Sunrise Engineering introduces regional client advocate and offers local support

Glade Nielsen, representing Sunrise Engineering, appeared Aug. 20 to introduce Sunrise's local presence and a new regional client advocate role intended to support rural communities. Nielsen said the firm opened an office in the region about a year ago and that his title is "regional client advocate," a liaison role meant to help city staff and elected officials navigate projects and funding.

Nielsen told council members he brings experience in lean manufacturing and process improvement and that his work for Sunrise focuses on eliminating waste, standardizing municipal processes and helping communities access grants and regional resources. "Think of me as the liaison, the client advocate," Nielsen said, adding his cell number was on the business card he distributed to council and staff.

Council members asked how Sunrise would differ from existing consultants the city had used; Nielsen described his role as communication, facilitation and client advocacy and said the firm can help prepare proposals, connect cities to regional funding bodies (he referenced R6 and other regional resources), and support engineering studies such as secondary water or sewer projects.

Council member remarks during the presentation emphasized the city's immediate needs for secondary irrigation and the ongoing sewer study; Nielsen said Sunrise has previously worked with local staff and would supplement existing contacts and contractors. Nielsen said Sunrise prioritizes rural communities and that one objective is filling staffing gaps so projects progress more quickly.

Ending: Nielsen offered to be a direct point of contact for Burleigh and to respond to calls or texts about possible engineering assistance.