KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Burns & McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned engineering, architecture and construction firm, hosted its fifth annual Impactful Partnerships Symposium & Awards, bringing together suppliers, clients and community partners for meaningful conversations focused on collaboration, safety and innovation. The symposium’s theme focused on the importance of supplier readiness and the role that strong alignment, innovation and risk mitigation play in driving safety and performance.

The event featured a keynote address from Dr. Berkley Baker, CEO of CIMI Solutions, followed by an in-depth discussion focused on activating potential and strengthening strategic partnerships.

“Strong partnerships don’t happen by accident. They’re built with intention, trust and a shared commitment to excellence,” says Tammy Martin, Strategic Partners Program director. “When we support our partners’ growth, we create opportunities that benefit our clients, our communities and the industry as a whole.”

The symposium concluded with an awards program, honoring dedication to strong project execution, client service and commitment to safety. This included Partner of the Year Awards, recognizing four businesses that demonstrated outstanding collaboration, innovation and commitment to excellence.

Here are the Partner of the Year honorees:

• CIE Wire & Cable (Birmingham, Alabama): Specializes in the distribution of electrical wire and cable products, providing reliable material solutions and supply chain support for utility, infrastructure and industrial projects.
• KDM Engineering (Chicago, Illinois): Specializes in electrical engineering and design services, delivering innovative power and utility solutions that enhance system reliability, safety and performance.
• KGDR Consultants (Chicago, Illinois): Provides engineering and project management consulting services, supporting clients with technical knowledge and experience, strategic planning, and project execution across infrastructure initiatives.
• Strategic Value Solutions (Lee’s Summit, Missouri): Provides professional consulting services focused on operational efficiency, program management and strategic planning to help organizations drive measurable performance improvements.

The program also included the inaugural Impact Award, honoring Yanfei Chen Huff, Project Procurement Manager, for exceptional support of the firm’s Strategic Partners Program.

Over the past five years, Burns & McDonnell has invested $5.9 billion in economic impact, working with more than 2,400 small and diverse businesses across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and India. The Impactful Partnerships Symposium reinforced the firm’s ongoing commitment to building inclusive partnerships that drive meaningful economic and social impact.

About Burns & McDonnell

Working from more than 75 offices around the world, Burns & McDonnell designs and builds critical infrastructure. Our family of companies — driven by engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists — delivers projects grounded in safety and a desire to make a difference as we make our clients successful. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more.