Zweig Letter 2008 to Recognize 200 Fastest-Growing A-E Firms

John Deere clarifies position on use of biodiesel

Which architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms are the hottest in the industry right now? The Zweig Letter will answer that question with its 2008 Hot Firm List.

The list is based on a survey of industry firms conducted by The Zweig Letter, a national voice of reason for architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms. Rankings are based on percentage and dollar revenue growth over the past three years. Design and environmental consulting firms may enter the competition online at www.hotfirm.com. The deadline to enter is May 1, 2008.

The 200 fastest-growing firms will be announced at the ninth annual Hot Firm Conference, held October 27-29, 2007 in Chicago and in The Zweig Letter in November. The Hot Firm Conference will showcase the hottest firms in the industry and provide networking and education on the whole spectrum of management in A/E firms. Presenters will be a mix of ZweigWhite experts, clients, business partners, and Hot Firm representatives.

The Zweig Letter 2008 Hot Firm List is limited to firms based in the United States and Canada that derive the majority of their revenue from the practice of architecture, engineering, planning, environmental consulting, or allied disciplines. Firms are ranked according to their three-year growth rate in gross revenue from 2004 to 2007. Only firms that were in business for the entirety of this three-year period and are still in business as of January 1, 2008 are eligible. The firm's 2004 revenue must have been greater than or equal to $1 million.

Toltest, Inc. topped The Zweig Letter 2007 Hot Firm List, followed by Arquitectonica, NELSON, ENTACT, and The Lawrence Group.

ZweigWhite is the nation's leading source of management consulting, information, and education for the design and construction industry. ZweigWhite brings together experts in strategic business planning, organization, operations, business valuation, ownership transition, human resources, recruitment, finance and administration, information technology, mergers and acquisitions, market research, marketing, project management and project delivery methods. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with additional offices in Natick, Mass., San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

BOMA To Have Snow Speak at International Conference

The Buildings Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International announced that former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow will be the keynote speaker during the Sunday General Session of the BOMA International Conference in Denver, June 21-24, 2008. Snow brings his insider's perspective and wit to conference attendees on everything from politics to foreign policy to surviving cancer.

Snow most recently served as White House Press Secretary under President George W. Bush where he used knowledge, intelligence and humor to report the news from the White House and respond to an eager and sometimes aggressive press corps. He also worked under President George H.W. Bush as Director of Speechwriting and Deputy Assistant of Media Affairs. Snow is also an accomplished newspaper columnist and broadcaster, hosting or provided commentary on several shows, including National Public Radio, Fox News and The O'Reilly Factor. He launched his own nationally-syndicated talk radio program, The Tony Snow Show, in 2003.

During Sunday's General Session of The BOMA International Conference, Snow will give attendees a behind the scenes look at the 2008 presidential campaign and with the Democratic and Republican Conventions just two months ahead, will provide a glimpse of what's really happening with the 2008 election. With his unique vantage point on the global scene, he will provide an international outlook on some of the most urgent issues facing our nation today, from economic competition and the rise of China to battling terrorism and implementing foreign policy. Snow's most personal story, and certainly his most inspiring, is his hard-fought battle with cancer. He will tell how he took a life-threatening diagnosis and turned it into a cause to embrace life, face adversity and bring his encouraging message to the millions suffering with the deadly disease.

"Tony Snow is the kind of Washington insider we need more of - a talented and respected political communicator and an inspiration to millions," said BOMA International Chairman and Chief Elected Officer Brenna S. Walraven, RPA, CPM, executive managing director, national property management, USAA Real Estate Company. "We are delighted that he will be headlining the Sunday General Session of the BOMA International Conference."

John Deere Clarifies Position on Use of Biodiesel

Due to the variety of standards that exist in the diesel engine industry and in response to questions from various markets, John Deere Power Systems (JDPS) of Waterloo, Iowa is officially clarifying its position on the use of biodiesel in its diesel engines.

While 5 percent blends (B5) are preferred, biodiesel concentrations up to a 20 percent blend (B20) in petroleum diesel fuel can be used in John Deere engines through Tier 3/Stage III A models, including all non-emissions-certified engines. Biodiesel blends up to B20 can be used only if the biodiesel (100 percent biodiesel or B100) meets ASTM D6751 (U.S.), EN 14214 (EU) or equivalent specification. Biodiesel users are strongly encouraged to purchase biodiesel blends from a BQ-9000 Certified Marketer and to source from a BQ-9000 Accredited Producer, as certified by the National Biodiesel Board. Certified Marketers and Accredited Producers can be found at www.bq-9000.org.

“John Deere’s leadership in the use of biodiesel is another example of our commitment to environmentally friendly engine solutions,” said Brian Brown, manager of worldwide marketing support at John Deere Power Systems. “Using biodiesel fuel reduces particulate emissions and decreases dependence on crude oil.”

John Deere-approved fuel conditioners containing detergent/dispersant additives, such as John Deere Premium Biodiesel Fuel Conditioner, are recommended when using lower biodiesel blends but are required when using B20 blends.

Biodiesel is a renewable, oxygenated fuel made from agricultural resources such as soybeans or rapeseeds. It is biodegradable and free of sulfur.

“We recognize the importance of biofuels to our customers and to the environment,” Brown said. “Use of biofuels in John Deere diesel engines is the right thing to do from a long-term economic and environmental standpoint.”

John Deere was the first off-highway engine manufacturer to recommend and factory-fill biodiesel in North America.

“We still get questions about higher biodiesel blends and warranty, but our position on warranty for customers that use B20 has not changed,” said Grant Suhre, manager of field service for JDPS. “While we prefer the use of B5 biodiesel blends, we also know that when high quality B20 blends are available, they work well in John Deere engines. If customers make sure the biodiesel meets the ASTM D6751 standard, is stored and mixed properly, and is used shortly after manufacture, they can continue to rely on John Deere engines while using B20.”

John Deere wants every potential biodiesel user to be informed about the advantages as well as the cautions of using biodiesel. Good operating practices are very important when using any biodiesel blend. Visit www.JohnDeere.com/biodiesel for more information on biofuels and the proper way to use them in John Deere engines.