VAA News

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Growing VAA Wellness by Design

July 18, 2017 / Comments Off on Growing VAA Wellness by Design

Over 70 organizations in Hennepin County were presented with a plaque for earning the Wellness by Design award. As a silver-level award recipient, VAA was recognized for making “employee health a priority through creative and effective wellness initiatives.” This is the third time VAA has accepted a Wellness by Design award, demonstrating the continued growth […]

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Rows of white golf carts parked on the grass

“FORE” the Next Generation of Engineers

June 27, 2017 / Comments Off on “FORE” the Next Generation of Engineers

As the title sponsor at the 14th Annual ACEC/MN Scholarship Golf Tournament, VAA – along with 48 Twin Cities-based organizations – raised over $17,000 during the event held at Oak Marsh Golf Course in Oakdale. ACEC/MN’s scholarship program recognizes college students studying in the field of engineering. Individuals are evaluated on leadership, school / community […]

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A man leads a presentation in a conference room with a large white screen behind him.

Proud “Safe+Sound” Week Participants

June 15, 2017 / Comments Off on Proud “Safe+Sound” Week Participants

Every month should be a safe month. But in June, the National Safety Council (NSC) gives a safety shout out to reducing injury or death in areas in which we spend the most time – on the road, at home and work. As part of the month’s activities, NSC is a proud co-sponsor of Safe+Sound […]

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Two railroads curving in from the horizon and intersecting

Rail Design: More than Point A – Point B

June 7, 2017 / Comments Off on Rail Design: More than Point A – Point B

Asking the Right Questions The goal of any design is to make the finished product look simple. When a rail design is complete, the end result is a set amount of linear track serving as a connection from a facility to a mainline or export terminal. However, the design process includes hidden complexities and details […]

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Action shot of a group of volunteers assembling a new house

House to Home: Building with Habitat

May 25, 2017 / Comments Off on House to Home: Building with Habitat

Fourteen VAA employees volunteered to build a house in North Minneapolis with Habitat for Humanity (Habitat). With a range of construction skill levels, the team was divided into groups to work on various aspects of the four-bedroom home. Employees mainly contributed to the framing and construction of interior and exterior walls, stairs and front porch. […]

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Action shot of a baseball game

If You Rebuild It, They Will Come

May 10, 2017 / Comments Off on If You Rebuild It, They Will Come

“Safe!” An action shot from a recent Armstrong Falcons (red jerseys) baseball game captured VAA’s banner among others on the fence line. As a community field sponsor, VAA is supporting District 281’s construction efforts for a full-field replacement at the Armstrong High School. The District’s two-year investment and Baseball Booster Club mission is to provide […]

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Top 5 Inefficiencies illustration

Top Five Inefficiencies in Grain Facilities

May 4, 2017 / Comments Off on Top Five Inefficiencies in Grain Facilities

  These common issues are often overlooked at grain facilities. Addressing problems with the right solutions can make your operation more efficient.     1. Truck Scaling, Probing and Staging Problem: If you can’t get trucks in and out of your site fast enough the pit will sit idle. Improvements: Make sure there are enough scales […]

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A group of employees in safety gear construct a can display

Canstruction® Kick-Off 2017

May 2, 2017 / Comments Off on Canstruction® Kick-Off 2017

Planning is underway for VAA to participate in the Minneapolis Canstruction® competition at the MOA on September 16. What is Canstruction® you ask? Design professionals within A/E/C industry design and build structures out of non-perishable food items. The temporary art exhibits are judged in several categories, admired by mall passersby and later dismantled – all […]

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A group of four people gather around a table featuring a milestone award

Milestone Anniversary for Haldorson

April 13, 2017 / Comments Off on Milestone Anniversary for Haldorson

Gene Haldorson was recently recognized as the longest tenured employee at VAA with 35 years of service. His influence on company culture as a mentor to the next generation and with almost four decades of experience in the engineering industry has not gone unnoticed. A graduate from Minneapolis’ Dunwoody College of Technology and a former Partner […]

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Two VAA employees at some tables filled with food items to donate

Dig In to Donating

March 30, 2017 / Comments Off on Dig In to Donating

With a smorgasbord and cash donations, VAA employees participated in the Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners (IOCP) Prevent Hunger Campaign. This effort was part of a larger Minnesota (MN) March FoodShare Campaign that helps stock community food shelves for the year. VAA collected 266 lbs. of food and raised the equivalent of $1,800 throughout the […]

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