Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA) class of 2022 at the graduation ceremony held at Elgin Community College on Saturday, May 7, 2022.
Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is proud to congratulate Nicholas Piekarski, PE, and the entire Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA) class of 2022 on their commitment to the community!
The award-winning Elgin Area Leadership Academy (EALA), sponsored by the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, is a 10-month program, which includes monthly meetings on Saturday mornings, for individuals interested in building an understanding of community leadership through exposure, enrichment, and engagement. Monthly programs provide individuals with the skills, knowledge, connections, and engagement necessary to develop and leverage a strong professional network of future and current leaders in various industries.
Since its initial 1991-92 class, over 550 individuals have graduated from this unique EALA experience. It has dynamically provided hands-on opportunities and interactions with the City of Elgin, local education and healthcare institutions, businesses, not-for-profits, and much more to develop and expand each individual’s leadership qualities. For more information on the Elgin Leadership Academy or to get involved, please visit https://www.elginchamber.com/leadership.
Share This Post
Recent Posts
We’re excited to share that HLR’s own Nick Halan, PE, PTOE, Project Engineer, has been named a 2025 Rising Star in the AEC Industry by Zweig Group —a national recognition that celebrates emerging leaders who are making a lasting impact in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. This award honors professionals who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, leadership, community involvement, and a forward-thinking approach to the future of our industry—and Nick checks all those boxes and more. At HLR, Nick leads with innovation and purpose. His work spans traffic studies, signal design, and Signal Coordination and Timing (SCAT) plans, as well as advancing our Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) design capabilities. He’s also been instrumental in sustainability efforts at HLR, including the implementation of an EV charging station and solar panels at our former headquarters—now home to our survey and environmental garage/office—initiatives that helped HLR earn a 2024 Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois. But it’s not just what Nick does—it’s how he does it. He’s a founding member of both HLR’s Young Professionals Group and the Young Professionals Group at the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, a mentor to interns, an advocate for STEM outreach, and a dedicated volunteer in the local community. Whether he’s mentoring scouts on their path to Eagle rank or inspiring students at a career expo with his interactive augmented reality sandbox, Nick is all in—investing in people, education, and the future of our industry. Nick also plays a strategic role in shaping the future of HLR by bringing insight and energy to key initiatives and conversations that move our company forward. Please join us in congratulating Nick on this well-deserved recognition. We’re proud to work alongside emerging leaders like him who are not only shaping infrastructure—but shaping what it means to lead. Read more about Nick in his profile on Civil + Structural Engineer Media — click here .
The HLR Roadrunners were back in action on April 10, taking part in the 14th Annual R-Games for Chair-ity hosted by Rieke Interiors at their Elgin headquarters. This spirited event transforms traditional volleyball into a seated showdown, all in support of a great cause— Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley’s Positioning and Mobility Clinic . The clinic plays a critical role in helping children with disabilities gain greater independence through customized mobility solutions and adaptive equipment. The games were filled with energy, teamwork, and more than a few impressive chair maneuvers. While the trophy slipped through our fingers this time, the real win was contributing to a mission that changes lives. We’re grateful to Rieke Interiors for bringing the community together once again for a fun-filled day of friendly competition and charitable giving. Check them out at www.rieke.com —a 100% women-owned company designing spaces that inspire connection and creativity.
Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) is proud to announce that the City of Elgin's Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit project has been recognized with a 2025 Public Works Project of the Year Award by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Fox Valley Branch. This award celebrates excellence in the management, administration, and implementation of public works projects by recognizing the alliance between the managing agency, the engineer, and the contractor who work together to complete public works projects. The project, completed in partnership with the City of Elgin and contractor Martam Construction, Inc., transformed an outdated, concrete-lined detention basin into a naturalized stormwater facility that enhances water quality and supports ecological health. Innovative Green Infrastructure Historically, untreated stormwater runoff from the basin could carry pollutants directly into the Fox River, contributing to water quality challenges. The retrofit replaced the concrete channel with a meandering flow path and native vegetation designed to slow water flow, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Additional features, such as sedimentation zones and a plunge pool, further optimize pollutant capture and water quality. Sustainability and Climate Resilience The project introduced over 60 species of drought- and flood-resistant native plants, creating a resilient ecosystem capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions and minimizing long-term maintenance. These improvements align with the City of Elgin’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit goals, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to sustainable stormwater management. Collaboration, Success, and Community Benefits HLR worked closely with the City of Elgin and Martam Construction, Inc. to design, permit, and construct the retrofit. Rigorous planning and commitment to sustainability ensured the project’s success. The reconstructed basin has become a valuable asset for the local community, offering enhanced aesthetics, opportunities for wildlife observation, and the beauty of dynamic seasonal changes in the plant communities. Adjacent stakeholders have praised the project for its environmental stewardship, particularly with the removal of dense brush that previously limited visibility. The Airport Road Detention Basin Retrofit showcases how public works projects can address immediate environmental needs while preparing for future climate challenges. HLR is honored to have collaborated with the City of Elgin to deliver a solution that improves the detention basin, supports biodiversity, and benefits the community for years to come. The award will be officially presented during the 2025 Fox Valley Branch Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Bartlett Hills Golf Club & Banquets in Bartlett, IL.
