Jessica Gonzalez recognized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Jessica Gonzalez recognized by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Earn an in-demand college degree. Check. Graduate debt-free. Check. Land a great job after graduation. Check again! Join us in congratulating our newest Project Engineer, Jessica Gonzalez. Her journey is highlighted by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in this new video.

Jessica, who joined Loven Contracting as an intern, was born in Yuma and moved back and forth between the US and Mexico for most of her childhood. She has worked hard to carve out a brighter future for herself and her family.

Achieving Economic Mobility

New data from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation shows three key factors foster economic mobility. They are: an affordable college education, a strong work ethic, and a degree with real market value. Northern Arizona University, where Jessica earned her civil engineering degree, has made equitable value and economic mobility a central part of its mission. In other words, NAU is “redefining the value of a college degree,” foundation co-chair Bill Gates said in a post on his blog.

Because of NAU’s commitment to fostering economic mobility, Gates visited Flagstaff and studied NAU’s efforts to make a college education more attainable for indigenous students and those from households with incomes of less than $65,000 a year. Despite countless requests over the years, Gates delivered only the third commencement address of his career this month in Flagstaff. (His other two commencement addresses were at ivy-league colleges: Harvard in 2007 and Stanford in 2014.

From College Intern to Project Manager

Like Gates, Jessica is a fan of NAU. The university was a great match for her and her goals, she says, and she was able to graduate debt-free. “I feel very proud to be graduating from a university that encourages students to pursue degrees that have value,” she says. What’s next for this bright young adult?  “I want to use my civil engineering degree to give back to my family and my community because I’ve been helped in many ways.”

As part of Loven Contracting’s mentor-led internship program, Jessica said she learned about every aspect of the construction process – from preconstruction to construction and beyond – and had the opportunity to gain real-world experience.

As a Project Engineer at Loven Contracting, Jessica will be working in a team setting to support the project management process and exceed customer expectations in both process and product. “During the internship, I realized that I love the collaborative nature of being a project engineer,” she says. “And, at the same time, I fell in love with the company.”

Jessica Gonzalez honored by Bill &  Melinda Gates Foundation
Loven Contracting sponsors the Flagstaff Running Series

Loven Contracting sponsors the Flagstaff Running Series

With pleasant summertime temperatures, an extensive trail system and a picturesque setting, Flagstaff has long been a mecca of outdoor activity. With its elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, it’s also one of the most popular destinations in the world for runners and Olympic-level athletes who use high-altitude training to increase performance. In fact, athletes training in Flagstaff have earned an estimated 350+ medals at Olympic events since 1996.

At Loven Contracting, we’re proud to be the title sponsor of the 19th Annual Flagstaff Running Series, which brings together five different high-altitude running events from June 17 to August 12. The series attracts runners from across the state and the Southwest to the city each summer.

Many of the races feature Olympians and elite athletes who enjoy the camaraderie of running with Flagstaff residents, says volunteer organizer Neil Weintraub. The series provides a number of family-friendly options for people of all ages and abilities, with 5k/10k walking options, a 2-mile run, Kid’s Dashes and virtual runs.

The series benefits nonprofit community organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Northland Hospice and Footprints for Hopi, which distributes food, hygiene items, clothing, and other necessities to Hopi people. At Loven Contracting, we support 30+ nonprofit community organizations and support events like the Flagstaff Running Series to help improve lives and build neighborhoods.

Here is this year’s lineup:

June 17thNorthland Hospice Run for Life 5K/10K/Kid’s Fun Run. This event offers the choice of running or walking a 5K or 10K. There’s also a run designed for children and virtual 5k and 10k options. Proceeds raised from this event is earmarked for Northland Hospice’s patient assistance fund, which provides end-of-life comfort care regardless of ability to pay.

July 4thTeam Run Flagstaff Downtown Mile and Kid’s Dash. Presented by Team Run Flagstaff and the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, this event includes six different race options and a Kid’s Race.

July 29Hopi Footprints 2-mile Fun Run/Walk or 10K. Run the 10K or participate in the 2-mile Fun Run/Walk to help support Hopi Relief’s efforts to deliver much-needed supplies to Hopi people.

August 5thMachine Solutions Soldiers Trail Run 5K/10K/Kid’s Dash. This event features in-person and virtual 2K, 5K and 10Ks – run or walk! There’s also a Kid’s Dash. All proceeds from this event benefits Northern Arizona Healthcare’s Children’s Health Center.

August 12thBig Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff (BBBSF) Half Marathon/5K/Kid’s Dash. Run in a half marathon or participate in a 5K Fun Run. For children, there’s a Kid’s Dash.

While participants can register for individual races, signing up for the entire series offers a number of benefits such as discounted pricing compared with signing up for individual events. (The series is a great deal even if you plan to participate in only four of the five events).  In addition to receiving each race’s shirt, adult series participants also receive Flagstaff Running Series socks and those running at least four of the five races will once again earn a Pizzicletta Pizza.

