News

Sewall Reorganizes to Streamline Delivery of Client Solutions and Drive Growth
James W. Sewall Company is pleased to announce that the firm is reorganizing to streamline the delivery of client solutions and to drive company growth. A national geospatial, engineering, and natural resources consulting company, Sewall is integrating its diverse capabilities, products, and services across business units to provide comprehensive, client-focused offerings to major market sectors. The reorganization is key to building Sewall’s business and competitive advantage in the marketplace and will leverage company strengths in brand, market presence and diversification. To launch the process, the company has promoted and hired key management staff under the leadership of CEO Dr. James H. Page.

David T. Edson, LPF, has been promoted to President to drive high-level strategic client development. During 34 years’ tenure at Sewall, Mr. Edson has played major roles as Vice President of Forestry, Chief Operations Officer, and Executive Vice President. Dave Stevens has accepted the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. An organizational effectiveness professional with 25 years’ industry experience, Mr. Stevens will implement systems to facilitate the sharing of expertise and technology across operational areas to meet specific customer needs. The firm has hired as Vice President of Sales and Marketing Randy P. Meyer. Mr. Meyer will bring a 17-year record of accomplishment in global geospatial sales and marketing to reshape the Sewall sales organization.

According to Dr. Page, “A strategic business focus on integrated solutions, supported by the right structure and strong leadership, will enable us to outdistance our competitors and deliver the best service to our clients. We envision the next two years as a major period of company growth.”

Sewall is an integrated team of geospatial, engineering and natural resource consultants who partner with clients to create practical, sustainable solutions. With a heritage of ethical business practice, Sewall builds enduring relationships built on integrity, objectivity, and a broad understanding of evolving client needs. Sewall’s success is based on client success, the satisfaction of client stakeholders, and the prosperity of client communities. For more information on Sewall’s customer solutions in public administration, infrastructure, and natural resources, please contact: Randy Meyer, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, at (207) 827-4456; Email: rpmeyer@jws.com

James W. Sewall Company Releases New Version of webFRIS™
James W. Sewall Company, a leader in geographic information management for municipal government, utilities, forestry, and the natural resource industry, has released a new version of its flagship product, webFRIS 3.6. The upgrade offers increased functionality to the forest industry’s most comprehensive and dynamic web-based geospatial solution.
Designed specifically for small- to mid-sized forest landowners and investment organizations that utilize geographic information, webFRIS is a real-time, enterprise geospatial solution that allows users to access a centralized database via the web without the need for specialized software or hardware. A computer and Internet browser are the only requirements. Companies without an extensive GIS staff or budget are able to implement a comprehensive GIS solution quickly and at lower cost.

The 3.6 release of webFRIS primarily focuses on performance and reporting improvements. Replacement of the database technology and significant structuring of the database model have led to faster data retrieval, faster batch loading of data, enhanced data export services, and overall faster transaction speed. Online editing of complex geospatial data is improved by as much as 200% for some transactions.

The reports module in webFRIS has been expanded, yet simplified, so that all data stored in the database can be easily retrieved and quickly exported. The user interface has been simplified to provide users with point-and-click controls for constructing queries and producing reports.

Additionally, webFRIS 3.6 now seamlessly integrates with Sewall’s new Timber Inventory System (TIS). The TIS allows users to upload raw tally data, edit plot and tree level information, process the data into volumes, produce reports and then upload the information directly into the webFRIS application. The application also includes a growth and yield module that can be used for annual growth projections for up to 50 years in the future.

"Our webFRIS offering provides a lower cost, centralized solution that is attractive to our target audience," said Dave Edson, Executive Vice President. "Our latest release continues to demonstrate our commitment to meeting the needs of our clients and assisting them in accomplishing their business objectives."

“James W. Sewall Company’s enterprise spatial application has been very beneficial for the SC Forestry Commission,” stated Scott Phillips, the Commission’s Forest Analyst. “The webFRIS offering provides centralized data storage and promotes data standardization while simultaneously allowing real-time access to our corporate data. Implementing the webFRIS application has allowed the SC Forestry Commission to update our data and create reports more efficiently, improving workflow within our organization.”

With proven expertise in enterprise geospatial solutions, Sewall has a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s complex business challenges. Building on this knowledge, the company continues to expand its geospatial solutions to deliver timely access to the most accurate data online.

