VAA News

Our IT Manager shares tips and tools to help businesses operate effectively now and in the future Associate / IT Manager Nat Schmidt credits the 2009 H1N1 pandemic with revealing vulnerabilities in corporate IT infrastructure. Since joining VAA in 2006, Nat had taken steps to improve the firm’s business operations, but the H1N1 crisis expanded […]

During our annual Community Caring Campaign, employees can pledge a portion of their payroll to selected partner organizations. Amid COVID-19, VAA expedited these contributions to support increased demand at Second Harvest Heartland (SHH) and Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners (IOCP). Employee contributions recently aided SHH in distributing nearly 10,000 meals.

ARC FLASH RISK ASSESSMENTS ARE AN ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR ELECTRICAL SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE Exposure to electricity in the workplace killed an average of three people per week in 2018, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.[1] This number doesn’t include the thousands of serious but non-fatal electrical injuries that occur every year. […]

The below FAQs are to help answer inquiries about VAA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. VAA’s objective remains to create a safe work environment for employees and clients, limit disruptions in our workflow, and work together to deliver and maintain our project responsibilities. ARE VAA’S OFFICES OPEN TO OUTSIDE VISITORS? Visitors are welcome to enter […]

Supporting industry education and giving back to our community are highly valued at VAA. The Haldorson and Jansen Scholarship program reinforces both goals and recognizes our enduring community ties to Dunwoody College of Technology (Dunwoody). Founded in 2014, the program includes two scholarships named for current VAA Principal and Dunwoody alum Bernie Jansen and former Partner / Dunwoody alum […]

A formal goal-setting program is an asset in any corporate environment, with benefits for both individuals and companies overall. S.M.A.R.T. goals – statements that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely – have become the standard for organizational goal setting. Use of this method provides guidance for employees when proposing goals and allows managers to […]

After 19 years, Scott retired from VAA at the end of 2016. He held many titles over the course of his professional tenure, serving as a Senior Structural Engineer, Partner, President and CEO. In his spare time, he became a pilot, a world traveler and well-versed in the French language. But as Scott bids us […]

VAA received a 2019 Wellness by Design award for excellence in worksite wellness at a ceremony hosted by Hennepin County Public Health in November. As a silver-level award recipient, VAA was recognized for making “employee health a priority through creative and effective wellness initiatives.” Wellness by Design awards are presented to Hennepin County employers that […]

Terry Mahr is our first 2019 Club member. His memorable laugh and soft-spoken approach are valued by Terry’s teammates, his commercial / retail clients and the new technicians and designers he welcomes to VAA. With a genuine interest to propel the firm forward, Terry is a steadfast resource for the firm’s recruiting efforts and a […]

Ghosts, ghouls and even a Greek goddess roamed the halls at VAA’s Plymouth office on Halloween. In addition to a costume contest, our Wellness and Outreach Committee hosted a Chili Cookoff and Dessert Bakeoff for employees to show off their culinary creations. With nearly 20 costume-clad participants in the running, it was a tight race […]