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Author: Doug Thomas

  • Join TGB Group and Other Rail & Engineering Professionals at the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference

    Join TGB Group and Other Rail & Engineering Professionals at the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference

    Conference to feature education on current trends and plenty of networking opportunities

    The TGB Group will be attending the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference, scheduled for Aug. 28-31.  This year’s event will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Co.

    We’re proud to be a Silver Sponsor for the conference organized by the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA).  A Silver Level sponsorship investment provides much-needed broad support to help AREMA cover the costs of audio/visual services, support services and other operating expenses during the conference.

    As with past conferences, the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo will provide multiple opportunities for those in attendance to gain greater knowledge of the rail industry and add to their technical expertise.  And, of course, there will be a lot of networking going on as we renew old friendships in the industry and make new connections that will be mutually beneficial in the future.

    Key players will be at the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference

    The conference agenda includes almost 80 technical presentations from recognized leaders in the rail and engineering industries.  This is the place to be to access relevant information you can take back home and use.

    More than 300 companies will be presenting in the Exhibit Hall during the conference.  For rail professionals, this is an exciting opportunity to learn new strategies, see what others are doing and increase their knowledge base with workable ideas.

    Learn more about how you can be an AREMA 2022 Annual Conference sponsor here.

    Learn more about the American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association here.

    We always look forward to AREMA conferences as well as the many other industry conferences and meetings held each year.  We learn a lot, and all that knowledge helps us continue to make our company better, stronger and more customer-oriented.

    The TGB Team

     

  • Mark Your Calendars for the 2022 TEDC Annual Conference in San Antonio

    Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk

    Mark Your Calendars for the 2022 TEDC Annual Conference in San Antonio

    Get important economic data, play some golf, support the Texas Economic Development Council!

    The 2022 TEDC Annual Conference is happening this year on Oct. 19-21 in beautiful San Antonio, Texas, home of the famous Riverwalk.  Will you be attending?

    This special three-day event hosted by the Texas Economic Development Council will include a number of industry experts, who will share critical topics centering on economic development planning and strategies.  Whether you’re a small business like the TGB Group, a very large business or a community or city in Texas, you can gain a lot of insight that will help you in many ways.

    Highlights planned for the 2022 TEDC Annual Conference

    • Future Leaders Training Seminar
    • Multiple exhibits from groups and individuals
    • Special sessions and panels
    • Networking opportunities throughout the three days
    • Silent auction
    • Sales Tax Committee meetings
    • Board of Directors meeting
    • Community Economic Development Awards Luncheon

    and much more.

    And then there’s golf

    The 2022 TEDC Annual Conference wouldn’t be complete without an exciting golf tournament.  Anybody can participate and have fun while helping to support the Texas Economic Development Council.

    This tournament is a great way to reconnect with old golfing buddies, make new golfing buddies and just have a blast in exciting San Antonio.

    Conference location

    This year’s TEDC conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk at 123 Losoya St. in San Antonio, Texas.  Even if there was no conference going on, the hotel experience in itself would be enough.  It’s a gorgeous property with tons of amenities and the first-class service you would expect from a Hyatt Regency facility.

    Go here to register for the conference with your TEDC account.

    We hope to see many of you at the 2022 TEDC Annual Conference.  It’s something we look forward to every year, and we know you’ll look forward to it each year, as well, after you’ve attended for the first time.

    The TGB Team

  • How Drone Services Can Enhance and Empower Your Site-Planning

    TGB Group specializes in rail infrastructure development projects.

    How Drone Services Can Enhance and Empower Your Site-Planning

    TGB Group is excited to offer this service to clients throughout the U.S.

    Drone services technology is part of the “new wave” of technological advancement.  A “piloted” drone plane can go just about anywhere that a regular person – in or out of a real plane – can.  Drones can be used in many ways, and not just to cover sporting events and showcase luxury real estate.

    TGB Group’s primary work revolves around design, planning and engineering for companies looking to develop a new business, rail or industrial site.  In the past, the visuals we used to gain information about the land, boundaries, existing buildings, roadways and rail lines had to come from photographs.  Either that or from videos shot while standing on firm ground.

    Our drone services take these visuals to a new level.  Literally.  With FAA-licensed and insured pilots for the Texas area, we can now offer you remarkably insightful drone footage for your project.

    Who can use drone services?  What kinds of projects is it suitable for?

    • Real estate developments
    • Industrial sites
    • Railroad configuration
    • Manufacturing facilities
    • Oil, gas and water developments

    and any other projects where you really need to see the proverbial “lay of the land.”

