Hi Valued Customer,

Happy February! Can you believe we're already knee-deep into the year? Time sure does fly when you're having a blast, and speaking of which, get ready for another ride through the Hollaway highlights!   

First things first, a virtual round of applause goes out to our Environmental Team – they've been working their magic all over the state of Texas, and we can't wait to spill the beans on their latest projects. They are rocking it! 

Next, we will turn the spotlight to something close to our hearts – Black History Month. This February, we're taking a moment to appreciate, learn, and celebrate the incredible contributions of the Black community. It's a month to soak in history, culture, and the stories that make us who we are. 

And, in case you are curious about all that happens in a day in the life of a Communications + Public Involvement Coordinator, please read on! 

Communications + Public Involvement Coordinator Blythe Payne spills the tea in this month's blog. Peek behind the scenes and get a taste of the skills that keep our messages on point.  (Speaking of which, if you haven't had the chance to check out our new website, head over there now! You won't be disappointed.) 

For this month’s Employee Spotlight, we're shining a light on our Creative Services Assistant, Alina Velasquez. Her knack for creativity and dedication to our visual vibes are the secret sauce behind our awesomeness. Get ready to be inspired! 

But wait, there's more! We're not just tooting horns for projects and themes – it's also time to raise a glass to work anniversaries. A massive shoutout to everyone hitting another milestone with Hollaway this year! Oh, and guess what? I'm celebrating a whopping 17 years at Hollaway! Time really does fly when you're having a blast with the best team in the business. 

So, here's to another month of inspiration, celebration, and the unique flavor that is Hollaway! Cheers to an epic February! 

Warmly, 

Leslie 

Surveying for Freshwater Mussels in the Rio Grande!

International bridge development projects come with their share of permitting challenges, and the City of Laredo’s World Trade Bridge Expansion project is no exception. This January, Hollaway had the pleasure of leading freshwater mussel surveys at the U.S.-Mexico boundary (Rio Grande, or ‘Rio Bravo’ in Mexico). This stretch of the river is proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be designated as critical habitat for the Texas Hornshell (Popenaias popeii) and Mexican Fawnsfoot (Truncilla cognata).

Our team conducted Phase 1 and Phase 2 mussel surveys following Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocols. The standard freshwater mussel survey season occurs between April and November due to ideal temperatures for encountering freshwater mussels. To meet the client’s schedule for this task, Hollaway obtained agency approvals to conduct the survey in January, subject to acceptable water temperatures defined in the protocol, which were measured at the onset of each survey day.

Embracing the richness of history, diversity, and resilience this Black History Month!  At Hollaway Environmental and Communications Services Inc., we honor the profound contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Let's celebrate the legacy, amplify voices, and continue championing equality and justice every day. 

Big news on the horizon – Hollaway is turning 30! Can you believe it? It’s been three decades of hard work, innovation, and building something truly special together. It's a milestone worth celebrating, and we're gearing up for a year of looking back, appreciating how far we've come, and setting the stage for an even brighter future.

Now, why have we branded our 30^th anniversary with pearls, you ask? Well, pearls are the symbol of 30 years, representing wisdom acquired through experience. Just like a pearl, our journey has been about embracing challenges, evolving, and coming out stronger on the other side. Each year has been a layer, and the whole necklace is a beautiful testament to the resilience, brilliance, and enduring elegance of Hollaway.

So, get ready for a year of festivities, reminiscing, and, of course, setting sail into the next 30 years of excellence. Here's to the pearl in our story!

What does a Communications + Public Involvement Coordinator do, exactly? The day-to-day for a Communications + Public Involvement Coordinator can vary; so let me walk you through what a week leading up to a public meeting can look like! A week out from the public meeting, we will be coordinating any last-minute changes or edits to meeting collateral, such as handouts, FAQs, or digital presentations. We also make sure to order the exhibit boards or other printed materials for the meeting from a local print shop. We create and check the name tags for the project team for the upcoming meeting.

New Beginnings. Fresh Vibes. A Whole New Chapter.

As we step into this transformative year, Hollaway is turning a new leaf, and we're beyond excited to unveil our revamped website. Picture it as more than just a facelift; it's a bold step into a new era for us. We extend a warm invitation to each one of you to dive into the revamped website we've crafted!

Take a stroll through some of our projects, explore pages featuring our team members, and get to know more about the culture that marks “the Hollaway way.” It's not just a website; it's a visual representation of our evolution, a testament to our growth, and a sneak peek into the dynamic future we're building. So, click around and join us in celebrating this exhilarating new phase at Hollaway!

This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of Hollaway's newest team member, Alina Velasquez. Born and raised around the greater Houston area, Alina has developed a strong sense of pride for our city’s diverse culture. As a first-generation student, Alina also works part-time to pay for her education. While obtaining her Associate Degree in General Studies, Alina took on several roles with children as a preschool teacher, camp counselor, caretaker, and art instructor. During these years, Alina studied traditional and digital photography, as well as a few other art foundation classes such as painting, drawing, and design. After discovering a passion for design, Alina decided to pursue a new career path in art, an interest of hers since she was very young. Alina then transferred to the University of Houston, where she is currently working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.

Ally Altemose

Director of Environmental Services

8 Years

Leslie Hollaway

Chief Executive Officer + Owner

17 Years

Thom Mumford

Production Specialist

5 Years

Alina Velasquez

Creative Services Assistant

1 Year