LANSING, MI The American Council of Engineering Companies of Michigan (ACEC/M) recently presented the 2016 member "FIRM OF THE YEAR" award to Wightman & Associates, Inc., headquartered in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The award was presented at the Engineering & Surveying Excellence Awards Gala held in celebration of Engineers Week. This is the highest honor bestowed and the only award program instituted to recognize ACEC/M member firms for their leadership in professional practice and community service. Recognition is based on actions taken by a member firm to progressively develop its management practices and for assuming leadership roles in community outreach activities and ACEC/M programs that strengthen the profession for all ACEC/M members.

Wightman & Associates, Inc. (Wightman) stands out as being a company that is actively involved in the success and growth of ACEC/Michigan, advancing the consulting design profession and giving back to the community. Since 1946, Wightman has delivered first-class engineering, architecture and survey solutions. Wightman believes people flourish when they partner with a dynamic team of problem solvers.

At the heart of Wightman is a unique culture promoting the importance of a work/life balance along with the importance of giving back. Wightman employees are actively involved in the community through supporting county youth fairs and providing survey assistance to the Krasl Art Fair in St. Joseph. They participate in the local food drive "Stuff-A-Truck," MDOT's Adopt A Highway program, tending community gardens and bringing the national event Pecha Kucha-WAI to the Benton Harbor/St. Joseph area, among many other activities. They promote and encourage the engineering profession by speaking at Career Days in area schools and by being a founding member on the Michigan's Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum.

Wightman also engages in a variety of activities to positively impact the engineering profession and ACEC. Thomas A. Deneau has served ACEC/M on the Board of Directors for five years, participating in the strategic planning efforts, on the education committee, and as the liaison for the membership committee. Steve Carlisle serves as a member of the Transportation Committee. Alan Smaka was part of the inaugural ACEC/M Emerging Leaders Program. Wightman participates in legislative efforts on behalf of the engineering profession, including contacting legislative representatives on various issues and meeting their firm PAC goals every year for the past five years. Wightman employees are also active members of other industry-driven organizations such as Michigan Society of Professional Engineers, Michigan Society of Professional Surveyors, AIA Southwest Michigan, American Society of Professional Engineers, AWWA and others.