For more information on webFRIS, visit www.webfris.com, or contact: J. Randall Cercopely, Business Development Manager, at 843.851.4773; Email: randall.cercopely@jws.com

Sewall Hires Professional Engineer Janine S. Murchison to Open Caribou Office
James W. Sewall Company recently hired Janine S. Murchison, PE, as Project Engineer to open the firm’s new office in Caribou. Certified as a professional engineer in Maine, Ms Murchison will provide civil engineering consulting services to Sewall clients throughout the northern part of the State.

With over 20 years’ experience in the field, Ms Murchison has designed, managed and monitored construction on multiple projects, including roads, lighting, storm drainages, and water and sewer systems. During her tenure at several Maine engineering firms, she worked closely with communities on downtown revitalizations, airport improvements, pedestrian trails and parking lots, landfill closures, and boat landings, developing specific expertise in environmental audits, permitting, and infrastructure inventories.

Sewall Vice President Scott Graham, PE, says “We are pleased to welcome Jan to our group. She will bring a local familiar face to our operations in northern Maine and play a significant role in our efforts to expand our presence in that part of the State.”

Ms Murchison has a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine and a Master’s of Science in Business from Husson College in Caribou. She is a trustee of the Caribou Public Library and a former trustee of the Caribou Utilities District.

To obtain more information, contact: Janine Murchison, PE, at (207) 492-1014; jmurchison@jws.com; or Scott Graham, PE, Vice President, at (207) 827-4456; Email: gras@jws.com

Brazilian Firm Rigesa, Ltd., Contracts Sewall for webFRIS™ Enterprise Solution James W. Sewall Company, a leader in spatial information services for municipal government, utilities, and the forest industry, has signed a two-year agreement to provide its Web-based forestry information system (webFRIS™) to Brazilian packaging firm Rigesa, Ltd., a subsidiary of MeadWestvaco Corporation.

With the growing complexity of forest management, Rigesa actively sought out an advanced, ease-of-use technology solution that would enable the firm to maximize its forestland management practices. The company, which owns 133,000 acres of forestland in Brazil, selected the webFRIS™ solution, a GIS system that allows forest managers to do management planning, maintain forestland information and make decisions for effective resource management. webFRIS™ features include a centralized real-time database, on-line delivery, scalability and Sewall’s depth in forestry decision support.

"Sewall has proven itself with expert analyses and data solutions to help Rigesa meet its needs," says Luiz Andrade, Rigesa’s Technical Manager of Forest Operations. "Their innovative systems and integrated decision support make Sewall the best choice for information services. Sewall’s enterprise solution extends the value of GIS throughout our organization and aids in facilitating our growth."

"Our webFRIS™ offering provides a lower cost, centralized solution throughout Rigesa," says Sewall’s Executive Vice President David T. Edson, LPF. "Rigesa has expressed confidence not only in our products, but in our company to deliver business results to their organization. We are delighted to have Rigesa as our client."

Rigesa, Celulose, Papel e Embalagens Ltda., a subsidiary of US-based MeadWestvaco Corporation, has been active in the Brazilian paper and packaging sector since 1942. The company has two paper mills, five corrugated packaging plants, two paperboard packaging plants, and nineteen sales offices and commercial representatives strategically located nationwide. The second largest player in the Brazilian corrugated cardboard market, Rigesa has more than 2,300 employees. For more information, visit www.rigesa.com.br MeadWestvaco is a leading global producer of packaging, coated and specialty paper, consumer and office products and specialty chemicals. For more information, visit: www.meadwestvaco.com/corporate.nsf

For more information on webFRIS™ and Sewall’s services to the forest industry, contact: J. Randall Cercopely at (843) 851-4773: Email: randall.cercopely@jws.com.

Glenda E. Johnston Retires as Sewall Director of Human Resources
James W. Sewall Company announces that long-term employee Glenda E. Johnston has retired as company Director of Human Resources. Terri A. Elder will replace her as Human Resources Manager.

Hired in 1976, Ms Johnston held various administrative positions in the Engineering and Forestry departments and in Accounting, where she managed payroll records, accounts payable, employee benefits, and insurances. During the early 1980s, she played a key role in implementing the company’s first automated accounting system, still in use today. She also began building what is now the firm’s Human Resources department, establishing a broad range of company policies, procedures and training on employee relations, safety, recruiting, benefits, and immigration. She was named Assistant Financial Manager in 1987, Human Resources Manager in 1995 and Director of Human Resources in 2000.

