The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.

The Monroe County Business Alliance (MCBA) hosted their final Coffee Club of 2024. Aric Bennett, the upcoming 2025 Board Chairman, was happy to emcee the event and give an update on MCBA's 2024 progress as well as plans for the new year. Aric Bennett is a long-time champion of both the former Monroe County Business Development Corporation and the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce. His enduring passion for improving the business climate in Monroe County makes him an ideal leader. MCBA formed in 2023, as a combined chamber and economic development engine for the area. MSG is a proud MCBA sponsor and supporter of Aric’s new role.

In Toledo, the clowns kick-off the parade - and the parade kicks off the holiday season! The clowns, marching bands, dancers, and oversized balloons are all a prelude to the main event: Santa Claus! MSG is proud to once again sponsor our own Elizabeth Lopez as a member of the Toledo Distinguished Clown Corps. Liz is one of the select few Balloon Clowns, inflating, tying and twisting balloons into flowers, swords and animals to be cherished by children along the parade route.

I am thrilled to be a part of the Transportation Team at MSG and had a fantastic experience attending the recent Summit on November 7th and 8th. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues from our various office locations in Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. One of the highlights was meeting Mr. C. Michael Smith, PE the founder of Mannik & Smith Group, and having the chance to take a memorable photo with him, along with Mr. Dean Niese, our CEO, and Mr. Lloyd MacAdam our Transportation Operations Director. Grateful to be part of such a talented and supportive team. Looking forward to contributing to our ongoing success and growth! #TransportationTeam #MSG #Networking #Growth

We had a great time igniting the runway on Wednesday, November 13th at Elements of Style. Proceeds benefited the Imagination Station’s Girl Power event, which encourages girls in grades 3-8 to pursue careers in STEAM fields. MSG’s Kimberly Peter, Erin Switala, Zoe Rios, and Sally Gladwell attended this event along with Jennifer VanHorn from Metroparks Toledo and Toledo Design Collective, Chris Mowen and Ellen Rodriguez from THOMAS PORTER ARCHITECTS, INC, and Margo Puffenberger from MEP Design. #STEAM #Toledo

Our team is passionate about educating the next generation of scientists and engineers – and we’re excited to sponsor Imagination Station’s Elements of Style fundraiser. This runway fashion event will raise money to send girls in grades 3-8 to their Girl Power event next year. In addition to our sponsorship, our own Zoe Rios hand-curated two raffle baskets, to be featured in the silent auction during the November 13th event. We hope you’ll be able to join Zoe and Sally Gladwell to celebrate the dynamic, cutting-edge outfits inspired by STEAM, showcasing the powerful synergy between art and science. #STEAM #Toledo #Elementsofstyle

MSG is proud to continue our Silver Sponsorship for the 9th Annual Veterans Pheasant Hunt at the Crooked Foot Upland Bird & Game Hunting Club in Owosso, Michigan. This year almost 100 veterans from five different service branches were treated to an all-day pheasant hunt which included a European tower hunt, lunch and a walk-up hunt. Sponsorships cover the cost of food, ammunition, and dog handlers so that the veterans can enjoy the event for free. Guests heard from keynote speaker Major General Gregory Vadnais (Retired) of the Army National Guard reserved forces. Our own Daniel Capone volunteered during the November 3rd event. To all service members and veterans: Thank you for your sacrifice. #VeteransDay #thankyouvets

MSG is a proud runway sponsor of Elements of Style! See science take center stage at Elements of Style: Where STEAM Ignites the Runway—presented by FiberFrame—happening on November 13, 2024. This year's fundraiser showcases the dynamic fusion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM), creating unique designs where innovation meets elegance. Over 50 models will grace the runway in dynamic, cutting-edge outfits inspired by STEAM, showcasing the powerful synergy between art and science. A new frontier of fashion is approaching from fabric and colors to sustainability. Be the first to witness the new realm of fashion at Elements of Style. Register today and join Zoe Rios, Sally Gladwell, Kimberley Peter, Erin Switala, Jennifer VanHorn , Chris Mowen, Ellen Rodriguez, and Margo Puffenberger. #Elementsofstyle #Steam

MSG is excited to welcome Brandon Hill, MMRM, CCP, WEDG to MSG as a Natural Resource Team Leader and Senior Project Manager in our Columbus, Ohio office. Over the past 10 years, Brandon has innovated in resilient community practices and contributed to state-wide resiliency master planning efforts, leading the community engagement for underrealized conceptual projects. His passion for communicating intricate subject matter to individuals and populations of diverse backgrounds sets him apart in his field. Brandon completed his bachelor’s degree in Coastal Resources and his master’s degree in marine resource management from Texas A&M University. In Brandon’s new role at MSG, he will lead by supporting the members of his team and building relationships among the other Geoenvironmental staff throughout the Midwest. He is also excited to focus on connectivity with outside entities, developing opportunities for MSG to come alongside them in taking creative approaches to their technical challenges. “The addition of Brandon to our staff enhances our growing team of Natural Resources Scientists and helps expand our geographic coverage of ecological consulting services, particularly in central and southern Ohio,” explained Sally Gladwell, Vice President, and Ohio Geoenvironmental Market Leader. “Our commitment to our clients includes adding talented professionals like Brandon to increase our depth of experience,” added Gladwell.

We're so excited about the Schneider Park news posted on the City of Toledo's website! The mini-pitches are in! Read more, from the City's news release: After years of planning, Schneider Soccer Complex in Toledo is unveiling two accessible soccer courts designed to provide safe and inclusive play areas for people of all abilities. The new addition reflects a successful public-private partnership and will serve as a model of accessibility within Toledo's park system. “We’ve been planning for quite a while now to build these accessible soccer courts at Schneider Soccer Complex. And today, it’s finally happening,” said Joe Fausnaugh, Director of Parks and Youth Services. “This project is truly the dictionary definition of a public-private partnership. It began as a dream from the soccer clubs at Schneider Park, who started working to secure the funding needed. The city stepped in with additional support, and private donors filled in the remaining gap.” The new mini pitch soccer courts are a hard-surfaced, enclosed space, equipped with low boards similar to those on a hockey rink. This controlled environment will allow people with mobility challenges and even those who are blind to play soccer in a more accessible, inclusive space. The courts also encourage casual pickup games, making it possible for smaller groups to enjoy soccer without needing a large, open grass field. “These courts make it possible for individuals with disabilities to experience soccer,” Fausnaugh said. “At the same time, they provide a space for anyone who wants to play or practice skills without having to chase balls across an open field.” Next spring, Schneider Soccer Complex will add an accessible playground adjacent to the soccer courts, making the park an inclusive recreational hub for the community. “When you look at everything together—the accessible trail, the soccer courts, and soon the playground—Schneider Soccer Complex is setting the standard for accessibility in our parks,” Fausnaugh said. All photo credits go to the City of Toledo, be sure to check out their website for more photos and to read the full press release.

Do you have high school students in grades 9-12 interested in environmental science? Or a teacher seeking engaging activities for your classroom and opportunities for contact hours? If so, join Zoe Rios and Sally Gladwell from MSG at Glass City Metropark on October 22nd! Discover educational resources, careers, and insights in environmental science from Ohio EPA and partnering organizations. #EnvironmentalScience #Toledo #GlassCityMetropark Metroparks Toledo