the Titan 100 Collectively, the 2025 Chicago Titan 100 honorees represent organizations generating over $70 billion in revenue and employing more than 439,000 people. These leaders are celebrated for redefining business and making transformative impacts across industries. Jeni will be honored at the annual Titan 100 awards ceremony on February 20, 2025, at Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom, joining fellow Titans to celebrate innovation and leadership. To learn more about the Titan 100 program, visit the Titan website .