    Benefits of drone services

    • An aerial picture is a true birds-eye view, far more complete than any typical ground photo
    • Standard camera photographs solicit your attention; drone pictures grab it
    • A clear, professional and highly aesthetic visual of your land or project
    • Collect visual data about what’s going on around your site in adjacent communities
    • Scenic videos can be powerful parts of business presentations to prospective partners and investors
    • Drone services allow you to obtain video imagery in places and locations no hand-held camera ever could

    Here some examples of a drone in action:

    Learn more about this amazing technology and how our drone services can benefit your company.  Get in touch with TGB Group President Mike Murphy at (866) 217-7794.

  • Join Us at the TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference, June 22-24

    Join Us at the TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference, June 22-24

    This is a key event for the Texas Economic Development Council

    TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference
    Omni Hotel, Corpus Christi

    If you have a Texas-based business or a business that operates in Texas, you should consider attending the TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference in June.

    TGB Group has been a participant and often a sponsor of the conference since our inception in 2016.  Our President, Mike Murphy, has been involved with the Texas Economic Development Council for more than 10 years.

    Why the TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference is important

    Across three days, a variety of presentations are scheduled that will be beneficial to anyone with Texas business interests.  Our company is based in Texas, so it’s a no-brainer for us to attend.

    As of late May, scheduled topics and activities for the conference include:

    • Strategies for blending the worlds of workforce, economic development and education
    • TEDC Executive Committee meeting
    • Initiatives in alternative and sustainable energy in Texas
    • The role of The Port of Corpus Christi in the global economy
    • Ideas for employee recruitment and retention
    • Best practices for screening leads and vetting projects
    • Leadership lessons for economic developers
    • Workforce Excellence Award recognition
    • Reenergizing the small business ecosystem
    • Overview of employee trends in Texas

    and so much more.

    Review sponsors and full tentative itinerary >>>

    Network with like-minded professionals

    Throughout the three-day TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference, there will be plenty of opportunities to network and connect with the “movers and shakers” who make Texas’ business run.

    Being able to meet and get to know other like-minded professionals is in itself enough reason to attend the conference.  Based on our experience at past conferences, many of the key players in Texas business, economics and transportation will be there.

    All this and great golf!

    Education and networking are important, but making the conference even better is a fun golf tournament scheduled for June 22 at the NorthShore Country Club Golf Course in Portland, Texas.  If you play, you can get involved.  TGB Group is one of the tourney’s sponsors.

    Where it’s happening

    The TEDC 2022 Mid-Year Conference will be held at the Omni Hotel, 900 Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas.  Registration closes on June 15.  You can register at the Omni Hotel link above.

    The TGB Team

     

  • We’re Excited to Offer 3D Model Services to our Clients

    We’re Excited to Offer 3D Model Services to our Clients

    Learn about how this technology can help your site planning and design efforts

    When you’re visualizing a new site development, standard photos of the site make it difficult to see many of the potentials and issues within the project. Now with our 3D model services, TGB gives you the ability to really grasp the visuals of your new site and see it as you want it to be.

    3D model services: what it’s all about

    3D modeling is an innovative technique in computer graphics that allows us to produce stunning three-dimensional digital representations of any object or surface.

    With this technology, we’ve been able to help our customers decide how they want their sites and rail projects designed. We take an image of their current layout or existing property and then add in the necessary visuals so they can see the “finished result” of their overall design.

    A key advantage of using 3D model services in the early stages of a project is that the leadership team can assess the visual before beginning to build. If something they originally had desired doesn’t appear quite the way they’d envisioned it, we can make alterations until we get the exact look the team is after. The project can then be built to suit.

    Look at some examples

    The photo below is the site layout of one of our customers located in Houston. They were considering the possibility of extending their current tracks to their property line as well as adding an additional turnout for a third track that would run parallel to the extended tracks already in place.

    TGB example 3D modeling before photo

     

    Our 3D model team went to work to create the photo you see below. It clearly showed the client what the facility would look like after construction. This was exactly what they wanted, and why they hired TGB to handle this design work.

    TGB example 3D modeling after photo


    Would 3D model services benefit your next project? You can learn more about our process and the many advantages it can bring you by calling Steven Surratt at (866) 217-7794. You can e-mail Steven at sales@thetgbgroup.com.

    The TGB Team

     

     

  • TSLRRA Leadership Announced at March 2022 Annual Meeting

    TSLRRA Leadership Announced at March 2022 Annual Meeting

    See who’s serving as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and in other roles

    At its March Annual Meeting in Dallas, the TSLRRA leadership for 2022 was announced. Executive officers who were named included:

    • Paul Treangen, president, TNW Corporation
    • Ailsa Von Dobeneck, vice president, Watco
    • Rebecca Murphy, treasurer, The TGB Group
    • Jeff Van Schaick, secretary, Jaguar Transport Holdings

    President predicts TSLRRA leadership will build for growth

    President Treangen said at the meeting that he’s proud of the recent progress the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association has made and expects the current TSLRRA leadership will continue building for growth in the future.

