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  • TGB Group Now Providing Civil Engineering and Design Services in Alabama

    TGB Group Now Providing Civil Engineering and Design Services in Alabama

    We’re currently working with an Alabama lumber mill

    TGB Group is proud to announce that we’re now offering civil engineering and design services in Alabama.  We launched projects last year in Arizona and New Mexico, and now we’re moving into the Yellowhammer State.

    Our Alabama project is for a large lumber mill.  The project began with consultation meetings with the client to select a scale for railcars that would meet their needs.

    After we selected the type of scale – in this case, a weigh in motion scale – we interviewed scale companies and evaluated their products and proposals.  We’re now designing a new track for the client that will include turnouts at both ends and the new scale at the mid-point of the track to allow rail cars to be weighed before passing on to the unloading station.  The project will begin construction in the middle of 2023.

    Arizona & New Mexico projects

    Arizona projects included the planning and civil design of two separate neighborhoods, a railroad scale and track project and another railroad track project.  We are also working on a large, rail-served industrial park in Arizona.

    In New Mexico last year, we worked on a rail expansion project that connected two sets of shorter tracks to make two long tracks.  This was to give the client additional storage capacity for their growing business.  We are currently working with a client on a large unit train facility that includes capacity for 20 or more trains per month, laydown space for materials, the relocation of a large detention pond, drainage for the site and more than two miles of roadway.

    Learn more about our civil engineering and design services in Alabama

    If you’d like to know more about our initial Alabama project, we’d love to speak with you about it.

    If you have a rail-related project anywhere in the U.S. that needs an experienced team to make it a success, please contact us.  We’ll get to know you and your project and determine how we can help you meet your objectives.

    The TGB Team

  • The TEDC 2022 Annual Conference Was a Powerful Event and a Great Learning Experience

    The TEDC 2022 Annual Conference Was a Powerful Event and a Great Learning Experience

    Here’s a conference overview and a letter from the Texas Economic Development Council’s 2022 board chair.

    The TEDC 2022 Annual Conference was held October 19-21 on the Riverwalk in San Antonio.  The three-day event saw a number of industry experts addressing the membership about important economic development topics.

    A key part of the conference was discussion panels that featured economic development professionals who shared their knowledge and experience.  It was a great opportunity to learn, network and engage with our peers in economic development.

    Presentations at the TEDC 2022 Annual Conference

    Presentations this year included ideas from government program officers and industry experts for communities looking to develop a broadband strategy for infrastructure funding.  Helpful information was given on federal and state funding opportunities for communities and companies.

    The TGB Group was a proud sponsor of the golf tournament.  Being a sponsor is a wonderful way to support the Texas Economic Development Council in its mission and year-round activities.  Sponsorship of events helps the council to:

    • Meet the needs of economic developers in Texas
    • Host quality events, such as the annual conference
    • Serve as an advocate at the Texas Capitol

    From Wesley Burnett, CEcD, Nacero & TEDC board chair

    “It has been another wonderful year to be a part of an organization that continues to grow in stature and influence – none of which could be accomplished without the strong support of our members – undoubtedly our greatest resource. Our membership continues to grow each year. In fact, membership in the TEDC is at an all-time high.

    “Although these past couple of years have been unpredictable at times and definitely challenging for many, having the support and commitment of economic development professionals like you makes all the difference in the world.

    “I have been extremely honored to be a part of the TEDC leadership team. The TEDC has a long legacy of providing best practices for economic development professionals through education, advocacy, resources and networking.”

    Wesley Burnett, CEcD
    Director-community relations, Nacero
    TEDC 2022 board chair

     

    We hope to see you next time

    The TEDC 2022 Annual Conference was an amazing event.  We bet the next conference will be even more amazing!

    The TGB Group

  • TGB Group Attended the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting

    TGB Group Attended the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting

    It’s always a great time at Midwest Association of Rail Shippers events

    TGB Group’s Mike Murphy and Beth Lynn recently attended the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting in Wisconsin.  The theme of this year’s meeting was “Switching the Focus for Mutual Success.”  The meeting was held July 18-19 in beautiful Lake Geneva, Wis.

    You can learn more about the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting here.

    Possibly more than at any other time in the past, companies that work in the rail industry today need to understand how to adapt and, as the meeting title says, “switch focus” in order to be solvent and successful in our uncertain economy.

    Talks and information we enjoyed at the meeting helped us answer many questions and map out positive business strategies for the future.

    Highlights of the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting

    • Orientation for new members and young professionals
    • Fabulous networking buffet dinner
    • MARS Executive Committee meeting

    Informative presentations by leadership from MARS, Eco-Energy, N. Bowdish Company, Union Tank Car Co., Watco Companies and others included:

    • “Navigating an Uncertain Economy & Turbulent Supply Chain”
    • “Customer Experience with Current Rail Service”
    • “Global Trends in Energy & Materials”
    • “Union Pacific Railroad Operating Update”
    • “Rail Equipment Market Update”

    That’s just an overview.  All MARS events are jam-packed with great speakers, great topics and great networking opportunities for anyone whose business is connected to North American rail shipping.

    About the Midwest Association of Rail Shippers (MARS)

    MARS is one of five regional associations that make up the North American Association of Rail Shippers (NARS). The organization covers Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota in the United States.  Canadian territories include the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

    MARS’ key objectives are to provide an open forum to discuss and resolve transportation issues, and to create programs that educate its members on railroad operating practices, new innovations in transportation and legislative matters.

    MARS has become the showcase forum for railroads and railroad customers to meet and discuss issues.  Semiannual meetings, such as the MARS 2022 Summer Meeting, welcome between 500 and 800 professionals and focus strongly on educational presentations and networking opportunities.

    We hope to see you at an upcoming MARS event!

    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.

  • 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

     

     

  • 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

  • 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

  • TGB Gets to Work on New Douglass Distributing Project

    TGB Gets to Work on New Douglass Distributing Project

    We’ll bring temporary and long-term solutions

    GB Group has been hired for a Douglass Distributing project to help the client develop rail access near their facility in Sherman, Texas.

    We’ll work with Douglass in the BNSF NBR (New Business Review) process and provide topographic survey and track design/rehabilitation construction documents.

    Douglass Distributing project key elements

    • Rehabilitation of an existing turnout
    • Rehabilitation of more than 1,700 feet of rail
    • Construction of a 1,250-foot gravel access roadway
    • Fencing with a turnaround on each end so that trucks can park next to the rail cars while offloading product from the cars and then take the product to the facility for processing

    Part of the Douglass Distributing project includes our team providing consulting services for the client to help them find a temporary solution for bringing product in by rail near their plant.

    We used our connections in the railroad industry to find several potential temporary unloading sites. After evaluating each site ourselves and then with Douglass reps, we recommended a site on a southern Oklahoma short line railroad that will be perfect for their operational needs.

    About Douglass Distributing

    Douglass Distributing is a diversified energy supplier that offers fuel solutions across a wide spectrum of industries and provides a variety of services from consulting and design to implementation and maintenance.

    Their expertise combined with their relentless dedication to customer service has earned them the reputation of the “Go To” company for fuel solutions for commercial, industrial, and residential applications.

    Community-focused solutions

    TGB Group does a lot of work in many Texas cities, and with every project, we’re excited knowing that the end result will benefit the local community. We’re committed to building up local resources and helping to bring jobs and economic success to the areas where we serve.

    If you’d like to know more about the Douglass Distributing project or explore our design and consulting services, please contact Steven Surratt at (866) 217-7794 or via email at sales@thetgbgroup.com.

    The TGB Team