During her 30-year tenure, Ms Johnston says she has seen tremendous change. “When I started, the company was an office of 67 people in Old Town, Maine. Now Sewall is nearly triple in size with five offices nationwide. Desktop computers did not exist, and our personnel records were one box of 3x5 file cards. It’s been very satisfying to see the company grow and to be a part of this growth. Most satisfying has been the opportunity to work with the diversity of talents at Sewall. The staff at Sewall are truly special.”

According to Sewall President and CEO Dr. James H. Page, “Glenda has been instrumental in developing the HR system that supported our growth. But I believe her most lasting contribution is the professional and personal assistance she gave to literally hundreds of staff and family members over the years.”

Ms Johnston has an Associate’s degree in Accounting from Husson College and a Certification in Senior Human Resource Management from the University of Maine. She has served as an officer of the Human Resource Association of Eastern Maine, as a member of the Society of Human Resource Management, and as a task force team member for the State of Maine Human Resource Convention. She will now serve as a board member of the Old Town-Orono YMCA. During her retirement, she plans to travel with her husband Dave, spend time with her grandchildren Ryan, Drew, and Nicholas, and to enjoy her camp on Cold Stream Pond.

Paul J. Samara Joins Sewall to Market Geospatial Solutions to Southern New England Public Sector
James W. Sewall Company is pleased to announce that GIS Consultant Paul J. Samara has joined the company to market and deliver GIS and spatial data solutions to public sector clients throughout southern New England. With 12 years’ industry experience, Mr. Samara brings expertise in GIS system design, data development and analysis, and project implementation.

During his career, Mr. Samara has both marketed and developed GIS for municipal and regional organizations, providing solutions for community development, transportation, natural resources, and public safety. As GIS Coordinator at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, he managed the GIS Department/Regional GIS Service Center, supervising GIS projects, training personnel, and directing the spatial data library for the region. In this role, he acted as an interface between public agencies and the private sector and fostered cooperation with communities and state agencies to advance the use of GIS. He also served as the agency’s information technology administrator, providing technical support and maintenance for business systems. As GIS Analyst at the University of Connecticut, he managed ESRI site licensing for public educational institutions, installed and configured GIS software, and performed GIS analysis.

Mr. Samara has a Master of Arts in geography with a specialization in GIS and remote sensing from the University of Connecticut, a Bachelor of Science from Worcester State College in geography, and technical expertise in ESRI ArcGIS. He is a co-founder of the Massachusetts Alliance of Regional Geographic Information Systems (MARGIS) and a member of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). In addition, he has participated on numerous committees on intelligent transportation systems, land use, trails, public works, municipal IT operations, planning, assessing, emergency response and homeland security.

Founded in 1880, Sewall provides GIS, engineering, and forestry consulting services to government and industry. Sewall's consulting expertise is supported by 50 years' experience in geospatial data development, including aerial photography and photogrammetric mapping; 30 years' in geodatabase and application development; and 10 years’ in digital orthophotography. Sewall delivers Web-based GIS and now offers geospatial solutions using LiDAR. To obtain more information, contact: Lisa Schoonmaker, Communications Director, at (207) 827-4456, x218; Email: schl@jws.com

Sewall Hires David A. Hannington as Chief Information Officer
James W. Sewall Company is pleased to announce that information systems specialist David A. Hannington has joined the company as Chief Information Officer. Mr. Hannington brings 24 years’ experience in strategic planning and operations, quality control and training for the U.S. Air Force, with specific expertise in geospatial data management and aerial navigation.

During his military career, Mr. Hannington spearheaded and managed training in the use of GPS, multiple GIS applications, and mission planning software, contributing to successful operations in support of homeland defense and the global war on terror. A quality expert, he led teams of officer instructors in program effectiveness assessment and provided quality control for offensive systems officer in-flight mission training. He assisted in maintaining and supporting Global Reach for America, including coordination and support for flight planning on worldwide aerial missions, the development of aircrew training programs, and the provision of tactics and intelligence support for aircrews and senior staff.

Among his assignments was to lead efforts to execute air-tasking orders supporting the North American Air Defense Command’s contribution to Operation Noble Eagle in its mission against terrorist aggression.