    “Representing the short line railroad industry to the state legislature and promoting the prosperity of our industry within Texas requires collaboration among our members,” Treangen said. “There’s a place for all TSLRRA members to get involved in our association and I’m pleased to see the ongoing efforts in raising awareness for TSLRRA.”

    Other key TSLRRA leadership roles announced at the Annual Meeting included:

    • Legislative: Ross Lane, G&W
    • Events: John Gravenkemper, Hatch & Kirk
    • Marketing: Cheryl Hart, TNW Corporation
    • Membership: Anabelle Cormier, Stahl Recruiting

    About the Texas Short Line and Regional Railroad Association

    Based in Texas, TSLRRA is a nonprofit professional organization representing the interests of the more than 40 short line railroads and industry-related businesses in Texas.

    Established in 2003, TSLRRA’s purpose has been to promote the state’s economy, champion public safety issues, partner with local governments and organizations to enhance the transportation infrastructure and bring new jobs and prosperity to Texas communities.

    Consider a membership for your firm

    If you work directly in the railroad industry or in any of its many support industries, you should consider becoming a TSLRRA member. TGB Group is proud of its membership, which allows us to learn of important breaking news and trends in the industry we serve.

    TSLRRA leadership is in place for one simple reason: to support its members as we all work together to build better jobs and futures in this always-vital industry.

    The TGB Team

  • Register to Attend the TSLRRA Annual Meeting this Year in Dallas

    (Photo from Hilton website, linked in the text.)

    Register to Attend the TSLRRA Annual Meeting this Year in Dallas

    Meeting is March 31 – mark your calendar

    If you haven’t made plans to attend the TSLRRA Annual Meeting scheduled for the end of March, there’s still time.  Just visit the TSLRRA Annual Meeting page.

    If you’re not already a member of the Texas Short Line & Regional Railroad Association, you can get a membership through a link on that page.  If you are a member and would like to be a sponsor of the meeting, you can get set up for that, as well.

    TGB Group is a sponsor, along with many other companies and individuals that work in the rail industry and related industries.

    This year’s sponsors include:

    • Hondo Railway
    • Texas Rail Advocates
    • CDL Electric
    • Andrew Stahl
    • Hatch & Kirk
    • Dallas, Garland Northeastern
    • TekTracking
    • Edna R. Rice
    • Lubbock & Western Railway
    • Koppers Railroad Structures
    • Gallagher

    Benefits to expect when you attend the TSLRRA Annual Meeting

    TSLRRA annual meeting site
    (Photo from Hilton website, linked in the text.)

    Anyone (or any company) that works in the short line rail industry or support industries will enjoy a variety of benefits when they attend the TSLRRA Annual Meeting.  You’ll learn about the latest news and trends that affect the rail industry in America and therefore could have an impact on your business or operation.

    Expert speakers are always lined up to deliver important talks that give us a broader understanding of the larger world in which we work.  TGB Group team members who attend always come away with valuable knowledge that helps us with our marketing and business-building strategies.

    The Annual Meeting is also a chance to network and forge new and profitable relationships with fellow rail professionals.  And, of course, the meeting is perfect for renewing old friendships and catching up with seldom-seen associates.

    A beautiful setting for this year’s Annual Meeting

    This year, the meeting is being held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre, which is located at 8250 N. Central Expressway.  Even if there was no meeting, this is the type of resort atmosphere that will revitalize and energize you with its quality and luxury.

    We invite all rail professionals to attend the TSLRRA Annual Meeting 2022.  Pack your bags and get ready for a great time!

    The TGB Team

  • Jacksboro EDC Seeking Help in Tornado Aftermath

    “Our world here in Jacksboro is upside down.”

    Jacksboro EDC Seeking Help in Tornado Aftermath

    TGB Group is lending a hand – maybe you can, too

    Jacksboro EDC seeks help for HS gym
    School gym in the aftermath of March tornado

    As most of you know by now, on Monday, March 21, 2022, a serious tornado ripped through the Jacksboro, Texas, area in north Texas between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls.

    TGB Group has close connections with the Jacksboro EDC (Economic Development Center), and their Executive Director, Leslie Chalmers, reached out to us for help with replenishing supplies for public schools destroyed in the tornado.

    Thank God that as of March 24, no serious injuries or deaths have been reported, but the Jacksboro EDC explained that “our world here in Jacksboro is upside down.”

    Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on March 22 issued disaster declarations for 16 counties affected by the tornado.  The National Weather Service in Fort Worth ranked the Jacksboro tornado as an EF3, with an EF5 being the most destructive.

    Help the Jacksboro EDC help the schools

    Jacksboro EDC world upside down
    “Our world here in Jacksboro is upside down.”

    The Jacksboro EDC has put out a call for help in restoring many of the school supplies that were lost in the disaster.  The goal is to allow schools to continue teaching during this troubling time.

    You can contact the Economic Development Center at (940) 567-3151 to find out exactly what type of items they need or to arrange for a cash donation.

    As soon as we at TGB Group heard from Leslie at the EDC, we got to work putting together a relief package.  Items we donated (which you may also wish to donate) included:

    • 3 42-piece Playdough sets
    • 5 reams of paper with 150 pencils
    • 1 box of 150 pencils
    • 1 pack of 9×12 watercolor paper (250 sheets)
    • 1 25-piece set of First Readers level A
    • 1 25-piece set of First Readers level B
    • 1 Paw Patrol Phonics 12-book set
    • 2 Candy Land games
    • 2 Connect-4 games
    • 1 Dry erase board with magnets and pen
    • 10 102”x14”x71” room dividers/room separators with wheels

    Disaster can strike anywhere, any time.  When it does, it’s time for those of us who were spared the catastrophe to lend a hand.

    The TGB Team

  • We’ll Be Working with Ardurra Group on this Track Design Project

    We’ll Be Working with Ardurra Group on this Track Design Project

    Here are some details and timeline projections

    TGB Group has been selected to partner with another civil engineering firm, Ardurra Group Inc., for a track design project in the Corpus Christi, Texas, area. Our team will provide track design activities, produce bid documents and conduct construction administration.

    Track design project specs

    This project will consist of rehabilitating existing rail, turnouts and a diamond, while also adding two additional turnouts and 1,500 feet of rail.

    Design is expected to start in mid to late March 2022 and have 30 percent of the plans completed so after for the client’s review. After we receive comments from the client, we will then complete the design for 100 percent pre-final submittal to the client for review at the end of May.

    Final sealed construction documents are set to be ready by the middle of June, and the project is expected to go out to bid later in June through the first of July. Final contractor selection should take place mid to late July, with construction anticipated to begin around the middle of August.

    About TGB Group

    Based in Spring, Texas, and working throughout many areas in the U.S., TGB Group is a full-service consulting and civil engineering firm specializing in track design, planning and oversight of projects for short line and Class I railroads and their customers.

    We opened for business in 2016 and currently serve a variety of clients in transportation-related industries. With every project we undertake, we bring years of professional experience and an unmatched record of outstanding service, vision and results to our clients.

    If you’d like to learn more about this track design project in Corpus Christi, or want to find out how our design and consulting services can benefit your next project, please contact Steven Surratt at (866) 217–7794 or reach out via email at sales@thetgbgroup.com.

  • New Jacksboro EDC Project Underway

    New Jacksboro EDC Project Underway

    TGB Group called back in to help client secure a grant

    Jacksboro EDC projectIn 2017, TGB Group was selected by the Jacksboro Economic Development Corporation to provide a master plan for an industrial park as part of a large Jacksboro EDC project. The corporation was applying for a grant through the Economic Development Agency in hopes of being selected and receiving funds to bring the project to fruition.

    Part of the initial phase 1 plan included adding:

    • A water main
    • A sanitary sewer
    • Two streets off Hwy. 59

    At that time, the Economic Development Agency did not award the grant, so the project was suspended.

    New hope for the Jacksboro EDC project grant

    Move ahead to December 2021, and the EDC’s new executive director reached back out to TGB Group to assist them once again in their pursuit of an EDA grant.

    This time, the grant was coming through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. The Act was signed by President Biden for a whopping $1.9 trillion on March 11, 2021.

    Included in the Plan is $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local and territorial and tribal governments known as the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery funds.

    We’ll supply an engineering report and environmental narrative

    For this phase of the Jacksboro EDC project, TGB Group was asked for assistance in developing a preliminary engineering report and an environmental narrative, both of which were required to be submitted with the grant application.

    We were excited to help the Jacksboro EDC, and we’re hoping with fingers crossed that they’ll be selected to receive the grant, which will be decided sometime after the first of February 2022.

    If you’d like more information on the Jacksboro EDC project or want to learn about how our design and consulting services can benefit your next project, please contact Steven Surratt at (866) 217-7794 or via email at sales@thetgbgroup.com.

    The TGB Team