Loven Contracting wins Best of Business, Best of Flagstaff Awards

Loven Contracting wins Best of Business, Best of Flagstaff Awards

Loven Contracting is proud to announce our company has earned 2022 Best of Business Awards from Flagstaff Business News in both General Contractor and Commercial Contractor categories. Our company also recently received a 2022 Best of Flag Award in the General Contractor category from the Arizona Daily Sun.

Both publications ask people who live, work, and operate businesses in Northern Arizona to vote for their favorite companies each year. 

As a commercial general contracting firm, we work hard to earn these accolades by taking care of our clients, employees, trade partners and the communities in which we live and work. Our goal is to deliver the highest quality construction services and long-lasting finished projects.

We also work hard to be a great employer, creating a workplace that rewards hard work, provides avenues for career advancement, values diverse voices and offers industry-leading benefits like 100% employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance premiums for the whole family.

Our trade partners are small businesses based in communities throughout Northern Arizona, and we’ve developed company policies specifically designed to help those locally-owned firms thrive. We also are committed to supporting nonprofit organizations both through financial contributions and by providing our employees time each month to volunteer during work hours.

Interested in working with or for Loven Contracting, or learning more about us? Visit our website. Learn more about the Flagstaff Business News Best of Business awards program and see a full list of winners. Learn more about the Arizona Daily Sun’s Best of Flag 2022 awards and view this year’s Winners Edition.

Four important reasons we offer VTO

Four important reasons we offer VTO

Are you familiar with VTO? Short for Volunteer Time Off, it’s an awesome benefit that enables Loven Contracting employees to give the gift of time to local nonprofit organizations during work hours.

Offering our team paid time off each month to volunteer is one way we honor our commitment to serve the communities in which we work and live.  We’ve also provided financial support to charitable organizations through our philanthropic fund for more than 30 years as well as making additional employee-directed donations each year.

Loven Contracting employees have prepared and served meals, assisted flood victims, cleaned streets, collected trash, helped organize events for residents of senior living communities and supported local nonprofit fundraising events, just to name a few.

“We’re fortunate that Loven Contracting recognizes the value of community service and encourages all of its employees to support the initiatives that they feel most passionately about ,” said Myrna Rodriguez Carter, Human Resources Director.

Here are some of the ways that providing paid VTO supports our company’s efforts to serve our community and our employees:

VTO amplifies our philanthropic efforts

Volunteers are the lifeblood of community organizations, providing the hard work, unique skill sets and advocacy that can help nonprofits further their missions and goals. We’ve found that financial assistance plus in-person support is a powerful combination for creating real change in our communities.

It enhances our industry-best benefits program

Loven Contracting is committed to providing our employees with meaningful and challenging work, a supportive and engaging work environment, career advancement opportunities and best-in-class benefits. Our VTO program enhances an already robust employee benefits program that helps us recruit and retain the best employees. Research demonstrates that companies with a culture of volunteerism often have better morale, employee engagement and retention. According to new research by employee benefits firm Unum, it’s also one of the top non-insurance benefits sought by U.S. workers.

It benefits our employees

Countless studies have demonstrated that volunteering has a huge impact not only on the people that organizations serve, but the people who volunteer their time. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, volunteering can boost the mental and physical health of volunteers, relieve stress, and some studies even link regular volunteering to lower rates of heart disease, depression and illness! Volunteering is good for both the volunteers and the organizations they support, but finding time in busy schedules to volunteer can be difficult.

It aligns with our company’s mission and values

Building relationships is at the core of everything we do. Volunteering supports this mission and helps support our company’s goal of creating stronger, healthier communities.

We understand the importance of a well-designed employee benefits program. At Loven Contracting, we offer 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums, profit sharing and other benefits that go above and beyond what other companies offer – within our industry and beyond.
Five important ways to stay safe outdoors this winter

Five important ways to stay safe outdoors this winter

It snows in Arizona? In Flagstaff it sure does! To the surprise of many, this mountain town gets its fair share of the fluffy white stuff. In fact, it’s the sixth snowiest U.S. city, on par with communities such as Anchorage, Alaska, Boulder, Colorado, and Buffalo, New York.

When your company has its headquarters in Flagstaff, you know a thing or two about how to work safely in snowy, rainy, icy, and unpredictable wintertime weather. The Loven Contracting team is skilled in safely managing the impacts of local weather across the state and staying on schedule during extended periods of inclement weather conditions.

Since the official start of winter is right around the corner, we invite you to take a few minutes to learn from our safety team how to manage some of the season’s most significant outdoor safety risks. “Winter safety is all about being prepared,” said Loven Contracting Safety Superintendent Erin Hudman.

Slips and falls

Falls are one of the leading types of injuries at work and home and can cause life-threatening injuries. The risk of falling outdoors increases exponentially in inclement weather. That is why it’s critical to clear all walkways of snow and apply a de-icing material regularly and immediately after a storm.

Wearing proper footwear in the winter months is a must. When working outdoors, wear waterproof shoes with good traction, and take your time when walking on icy or snowy pathways. Do you tuck your hands in your pockets to keep them warm? It can decrease your center of gravity and balance and increase your chances of an even greater injury should you fall. Did you know that how you walk on slippery surfaces also matters? Try walking like a penguin in snow and ice.

