HELIX’s mentorship of small businesses in the local architecture, engineering and environmental consulting industry was recognized with two Calmentor awards, including the top Outstanding Performance Award, on March 18, 2015. The Calmentor mentor-protégé program, overseen by Caltrans District 11 and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) in coordination with the American Council of Engineering Companies and City of San Diego, is designed to encourage and support small businesses through voluntary partnerships with mid-size and larger firms.

“This is a great way for HELIX to share our knowledge with firms that are aspiring to grow and create new opportunities for their employees,” explained Michael Schwerin, Chief Executive Officer for HELIX.

A state-designated small business itself, HELIX has mentored eight small businesses since 2008, when the firm initiated participation in the program. Most recently this has included GE Permit, based in San Diego, and Tierra Data, based in Escondido.  These firms provide environmental compliance and biological resources consulting services, respectively.  HELIX is the only mentor in the program focused exclusively on providing a full range of environmental services.  HELIX has provided guidance to both protégé firms on topics ranging from marketing and accounting, to phone/computer technology, to client interactions and ownership transitions.

“The relationship is mutually beneficial, and the collaboration we share between our small business protégés also gives us ideas on how to make HELIX a better company,” said Tammy Ching, Vice President for HELIX.

“I’m proud of HELIX’s contributions and we’re excited to embark on another year with the program,” Schwerin added.