Firm Recognized as Employer of the Year

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – SSR Ellers engineering, design and facility consulting firm received the employer of the year award from the statewide chapter of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE). In addition, SSR Ellers employee Patrick Smith was named the 2009 young engineer of the year and Tom Needham, TSPE’s newly elected president.

TSPE selects employer of the year based on outstanding employment policies that work to advance the engineering profession as a whole. SSR Ellers was chosen for its use of education and fundraising events to boost employee morale and its demonstrated support of employee participation within various professional engineering societies.

Patrick Smith received the TSPE 2009 young engineer of the year award because of outstanding professional leadership related to the Walnut Grove Road/Interstate 240 roadway redevelopment project. Under his guidance, the transportation team successfully managed a multi-year design and construction process by utilizing continuous, two-way communications that included an opt-in public newsletter, a series of email alerts and publics meetings, resulting in the project’s early completion.

SSR Ellers Vice President Tom Needham was named the 2009 TSPE president. In his new role, Needham will preside over all society meetings, appoint chairs and committee members, and exercise supervision over the operations of the executive director.

About the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers 
TSPE is a professional association with more than 1,500 individual members including professional/licensed engineers, engineering associates, engineering interns and engineering students. TSPE members represent all technical disciplines and all practice areas including construction, education, industry, government and private practice.