Hypothermia and frostbite

A body temperature below 95 degrees can be life-threatening. To avoid losing too much body heat when you’re outdoors this winter, dress in layers, topped by a waterproof and wind-resistant top layer. Don’t forget to cover your head! Body heat can be lost rapidly when your head and neck are exposed.

In Flagstaff, which has its share of windy days, it’s also important to be aware of wind chill, which can quickly rob your body of warmth. Drink warm fluids (preferably without caffeine) and take frequent breaks in a heated area to maintain body heat on cold days. 

The buddy system is a must when working outside in cold weather. A colleague, friend, or family member can help monitor your well-being and get help quickly if it’s ever needed. Learn the symptoms of both hypothermia and frostbitehow to protect yourself and others and what to do if you think someone is suffering from cold stress. 

Snow shoveling/snow blower injuries

Shoveling snow and using a snowblower is strenuous work. Take frequent breaks when shoveling snow and lift with your legs, not your back. Watch the amount of snow you try to lift in your shovel (start by filling only half of your shovel for each scoop of snow) and know the signs of a heart attack. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Dehydration

Drinking enough water is as important in the winter as it is in the summer. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, ‘brain fog’, and even hypothermia. Keep your water bottle close by and drink up!

Car accidents

Snow, rain, and ice make it much more challenging to maintain control of a vehicle. Are you familiar with the three-second rule? In inclement weather, consider increasing your following distance to four to eight seconds. Now is a good time to also make sure you have an emergency kit stashed in your car so that you are prepared in the event of a wintertime driving emergency.

Conclusion

When planning for construction in Northern Arizona, it’s essential to take the area’s unique climate into account.  With decades of experience, our team is skilled in the art of budgeting and scheduling to mitigate the impacts of snow, ice, wind and monsoon rains on our projects, including the Sacred Peaks Health Center.

At Loven Contracting, safety is our No. 1 priority. Our company has achieved and maintained the prestigious Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Safety Rating, a designation earned by only six general contractors across Arizona.

 As part of Loven Contracting’s efforts to maintain the highest job safety standards, we ensure that our crews and trade partners are vigilant about safety and identifying and correcting any unsafe behaviors. It’s part of our commitment to the highest levels of jobsite safety, in all seasons.

Progress Continues on new State-of-the-Art Arizona Oncology Cancer Center in Prescott

Progress Continues on new State-of-the-Art Arizona Oncology Cancer Center in Prescott

Rendering Courtesy of Corgan

Cancer is hard enough without the challenge of trying to find one-stop care close to home. That’s why at Loven Contracting, we’re so happy to be part of a team creating the new state-of-the-art Arizona Oncology Cancer Center in Prescott that will provide greater accessibility to cancer care in Yavapai County.

Working collaboratively with partners Arizona Oncology, NexCore Group, and Corgan, Loven Contracting’s Healthcare Construction Team recently broke ground on the 22,10SF facility serving patients in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt.

The regional center at 5430 Landmark Lane in Prescott will provide convenient access to the latest cancer treatment services and technologies. “In building a new facility, we’re able to provide all of our services under one roof so patients can experience more collaborative medical care,” Iyad Hamarneh, medical oncologist with Arizona Oncology, said in a statement. “When completed, our cancer center will be the only practice in the quad-city region that will offer medical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematology services for our community.”

Arizona Oncology is one of the largest medical organizations in Arizona, with more than 75 physicians who provide comprehensive, compassionate, and high-quality cancer care. Its goal is to provide cancer treatments close to patients’ homes. NexCore Group is a national healthcare real estate investment and development company that has been recognized as one of the Top Healthcare Real Estate Developers nationwide by Modern Healthcare and Healthcare Real Estate Insights (HREI). Corgan is an award-winning architecture firm that designs innovative healthcare spaces.

The Arizona Oncology Center will offer medical oncology, surgical oncology, breast cancer treatment and diagnostics, urology services, radiation therapies (including HDR), diagnostic imaging (CT/PET, CT) laboratory diagnostics, genomic testing, nutrition services, oncology research and pharmacy, lab and hematology services.

In addition to housing a wide variety of services in one facility, the center will include several features designed to better fit the needs of cancer patients, such as a 34-chair infusion area with outdoor garden space. Once the center is complete, the Arizona Oncology team will move from its current location at 3188 N. Windsong in Prescott Valley, which it has outgrown, to the new facility.

Delivering Innovative Projects for Healthcare Systems

At Loven Contracting, our award-winning Healthcare Construction team has delivered quality projects for healthcare systems across the southwest since 1985. We understand the complex and exacting requirements of new, state-of-the-art healthcare facilities and how to work safely in existing hospitals and medical centers.

Our team sets the standard for the construction of hospitals, outpatient clinics, specialty clinics, behavioral health facilities, surgery centers and specialty imaging suites. Our commitment to health and safety is second to none, and we’re one of only six general contractors in Arizona to earn the prestigious VPP Star safety rating.

To learn more about Loven Contracting’s expertise in healthcare facility and hospital construction, go HERE. View our Healthcare & Medical Center Construction portfolio at HERE.