MEMBER ACCOLADES & NEWS

BLAIN’S FARM & FLEET

Blain’s Farm & Fleet has been named by Forbes magazine as one of “America’s Best Mid-Size Employers” for the fifth year in a row. This year, Blain’s Farm & Fleet was ranked as the #1 Wisconsin based Retail and Wholesale company. This title reinforces Blain’s reputation on a national level as a company that provides excellent employment opportunities. Being honored for a fifth year in a row places Blain’s Farm & Fleet in an elite group of companies that consistently demonstrate excellence in their commitment to their employees.

Clarklindsey

ClarkLindsey is proud to announce the addition of three directors to the organization’s leadership team. Congratulations to Vickie Wilson in her new role as the director of administrative services, Sabrina Akers who moved from her role as assistant director of nursing to the director of nursing and Jeff Pence as its new director of opperations.

THE CHAMPAIGN URBANA SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (CUSF)

The Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation (CUSF) announces the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Honorees. These awards recognize Unit 4 and District 116 graduates whose achievements, strength of character and citizenship serve as role models to inspire and challenge today’s youth. Awards will be presented to Distinguished Alumni from each public high school, as well as the Local Hero and Local Business Community Impact Honorees. The 2023 Distinguished Alumni honorees are Nichole Millage, Centennial High School class of 1995; Avra Jain and Anna Jain Bakst, Central High School class of 1979; and Dr. Kendrith Rowland Urbana High School class of 1972.

Clark Dietz

On January 27, 2023, the board of directors of Clark Dietz voted to confirm Wes Christmas, PE, ENV SP as its new chief executive officer and president. Christmas is an experienced engineer, completing his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Purdue University in 2000. He has dedicated his entire career to Clark Dietz, serving the firm for over 22 years, starting as a project engineer and resident project representative for the planning, design and construction of roadway and trail improvements, enhancements, stormwater, water/wastewater collection and distribution projects throughout the midwest.

Fehr Graham

Fehr Graham, a leading Midwest engineering and environmental firm, announced the promotion of Naren Patel, PE., PMP to project manager. Patel, who works in the firm’s Champaign, Illinois, office, manages civil, environmental, water and wastewater engineering projects for municipal clients in central and northern Illinois. He also specializes in sewer and water rate studies and agency grant and loan applications. Patel is passionate about helping clients solve complex problems and finding grants, low-interest loans and other funding. He serves as a client liaison, maintaining relationships, and attends municipal meetings to keep communities informed. He also builds client relationships to develop business and projects to increase opportunities

We want to help you share your company’s accomplishments, recent hires and good news. Email it to KelsieW@champaigncounty.org. Then look for it on our website AND in our bi-monthly publication. There is no fee to do so it’s an added feature of your membership.