In addition to his military training, Mr. Hannington has a BA in Political Science from the University of Maine at Orono (Distinguished Graduate AFROTC) and a Masters of Management Information Systems from Friends University, Wichita, Kansas. He has received numerous awards for meritorious military service, combat readiness, and national defense service.

According to Sewall President and CEO Dr. James H. Page, "David Hannington brings an impressive record of overall excellence with special accomplishment in the areas of geospatial technology management and quality assurance/quality control.. He possesses exceptional ability in the field of strategic planning and combines his knowledge of technology and teamwork to produce superior results. His addition to our management staff will further ensure our ability to provide the highest value of service to our clients.”

Mr. Hannington says, “I am delighted to be on board with of one of the nation’s premier consulting and mapping firms. I share Sewall’s vision to provide reliable, innovative, and quality service supported by the effective use of technology. It is an honor to be able to serve this company and its clients with the same commitment and enthusiasm I served this great Country.”

Founded in 1880, Sewall provides comprehensive engineering, forestry, and GIS consulting services to government and industry. Sewall's consulting expertise is supported by 50 years' experience in geospatial data development, including aerial photography and photogrammetric mapping; 30 years' in geodatabase and application development; and 10 years’ in digital orthophotography. Recently Sewall has delivered Web-based GIS and now offers geospatial solutions using LiDAR. To obtain more information, contact: Lisa Schoonmaker, Communications Director, at (207) 827-4456, x218; Email: schl@jws.com

Sewall Partners with Terrapoint to Provide LiDAR Services
National GIS consulting firm James W. Sewall Company is pleased to announce a partnership with LiDAR survey-provider Terrapoint to provide LiDAR acquisition, aerial imaging, photogrammetric mapping, and digital orthophotography services.

Sewall President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. James H. Page says, “This is a great partnership of complementary strengths and shared philosophy. As we see the industry demand for LiDAR increasing, Terrapoint recognizes the continuing importance of aerial photogrammetry for mapping and GIS. As partners, we will continue to set high standards of data quality to meet our clients’ evolving needs.”

Terrapoint President James Ferguson agrees, “This is a superb fit for both our companies. Sewall’s expertise in a wide range of mapping-related sciences and our expertise in LiDAR should produce results to the benefit of both companies and our clients.”

Terrapoint (Canada Inc. & USA Inc.) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Pulse Data Inc. (PSD:TSX) and operate the largest fleet of LiDAR systems in North America. Terrapoint provides geospatial solutions and information to service energy, environmental, land development and transportation clients throughout North America and internationally. With more than 20 years’ experience, three regional offices and over 500 successful LiDAR projects to its credit, Terrapoint is the preferred subcontractor to many. Terrapoint’s principal mandate is to provide its clients with high value, high quality, cost effective and timely geospatial solutions using innovative techniques and technologies. For more information please visit www.terrapoint.com

Founded in 1880, Sewall provides engineering, forestry, and GIS consulting services to government and industry. Sewall's expertise in GIS is supported by 50 years' experience in aerial photography and photogrammetric mapping, 30 years' in geodatabase and application development, and 10 years’ in digital orthophotography. In recent years, Sewall has delivered GIS and data maintenance services over the web. To obtain more information, contact: Darrell Hamrick at 800-648-4202; Email: dhamrick@jws.com.

James W. Sewall Company Renews Membership in PODS™
Membership to Provide Improved Support for Pipeline Integrity Management Solutions

James W. Sewall Company has announced its membership in the Pipeline Open Data Standards (PODS™). Sewall offers pipeline integrity software to gas pipeline operators to perform risk assessment, alignment sheet generation, class location analysis, and high consequence area calculations.

“PODS™ membership provides us with access to the PODS™ data models and data exchange standards. Our membership also positions us to participate in the development of recognized industry standards, and enhances our ability to provide integrity management applications to our customers,” said Timothy Disney, Sewall Director of Pipeline Services.

The PODS™ Association, Inc. (www.pods.org) is a non-profit vendor-neutral trade association that develops and maintains pipeline data standards and data interchange standards for the pipeline industry. These standards primarily include pipeline operations, facilities, integrity management and regulatory compliance.

