2024 Fall Platform Company News

BBCH Supports Construction and Engineering Camp

The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast and the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) hosted a transformative camp from June 23-29 at the Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Florida, aimed to ignite interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers and develop leadership skills.

47 high school-aged students from across the U.S. were immersed in hands-on experiences and mentored by military leaders and professionals from the construction and engineering community. The majority of the mentors were active duty military (multiple branches) and they traveled from Germany, Puerto Rico, California, and more to help with the camp.

Bristol Bay Construction Holdings LLC (BBCH) subsidiary employees Jeff Fryberger and Karen Kalka volunteered, providing general logistical support, guidance during field exercises, and food service for the camp.

Field projects included the design, construction, and testing of a concrete beam, popsicle bridge, cardboard boat, and dog houses donated to a local animal shelter. Students also enjoyed competing in an engineer-designed obstacle course (broken water line, water bottle rocket, building survey, and nail relay challenges) that required cohesive teamwork and effective communication, rapid decision-making, technical skills, and composure under pressure. Finally, the students toured local operational units and construction projects and attended lectures by guest speakers, such as senior military leaders from NAVFAC.

The experience was unforgettable not only for the campers, but for Jeff and Karen and the other volunteers and mentors alike. This community engagement reflects BBCH’s commitment to supporting local efforts and nurturing the next generation of STEM leaders and future industry peers.

BES Achieves DAGCAP Accreditation

Bristol Environmental Solutions, LLC (BES) has proudly achieved accreditation with the Department of Defense Advanced Geophysical Classification Accreditation Program (DAGCAP), a significant milestone awarded in May 2024. This accomplishment places BES among an elite group of just 15 firms to have completed the accreditation process.

Notably, BES is the second 8(a) company to earn this distinction. As an SBA-certified 8(a) company, BES is now qualified to self-perform advanced geophysical classification (AGC) munition response projects, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry.

Travis Woods, President and CEO of Bristol Industries, the holding company of BES, emphasized the importance of this accreditation: “Achieving DAGCAP accreditation is a landmark accomplishment for BES. It elevates Bristol Environmental Solutions, as an 8(a) company, to a new level of excellence, allowing us to offer our clients an unparalleled, comprehensive solution for all munitions-related needs. We are now the definitive one-stop shop in the industry.”

DAGCAP was established to improve the efficiency of munitions clean up and ensure adherence to stringent data quality standards. BES is the first company to utilize cutting-edge “one-pass” classification techniques, showcasing its advanced capabilities and commitment to innovation.

As an 8(a) company, BES can secure sole-source contracts, minimizing risks for government clients by eliminating the need for subcontractors. This achievement underscores BES’s dedication to providing top-tier services and solidifies its reputation as a reliable partner in the munitions response sector.

GHEMM Receives Philanthropy Award

GHEMM Company, a member company of Bristol Bay Industrial, has been honored with the 2024 Outstanding Small Business in Philanthropy award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Alaska Chapter!

With over 70 years of experience as a general contractor in Alaska, GHEMM Company has been recognized for its outstanding commitment to giving back and making a positive impact in our community.

BBCH Engineers Attend ANSEP Middle School Academy

Bristol Bay Construction Holdings LLC (BBCH) participated in the 2024 Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) Middle School Academy from May 22-28 at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Sponsored by BBNC and the Bristol Bay Foundation, the academy welcomed 42 middle school students from the Bristol Bay Borough, Dillingham City, Lake and Peninsula, and Southwest Region school districts.

BBCH representatives Evan Barman and Celeste Hunt, both licensed professional engineers, led a hands-on learning activity designed to enhance the academy’s science and engineering curriculum. The activity highlighted BBCH’s expertise in construction and environmental services. They were also joined by BBNC shareholder Melissa Aspelund Turolska from Naknek, who works at ConocoPhillips Alaska.

The session focused on the fundamentals of water filtration, beginning with an in-class lesson on the importance of clean water, the impact of water pollution, and the need for effective filtration methods. Students then applied these concepts by building their own water filters at the Bureau of Land Management Science Center at Campbell Creek.

Using a mix of readily available materials such as gravel, sand, carbon, mulch, rice, oats, and nylon filler, students constructed filters in one-liter bottles. After creating “dirty water” with creek water, dirt, leaves, sticks, and other “pollutants,” they measured its clarity using a turbidity meter. The water was then filtered through the students’ creations, and the clarity of the filtered water was tested. Each group was encouraged to refine their designs, making improvements with each attempt.

The participants were highly engaged and interactive, creating a valuable experience for everyone!

BAC’s Cultural in Immersion Trip in Togiak

Choggiung Limited and BBNC collaborated to host a cultural immersion experience for employees of the Bristol Alliance of Companies (BAC), a joint subsidiary owned by Choggiung (51%) and BBNC (49%). Each year, BAC’s leadership accepts nominations from its staff across the country and selects deserving employees to travel to Bristol Bay and learn about the people, cultures, and region they work on behalf of.

This year, the group visited Togiak, where they learned how to Yup’ik dance, fillet salmon with an ulu, try traditional foods, and participate in traditional Alaska Native games like the one-foot high kick, Eskimo and Indian stick pull, and Alaskan/Eskimo yo-yo. They also toured the Togiak Fisheries seafood plant and talked with Elders and community members about life in Togiak. Representatives from Choggiung and BBNC were present throughout the experience.

By the end of the trip, participants gained a strong appreciation for the life and cultures in Bristol Bay, and a deeper understanding of the connection between the work they do and the benefits Choggiung and BBNC provide to their shareholders. One participant said, “I feel truly blessed to work for such caring and engaging companies to put something like this together. Having the opportunity to not only watch, but participate in the dance, games, food, and listen to the wonderful stories will be something I never forget.”