Engineering Firm Draws on Workers Expertise
March 19, 2005
by Joel Hood, Modesto Bee Writer


Mid-Valley develops far-ranging markets, but still keeps it fun

Few companies have had a bird's-eye view of the changing landscape of the Northern San Joaquin Valley like Mid-Valley Engineering.

The Modesto-based community planning and surveying firm has its thumbprint on projects throughout Stanislaus County and the region.

It's not only been a labor of love but of driving ambition for Mid-Valley, which last November was recognized as one of the best civil engineering companies in the country to work for.

While longtime Stanislaus County residents are often critical of developers and their perceived influence on local government, Mid-Valley's staff speaks proudly of the firm's commitment to thoughtfully designed community plans and giving order and direction to the area's inevitable sprawl.

"The Central Valley has become the center of growth for California" said Mid-Valley's president and chief executive officer, Kirk DeLaMare."Because of our reputation for quality work and timely project completion, we have continued to grow with the valley."

Reputation is critically important at Mid-Valley, perhaps more so these days on the heels of a well-publicized money laundering scandal in 2002.

The state's Fair Political Practices Commission fined Mid-Valley $185,400 after it was revealed the company had used its employees to mask campaign donations to Modesto City Council candidates from September 1997 to October 1999.

It's the type of controversy that might have doomed a smaller company that was less entrenched in the community. But Mid-Valley, established in 1969, never shied away from it. DeLaMare publicly took responsibility for the payouts and Mid-Valley was able to hold on to its position as the region's planning and engineering leader.

"There was no negative business impact that resulted from these charges," DeLaMare said. "Obviously, we were concerned about how our company and our employees were perceived as a result of our actions," he said. "We met with our clients and our employees, and explained that our actions were in no way intended to be in any violation of any laws."

Today, Mid-Valley's reach has expanded throughout the West.

In addition to local projects like the 470-acre, low density Bridle Ridge community in Oakdale and the 630-acre Crossroads community in Riverbank, Mid-Valley has helped develop urban and recreational projects up and down California as well as in Nevada and Oregon. Mid-Valley is currently working on a 1,900-lot project in Dayton Valley, Nev., that will include homes, a golf course and a casino. The company also has a 3,000-acre project for the Spanos Companies under way in Stockton.

Past projects include designing the water system and performing boundary and topographic surveys on the Brentwood Hills Country Club and adjoining subdivision in Northern California.

To meet the growing demand, DeLaMare said Mid-Valley will soon open a second office in Stockton and is in the process of acquiring smaller engineering and surveying firms.

But DeLaMare, who along with his wife Cathy purchased Mid-Valley in 1996, is perhaps most proud of the company's recent national recognition for exceptional working conditions for its 85+ employees.

In October, Mid-Valley was rated by Civil Engineering News as the sixth-best engineeing firm in the country to work for. Mid-Valley was the top-rated firm in Northern California in the annual report that includes 50 companies from across the country. The litany of special perks available to employees includes company-sponsored picnics and rafting trips, golf outings, free and discounted health club memberships and bi-weekly company breakfasts.

"It's not just about benefits, it's about how employees are treated," said Erik Piller, Mid-Valley's vice president of land planning and marketing. "Kirk and Cathy are really in-tune with the employees. They go the extra mile."

It's a message Kirk DeLaMare takes to heart.

"We have dedicated and committed employees who continuously add to the success of our company," he said. "The reputation we gained in the industry from our performance on these projects helped establish Mid-Valley as the firm of choice...in our fast growing market."

• Company: Mid-Valley Engineering
• Product/Service: Modesto-based civil engineering and surveying firm specializing in urban land planning, civil design, surveying and public utility improvements.
• Owners: Kirk and Cathy DeLaMare of Modesto
• Contact: 526-4214, or www.mve.net
• Employees: 85+
• Brief History: Established in 1969, Mid-Valley Engineering has become not only the region's leader in land planning and surveying but a force throughout California and the West. The company was purchased by Kirk and Cathy DeLaMare in 1996 and the two have expanded on its successful past. Mid-Valley has helped plan and develop everything from tract housing to golf courses. And under the DeLaMares’ leadership, the company has become nationally recognized for its treatment of empoyees.
• Quote: "Because of our reputation for quality work and timely project completion, we have continued to grow with the valley."
  Kirk DeLaMare, president and chief executive officer