Sewall provides innovative and time-tested solutions to managing pipeline integrity that balance multiple needs for spatial data development, pipeline software analysis, and asset management consulting. Sewall brings 50 years' experience in aerial photography and landbase mapping, 30 years in GIS, and 15 years in pipeline software development. Sewall software for HCA and risk calculation, class location, alignment sheet generation is proven successful in implementations nationwide. For more information, please contact Timothy Disney, Director of Pipeline Services, at 918-398-9541; Email: tim.disney@jws.com.

Sewall Licensed Professional Forester Gerilyn Bossé Receives CGA License
James W. Sewall Company is pleased to announce that Senior Consultant Gerilyn Bossé, LPF, has been licensed as a Certified General Appraiser (CGA) by the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. This certification, which requires 3000 hours of professional appraisal experience, 180 appraisal education hours, and a certified general examination, qualifies Ms Bossé to appraise any property within Maine and other states with which the State has a reciprocal agreement.

With more than 20 years’ industry experience, Ms Bossé performs a broad range of appraisals, timber valuations, and forest management projects at Sewall. Since joining the company in 2002, she has appraised timberland and standing timber across the eastern U.S., Lake States, and Pacific Northwest, as well as conservation easements, common and undivided interests, and recreational properties. She is recognized as playing a key role in the corporate divestiture of timberland in the northeastern and southeastern U.S. With her new certification, Ms Bossé becomes Sewall's third CGA in the Forestry & Natural Resources Group (FNR).

Established in 1880, Sewall is the oldest forestry consulting firm in North America, providing a broad range of consulting services to private, institutional, ENGO, and public sectors, including natural resource appraisal, forest inventory, forest modeling, resource studies, investment analysis, economic studies, policy analysis, forest management auditing, litigation support, GIS/mapping, and aerial photography. Sewall helps clients find suitable investment opportunities, track investment performance, allocate cost basis for accounting purposes, make charitable contributions of real property, develop estate or income tax plans, seek tax abatements, partition real estate, and develop conservation easements.

With offices in Maine, North Carolina, Alabama, and Minnesota, Sewall’s FNR group serves clients throughout North America, Hawaii, South America, Central America, Australia, and New Zealand. To obtain more information, contact: Bret Vicary, Vice President of Forestry & Natural Resources, at 207 827 4456; bret@jws.com.

Intergraph Teams with James W. Sewall Company
Agreement to Provide End-to-End Pipeline Integrity Management Solution

Intergraph Corporation (NASDAQ: INGR) has announced a teaming agreement with James W. Sewall Company, a leading provider of comprehensive GIS software and consulting services. Intergraph will integrate its geofacilities management offering with Sewall’s suite of pipeline integrity tools to deliver a complete utilities pipeline integrity management solution.
Sewall offers pipeline integrity software to gas pipeline operators to perform risk assessment, alignment sheet generation, class location analysis, and high consequence area calculations. These applications complement Intergraph’s G/Pipeline suite of geofacilities management applications based on the pipeline industry’s best practices, built on the G/Technology platform. By streamlining integrity data management, risk and integrity assessments, and integrity planning, customers will improve efficiency, increase safety, and lower the costs of operation.

“Intergraph is a recognized leader in the utilities market, delivering solutions that uniquely address the broad scope of operations performed by pipeline personnel,” said David Edson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of James W. Sewall Company. “Together, we will help organizations better assess risk and respond to industry regulations and requirements.”

“Sewall’s long history of providing comprehensive, industry-specific geographic information
management services to a broad range of users was appealing to us,” commented Jay Stinson, vice president and general manager Intergraph Utilities and Communications. “By leveraging Sewall’s industry knowledge and integrating with its pipeline integrity applications, Intergraph can offer a total, end-to-end pipeline management package that will help ensure natural gas network operators can operate at the highest level of capacity, especially with the world becoming increasingly concerned about protecting its existing energy supplies.”

Intergraph Corporation (NASDAQ: INGR) is the leading global provider of spatial information management (SIM) software. Security organizations, businesses and governments in more than 60 countries rely on the company’s spatial technology and services to make better and faster operational decisions. Intergraph’s customers organize vast amounts of complex data into understandable visual representations, creating intelligent maps, managing assets, building and operating better plants and ships and protecting critical infrastructure and millions of people around the world. For more information, contact Timothy Disney, Sewall Director of Pipeline Services at 918-398-9541 or tim.disney@jws.com or visit www.intergraph.com.

Intergraph, G/Technology, G/Pipeline and the Intergraph logo are registered trademarks of Intergraph Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries.